Videos
Setting Proper System Gain for Optimized Audio Performance
Are You Driving Your Audio System in the "Wrong Gear"?
A race car produces peak power when the transmission is in the proper gear. Likewise, an audio system produces peak performance when each component is running at an optimum signal level. We can put a race car on a dynamometer and measure the power that is delivered to the wheels. We can also measure the loss of power that comes from driving in the wrong gear.
Likewise, we can hook an audio system up to a test station and measure the power and noise that is delivered to our speakers. We can also measure the loss of performance that comes from operating the audio system in the "wrong gear".
Volume controls and gain switches are the "gearboxes" in an audio system. Learn how to "drive in the right gear".
John Siau will take us into Benchmark's Engineering Lab for a performance driving lesson. He will show end-to-end performance measurements of a high-performance Benchmark audio system. He will even "shift it into the wrong gears" so that you can see the resulting loss of performance.
Benchmark Discusses What Makes a Good Preamp
An Impossible Engineering Task?
Our goal was to produce an analog volume control with the highest achievable transparency. We wanted to be able to place this volume control in front of our AHB2 power amplifier or in front of our THX-888 headphone amplifier without diminishing the performance of either device.
Our volume control would need to have lower distortion and lower noise than either of these amplifiers. Given the extraordinary performance of these THX-AAA amplifiers, this would not be an easy task!
Our unique solution is a fully-balanced, low-impedance, relay-controlled attenuator with over 256 steps. Nothing like this was ever built, and nothing else matches the performance of the Benchmark analog volume control system used in the LA4 and HPA4 products.
The LA4 is not Just a "Good Preamp"
The LA4 was an all-out effort to build the best line-level preamplifier on the planet.
"Benchmark's LA4 is the widest-bandwidth, widest-dynamic-range, lowest-noise, lowest-distortion preamplifier I have encountered." - John Atkinson
Watch as Benchmark's lead Engineer, John Siau, takes us on a deep dive into the relay-controlled preamplifiers inside Benchmark's LA4 and HPA4.
Benchmark Media Virtual Press Event
An Introduction to Benchmark
John Siau, VP and Director of Engineering, gives us an overview of his company, their design philosophy, and the pioneering products Benchmark offers for high-performance audio.
Benchmark Media, founded in 1983, has a rich history of innovation in the audio industry. Initially specializing in broadcast equipment, the company transitioned to high-end audio products in the early 2000s. Their commitment to engineering excellence has resulted in numerous accolades and a reputation for creating some of the most accurate and reliable audio equipment available.
John discusses some of Benchmark's key products, including the AHB2 power amplifier, LA4 preamp, DAC3, HPA4 headphone amp, and Studio&Stage(TM) audio cables. These products exemplify Benchmark's dedication to pushing the boundaries of audio performance, making them a favorite among audiophiles and professionals alike.
Benchmark Product Line - Video Tutorial
Which Benchmark products are right for me?
Where do I start?
Which model DAC should I buy?
The Benchmark Product Line
Benchmark manufactures DACs, preamplifiers and power amplifiers. This video explains the various models and recommends several different system configurations. It also explains the upgrade path if you wish to incrementally build the ultimate benchmark system.
Preamplifier Compatibility Mode - Video Tutorial
If you are using a separate preamplifier with your Benchmark DAC, then this video is for you!
Benchmark DACs Can Be Used With or Without a Separate Preamplifier
Most Benchmark DACs include preamplifier functions such as a volume control and audio input selection. These DACs are designed to directly drive virtually any audio power amplifier without the need for a separate preamplifier.
Nevertheless, if you chose to add an external preamplifier, you will want to change some of the programable features in your Benchmark DAC.
Learn How to Enable the Preamplifier Compatibility Functions in Your Benchmark DAC
All Benchmark DACs include special functions to make it easy to integrate a separate preamplifier. The DAC volume control, DIM function, and MUTE function can be bypassed collectively or individually, according to the needs of your system.