Some love for the Benchmark HPA4/LA4

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.

@yyzsantabarbara I have Sennheiser HD800s and Focal Utopia HPs. Two very different HPs and they both sound great with the HPA4.

I'm curious what about the Thiels creates a problem for the ABH2 running in mono ?

@mrdecibel

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

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That's why they're a reference in music and TV production studios. It's a great way to listen. I change out my Revels to PMC studio monitors for some of the work I do. If I want a warm and engaging movie sound I pull in a pair of Vandersteens. Having a neutral DAC/Pre/Power system really allows you to hear what each speaker's sound.

@mrdecibel I always ways wanted to buy a Thiel CS3.7 from a decade ago. However moving to Santa Barbara into a small beach apartment and then having a baby 4 years ago pushed audio to the backburner. Now that I am "settled" somewhat I have the opportunity to buy some speakers for my office system. My 3 favorite speakers are the KEF Blade, Yamaha NS5000, and Thiel CS3.7.  I also like Vivid .

My acoustically treated home office is small, see my virtual system page, and the Thiel is the speaker with the least amount of bass of the 3, which is good for my room. I was reluctant to purchase Thiel because they are out of business. However, with the help of the long running Thiel thread on Audiogon I learned that there is actually some support in terms of service for old Thiel's. The used unit I bought also had some new OEM drivers put in so it become more attractive.

I am liking the sound of the CS3.7 so far not loving it yet. It could be the lack of amp power. I hope to start the process of applying DRC to my room tonight.  So my Thiel system is evolving. I want it to sound like what I demoed a decade ago. My room could also be a little dead (not sure yet) though I think it is the amp.