Koss 76 manual Benchmark DAC1, Price US$975

Page 41

complicated things.

our last issue. We did that because the

sions for later, since we had as yet noth-

Here’s how we solved the problem.

Benchmark’s headphone section was one

ing to compare it to. We then listened

The source we selected for these tests

of the products to be reviewed, and that

to the same three recordings through

was a combination of our CEC TL51X way we could keep the source constant. the Lehmann and CEC amplifiers, and

belt-driven transport and the Bench- We listened first to three recordings then returned to the Benchmark. So let mark DAC1 converter reviewed in through the DAC1, but kept our conclu- us begin with the end, as it were.

BENCHMARK DAC1

f the name is familiar it’s because

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we reviewed this digital-to-analog

volore dit, vullam, sim dolum aliquis

converter from a little-known

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company in our last issue. It’s

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notIexpensive as high end DACs go, at

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US$975, and fortunately it really is high

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end. Benchmark Media, which produces

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the unit, sells directly where it has no

 

local dealers.

 

But there’s more to the DAC1 than its

 

obvious function. Notice the volume

 

control on the front panel? It

 

can be disabled, and we

 

had disabled it in our

 

original session. Now

 

notice the two headphone

 

jacks? Yes, the DAC1 is

 

also a headphone ampli-

 

fier, a function which, you

 

might say, is thrown in for free…as if the

 

DAC1 weren’t enough of a bargain in the

dolenisis eli-

first place!

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Because we know that the DAC1,

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plus our CEC TL51X transport, is a

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highly credible source, we used that

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combination for the listening sessions.

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That way the source would always be the

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same. We would listen to the Benchmark

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itself first, and return to it last for a final

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comparison (since we have no reference

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headphone amp). To try the other two

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amplifiers, we would disable the DAC1’s

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volume control (by flicking a switch on

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the rear panel), and run a pair of our

 

SUMMING IT UP…

reference interconnect cables from the

DAC1 output to the input of the test

 

Brand/model: Benchmark DAC1

amplifier.

We began the session with the

Price: US$975

Margie Gibson song we had used in

Size (WDH): 20.5 x 21 x 4.5 cm

the headphone evaluation. It really did

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sound…

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Oh well…back to Latin!

Least liked: Ut nisl dolorer iuscidu-

Irit at. Exer accumsan euis alit eui

ipsum

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Verdict: Dolor suscipit volore

dunt adipissent elenis nulla faccum

molorper sed mod tat

doloreet iuscipit lan ut dunt voloborer

 

sissi tat. Dui blamconsent adiam do doluptatuer il dolorer cincing essequisl incidunt prat vel dolorpe rcillamet lore te velessis augiamet, quismolum venibh eugiam iniat, volore magnibh eum exerit verciniatio od tat, vullaore commy nismodolore minciduisim in ea facipit ad tet nummodo odio conse dolor ilit lumsan eu feugiam nonsed modip ea facilla commodo con et landignim venim am euisit niamcon sequisl ulla feummy nim dolorer in veraessi.

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Q u i e xer s u m i n velesto odipit lorem vel ip et aliquat. Ut nisl

dolorer iusciduipsum quis nullaor ipsustrud ea cortie magna feum acipisit loreet alit nostrud eum zzriurer suscidunt luptat inim et volore dipit dit wis

num aliquis dolore moloborem volor ing eum eu facilit inci eugueri liquat nis ad te eugiam volore dolore delesto dolestrud molor sisim nit lobor sequam, conseniam verci ea alit nisim nullam inci blan henim zzrit lortie tionse tie dolenit num in velit alit lut praesenibh exer iriurem digna feugait adipit autem adignit iureet in heniam, sis amconsed magnissisit am dit aut velis ad dipsumm odipsuscipis augait, sent doleniat ut venim dolessecte do doluptat. Ut acipit amet wismolore dolore esto commy nim nisisl ut eum acillaor se facipis senisl ulluptatie diam ipisisim zzrit wisis autpatie el ute con- secte tismolobore ea con utet amconse voleseniat, quipis ad min verostrud tion henit wisl ut laore do ea feum zzriureros auguerci blan velenisl ea faciliqui euisi.

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Duisl ut am aliscin.

ULTRA HIGH FIDELITY Magazine 39

LISTFEDBACKNING

ROOM

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Contents $6.49 ASW Genius 400 Speaker Impedance Power on the GoMontreal Touring the New/Old ShowEditorial DOG-EARED MAGAZINES? Phooey Books that explain… Feedback Interactive Free Advice Rue Latour SAINT-HUBERT, QC J3Y 6A7 Tel Fax 450 DORVAL, QC Hi fi fo fum Port COQUITLAM, BC GEORGETOWN, on VICTORIA, BC OAKVILLE, on Reviews Canada’s online hi-fi Accessories store GET Free Advice On Line Speaker Impedance Impedance and damping factor Dui eugiam, volobor peraessi Measuring Impedance Can it pass your test? Montréal One of the nicer rooms Ultra High Fidelity Magazine Touring the OLD/NEW Show Ultra High Fidelity Magazine Ultra High Fidelity Magazine Ultra High Fidelity Magazine Ultra High Fidelity Magazine Totem MANI-2 Omega system Sensitivity 85 dB Impedance claimed 4 ohms Brand/model Totem Mani-2Crosstalk Sensitivity 88 dB Impedance claimed 4 ohms Brand/model Elac Price C$1650Crosstalk Sensitivity 88.5 dB Impedance claimed 8 ohms Price C$799Albert Simon Headphone Amplifiers Price US$975 Benchmark DAC1CEC HD53-R UHF Classifieds Brand/model CEC HD53-R Back Issues High END Sound Room What about HDCD? On the test bench Conclusions Power on the GO Future HIGH-RES Discs But who needs it? DiscTotem MAN UHF What does the Mani-2’s impedance curve look like? Ultra High Fidelity Magazine Interconnects More ANALOG… Cleaner Power Support Systems Proprius Audioquest Miscellaneous Vinyl Albums Gordon Lightfoot, and how he changed a whole corner of music Phenomenal ascension Historical interlude Romantic? Get UHF on your desktop anywhere in the world Canadian MUSIC’S Long Trek You know you’ve always wanted them Felix Hell Beethoven Hammerklavier SonatasMillennium Crossings Argento Casa Guidi American Requiem Solid Link Suite Española Frühbeck de Burgos/New Philharmonia DgrooveUltra High Fidelity Magazine Film Spectacular PoeticsUHF Reference Systems Cool Gets Warmer DRM in Canada State of the ART Audiophileboutique.com New Roksan M Series-1

76 specifications

The Koss 76 headphones are a notable addition to the world of audio technology, designed to offer listeners an immersive sound experience combined with comfort and convenience. Known for their exceptional sound quality, the Koss 76 headphones utilize a range of innovative features that set them apart in the competitive market of personal audio devices.

One of the standout features of the Koss 76 is its open-back design, which allows sound to travel freely in and out of the earcups. This design not only adds a sense of spaciousness to the audio but also contributes to a more natural listening experience. Users appreciate the open-back headphones for their ability to create a wide soundstage, making them ideal for critical listening and enjoying nuanced details in music, dialogue, and sound effects.

Another key characteristic of the Koss 76 is its lightweight build, which is crucial for long listening sessions. Weighing in at just a few ounces, these headphones provide ease of use without compromising on sturdiness. The plush ear cushions ensure that users remain comfortable, even after hours of wear, making them suitable for both casual listening and more extended use during activities such as gaming or working from home.

In terms of sound performance, the Koss 76 headphones boast a rich dynamic range, producing clear highs, well-defined mids, and deep bass. This balanced sound signature ensures that all types of music, from classical to contemporary pop, can be enjoyed as the artists intended. The inclusion of high-quality drivers further enhances clarity and reduces distortion, making the Koss 76 a great choice for audiophiles looking for quality on a budget.

Moreover, Koss has integrated a durable cable into the design of the 76 headphones, featuring a convenient 3.5mm audio jack that is compatible with a wide array of devices including smartphones, tablets, and laptops. The cord length is optimized to provide flexibility without tangling, allowing for hassle-free movement while listening.

In summary, the Koss 76 headphones exemplify a successful fusion of comfort, functionality, and superior sound quality. Their open-back design, lightweight construction, and well-balanced audio make them a compelling choice for anyone seeking an engaging and enjoyable listening experience. Whether for casual enjoyment or critical listening, the Koss 76 stands out as a reliable option in modern audio equipment.
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