Benchark dac1 output as pre high enough?


In the benchmark dac1 manual it can be read that the unit can be used directly to drive a power amp. Is this output high enough to drive properly a power amp such as rotel´s rb1091 monoblocks? I ask because even though the rotel are rated at 500 @ 8 ohms I have to turn the volume knob at about 1-2 o´clock to get a decen amount of volume from my Opera Quinta speakers (with a bel canto Seti40 I do not nedd to raise the volume very high). Any comments?
tiofelon

Showing 1 response by dne

Yes, the Benchmark has more than sufficient output to directly drive any amp, either with the balanced or RCA outputs. It's specifically designed to be used as a preamp - because it is in fact a preamp - and IIRC the manual recommends using it that way, to drive an amp directly.

I presently use it to directly drive a Pass Labs X150.5, a medium sensitivity amp, and have also used it to drive Classe and Hafler amps, and the volume control has never past the 9 to 12:00 position. You can check the manual online for output specifications - Benchmark gives copious information.