BENCHMARK RELEASES NEW HPA4 HEADPHONE AMPLIFIER
Benchmark Media Systems will be introducing its new HPA4 headphone/line amplifier this month at CanJam SoCal and Axpona Audio Expo.
If you are familiar with the company’s award-winning AHB2 power amplifier, you will already be aware of its use of THX Achromatic Audio Amplifier (AAA) technology.
This has also been used in the new HPA4. John Siau, VP of Benchmark, explained to StereoNET:
… it reduces harmonic, intermodulation, and crossover distortion by 20 to 40 dB to guarantee a realistic and fatigue-free listening experience.
The HPA4 is equipped with the flagship THX-888 headphone amplifier design and is driven by an all-new Benchmark line amplifier featuring a fully-balanced 256-step relay gain control.
A separate 256-step attenuator controls balanced and unbalanced line outputs. Volume control is presented in precise 0.5 dB steps. The unit has been designed to be totally analogue and to be driven either by a DAC or analogue source.
The HPA4 also features a touch screen and remote control capabilities.
Benchmark expects that many customers will purchase the HPA4 strictly for headphone use. Others will use the HPA4 to drive their favourite power amplifier and speakers.
The HPA4 has independent volume controls for the headphone and line outputs and so provides the flexibility to integrate with virtually any hi-end audio system. Naturally, it has been specifically designed to match the performance of the Benchmark’s own AHB2 power amplifier.
The HPA4 is available for preorder now from Benchmark for US$2995 + $100 for the optional remote control.
It will be available in the UK for £3199 inc VAT and will start shipping in June.
See Benchmark and its new products at the upcoming U.S. trade shows this month - CanJam Global SoCal, April 7-8, and Axpona Audio Expo, April 13-15.
For more information visit Benchmark.
Jay Garrett
StereoNET’s resident rock star, bass player, and gadget junkie. Jay heads up StereoNET as Editor for the United Kingdom and Europe regions. His passion for gadgets and Hi-Fi is second only to being a touring musician.
Posted in: Headphones
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