Benchmark LA4 Silver with Remote
Benchmark LA4 on a rustic wooden box
LA4 Slideshow
HiFi Huff with Benchmark Stack and large words saying; "I was Wrong".
HPA4 Teardown Video intro slide showing an internal view of the HPA4.
Video introduction slide showing Benchmark products. Text reads "which setup is right for you?"
Video intro slide showing an inside view and front view of an LA4. Text reads "The LA4, the ultimate line amplifier, a deep dive with lead engineer John Siau"
Benchmark LA4 - rear view
Benchmark LA4 Black - right front
Benchmark Remote
Benchmark LA4 Silver with Remote
Benchmark LA4 on a rustic wooden box
LA4 Slideshow
HiFi Huff with Benchmark Stack and large words saying; "I was Wrong".
HPA4 Teardown Video intro slide showing an internal view of the HPA4.
Video introduction slide showing Benchmark products. Text reads "which setup is right for you?"
Video intro slide showing an inside view and front view of an LA4. Text reads "The LA4, the ultimate line amplifier, a deep dive with lead engineer John Siau"
Benchmark LA4 - rear view
Benchmark LA4 Black - right front
Benchmark Remote
Benchmark LA4 Silver with Remote
Benchmark LA4 on a rustic wooden box
LA4 Slideshow
HiFi Huff with Benchmark Stack and large words saying; "I was Wrong".
HPA4 Teardown Video intro slide showing an internal view of the HPA4.
Video introduction slide showing Benchmark products. Text reads "which setup is right for you?"
Video intro slide showing an inside view and front view of an LA4. Text reads "The LA4, the ultimate line amplifier, a deep dive with lead engineer John Siau"
Benchmark LA4 - rear view
Benchmark LA4 Black - right front
Benchmark Remote

Benchmark LA4 Line Amplifier

$3,050.00 USD
$3,050.00 USD
$3,050.00 USD
Shipping calculated at checkout.
"Best Preamplifier" - Secrets of Home Theater
Lowest Noise and Lowest Distortion Preamplifier Available
Fully-Balanced Signal Path
Wide 500 kHz Bandwidth
Relay-Controlled Volume and Input Selection
Style: Silver
Remote:
Faceplate:
In Stock

SKU: 500-17100-101

Recommendations

Stereophile Recommended Component - Preamplifiers

"Benchmark's LA4 is the widest-bandwidth, widest-dynamic-range, lowest-noise, lowest-distortion preamplifier I have encountered."

- John Atkinson
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stereophile recommended components 2025 award
Product of the Year - The Absolute Sound

"The LA4 has been widely tested with results that tell the same story as those from the AHB2 power amplifier, i.e., the measurements merely confirm the manufacturer’s claims except in those instances where the limits of the test gear are reached before this or that specification can be precisely verified, almost every tester reporting that the unit beats, often handily, any other ever tested in its product category, regardless of price."

- Paul Seydor
Continue Reading
2020 Product of the Year Award logo with a red and purple diamond shape
LA4 - Editors' Choice Award - The Absolute Sound

"By far, without question this is the best volume control I have ever encountered."

- Paul Seydor
Continue Reading
Hexagonal badge with '2022 the absolute sound Editors' Choice Awards' text on a pink background
Read more reviews

The Benchmark LA4

The LA4 line-level preamplifier features the best analog volume control system available at any price.

At each volume setting, relays select pairs of high-precision resistors to attenuate the music to the desired level. This system eliminates the noise, distortion, and L/R balance issues found in more conventional analog volume control systems. Traditional potentiometers and integrated electronic volume controls are the weakest link in most Hi-Fi signal chains. The LA4 removes the weak link while optimizing the system noise performance at each volume setting.

The award-winning LA4 is designed to keep noise and distortion below the 0-dB SPL threshold of hearing at each of the 256 volume control settings. No preamplifier delivers a higher degree of transparency.

The LA4 provides input selection and volume control without adding an "electronic fingerprint" to the music. Discover the difference! Listen to the music, not the electronics.

LA4 Top Internal View

Technology of the LA4

Relay-Controlled Volume

  • High-Precision Low-Impedance 256-Step Attenuator
  • Low-Noise 16-Step Input Gain Stage
  • Control Range is +15 dB to -127.5 dB in 0.5 dB Steps
  • High Precision Laser-Trimmed Thin-Film Resistors
  • 12 Relays per Output Channel - 24 Total
  • Precision Make-Before-Break Timing - Prevents Switching Noise
Learn More

Extended Frequency Response

  • Ultra Wide 0.1 Hz to 500 kHz Response
  • Bass is Delivered Without a Phase Shift
  • Fast, Distortion-Free Transient Response
  • Linear Phase Response
  • Accurately Reproduces the Audio Waveshape
  • Precise Rendering of Stereo Width and Depth
  • Focused 3-D Stereo Image
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Fully-Balanced Signal Path

  • 2 Pairs of Balanced Line Inputs
  • Fully-Balanced Differential Input Amplifiers
  • Fully-Balanced Relay-Controlled Gain Stage
  • Fully-Balanced Relay-Controlled Attenuation Stage
  • Fully-Balanced Output Line Drivers
  • Left, Right and Mono - Balanced Line Outputs
  • Unbalanced Inputs and Outputs Included
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System Optimization

  • Establishes an Optimal Gain Structure Between the DAC and Power Amplifier
  • System Noise Performance is Optimized at all Volume Settings
  • Matches Hi-Fi to Pro Signal Levels
  • Matches Unbalanced to Balanced Signal Levels
  • Perfect Match Between a DAC3 and AHB2
  • Use a Single Remote to Control an All-Benchmark System
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Special Features

  • Color Touch Screen
  • Balance Control
  • -20 dB "Dim" Function
  • Soft Unmute
  • Two Bidirectional 12V Trigger Ports
  • Gain Offset Adjustments for Each Input
  • Home Theater Bypass Function
Learn More

Studio Applications

  • Precise, Repeatable Gain Settings Calibrated in dB
  • Studio +28 dBu Input and Output Capability
  • Instant A/B Switching Between Sources with Calibrated Input Offsets
  • Volume Knob uses Long-Life Heavy-Duty Optical Encoder
  • Long-Life Telcom-Grade Gold-Contact Relays
  • Rack-Mount Version Available

Learn More

Listening Experience

The Benchmark LA4 delivers a clear, open, and uncluttered playback across the entire frequency range.

Instrumental overtones are rendered with exceptional precision and realism. Vocals are reproduced with outstanding accuracy and natural tones. Transients are fast and precise. Bass is deep and well controlled.

The ultra-linear phase response of the LA4, allows it to create a precise three-dimensional rendering of the recorded space. This space is open and uncluttered because noise and distortion are held below the 0-dB SPL threshold of hearing at all playback levels.

The LA4 may be the only preamplifier that meets or exceeds the transparency of Benchmark's AHB2 power amplifier and of Benchmark's DAC3 converter. In combination, these three components deliver the ultimate listening experience.

Benchmark LA4 with a silver front panel on a rustic wooden box

Best of the Best

"Benchmark's LA4 is the widest-bandwidth, widest-dynamic-range, lowest-noise, lowest-distortion preamplifier I have encountered."

- John Atkinson, Stereophile Magazine

"By far, without question this is the best volume control I have ever encountered...

The LA4 has been widely tested with ... almost every tester reporting that the unit beats, often handily, any other ever tested in its product category, regardless of price."

- Paul Seydor, The Absolute Sound

"The Benchmark Media Systems LA4 preamplifier, AHB2 power amplifier, and DAC3 B are, individually, exceptionally transparent and well-designed audio devices. They are each top-shelf examples of their respective equipment categories in both measured and subjective performance."

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

Benchmark LA4 on a rustic wooden box

Awards

stereophile recommended components 2025 award
Hexagonal badge with '2022 the absolute sound Editors' Choice Awards' text on a pink background
Secrets of Home Theater and High Fidelity 2021 Best of Awards for the HPA4 Preamplifier
"Reference" Award
2020 Product of the Year Award logo with a red and purple diamond shape
HiVi Grand Prix 2020 HiVi Prize for amplifier
2019 Product of the Year award logo from Everything Audio Network
Sound Stage Network - RMAF Best of Show Award2018
See more awards

Front Panel

Benchmark LA4 Front Panel View
Power
  • On/Off Momentary Switch
  • IR Remote Sensor
Display
  • Color Touch-Screen Display
  • Attenuation Shown in dB
  • Many Programmable Features
Volume Control Knob
  • Long-Life Heavy-Duty Optical Encoder
  • 0.5 dB per Step, 256 Steps

Rear Panel

Benchmark LA4 Rear Panel View
Analog Inputs
  • Input 1 - XLR (L,R)
  • Input 2 - XLR (L,R)
  • Input 3 - RCA (L,R)
  • Input 4 - RCA (L,R)
Analog Outputs
  • Left Out - XLR
  • Right Out - XLR
  • Mono Sum Out - XLR
  • Left Out - RCA
  • Right Out - RCA
Two 12V Trigger I/O Ports
  • Bidirectional Operation
  • Work with all Single and Dual Direction Trigger Ports
  • Time Delays Allow Noise-Free System Startup and Shutdown
AC Input
  • Standard 3-Pin IEC Connector
  • Fuse Drawer with Two Fuses
  • Auto-Ranging
  • 50-60 Hz
California Proposition 65 Warning Warning: Click here for California safety warnings.

Recommended Accessories

Additional Information

Application Notes
Videos

Product Information

LA4 Cut Sheet

Manual

Detailed specifications and performance plots are available in the downloadable manual.

LA4 Manual

(using balanced inputs at +24 dBu)

Balanced Line Outputs:

  • THD < -125 dB (0.00006%)
  • SNR > 135 dB, unweighted, 20-20 kHz
  • SNR > 137 dB, A-weighted
  • Frequency Response - 0.003 dB at 10 Hz, -0.001 dB at 20 kHz
  • - 3 dB Bandwidth exceeds 0.1 Hz to 500 kHz
  • Output Impedance 60 Ohms
  • Output Noise < 1.9 uV at Unity Gain, 20-20 kHz
  • Maximum Input and Output Voltage, 20 Vrms (+28 dBu)
  • Crosstalk < -133 dB @ 1 kHz, -116 dB @ 10 kHz

Dimensions:

8.65" W x 3.88" H x 8.33" D - Including Feet

8.65" W x 3.47" H x 8.33" D - Excluding Feet

Weight:

8.0 lbs., 12 lbs. shipping

Power:

  • 12W Typical Input Power
  • 17W Maximum Input power
  • 0.33 W Standby Power (when off)
  • Internal Universal Power Supply

Overall rating: 4.979592 / 5 from 49 reviews.

AI Generated Review Summary

The Benchmark LA4 Line Amplifier is praised for its exceptional audio quality, quiet operation, and significant improvement in sound system performance. Customers appreciate its clean, deep, and detailed sound, making it a valuable addition to any high-fidelity setup.

Summary topics

  • Audio Quality (25%): Many customers loved the Los Angeles 4 line preamp for its excellent audio quality and quiet operation.
  • Product Quality (11%): It was highlighted by customers that the quality of the product is excellent and worth the price tag.
  • Sound Improvement (15%): A significant number of customers remarked that the LA4 preamp significantly improved their sound system sound.
  • Sound Quality (33%): In general, customers love the sound of the LA4 system, finding it cleaner, deeper, and more detailed.

Review topics: [].

Review highlights

  • "The LA4 provides a more relaxed and neutral sound, with a wider and deeper soundstage." — Geo F.
  • "The engineering side of me loves the technical design and my music side loves the quality of the sound." — Tim
  • "I generally listen at lower volumes, where I noticed the biggest difference the LA4 has made." — John

Reviews

I already have a Benchmark

"I already have a Benchmark trio in my primary listening system. After upgrading to the AHB2 in my secondary system, I quickly realized that I needed the LA4 to deliver the best analog signal to the AHB2. By doing so, I no longer have a trimmed digital signal from my decent DAC/Preamp. Now, even at my usual low-volume listening levels, my DAC delivers a full-bit digital signal to the LA4, allowing the AHB2 work it's magic at producing maximum audio clarity. Expensive for a secondary system? Yes. Worth it? Absolutely! And, based on history, I likely will eventually get a DAC3 B to complete this second Benchmark stack. Rory, the Benchmark sales manager, has given me great customer service."

— Robert F. (5/5)

The LA4 paired with the

"The LA4 paired with the AHB2 prides excellent audio detail and clarity. Very good match with hybrid electrostatic speaker systems. The remote control is challenging for volume adjustments. Would be better if the remote control had a knob that mirrors the LA4 volume control function."

— Robert L. (4/5)

Transparency

"I have found what I was looking for with this preamp: Transparency to allow my own sources and speakers to shine for what they are and, most of all, enjoy the music without artifacts. I am using this with other brands DAC and monoblocks, but it is the best match for them. Great!"

— Marcelo G. (5/5)

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)

Q&A

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Benchmark LA4, DAC3 B, and AHB2 on a rustic wooden rack.