CanJam SoCal 2018 Recap
We had an amazing time at our very first CanJam!
The HPA4 was introduced at CanJam SoCal 2018 and was enthusiastically received! There was a line of people waiting to listen to the HPA4 all weekend long.
“WOW! Lots of clean power! The best thing I’ve heard all day!” “Amazing precision and detail!” “It’s really clean! Really flat and clean! I can hear everything!” “Best volume control I’ve ever experienced!” “Very honest!” “Powerful” “impressive” “DUDE WOW!!”
These are a just a few of the comments from the enthusiastic crowd at the Benchmark booth. We share their excitement about the HPA4 and look forward to its launch in June 2018!
CanJam SoCal 2018 recap by Brent Butterworth
"At the CanJam SoCal headphone show last weekend, which took place at the JW Marriott Los Angeles L.A. Live hotel in downtown Los Angeles, most of the action in new products was in headphones. But I did spot a few interesting new headphone amps and related products -- a couple of which came in at refreshingly low prices. Here are the most interesting ones I found, with all prices listed in USD."
"The Benchmark Media Systems HPA4 ($2995) brings the THX AAA (Achromatic Audio Amplifier) technology pioneered in the company’s AHB2 power amplifier into a headphone amp. Like the AHB2, the HPA4 is said to measure better than practically any competing product on the market, with a total harmonic distortion (THD) of less than 0.00006% and an A-weighted signal-to-noise ratio better than 135dB. Max power is rated at 6Wpc into 16 ohms, with output impedance “near 0 ohms.” XLR four-pin and 1/4” outputs are included, although an internal DAC is not..."
- Brent Butterworth, SoundStage, April 10, 2018
Audio Head's first impressions of the HPA4
"Benchmark Goes Big With The HPA4 Headphone Amplifier"
"Benchmark is primarily known for their pro-leaning DAC series (now in their 3rd generation) in the audiophile circles. Hot on the heels of a new power amplifier (AHB2, $3k) a new head amp made its debut at Canjam in Los Angeles this weekend. Dubbed the HPA-4 ($3k) and sporting a significant number of ins and outs, the standalone amp pays homage to the dual 3.5mm jacks offered on the popular digital converters but with several bonus features thrown into the mix."
"At first glance the obvious jump is the somewhat rare inclusion of a LCD readout for a headphone amplifier. But not only is there an on-board display, said screen is actually touch sensitive as well. A heightened level of adjustments are offered in the simple but fairly deep setup screens. Balance, input selector, mute, and a -20dB pad for a quick quiet of approaching colleges or significant others can be found all within arms reach. Single ended and 4 pin XLR balanced are offered on the front panel as well as access to the stepped attenuator."
"The first question I asked was about the dreaded clicking noise that sometimes accompanies volume knobs of this type, but technical support manager Michael Siau assured me the design process kept this very hurdle in mind during R&D and none of this type of disruptive sound was found during my demo of the floor model – nicely done..."
- Audio Head April 9, 2018
Also in News
AXPONA 2024 Chicago - April 12-14
Visit us at AXPONA 2024
- April 12-14, 2024
- Schaumburg Convention Center, Chicago, IL
- Two Benchmark Rooms, Three Locations!
- Room 620 - Benchmark and Studio Electric Loudspeakers
- Room 1145 - Benchmark and Porzilli Audio Note Line Array
- Expo Hall - Booth 8216 - Benchmark HPA4 and Meze Audio Headphones
Win a DAC3 B
Visit us at AXPONA and enter to win a DAC3 B
One winner per show. One entry per person. You do not need to be present to win. Drawing will take place 7 days after the show ends. Winner is responsible for taxes. Must be a USA or CA resident. Winner will be notified by email. Telephone number will be used if we cannot reach you by email. Telephone number will not be used for any other purpose.
CANJAM 2024 New York - March 9-10
Head-Fi Presents the World's Premier Headphone Audio Show
If you enjoy listening with headphones, a CANJAM show should be on your bucket list. Register for a CANJAM show today!
When you go, be sure to visit the Benchmark booth. We will be showing our reference-quality HPA4 headphone amplifier and DAC3 converter. This signal chain defines the state of the art when it comes to transparency, low noise, and low distortion. To top it off, the HPA4 has the power to drive the most difficult headphones with ease.
All the Best Headphones at One Booth!
As usual, we will have all of the newest and hottest headphones at the Benchmark booth. You will be able to make side-by-side comparisons to find out which headphones are best for you. You can even try those "hard to drive" headphones to see just how well they are handled by the Benchmark HPA4. Try all the best headphones at one booth so that you can make direct comparisons. Warning - the Benchmark Booth is a popular spot, get there early!
We are Giving Away a Benchmark DAC3 B ($1,899.00 value)
While you are at the Benchmark booth, enter to win a Benchmark DAC3 B.
David and McKenzie Siau
"Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends." - John 15:13
David Paul Siau - June 25, 1983 - July 17, 2022
McKenzie Joy Siau - December 30, 2020 - July 17, 2022
On the evening of July 17, 2022, my oldest son David Paul Siau gave the ultimate sacrifice of love when he knowingly gave his life to save those he loved. He took three shots from a 12 gauge shotgun so that his wife, children and sister could be spared.
David is survived by his wife Christy Siau and their two oldest children, ages 6 and 3. His 18-month old daughter McKenzie was killed within moments of David. I have no doubt that David and McKenzie entered into God’s glory hand in hand.
My daughter-in-law Christy Siau was shot and nearly killed in the incident. We are grateful that she is now out of the hospital making a full recovery.
In the end, my daughter Christina Siau fought the attacker with a knife and prevailed. She sustained many knife injuries and it is a miracle that she lived. She is now out of the hospital and making a full recovery.
We ask your prayers for the healing of physical and emotional scars. We have been overwhelmed by the love people have shown to our family during this difficult time.