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streaming with benchmark2-dx DAC - problem - no signal to preamp

I am trying to stream from a newly purchased Benchmark2dx DAC via usb, using the benchmark usb cable connected to an Apple USB3 camera adapter, which is connected to a new ipad.  The camera adapter is also connected to a wall charger.  There is signal to the DAC's headphone outputs, but no signal to the Anthem preamp. 

The DAC is connected to the preamp's dvd intput. The disc player plays fine on that intput through the DAC. 

I called Benchmark tech support.  They were helpful, but we could not identify the problem.  I expect I am missing a basic setting, any help appreciated.
jminock
14 responses Add your response
nolacap
84 posts
 
If you have headphones plugged in you may not get output to the XLR/RCA outputs. Try unplugging the headphones.
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tonykay
1,301 posts
 
I was surprised that when I hooked up my Benchmark to my CD player with an SACD playing there was no sound because the SACD digital signal is different that CD. nolacap’s comment was also true. I guess we should know these things. I suspect that unplugging the headphones should solve your problem.
yyzsantabarbara
4,810 posts
 
Benchmark DAC3 USB is defaulted to v1.1 (likely the same on DAC2). You may need to switch to USB 2.0 on the DAC. On my DAC3B I had to hold 2 buttons (input + lock) down for 5 seconds and the DAC switched to USB 2.0.

I am using a Sonore microRendu to the DAC but it should be the same situation for you.


jminock OP
4 posts
 
Thanks.

Benchmark support had me double check, and the DAC is set to USB 2.0.
The headphones are not plugged in. 

I tried my older DAC, an Arcam irdac ii.  Same problem, so it's not likely the Benchmark.  Like the Benchmark, the Arcam input light indicates there is a usb signal from the ipad, but no output to the preamp. 

The Arcam does work with the disc player and with bluetooth using the same preamp input.  Still puzzled.
djones51
4,947 posts
 
Does the Benchmark work with a CD player or something besides the iPad? 
djones51
4,947 posts
 
What are you trying to play from the iPad stored music or a stream service like Tidal? You can hear music through headphones but not through the preamp/ amp? 
jminock OP
4 posts
 
Yes, the Benchmark works with the cd player.

I am trying to stream Qobuz and other streaming services through the Benchmark USB. Music does play through on the Benchmark headphone jacks, and the front panel light indicates a signal.
But no sound to the preamp & amp.
djones51
4,947 posts
 
Have you tried using different analog outputs? I notice it has 3 outputs XLR main  RCA main and RCA aux. Seems strange it does the same thing with 2 different DACs have you tried a different preamp or bypassing the preamp and connecting to an amp using the volume on the DAC? 
yyzsantabarbara
4,810 posts
 
I am sure Benchmark asked you to do this but I will ask just in case. Did you reboot the iPad?

I never knew the iPad could be connected to the DAC directly. I thought you needed a computer and not a iOS tablet.


jminock OP
4 posts
 
Yes, rebooted the ipad.
The Apple camera adapter has a usb 3 input and a lightning input (which provides power when connected to a wall charger), and a lightning output to the ipad.
yyzsantabarbara
4,810 posts
 
Is your iPad scenario something that Benchmark says is supported?

The issue sounds like whether the default USB iOS driver that needs to be compatible with the Benchmark is working as expected. 
djones51
4,947 posts
 
Seems strange it does the same thing with two different DACs and the headphones work. The signal is getting to the DAC and the headphone amp works, CD players work the only thing I can think of is some kind of software incapatability sending the signal from iPad to dac  to the preamp. Have you tried connecting a laptop to the DAC USB input ?
jminock OP
4 posts
 
At your suggestion I connected a PC via usb to the Benchmark.  Same result, no signal to the preamp.
shydog17
17 posts
 
Did you ever resolve this problem? I also have a Benchmark Media DAC3 and it works great. 

With the Benchmark DAC volume turned all the way down, try turning up the volume on the iPhone/iPad to its maximum after you connect the Apple USB3 camera adaptor to the DAC. Then turn up the volume on the Benchmark DAC. 
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