Description
Benchmark HPA4
The Benchmark HPA4 is a universally acclaimed product, small in proportions yet massive in control and definition and has one of the best measured-performance specifications in the industry, a truly outstanding headphone amplifier.
The HPA4 features the Benchmark-exclusive THX-888 headphone amplifier. This is Benchmark’s flagship headphone amplifier. It also marks the pinnacle of the THX headphone amplifier family. The THX-888 circuit board is manufactured by Benchmark.
Like our AHB2 power amplifier, the THX-888 features the patented THX-AAA feed-forward topology. The THX-888 keeps noise and distortion below the threshold of hearing, even when driving the most difficult headphones.
The award-winning HPA4 packs power, speed, and control into a package that includes all of the functions and features of the LA4 line-level pre-amplifier.
The headphone and line outputs are controlled by independent 256-step relay-switched attenuators. This is, without question, the best analogue volume control system available.
Best of the Best
According to independent tests, the Benchmark HPA4 delivers the lowest noise and lowest distortion available from a headphone amplifier or from a preamplifier.
The Benchmark-excusive THX-888 headphone amplifier board features the patented THX-AAA technology. This technology includes a feed-forward error correction system that reduces distortion by 30 to 40 dB. Distortion and noise are held below the 0-dB SPL threshold of hearing, even when driving the most demanding headphones.
The amplifier board is driven by a 256-step relay-controlled volume control. This system is engineered to deliver the lowest possible noise and distortion at each volume setting. A second, identical and fully-independent volume control drives the balanced and unbalanced line outputs.
The HPA4 has won many top awards and top recommendations from the press. It has received two “Product of the Year” awards, and is currently listed on Stereophile’s short list of recommended components.
The Benchmark HPA4 delivers a clear, open, and uncluttered playback across the entire frequency range.
Instrumental overtones are rendered with exceptional precision and realism. Vocals are reproduced with outstanding accuracy and natural tones. Transients are fast and precise. Bass is deep and well controlled.
The ultra-linear phase response of the HPA4, allows it to create a precise three-dimensional rendering of the recorded space. This space is open and uncluttered because noise and distortion are held below the 0-dB SPL threshold of hearing at all playback levels.
This experience is not limited to the headphone outputs. The HPA4 includes all of the features and functions of the LA4 preamplifier, and this is perfect match for driving Benchmark’s AHB2 power amplifier.
Headphone and line output volume are independently controlled.
THX-888™ Headphone Output:
- THD < -125 dB (0.00006%)
- SNR > 131 dB, unweighted, 20-20 kHz
- SNR > 135 dB, A-weighted
- Frequency Response – 0.003 dB at 10 Hz, -0.001 dB at 20 kHz
- – 3 dB Bandwidth exceeds 0.1 Hz to 500 kHz
- Output Impedance, near 0 Ohms
- Output Noise < 2.45 uV at Unity Gain, 20-20 kHz
- Maximum Output Power, 6 Watts into 16 Ohms
- Maximum Output Current, 1.5 A
- Maximum Output Voltage, 11.5 Vrms into 300 Ohms
- Crosstalk < -133 dB @ 1 kHz, -115 dB @ 10 kHz (XLR4)
Balanced Line Outputs:
- THD < -125 dB (0.00006%)
- SNR > 135 dB, unweighted, 20-20 kHz
- SNR > 137 dB, A-weighted
- Frequency Response – 0.003 dB at 10 Hz, -0.001 dB at 20 kHz
- – 3 dB Bandwidth exceeds 0.1 Hz to 500 kHz
- Output Impedance 60 Ohms
- Output Noise < 1.9 uV at Unity Gain, 20-20 kHz
- Maximum Input and Output Voltage, 20 Vrms (+28 dBu)
- Crosstalk < -133 dB @ 1 kHz, -116 dB @ 10 kHz
Dimensions:
8.65″ W x 3.88″ H x 8.33″ D – Including Feet
8.65″ W x 3.47″ H x 8.33″ D – Excluding Feet
Weight:
8.0 lbs., 12 lbs. shipping
Power:
- 18W Typical Input Power
- 35W Maximum Input power
- 0.33 W Standby Power (when off)
- Internal Universal Power Supply
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