2. amps-preamps
  3. 152449-5880

Benchmark LA4 Preamp?

I’m seriously considering buying this $2,500 solid-state preamp and looking for input from anyone who owns or has heard this preamp.  The LA4 is identical to their HPA4 unit just without the headphone amp.

From all the reviews and Benchmark’s site that I’ve read, this seems like an extremely low noise and neutral preamp that may be a very good match for my extremely low noise, neutral and high powered class D D-Sonic M3-600-M monoblock amps that I use to drive a pair of Magnepan 2.7QR 4 ohm speakers.
My main source for 2-ch music is a Lumin D2 dac/streamer for music files and Tidal streaming. For HT, I’ll be using a yet to be determined 4K Bluray player as I’m also transforming from an Oppo 105 1080p player and 1080p hdtv to 4K. The LA4 has caught my attention since it has dual balanced XLR inputs to accommodate the XLR outputs of the Lumin D2 and whatever new Bluray player I choose. I plan on ordering the optional remote for the LA4 which would allow easy selection between music or HT as well as being a low noise, low distortion and neutral conduit for both.

I really appreciate any input on the LA4, or even options for a high quality Bluray player with balanced outputs, that you’re able to offer.

Thanks,
Tim
128x128noble100
fast
92 posts
 
The new Absolute Sound with the Benchmark review just arrived. It’s a brief review with a full review promised in a future issue.  It’s one of the most positive reviews I’ve ever read anywhere ...even taking into account that most AS reviews are pretty positive.  
yyzsantabarbara
4,808 posts
 
The Benchmark HPA4 (same as the LA4 + headphone amp) is the best audio piece I have ever owned. Just love it.

BTW - Does the new Absolute Sound have a review of the Yamaha NS5000? I do not see it online. For my System #2, I am going to be hooking up an all Benchmark system with the NS5000. AHB2 x 2 + HPA4 + DAC3B + Benchmark XLR + Benchmark speaker cable. Neutrality is what I want in this system. I just got the AHB2 (being shipped) and it is going to be great with the HPA4. Just need to buy the NS5000 now.
fast
92 posts
 
In the same Golden Ear Awards section as the Benchmark, AS has a short review of ihe Yamahs 5000 system. There’s also,a much longer review elsewhere in the issue. All very positive.  
A dealer told me that both AS and Stereophile submit their proposed reviews in draft to the manufacturers...who are often their advertisers...for pre publication feedback and allow them to veto negative reviews.  This may account for the lack of negative reviews. Unfortunately, it means that readers/consumers have no way of knowing whether a product which has no published review actually  received a  bad review  which was vetoed by the manufacturer or was never reviewed.  
yyzsantabarbara
4,808 posts
 
Yes, I have heard similar about various entities.

The reason I was interested on the review was not to read about the sound quality. I have demoed them so I already know. I want to learn more about the road map for the NS line of speakers. Sometimes these reviews go into the business side of things. It is impossible to get any feedback from Yamaha as a consumer. Though a dealer is trying to get more info for me at the moment by contacting Yamaha themselves..
aberyclark
1,355 posts
 
I've read numerous reviews in forums, etc that The HPA4 is quiet as a mouse and gets out of the way
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