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Benchmark Preamps and Amp - For real?

Has anyone here listened to the Benchmark HPA4 or LA4 preamps and the AHB2 power amp? Their specs are unreal in terms of lack of distortion and signal to noise. How do these units sound? I am intrigued. Thanks. 
kingbarbuda
wwoodrum
57 posts
 
DAC3HGC/AHB2 (no pre) with Joseph Audio Pulsars - definite synergy there with great definition and deep, wide image. Having not heard the pre-amp, it is not a priority for me right now.

I think the extra money spent on excellent cables is probably a better investment. (Nordost is best in this system IMO, have tried mid-range AQ and Shunyata also.) Can an extra piece of equipment improve the sound of the source - in this case the DAC3?

Compared with the Rega Osiris in place of the AHB2: I believe it is a matter of personal taste, but I preferred the AHB2 for its blacker background and tighter bass to the Osiris with its incredible dynamics.
yyzsantabarbara
5,123 posts
 
@racarlson I used to own the DAC3 + AHB2. I am curious as to the differences in your system with the new preamp. Have you compared DAC3+AHB2 vs DAC3+LA4+AHB2?
kingbarbuda OP
515 posts
 
@mayordaley In what vendor’s room or table did you listen to the Benchmark HPA4 at Axpona? I think I did too and I think it was at the Innuos room. I think if I am not mistaken they had three Benchmark DAC each fed by a different Innuos streamer. The HPA4 was the headphone amp they used. Unfortunately I wasn’t paying close enough attention to the amp as I was focused on the Innuos streamers. Was it Innuos or where did you hear the HPA4? Thanks.
rvpiano's avatar
rvpiano
2,821 posts
 
The AHB2 is a spectacular amp to my taste.
 It brought a whole new dimension to my system: Triton 1 speakers, Conrad Johnson preamp.
mayordaley
4 posts
 
I heard the Benchmark HPA4 at the Audeze table in the eargear room.  I also heard it in the Benchmark room (floor 6) through closed-back Audezes.  I specifically wanted to hear the Pass Labs HPA1.  Unfortunately, I did, and it was too lifeless to me.  After three hours of back and forth auditioning (including LTA, Chord, Schiit, Woo (my second favorite) and several others), the Benchmark won me over.
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