I recently replaced an old Audio Research preamp with a Benchmark LA 4. It started when I connected my dac directly to my power amp and liked what I heard. I began looking for a preamp that would accomplish the same thing but provide additional inputs, preferably balanced . I read rave reviews of the LA 4 in both Stereophile and Absolute Sound. I decided to order the LA4 from Music Direct since they allow a 60 day trial. I’ve been listening for several weeks now and concur with a yyz. Great preamp at a bargain price. Absolute Sound is promising a full review any time now since they have only published a brief summary. Also, it’s available in two configurations, the “shoebox “ shape it generally comes in and a rack mount shape which is longer and lower but exactly the same inside.
Some love for the Benchmark HPA4/LA4
Making this thread to show my love for this amazing preamp. Yea, all the use usual descriptions apply. Yadda yadda it is great.
It is 1:15 AM in the morning and my kid and wife are asleep. I am not cranking it but listening at very very low volume (I have great headphones available but it sounds amazing on the speakers right now). It is the preamp that is doing the great sound at low volume. I won't get into details., but damn this is something special. I am on my 4 or 5th scotch but do let that cloud your perception of what I am saying. I knows what I am talking about.
You guys going direct to amp from DAC. Put this into the circuit (for $2500) and tell me it is not better.
It is 1:15 AM in the morning and my kid and wife are asleep. I am not cranking it but listening at very very low volume (I have great headphones available but it sounds amazing on the speakers right now). It is the preamp that is doing the great sound at low volume. I won't get into details., but damn this is something special. I am on my 4 or 5th scotch but do let that cloud your perception of what I am saying. I knows what I am talking about.
You guys going direct to amp from DAC. Put this into the circuit (for $2500) and tell me it is not better.
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I have the HPA4 and love it. I’ve bought many high end preamps over the years. Most of the big names and I spent well over $20K on a couple of them but I’m convinced that the HPA4 is the best I’ve ever heard. I’m running a full Benchmark system with Revel speakers at the moment. The DAC3B is a reference in recording studios for a reason. I enjoy it’s neutral reproduction. The HPA4 is like a straight wire into the ABH2 amp. I ran a single ABH2 for a few weeks. It is an outstanding amp but I bought a second one and a pair in mono takes the sound to a new level. https://www.stereophile.com/content/benchmark-la4-line-preamplifier https://www.stereophile.com/content/benchmark-media-systems-ahb2-power-amplifier If I want color I have that option in speaker and amps that I can switch in and out. I haven’t been doing that since I bought the Benchmark system because it’s just that good. |
Nice.
Love the HPA4. What headphones are you using with the HPA4? In my situation John Siau (the Benchmark designer) has indicated speakers like my recently purchased Thiel CS3.7 don't work with mono AHB2 but they do with a single AHB2. I am running with a single AHB2. I am keeping it but I also want to get an amp with more power in the 2 Ohm region for the CS3.7's. |
yyz, I have always followed your posts, and am surprised you wound up purchasing Thiel CS3.7s ( not judging, if you enjoy them ). I go dac direct ( through a top model Luminous Audio passive unit ), and my system needs zero additional gain, and has plenty of it. I was part of an organized cable shootout several months ago, and the equipment used was all Benchmark. What I came away with, and many others concurred with my findings, was the total neutrality of the Benchmark gear.......no color of any kind, no editorializing of any kind, just what was on the recordings. Enjoy, be well and stay safe. Always, MrD. |
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