Anyone own one of these preamps ?


My buddy is looking to upgrade his preamp and is considering these.   We’ve both read the various reviews, I’m just reaching out to see who might have personal experience with any of them.    Any positive or negative feedback is welcome.    
(He’s open to s/s or tube/hybrid).  Obviously he will also assess what will be a good match to the rest of his system, but here we’re just looking for personal exposure to any of them.   Some are still current models, others would be used:

— Benchmark LA4 (half-chassis footprint is annoying lol)

— Anthem

— Rogue Audio RP-9

— Ayre Acoustics KX-8

— Herron VTSP-360

 

Thanks all!

analog_tiffer

The Benchmark LA4 is my end game pre. I tried bunch of them and when I put this in my system it was instant love. Who wants to hear their pre, I certainly don't. It is completely transparent to source for which I am completely grateful every single day. It's utilitarian looks are a money saver. The remote, volume control, switching, and connections are all first class. Pair it with the DAC 3B and enjoy the synergy. Also service is the absolute best!

If you only like chocolate milk then this is not for you. Fresh clear cool/warm water is what we were designed to drink. To each his own.

@gkelly A metal remote is going to hold up better to the possibility of being dropped over the plastic one,  but the heavier metal one has more weight when you hold it in you hand ,and if dropped will hold up better,but it does not change the sound.

the black screws in the back of the metal remote makes the sound better than if the screws were silver, @yags1.

Just wait until I tell you about how a lithium battery in your remote can actually help improve the sound stage. The reason one would desire a metal remote it will help with the knock test experience. Goes a long ways, towards making one feel good about their purchases. 
sorry op for going off topic, I still vote 🗳️ for the Anthem! 
 

@ Gkelly Lithium , Right does that make the signal travel faster to the receiver ?