Benchmark HPA4 and LA4 Preamps

Just curious if you had any detailed thoughts on the ABH2 that you sold?

The AHB2 is really great. It gives you a clear sound like nothing I have ever heard. I loved it with my KEF LS50's. I sold it to raise funds  not because I disliked it. I would like to get the AHB2 for my LS50's in the future (2 future classic pieces that I will keep until they fall apart)

However,  when I demoed the Magico A3 speakers I was able to do a direct AB comparison with the Mark Levinson mono blocks ($20K), the Mark Levinson 585 integrated ($12K), and the AHB2. I found that the AHB2 had a slightly clearer sound but the ML gear moved the sound away from the speakers and gave a beautiful soundstage and separation of performers (instruments). Now the AHB2 was not bad with the soundstage it was the the ML gear was a lot better. 

It could have been that the Magico  A3 required more power than a single AHB2 was delivering. There are some big speakers out there that are being driven by AHB2 monoblocks and I would think those owners know what they are doing.

If you have the spare cash I think an AHB2 is a great amp to have in the house. As either a main or spare. I can vouch, to my ears, that with the KEF LS50's it was amazing. This is one of the reasons I am even considering the LA4 preamp (it has the THX stuff as the AHB2).

Like you, I have a Benchmark system - the DAC3 HGC and I’m awaiting the arrival of the backordered AHB2 amp. I use older Klipschorn speakers. I got the HGC at a good price but I would have preferred to get the L version of the DAC without the headphone amp or the volume control and instead get the HPA4 to go in between the DAC and the amp, not only for the better headphone amp and better volume control but also because it has a second analog input. If I want to add a tuner now, I’ll have to unplug and plug. With the HPA4, I wouldn’t. I don’t currently have this need but, you know this hobby, I’d like to be ready someday. But I’m very happy with the performance of the DAC3. I had a DAC1 many years ago and though I liked it, I wanted the signaling on the front of the bit/kHz combo coming to the unit. Best wishes. 

There is a new review of the Benchmark preamp without the headphone amp. 

https://www.soundstagehifi.com/index.php/equipment-reviews/1352-benchmark-media-systems-la4-preamplifier

I am a little disappointed in this review in that they did not mention a comparison of the LA4 into a high end amplifier compared with the same amp on a highend preamp.

Whatever, the case I am going to get a home demo of this preamp from Benchmark and try it with the Luxman m900u amp (my end game amp).