System Review - DAC3, HPA4, AHB2 - Geoffrey Vanhouwaert, Alpha-Audio

by Benchmark Media Systems April 08, 2020 2 min read

System Review - DAC3, HPA4, AHB2 - Geoffrey Vanhouwaert, Alpha-Audio

"There are many things that come into play when putting together a hi-fi system, one of which is synergy."

"After the arrival of the Benchmark Media Systems AHB2, I immediately thought of the matching HPA4 that colleagues Jaap and Yung were very pleased with."

"The key question, of course, was whether the HPA4 would really provide an audible improvement."

"Well you bet! The synergy between preamp and power amplifier is nothing short of magical, not to mention the DAC3 B that I got from importer Helios for the occasion."

"Not only a few curtains disappear, the whole window is gone."

HPA4 Touchscreen

"This is a great touchscreen that works very intuitively. You never have to think twice to run any function. This is where Benchmark's pro background comes into play."

Killer Feature

"The 'killer feature' on the HPA4 for me is the ability to make each input play equally loud. Adjusting the gain so that different sources and dacs are equalized is a fantastic tool."

"Balance control is also an important feature given the fact that listening spaces are never perfect."

Remote Control

"Remote controls are a pet peeve of mine, but this one is a 'beauty'. It is beautifully made and it fits perfectly in the hand. It has just the right selection of buttons, nothing extra, nothing missing. Adjusting the volume, choosing the inputs and being able to mute every now and then are the most important features.The other settings, which you usually only have to do once, are made via the touchscreen."

HPA4 - Line-Level Preamplifer with THX-888 Headphone Amplifier

LA4 - Line-Level Preamplifer

 

HPA4 vs. LA4

"Initially I thought to buy an LA4 (preamp only) because I am not really a headphone aficionado and because I thought that the LA4 would perform slightly better... but Benchmark assured us that the line amplifier is identical in both devices."

"The HPA4 is the best deal because for a limited additional charge you get one of the best headphone amps on the planet."

DAC3 B

"The DAC3 B also fits seamlessly into the system. So much so that we prefer it to the Metrum Acoustics Onyx in this setup. Once again proof that synergy is important."

HPA4 - Permanent Place in My Reference System

"The HPA4 has now taken a permanent place in my reference system."

Reference System

  • ATC SCM19 V2 monitors
  • Benchmark Media HPA4 preamp
  • Benchmark Media AHB2 power amplifier
  • Metrum Acoustics Ambre streamer
  • Hifiman Sundara headphones
  • Roon software

Summary

"The slogan of Benchmark Media Systems actually sums it all up nicely: “Benchmark ... the measure of excellence!”"

- Geoffrey Vanhouwaert, Alpha-Audio

Note: The quotes above were translated from Dutch. The full review (in Dutch) is available below.

Read the full review here →

Rear Panel - HPA4 and LA4

 



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