Benchmark LA4 Line Amplifier

I swapped my Schiit Kara

"I swapped my Schiit Kara preamplifier for a Benchmark LA4. What a change. The Kara was good, but this is on another level, a huge improvement. The Benchmark LA4 is a fantastic preamplifier."

— Dariusz F. (5/5)

Nice addition to my DAC2

"Nice addition to my DAC2 HGC and pair of AHB2s in mono mode. I appreciate the LA4’s greater transparency at low volumes, and the accuracy of the stepped volume control. What I wasn’t expecting is the added convenience of being able to rename the channels and adjust the display brightness and timer. I have the display’s low brightness set to zero (off) and the timer set so it goes dark in 10 seconds. Being able to adjust the gain of each input is also very nice."

— Phil B. (5/5)

Wonderful Enjoyment from my Benchmark

"Wonderful Enjoyment from my Benchmark Stack into B&W 802 d3-Thank You."

— Michael B. (5/5)

A lifelong hobby, refined. My

"A lifelong hobby, refined. My system was fairly revealing (Roon Nucleus, Bryston BDA-3 DAC, Classé amplifiers, Revel Ultima Studio 2 speakers), but the LA4, in place of the 2008 vintage Classé pre-amp, was a revelation. Improved clarity across the frequency band; lowered noise floor, with much better low-level detail, wider soundstage. This was apparent out of the box (!), but I suspect there may be improvement with time. It's an over-used statement, but: old recordings sound new and fresh, with better imaging and truer-to-life tonalities. At this price, it's an astonishing bargain. Kudos, Benchmark!"

— Robert G. (5/5)

The Benchmark LA4 is a

"The Benchmark LA4 is a highly transparent, ultra-low distortion, 100% analog line-level preamplifier known for its exceptional neutrality, precise relay-controlled attenuation, and ability to preserve the integrity of the source signal, making it ideal for pairing with reference-level DACs and power amplifiers like the Benchmark DAC3 and the Benchmark AHB2. The Benchmark LA4 is neutrality, faithful instrument reproduction, and the ability to deliver a clean, detailed, and engaging musical experience, without adding its own “fingerprints” to the sound, even defying the myth that neutrality equals coldness."

— Thomas Y. (5/5)

Great performance - Reasonable price!

"I just added the LA4 to my system which now includes a DAC 3 and two AHB 2 amps driving a pair of Revel Salon 2 speakers. Not an inexpensive rig but sounds as good as systems I have listened to that cost ten times as much. Benchmark gear delivers great performance at a reasonable price."

— Glenn (5/5)

shockingly transparent and an open

"shockingly transparent and an open window into the music; great soundstage. Highly recommended!"

— Kenneth K. (5/5)

"Awesome preamp and excellent customer service"

— Matthew (5/5)

Listen to the Music, not the Gear, with Benchmark

"I had previously purchased the DAC 3 and was playing directly from the DAC 3 to my mono blocks (PS Audio BHK 300s) having discarded my Ayre pre-amp. I decided to purchase the LA4 in order to have a superior volume control. I had not expected an improvement in the listening experience. The LA4 + DAC3 combination provides me with the most satisfactory listening experience I have ever had. I notice, over the long haul, that there is an improvement in the openness and spaciousness of the sound and that thick chords and intricate musical detail are clearer than ever before. I love this little stack (LA4 + DAC 3). I am no longer listening to the equipment, just the music. My Ayre 20T's sing better than ever."

— Robert M. (5/5)

LA4 with External Phono Preamplifier

"I’m using a new Benchmark AHB2 Power Amplifier with  a new Benchmark LA4 Line Amplifier, connected to a U-Turn Orbit Theory turntable and Marantz SACD30n. The turntable has an Ortonfon 2M Bronze cartridge. The TT  connects using Benchmark RCA to XLRM Adapter Cables for Analog Audio - pin 3 to RCA shield to a Schiit Audio Skoll F fully balanced phone preamp, connected with TODN XLR cables to the LA4 line amp, connected via XLR cables to Shiit Audio Loki Max F equalizer, connected by XLR cables to the AHB2 power amp, then running out SKW speaker cables to Klipsch Forte IV speakers. Each component after the turntable has total harmonic  distortion (THD) that is so low it is well outside THD range of human hearing. The overall quality of sound has nice sonic and tonal quality that is clear and natural sounding and brings out detail in music that is missed in lesser systems. Each component was selected after being recommended by several professional audiophile writers and testers. Except for the cables and the Marantz, every component is made in the United States.  I’m very pleased with the Benchmark Media components, and their customer service has been excellent. The sound of this system is clear, there is separation of the instruments, piano sounds natural, drums as they should, cymbals and bells are well fined without harshness, and overall, whether playing a record or CD or streaming from Tidal, the sound is beautiful. I give Benchmark Media and its components five stars."

— BG (5/5)