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  • AHB2 Power Amplifier Black

    Power Amplifier

  • HPA4 Headphone Amplifier Silver

    Headphone Amplifier

  • LA4 Line Amplifier Silver

    Line Amplifier

  • DAC3 Digital to Analog Converter Silver

    Digital to Analog Converters

  • LA4 Review - Erich Wetzel, SoundStage! Hi-Fi

    by Benchmark Media Systems October 31, 2019 2 min read

    LA4 Review - Erich Wetzel, SoundStage! Hi-Fi

    "The LA4’s relay-managed volume control has 256 steps of adjustment of 0.5dB each, and is fully balanced -- each channel has its own dedicated attenuator. Each increment of volume adjustment produces a satisfying click from the 40 relays inside. Other circuit features include precision-timed relay closures, gold contact points in the relays, and metal-film resistors."

    "The LA4 has an expansive specified frequency response of 0.1Hz-500kHz, -3dB. Other impressive specs include a signal/noise ratio of >137dB (A-weighted) and total harmonic distortion (THD) of <-125dB (<0.00006%). Benchmark has also tested the LA4 for “immunity to radiated and conducted radio frequency interference.”"

    Benchmark LA4 Silver

    "Benchmark Media Systems’ LA4 preamplifier presented an utterly realistic reproduction of what was contained on each recording I played through it -- and weak recordings stood out more than usual. The LA4’s clean, analytical abilities are unmatched by any similarly priced preamplifier I know of. The LA4’s touchscreen brings it up to date with current user interfaces, and permits functions, such as balance control and muting at the device."

    "Operation of the user interface is intuitive -- I found the LA4’s many features easy to find and adjust."

    "The LA4 was designed from the ground up as an ultra-low-noise, ultra-low-distortion mate for the AHB2 power amplifier, which my brother Hans reviewed on SoundStage! Access in June 2015. Our measurements of the AHB2 confirmed that it had the lowest noise and distortion of any power amp we’ve ever measured. Benchmark claims that the LA4 (and HPA4) “may be the only preamplifiers or line amplifiers that [exceed] the signal-to-noise ratio of the ultra-quiet AHB2.” If so, the LA4 may be closer to the elusive ideal of a “straight wire with gain” than almost any other preamplifier on the market at any price."

    "If you want a preamp that editorializes, look elsewhere."

    "If, like me, you value a high-resolution, totally neutral musical performance, add a Benchmark LA4 to your system, particularly if you already own a Benchmark DAC."

    - Erich Wetzel, SoundStage! Hi-Fi

    Read the entire review at SoundStage! HiFi →

    Benchmark LA4 rear panel


    Also in Reviews

    Audio Science Review Logo

    Why do you own Benchmark products? - AudioScienceReview.com

    by Benchmark Media Systems June 06, 2023 1 min read

    Why Did You Buy Benchmark Gear?

    "I'm asking because clearly Benchmark is a highly regarded company here, and plenty of ASR members own Benchmark amplification/DACs. We know they are top of the heap in terms of measured performance, outdoing plenty of the competition in terms of typical distortion measurements."

    - @MattHooper, AudioScienceReview.com

    AHB2, LA4, DAC3

    • Subtle aesthetics? Check.
    • Unobtrusive size? Check.
    • Solid build? Check.
    • Made in America? Check.
    • Transparent? Check.
    • Best in class? Check.
    • Superior performance proven by Amir? Check.
    • Superior customer service? Check (and not just in audio world; best customer service I have experienced from any company, anywhere, ever).
    • Expensive? For me, yes. Limit of my budget, but buy once cry once.
    • Worth it? Yes.
    • Would I do it all again? Absolutely.

    - @KellenVancouver, AudioScienceReview.com

    Read Full Post
    Secrets of Home Theater and High Fidelity - Logo

    AXPONA Review - Secrets of Home Theater and High Fidelity

    by Benchmark Media Systems April 23, 2023 1 min read

    "The afternoon before the start of the show I ran into John Siau of Benchmark Media Systems. He says to me quietly, “make sure you stop in our room, we have a surprise!” With curiosity suitably piqued, Co-Editor Jim Clements and I paid a visit ..."

    "The results were pretty astonishing. A stable, enveloping stereo image that was devoid of any distortion whatsoever."

    - Carlo Lo Raso, Secrets of Home Theater and High Fidelity

    Read Full Post
    Stereophile Logo

    AXPONA Show Report - Stereophile Magazine

    by Benchmark Media Systems April 21, 2023 1 min read

    "Sound was extremely well-integrated and controlled, and the bass memorable."

     "The Note received signal through the introductory version of the company's Liquid Cables. Each cable contains 27,000 wires. The company's introductory Elephant memory player joined Benchmark Media's AHB2 power amps, DAC3 B D/A processor, and interconnects."

    "With the aid of a forthcoming DEQX HDP4 processor that's due in the fall, the system sounded super on a 16/44.1 file of the famed rendition of Copland's Fanfare for the Common Man, recorded by Eiji Oue and the Minnesota Orchestra for Reference Recordings."

    - Jason Victor Serinus, Stereophile Magazine

    Read Full Post