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Thread: Benchmark LA4
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July 19, 2020, 08:28 AM #1
- Join Date
- Feb 2014
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- 477
Benchmark LA4
Notice the little David among the Goliaths in Mike’s latest mbl 101e mk 2 install
Adjustments.jpg
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July 19, 2020, 09:26 AM #2
Re: Benchmark LA4
Interesting
2chl : Vincent Sp331MkII, W4S STP-SE Stage 2, Kef 201/2, KEF 140, Vapor Breeze, Lumin, Bryston CD, BHA-1, Quicksilver Headamp, HD650, HD800s, HD820's, Dan Clark 1.1, Focal Stellia, OPPO 203, 105. ( Boxed up: Pass Xa-30.5, VPI Classic, Dynavector DV-20XL, Manley Chinook, Cadenza Bronze)
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July 19, 2020, 09:59 AM #3
Re: Benchmark LA4
Fleetwood Deville by Oswald Mills Audio, Vienna Acoustics Haydn Jubilee, Wharfedale Linton w/ stands, Klipsch RB-75, Klipsch RP-160M.
Job INTegrated. Luxman L-595aSE
NAD C 658 streamer.
First Watt SIT-3, Job 250 Monos, NuForce STA200, AkitikA GT-102 amp, ASL Wave monos, Dennis Had 45 monos. Absolute Audio Labs PCF 25 amp (improved First Watt F7 super clone)
Topping D90, RME Audio ADI-2 DAC FS, ModWright Ultimate Sony XA-5400ES.
Burmester 948, McIntosh MCLK12, Kimber Kable, Siltech, Cardas, Avanti Audio cables.
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July 19, 2020, 10:07 AM #4
Re: Benchmark LA4
I’m guessing that some of the Goliath pieces have power cords costing more than the LA4. It must be something special to have a place in that system.
Gary
Main: Lumin A1, Accuphase E-650, Tannoy Canterbury GR, Shunyata, Audience
Secondary: Lumin M1, Linton Heritage, Shunyata, Audience
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July 19, 2020, 10:34 AM #5
Re: Benchmark LA4
2chl : Vincent Sp331MkII, W4S STP-SE Stage 2, Kef 201/2, KEF 140, Vapor Breeze, Lumin, Bryston CD, BHA-1, Quicksilver Headamp, HD650, HD800s, HD820's, Dan Clark 1.1, Focal Stellia, OPPO 203, 105. ( Boxed up: Pass Xa-30.5, VPI Classic, Dynavector DV-20XL, Manley Chinook, Cadenza Bronze)
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July 19, 2020, 10:52 AM #6
Re: Benchmark LA4
Measurement/spec wise, the MBL preamp just reviewed was the only one to beat it in Stereophile.
The VC makes that loud “click, click, click” as you turn it up/down.
It sounded good. Those Pass amps were singing!My Systems: http://www.audioshark.org/showthread...481#post158481
"We can hear everything we measure, but we can't measure everything we hear. Let your ears be your guide."
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July 19, 2020, 11:11 AM #7Fleetwood Deville by Oswald Mills Audio, Vienna Acoustics Haydn Jubilee, Wharfedale Linton w/ stands, Klipsch RB-75, Klipsch RP-160M.
Job INTegrated. Luxman L-595aSE
NAD C 658 streamer.
First Watt SIT-3, Job 250 Monos, NuForce STA200, AkitikA GT-102 amp, ASL Wave monos, Dennis Had 45 monos. Absolute Audio Labs PCF 25 amp (improved First Watt F7 super clone)
Topping D90, RME Audio ADI-2 DAC FS, ModWright Ultimate Sony XA-5400ES.
Burmester 948, McIntosh MCLK12, Kimber Kable, Siltech, Cardas, Avanti Audio cables.
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July 20, 2020, 08:05 AM #8
Re: Benchmark LA4
The only Benchmark I have owned was their DACs. Solid well made gear but they were also very sterile sounding, too analytic for my taste, not what I would call musical. Honestly, sound wise I was very un-impressed after living with them.
Several members of our audio club have had Benchmark pieces and almost everyone of us have moved on. The Benchmark always sounded good initially, but that analytic, designed for how they test in a lab quality became harsh after some time. Most all of us moved to more musical sounding pieces.
A pre-amp is essential in the over all performance of a system, in my view. That amazing system would be well served with a more appropriate pre-amp in my humble opinion (not necessarily meaning more expensive just more musical).McIntosh C49, MC152, MR85, R778 | T+A DAC 8 DSD | KEF LS50 Meta w/S2, KC62 (x2) | Rega RP8, Ania Pro, NEO PSU | Technics SL-1500C | Audio Technica VM750ML | Hexmat Eclipse, Yellow Bird, Molekula, Molekula Mini | Pro-Ject VC-E | Falcon NW PC Server (Roon Core & HQPlayer) | Microsoft Surface Pro 6 (Roon Controller) | Wyred 4 Sound ISO Recovery, DC Recovery | Abyss Diana Phi | Schiit Jotunheim 2 | Astell&Kern SE200 | Oppo BDP105
“One of the great challenges in life is knowing enough to think you're right but not enough to know you're wrong”
"You can't use reason to convince anyone out of an argument that they didn't use reason to get into"
― Neil deGrasse Tyson
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July 30, 2020, 02:53 AM #9
- Join Date
- Apr 2020
- Location
- Goleta, CA
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- 30
Re: Benchmark LA4
Nice to read these comments on the LA4. I bought the HPA4 headphone amp/preamp on the assumption that it would pair great with something like the Luxman m900u or CODA #16 (very quiet at 130 SNR). I was considering spending much more for the Mola Mola Makua preamp + optional DAC, but now after many months of listening daily I think the HPA4 (same as LA4) is incredible and will center my system like in the photo above.
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July 30, 2020, 07:54 AM #10
Re: Benchmark LA4
2chl : Vincent Sp331MkII, W4S STP-SE Stage 2, Kef 201/2, KEF 140, Vapor Breeze, Lumin, Bryston CD, BHA-1, Quicksilver Headamp, HD650, HD800s, HD820's, Dan Clark 1.1, Focal Stellia, OPPO 203, 105. ( Boxed up: Pass Xa-30.5, VPI Classic, Dynavector DV-20XL, Manley Chinook, Cadenza Bronze)
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July 30, 2020, 06:16 PM #11
Re: Benchmark LA4
100% my opinion on their DACs as well, and I did own two different ones including their current top of the line unit. Far too analytic. From everything I have read, talking with folks at Benchmark, and using them, I believe this is their design. They rely very much on test numbers. I prefer to rely on listening and my ears... musicality is so much more important than the test numbers.
McIntosh C49, MC152, MR85, R778 | T+A DAC 8 DSD | KEF LS50 Meta w/S2, KC62 (x2) | Rega RP8, Ania Pro, NEO PSU | Technics SL-1500C | Audio Technica VM750ML | Hexmat Eclipse, Yellow Bird, Molekula, Molekula Mini | Pro-Ject VC-E | Falcon NW PC Server (Roon Core & HQPlayer) | Microsoft Surface Pro 6 (Roon Controller) | Wyred 4 Sound ISO Recovery, DC Recovery | Abyss Diana Phi | Schiit Jotunheim 2 | Astell&Kern SE200 | Oppo BDP105
“One of the great challenges in life is knowing enough to think you're right but not enough to know you're wrong”
"You can't use reason to convince anyone out of an argument that they didn't use reason to get into"
― Neil deGrasse Tyson
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July 30, 2020, 06:55 PM #12
Re: Benchmark LA4
I really don't place a ton of merit in measurements to make a decision on a purchase, measurements might be ok to identify the quality of the device and its assembly, but I don't listen to measurements I listen to the music coming from the device and the components in the assembled system, then I decide on how to spend my cash.
2chl : Vincent Sp331MkII, W4S STP-SE Stage 2, Kef 201/2, KEF 140, Vapor Breeze, Lumin, Bryston CD, BHA-1, Quicksilver Headamp, HD650, HD800s, HD820's, Dan Clark 1.1, Focal Stellia, OPPO 203, 105. ( Boxed up: Pass Xa-30.5, VPI Classic, Dynavector DV-20XL, Manley Chinook, Cadenza Bronze)
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July 31, 2020, 12:25 PM #13
- Join Date
- Apr 2020
- Location
- Goleta, CA
- Posts
- 30
Re: Benchmark LA4
I am looking to get a R2R DAC to pair with the HPA4. I have the Benchmark DAC3B at the moment and I will add a R2R DAC as a second option to my HPA4 setup. Variety.
At the moment I am considering the Denafrips Terminator Plus with the IRIS DDC to get I2S connectivity.
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AudioShark forum is a leading forum site for High End Audio Discussion, Stereo System Discussion, Home Theater System Discussion, Best Home Stereo System Discussion, Home Theater Installation Discussion etc.
The AudioShark forum was created for sharing the passion of high-end Audio. We have Audiophiles from all over the world participating and sharing their knowledge. From novice to experts, you will find a friendly environment for discussing about High End Audio, Stereo System, Home Theater System, Home Stereo System, Home Theater Installation, Amplifiers, Speakers, Subwoofers, Integrated System, Acoustic treatments & Digital Room Corrections and many more.
At AudioShark, we also have incorporated an exciting Marketplace where members can peruse terrific buys on used gear, as well as meet dealers and discuss the purchase of new gear.
We are as crazy about this hobby as you are! So come on in and join us! Audioshark.org the Friendliest Audio Forum!
Industry Participation Disclosure : The owner and administrator of Audioshark is the owner of Suncoast Audio LLC in Sarasota Florida. Suncoast Audio has a full brick and mortar presence in Sarasota with several great show rooms with many world class brands. More information can be found at http://www.suncoastaudio.com
Audioshark is a community of like minded individuals. Audioshark welcomes participation from all manufacturers and owners of all brands and products. It is our belief that online forums provide a community of like minded audiophiles and music lovers to encourage the growth of this wonderful hobby.
Sincerely,
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VBR is not precise. Please ignore the bit rate display.
Lumin supports Plex