I have both the Lavry and the Benchmark. In a friend's system with large Usher Be speakers, the Lavry was the unquestionable choice. The Benchmark sounded thin and amusical (but so do the Ushers if you ask me).
In another friend's system, with Thiel 3.7's, the Lavry was also preferred.
But in MY system, with Dynaudio Confidence C1's, it's a much closer call and I may, in fact, prefer the Benchmark, which sounds more neutral and open while the Lavry sounds a bit thick. So, as with all things, it's a matter of system matching.
Regarding the TAS review of the Benchmark, I think you need to read it with an appreciation of Robert E. Greene's preferences and biases. And his bona fides: the man is a math professor at UCLA, an accomplished violinist, and I believe he has perfect pitch.
Both the Lavry and the Benchmark hold value extremely well. Do what I did, buy both and see which you prefer.
In another friend's system, with Thiel 3.7's, the Lavry was also preferred.
But in MY system, with Dynaudio Confidence C1's, it's a much closer call and I may, in fact, prefer the Benchmark, which sounds more neutral and open while the Lavry sounds a bit thick. So, as with all things, it's a matter of system matching.
Regarding the TAS review of the Benchmark, I think you need to read it with an appreciation of Robert E. Greene's preferences and biases. And his bona fides: the man is a math professor at UCLA, an accomplished violinist, and I believe he has perfect pitch.
Both the Lavry and the Benchmark hold value extremely well. Do what I did, buy both and see which you prefer.