Description
Benchmark LA4
The Benchmark LA4 is a highly 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 line amplifier!
The LA4 line-level pre-amplifier features the best analogue volume control system available at any price.
At each volume setting, relays select pairs of high-precision resistors to attenuate the music to the desired level. This system eliminates the noise, distortion, and L/R balance issues found in more conventional analogue volume control systems. Traditional potentiometers and integrated electronic volume controls are the weakest link in most Hi-Fi signal chains. The LA4 removes the weak link while optimising the system noise performance at each volume setting.
The award-winning LA4 is designed to keep noise and distortion below the 0-dB SPL threshold of hearing at each of the 256 volume control settings. No preamplifier delivers a higher degree of transparency.
The LA4 provides input selection and volume control without adding an “electronic fingerprint” to the music. Discover the difference! Listen to the music, not the electronics.
Relay-Controlled Volume
- High-Precision Low-Impedance 256-Step Attenuator
- Low-Noise 16-Step Input Gain Stage
- Control Range is +15 dB to -127.5 dB in 0.5 dB Steps
- High Precision Laser-Trimmed Thin-Film Resistors
- 12 Relays per Output Channel – 24 Total
- Precision Make-Before-Break Timing – Prevents Switching Noise
Extended Frequency Response
- Ultra Wide 0.1 Hz to 500 kHz Response
- Bass is Delivered Without a Phase Shift
- Fast, Distortion-Free Transient Response
- Linear Phase Response
- Accurately Reproduces the Audio Waveshape
- Precise Rendering of Stereo Width and Depth
- Focused 3-D Stereo Image
Fully-Balanced Signal Path
- 2 Pairs of Balanced Line Inputs
- Fully-Balanced Differential Input Amplifiers
- Fully-Balanced Relay-Controlled Gain Stage
- Fully-Balanced Relay-Controlled Attenuation Stage
- Fully-Balanced Output Line Drivers
- Left, Right and Mono – Balanced Line Outputs
- Unbalanced Inputs and Outputs Included
System Optimisation
- Establishes an Optimal Gain Structure Between the DAC and Power Amplifier
- System Noise Performance is Optimized at all Volume Settings
- Matches Hi-Fi to Pro Signal Levels
- Matches Unbalanced to Balanced Signal Levels
- Perfect Match Between a DAC3 and AHB2
- Use a Single Remote to Control an All-Benchmark System
Listening Experience
The Benchmark LA4 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 LA4, 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.
The LA4 may be the only pre-amplifier that meets or exceeds the transparency of Benchmark’sAHB2power amplifier and of Benchmark’sDAC3converter. In combination, these three components deliver the ultimate listening experience.
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:
- 12W Typical Input Power
- 17W Maximum Input power
- 0.33 W Standby Power (when off)
- Internal Universal Power Supply
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