Actually you should not hear anything from the LA4, zero, utterly silent. If you are hearing chalk on a blackboard with the LA4 then you are hearing something else in the system.
The ARC will have some sound character to it. I heard my buddies ARC based tub system with Spendor D7’s and it sounded great but not something I would get for myself.
I had this same preamp decision when I went preamp shopping a few months ago. Get something with a sound signature to it like the great Luxman c900u or something without any sound to it like the HPA4/LA4. I am very happy I got the HPA4 and can add any amp + speaker to tailor the sound.
Just keep your eyes open for posts by people who give the LA4 a 30 day home demo and decide this is a great choice for their mega expensive ($100K) systems. Already 1 or 2 posts like that on Audiogon and a few on WBF. Benchmark seems to be behind on orders for almost all of 2020. A lot of demand.
I do think the LA4 looks rather unattractive.
The ARC will have some sound character to it. I heard my buddies ARC based tub system with Spendor D7’s and it sounded great but not something I would get for myself.
I had this same preamp decision when I went preamp shopping a few months ago. Get something with a sound signature to it like the great Luxman c900u or something without any sound to it like the HPA4/LA4. I am very happy I got the HPA4 and can add any amp + speaker to tailor the sound.
Just keep your eyes open for posts by people who give the LA4 a 30 day home demo and decide this is a great choice for their mega expensive ($100K) systems. Already 1 or 2 posts like that on Audiogon and a few on WBF. Benchmark seems to be behind on orders for almost all of 2020. A lot of demand.
I do think the LA4 looks rather unattractive.