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High volt dac vs low volt dac into benchmark hpa4

ShiZo

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What effect does high volt/dbu and low volt/dbu dacs have on an amplifier like the benchmark hpa4? My current dac puts out 6.7volts/19dbu(?), I have one on the way that puts out 5.3volts/17dbu(?). Also there can be different scenarios, what if the lower volt dac measures better vs the higher volt dac measuring worse or vice-versa.

Will this affect measured performance or sound quality and in what way?

Thank you very much for any input.
 

amirm

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Benchmark HPA4 produces its superb performance with just 4 volts input:

index.php


It is their power amplifier that requires as much as 11 volts in low gain mode to produce the best performance.
 

Jimbob54

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Benchmark HPA4 produces its superb performance with just 4 volts input:

index.php


It is their power amplifier that requires as much as 11 volts in low gain mode to produce the best performance.

Just out of interest, what would clipping on a HP amp input sound like? Take something like the SMSL M500 XLR out. You measured full volume at or around 7v. Step vol down to 34/40 for 4v. Presumably some HP amps might clip on that full voltage but presumably not at 4V (given thats the standard) but what might a user expect to experience at the level the amp starts to clip on too high input. Same as output clipping? Or entirely different symptoms?
 

amirm

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Just out of interest, what would clipping on a HP amp input sound like?
Depends on the design:

1. Sound cuts in and out. This is not as common but you hear it on USB only powered products where there is just no power.

2. Severe distortion, crackling, especially when low frequency notes come.

3. Subtle increase in harshness in the forum of the sound getting a bit bright. This is not clipping but is sign of the amp running out of juice.
 

amirm

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Presumably some HP amps might clip on that full voltage but presumably not at 4V (given thats the standard) but what might a user expect to experience at the level the amp starts to clip on too high input. Same as output clipping?
Oh, didn't realize you were talking about input clipping. Usually amps tolerate that and act as if you are turning up the volume. To the extent that then causes clipping on the output, that is what you hear.
 

Jimbob54

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Oh, didn't realize you were talking about input clipping. Usually amps tolerate that and act as if you are turning up the volume. To the extent that then causes clipping on the output, that is what you hear.

Good to hear, thanks . Ive not noticed any of my amps with XLR inputs clip from the M500 being at >4v output. Just wondered if it appeared different to output clipping, which is hard to miss if exists to any good degree
 
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