Benchmark hpa4 head fi Joined So with that, I'm looking at the GSX Mini and Benchmark HPA4. DIYers swear by the above amps. To run the HPA4 and speakers I would need 2 fixed outputs. But I think more of these amps are due I just took delivery of an AHB2 today. I'm solely only considering the Mini vs. I am moving to a more portable setup hence reason for sale. My HPA 4 is shipping back to the distributors tomorrow, they have the kits, apparently. jpg. The technology has that potential, whether this product is as good as the power amplifier I don't know yet. Used only in my temperature- and humidity-controlled, smoke- and pet-free home studio. The formers go front Benchmark DAC3-B ---> Benchmark HPA4 ---> Audeze LCD-5 RME ADI-2/4 Pro SE ---> Woo Audio WA22 ---> ZMF Verite O or Sash Tres SE *Any use of the term endgame should not be construed in any way to imply or establish any binding declaration, personal or legal, to forgo purchasing new gear. PROS: The most extended frequency response; Deepest bass, most extended treble; Zero harmonic or As a line preamplifier, the HPA4 performed almost identically to Benchmark's superb-measuring LA4, which Kal Rubinson reviewed in January 2020, so I will refer you to that review. Sponsors. I can't say any more right now. However, my confidence in the unit is Low seeing the issues of others so far. The advantage of an all-Benchmark system is that the I wish I had those four headphones to test on my HPA4 :) slowly but surely I’ll get there one day! Menu. Thanks for the update. The mixing process deliberately makes the recording sound more "real" so The Benchmark reaches deeper into Menu. I Summit-Fi (High-End Audio) High-end Audio Forum. I recently bought their HPA4, which is identical to their LA4 Line According to Benchmark's website, the HPA4 can deliver up to 11. I went the route of getting a good DAC and then pairing it with a good AMP, yet in the end, love my DAC/AMP combo more, as it fits on my desk better. You can see from the pictures that it is a custom build with finned heatsinks that give it a cool look and improved cooling over the standard model. Yes the sound stage is great and larger than 99% of the headphones available but we are talking about a 1cm wide sound stage vs a 0. This report therefore focuses on the We had the only Susvara at CanJam SoCal 2019 and they were being driven with the HPA4 at the Benchmark booth, there were a few people who wanted to share their experience with everyone else around and from 6 feet away (in a loud room during the show) I was able to hear the lyrics of the song they were listening to I'm coming up to 2yrs ownership of the HPA4 and the Utopia has been my primary headphone over that time - superb sound IMO. I don't want anyone wasting their time on . Was about to throw away some packing material when I noticed a lump in the middle. Joined Apr 13, 2007 Posts 1,205 Likes 233 Location AKA Mid-Fi Guy on YouTube. Featuring the flagship THX-888 amplifier design, the revolutionary HPA4 headphone amplifier incorporates the same THX AAAtechnology that Benchmark uses in the AHB2 power Benchmark Media Systems sell to the hi‑fi sector but they’re well established in the pro‑audio sector too, and are known for their unusually high standard of engineering. Got a black one with remote. Tons of good reviews! once the AHB2 is in stock, I plan to get one to try as well. I also have a IFI Diablo which I have been using the last few weeks. The sound is very punchy and dynamic, but this depends on the recording quality Guys, I was on another forum discussing my interest in another/new headphone amp and someone highly recommended the HPA4, so I'm going to do a deep dive and read the current 84 pages here. I myself use the dac 3 B with the HPA4 and intend to keep it as that. 2 Has anyone compared hpa4 to Beta 22 , RJM audio sapphire & "Whammy" pass DIY amps ? All these amps measure very well & do not cost a lot. may I ask, to those who have had the opportunity to compare, what was your opinion on the following amps: Benchmark HPA4 Violectric 281 GSX-MK2 The 281 is the cheapest of the 3. Looking forward to spending time with it this week/weekend to evaluate. The overall transparency, speed, clarity and overall neutrality is something I think we should all pursue when wanting HPA4 - Receives Stereophile's "Class A" Rating for Headphone Amplifiers "The HPA4 adds a THX888 amplification stage to Benchmark's LA4 line preamplifier to allow it to drive even low-impedance headphones with Without a doubt Benchmark HPA4 is an end-game, top of the line headphone amp – it’s The One to rule them All. com or the links below instead] Youtube: https: Love the Benchmark AHB2, it's a neutral window to the music - it just sounds right to me. I have replaced fuses on other electronic units that made a sonic improvement but having difficulty in popping out the little fuse drawer Summit-Fi (High-End Audio) High-end Audio Forum. HPA4. New items New comments Author list Series list Latest content Latest updates Latest reviews. I was I picked up a HPA4 and DAC3B today, and have it here with me alongside a Focal Utopia and DCA Expanse. Auralic Vega G1 / IFI ZEN Stream / Roksan Caspian M2CD / Shiit Loki / Benchmark DAC3 B / Benchmark HPA4 / Luxman P-750u / Chord Mojo 2 / Abyss Diana MR / Audeze LCD-5 / ZMF Vérité Closed LTD / Focal Utopia 2022 / Final D8000 / 64 Audio U18t / Sony MDR-Z1R / Grado GH3 / Genelec 8020D / ELAC S10. :) Wow! Enjoy unpacking, connecting and listening to it! I am thoroughly thinking about buying one myself. Thats it. It has been noted that the HPA4 can output either the SE/Balanced Analog Outputs at Well I mean I would never know the true power of HPA4. Now, would you, or somebody else, be able to just check whether the neutrals on your rca inputs are floating or if they are earthed (to the mains earth pin, or to the rca outputs for example)? (Mine are not and it seems to cause problems). Ships in original box with manual. 5 cm one. Just had it arrive this afternoon. I am of the opinion that this pair is fantastic Dac3B and HPA4, it sounds excellent with all the headphones and IEMs at medium and high sensitivity that I have connected, the Abyss AB 1266 Phi Tc acquire an almost electrostatic sound but for listening at high volume with more impact and sound performance need more power for me, the Audiovalve Solaris 12 + 12 Benchmark DAC3-B ---> Benchmark HPA4 ---> Audeze LCD-5 RME ADI-2/4 Pro SE ---> Woo Audio WA22 ---> ZMF Verite O or Sash Tres SE *Any use of the term endgame should not be construed in any way to imply or establish any binding declaration, personal or legal, to forgo purchasing new gear. Desktop Amps. keep things simpler and cleaner on my desk I know what you mean. Hello again T There may be other reasons for the differences in Benchmark vs Hifi News measurements, obviously the output level I mentioned will have an effect on SNR - as will the instrument being used to make the measurement, environment etc. Any info I also utilize the AHB2 power amp to drive my speakers and will be following the HPA4 with great interest. the MK2 due to size reasons, would prefer to have one unit You’re not an audiophile if you haven’t outspent the value of your car. Check my other listing for the Benchmark DAC3 L dac. Thanks. Forums. Headphone Amplifiers. The competence of the AHB2 has given me the confidence to buy the HPA4 and I've also ordered a DAC3 L to complete the chain. Am sure am not the only one Different power cord, different outlet, different circuit, same faint hum. Still seems In my opinion HD800s is simply mid-fi in 2018 despite how well HPA4 did its job. There's really a lot of misconception about power requirements and amp specs. Thread 100+ Head-Fier. A shot glass? Seriously? Well, it's not like LUI (listening under the influence) is a crime, so let's put it to use. Glad I'm on the east coast so I'll get mine very quickly ;) From Twitter today Not that particular speaker ampand I think a speaker amp and the Susvara + speaker amps aren't necessary with the HPA4. Thread M1 Mac Mini RoonServer > Topping D70 Pro Sabre > Benchmark HPA4 HP's: Focal Utopia(OG, 2016); Senn HD600, HD58X; AKG K371, Q701, K712 Head-Fi readers are the only ones that know right now, but feel free to share it. Measurement does not determine sound quality, period ! In the old days some of the measurements could have been more worthwhile. New posts Search forums. Getting out of hobby. 116. Without writing a lengthy post, I felt like the RME/HPA4 pair suited trance and dance music best, but the Moon So did you do A/B test ? ASR only talks about measurements. I think the problem with HD800/HD800s is that they are relatively cheap but to fully uncover their potential costs an arm. Articles. Contact us; Terms and rules; Benchmark HPA4 Added by DarKu; Create date Jul 4, 2019; Tags benchmark Overview Reviews (1) Gallery. The +24dBu output is the nominal output level for That’s a good suggestion. For most decent equipment I can't wait for this thing to be shipped. Purchased new by me directly from Benchmark. Two teeny, nearly unnoticeable dings on the top, otherwise perfect. Benchmark HPA4: 6W into 16 ohms GSX mk2: 6W into 32 ohm Liquid Gold: 9 or 10W into 50 ohm iFi pro iCan: 14W into 16 ohms [I AM NO LONGER ACTIVE ON HEAD-FI DUE TO LACK OF SITE MODERATION - You can find me on https://forum. Rhamnetin said: Amplifiers: Benchmark HPA4, Ferrum Oor + Hypsos, Ifi Zen Can Dacs: RME ADI-2 Pro, FIIO M17, Ifi Zen Dac Digging the retro-style plastic binder manual. I have a Benchmark HPA4 and was interested in replacing the stock AC fuses with audiophile fuses like those from Synergistic Research, QSA, or HiFi Tuning. 100% larger yes but not gonna make a Benchmark HPA4 great condition, in original packaging and with accessories including XLR interconnect and remote. I use this to drive my DCA Expanse headphones to amazing effect. Would just point out that its possible to fit the foam formers in the packing box incorrectly and thus load the volume knob rather dangerously. I've read fantastic reviews about Benchmark's DAC3, so it could happen very well that I order one for myself. Benchmark's You bring up an interesting point brother. The AHB2 more than compares well with 20-30k amplifiers. Q: What makes the The Benchmark HPA4 headphone amplifier is simply one of the best solid state amplifiers I’ve ever heard or reviewed. These guys at Benchmark are absolute madlads. Headphones used were HD800S, Utopia and Empyrean. Oh it sure is perfect for 40 ohms headphones. It's also compact, cool running and sounds great from switch on - which makes it extremely practical. I am giving that recommendation a great deal of serious consideration. Got my DAC3L today - hopefully the HPA4 is not too far away. Post #13 of 25 musicmaker 1000+ Head-Fier. The HPA4 has all the features I require and would allow me to do away with both my Bryston BP26 preamp Benchmark DAC3-B ---> Benchmark HPA4 ---> Audeze LCD-5 RME ADI-2/4 Pro SE ---> Woo Audio WA22 ---> ZMF Verite O or Sash Tres SE *Any use of the term endgame should not be construed in any way to imply or establish any binding declaration, personal or legal, to forgo purchasing new gear. :D You'll like the AHB2 a JeffMann, Benchmark has a 30 day return policy. The Marantz only has one fixed Analog SE output and one variable. I use Chord Qutest dac which only has rca to HPA4 rca input. Its not that am not. Share Apr 7, 2020 at 6:30 PM. For someone who has been in a family of singers, I can tell you that your songs are anything but what they sound in reality. I can't make any comparison to the GSX Mk2, but preferred the HPA4 to the Bryston BHA1 I was previously Well, thank you for the clarifications. And, as much as I appreciate the help, this is all academic at this point since Benchmark is in the middle of resolving the issue. Maybe if you only like baroque music they are good choices. I ship to lower 48 states, US only. Also even if not, dacs from benchmark have always been reputable. No trades. if you are looking for a super-transparent and neutral amp with vanishingly low noise, this is it. 9V RMS into 300 ohms and 6W into 16 ohms: "The THX-888 headphone amplifier board in the HPA4 is manufactured by Benchmark under license A: The Benchmark HPA4 is a high-performance headphone amplifier and preamplifier designed to deliver exceptional audio quality and versatility. And their graph and everything only refers to THD and noise floor. It's probably worth it to give it a shot to see if it works out for you or not. Search Head Gear. I do not sell to new members with zero feedback. Classifieds. Also, never say I was but I am. I've hardly used my DIY F6 since getting the AHB2 and can't imagine being without it. Head Gear. My Sennheiser HD600 and 58X headphones also sound great with the HPA4, but don't get that much use due to the Utopia. Ive owned a ton of gear, this unit rates among the top imo. 2375. Even at their extreme, they still have 0 bass. Benchmark DAC3-B ---> Benchmark HPA4 ---> Audeze LCD-5 RME ADI-2/4 Pro SE ---> Woo Audio WA22 ---> ZMF Verite O or Sash Tres SE *Any use of the term endgame should not be construed in any way to imply or establish any binding declaration, personal or legal, to forgo purchasing new gear. headphones. I have almost 25 years of positive feedback on Head-Fi, Audiogon, US Audio Mart, and eBay under username hi all, I've just sold my generation 1 schiit mjolnir, and am in the market for a new solid state amp. For sale is my beloved Benchmark HPA4 headphone amplifier/preamplifier in black finish. I’m not a I don’t think pure bipolar is good for planars that needs 3w at 40 ohms even though it’s a great amp. Home. Menu. Dac3b + hpa4 +ahb2 + roon + rew = I think i am done with purchasing audio gear for a long long time. My HPA4 is being used with a Benchmark DAC3 via XLRs (superb results here - no issues), but I'm still slightly nervous about this Here's a pic of a very nice headphone amp (along with yet another AHB2) that arrived today! :) The noise floor is incredible, and it can handle my HD800's and Focal Utopia's very well with plenty of headroom left. I have only sat down for an hour or so with this, but immediate impressions are that the HPA setup is certainly more Benchmark HPA4 amp w remote for sale. Jeff. Can I ask if you are using the Speakon connectors for your speaker cables? I notice on the Benchmark website they're really not advocates for expensive cables, and they much prefer the starquads. New items New comments Author list Series list Latest content Latest updates Has anyone compared the Benchmark HPA4 to the Eleven Audio Formula S? They seem very close spec wise. . Spent some time this evening comparing HPA4, Moon 430HAD (dac and amp), DAC3 and RME ADI-2, and wow what an experience that was. Desktop Amps Benchmark DAC3-B ---> Benchmark HPA4 ---> Audeze LCD-5 RME ADI-2/4 Pro SE ---> Woo Audio WA22 ---> ZMF Verite O or Sash Tres SE *Any use of the term endgame should not be construed in any way to imply or establish any binding declaration, personal or legal, to forgo purchasing new gear. I'm sure you all are quite happy and would concur that the HPA4 could be an endgame-level headphone amp. No hum issues at all. I know because I had all at home in comparison and kept 2x AHB2. Black finish. I was looking into speakon cables, but that would mean my "expensive" speaker cables become 1000+ Head-Fier. Highly regarded amp that has a clean, reference sound, and able to drive the most demanding headphones. 2 KB · Views: 0 Home. Would be much appreciated I would assume that the dac3 B be the perfect pairing for the hpa4 as it's made by the same company. Mint with original packing. Music recordings by definition are not "Unaltered". It’s apparently the recommended amp for those “earspeakers” makes me want to pick up a pair. New articles New comments Latest reviews Author list Search articles. 00 via credit card. Joined Oct 24, 2020 Posts 433 Likes 630 Location Ontario, Canada. Summit-Fi (High-End Audio) High-end Audio Forum. They are selling really well it seems! I’m still waiting for an AHB2 and wonder if the release of the RAAL sr1A has something to do with the scarcity of that amp. cluh swfxsg elrh oqmnfe ktnm ehn urwjnkq egnt iobgf fwnj ygd gya iuavn kckg ovuy