LA4 and AHB2 Review - Drew Gagliano, The Audio Beatnik

by Benchmark Media Systems January 31, 2020 2 min read

LA4 and AHB2 Review - Drew Gagliano, The Audio Beatnik

"With roots in the broadcast and professional recording industries, Benchmark designs and engineers their equipment with a “measurements first” mentality. In mission-critical environments where a flat frequency response is not just expected but required, it’s imperative that the equipment doesn’t impart any of its own sonic character on the source material."

"This accurate reproduction enables recording engineers and producers to showcase their creative talents. Benchmark aims to give you the same experience musicians and engineers have in their studios when they play a recording they have just mastered; pure sonic perfection."

"The LA4 is a straightforward line-level preamp with four analog inputs, two analog outputs, and a summed mono output for a powered subwoofer. A relay stepped attenuator that uses gold precision-matched relays controls the volume level. From top to bottom, the design of the LA4 was meant to do one thing; preserve the sonic integrity of the material that passes through it."

"The Benchmark AHB2 is more than a quiet amplifier – it’s a silent one. When powered on, it exudes no noise whatsoever from its chassis, nor is there any hiss from the connected speakers. You can literally put your ear an inch away from the tweeter, and all you will hear is complete silence."

"Prior to reviewing these Benchmark components, I had heard the company’s products powering some of my favorite-sounding rooms at several audio shows. Based on what I’d heard at these shows, I was eager to hear how this equipment could perform in my own listening room."

"Two words immediately came to mind — unrestricted dynamics."

"I was shocked at the effortless dynamic swings that I heard from some of my favorite classical and jazz performances. I was also stunned by how certain sounds seemed to leap instantaneously out of the speakers and truly startle me."

"I had previously used the Comete EZ speakers with three other amplifiers, and I didn’t notice this explosive sensation. It was a genuine “you don’t know what you’re missing until you hear it” moment for me."

"Listening to the Benchmark gear in my own room, I felt an immediate and gratifying emotional connection to the music I was hearing. This unmistakable feeling was unique for me, and it was repeatable."

"The LA4 and AHB2 tear down so many of the usual walls that come between the listener and the music. Without those walls, I was drawn fully and completely into what I was hearing."

"As an audiophile, I strive to hear the soul, energy, and emotion contained within the music. My goal with this hobby is to enjoy that multi-faceted experience every time I listen. Pure transparency and unrestricted insight into my music is now affordable!"

"If you value transparency and accuracy, the LA4 and AHB2 will perform beyond your highest expectations."

- Drew Gagliano, The Audio Beatnik

Read the entire review at TheAudioBeatnik.com →



Also in Reviews

AHB2 Award - "Most Wanted" - Stereo Times 2022 Publishers Choice Award
AHB2 Award - "Most Wanted" - Stereo Times 2022 Publishers Choice Award

by Benchmark Media Systems February 17, 2023 1 min read

Benchmark AHB2 Audio Power Amplifier

"Merriam-Webster defines a benchmark as "something that serves as a standard by which others may be measured or judged." This is what the AHB2s has become for me."

"A pair of AHB2s are now part of my dedicated summertime amplification for my Sound Lab 545PX loudspeakers."

- Don Shaulis, The Stereo Times

Read More
AHB2 Review - Don Shaulis, Stereo Times
AHB2 Review - Don Shaulis, Stereo Times

by Benchmark Media Systems February 07, 2023 1 min read

"I was led to Benchmark Media Systems through recommendations from Roger West, the designer of Sound Lab speakers. Praise from a local Sound Lab dealer and a local Sound Lab owner effectively twisted my arm to the point where I yielded to temptation to try the amplifiers ..."

"The Class-H Benchmarks give me what I wanted from Class-D amplifiers, but with the musical engagement, I found lacking in Class-D. There is the added benefit of a company that has been in business for over 36 years and has a depth of products, and offers an extended warranty."

"The highest compliment I can pay a piece of audio equipment is that it has found a home in my system. A pair of AHB2s are now part of my dedicated summertime amplification for my Sound Lab 545PX loudspeakers."

"The Benchmark performance continues to engage me, and the company gives me confidence in long-term support."

- Don Shaulis, Stereo Times

Read More
AHB2 Review (Video) - "The Home Audio Gear We Use & Love" - Audioholics
AHB2 Review (Video) - "The Home Audio Gear We Use & Love" - Audioholics

by Benchmark Media Systems January 17, 2023 1 min read

"I love, I love, I love my Benchmark AHB2 power amps!"

- Theo Nicolakis, Audioholics Online A/V Magazine

Theo uses a pair of AHB2 power amps in bridged mono (480 W into 6 Ohms) to drive a pair of Revel Ultima Salon2 loudspeakers ($20,000/pair). This is his reference amplifier-speaker combination.

Find out why Theo loves his AHB2 power amplifiers:

Read More