Benchmark USA
Benchmark HPA4
Best reference amplifier for audiophiles seeking absolute sonic transparency and precision.
The Benchmark HPA4 is an ultimate headphone and line amplifier featuring THX Achromatic Audio Amplifier (AAA™) technology for a realistic and fatigue-free listening experience. It boasts a 100% analog signal path, delivering sonic perfection with incredibly low noise and distortion. This high-voltage, high-current amplifier provides exceptional power and speed, accurately reproducing audio signals across a wide frequency range. With balanced and unbalanced I/O, system integration capabilities, and a user-friendly touchscreen interface, the HPA4 offers unparalleled performance and convenience for discerning audio enthusiasts. The Benchmark HPA4 is a flagship headphone amplifier and line-level preamplifier, featuring the exclusive THX-888 amplifier. This device utilizes patented THX-AAA feed-forward topology to achieve noise and distortion levels below the threshold of hearing, even with demanding headphones. It combines Benchmark's renowned LA4 line-level preamplifier with a powerful headphone amplifier, offering exceptional transparency and control. Its relay-controlled volume and input selection ensure precise operation, making it a versatile component for critical listening and professional audio applications. The Benchmark HPA4 is a high-performance headphone and line amplifier designed for critical listening. It features THX Achromatic Audio Amplifier (AAA™) technology with the flagship THX-888 design, ensuring incredibly low distortion and noise for a pure audio experience. This 100% analog unit offers high voltage, current, and power output, capable of driving demanding headphones with precision and speed. Its advanced relay gain control provides 256 steps of adjustment, complemented by a touch screen and rotary encoder for intuitive operation. The HPA4 includes balanced and unbalanced I/O for versatile system integration.
$3499.00
Owner Satisfaction
4.7
/ 5
Category Rank
32
/ 733
#32 in Headphone Amplifiers
Price vs Category Average
+151%
Above average
THX-888™ Headphone Output
Who it's for
- Audiophiles demanding absolute sonic purity and transparency
- Listeners requiring precise volume matching at low levels
- System builders needing a versatile preamp and headphone amp
Who should skip it
- Budget-conscious listeners seeking entry-level audio gear
- Design enthusiasts preferring elegant or ornate home aesthetics
- Users wanting an all-in-one digital streaming solution
Performance breakdown
Signal Transparency
THX-888 technology virtually eliminates noise and distortion for pure audio reproduction.
Drive Capability
High-voltage output effortlessly powers even the most demanding high-impedance headphones.
Volume Precision
Relay-controlled gain offers 256 granular steps for perfect, channel-matched listening levels.
System Versatility
Comprehensive balanced and unbalanced I/O options integrate seamlessly into any setup.
Build Quality
Expertly designed and tested in the USA for long-term professional reliability.
Interface Intuition
Touchscreen and rotary encoder provide a modern, tactile control experience.
Key Specs
THX-888™ Headphone Output
THD < -125 dB (0.00006%)
SNR > 131 dB, unweighted, 20-20 kHz
SNR > 135 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, near 0 Ohms
Output Noise < 2.45 uV at Unity Gain, 20-20 kHz
Features
- THX AAA™ technology for ultra-low distortion and realistic sound.
- 100% analog signal path for pure audio fidelity.
- High voltage, high current, and high power output for demanding headphones.
- Precision relay gain control with 256 steps for smooth volume adjustments.
- Balanced and unbalanced input/output options for versatile system integration.
- Advanced protection systems safeguard headphones and the amplifier.
- Intuitive touchscreen and rotary encoder for easy operation.
- Designed, assembled, and tested in the USA for quality assurance.
- Benchmark-exclusive THX-888 headphone amplifier technology
- Patented THX-AAA feed-forward topology for ultra-low noise and distortion
- Combines flagship headphone amplification with LA4 line-level preamplifier
- Relay-controlled volume and input selection for precise operation
- Drives even the most difficult headphones with exceptional clarity
- Award-winning design recognized for superior audio performance
- THX Achromatic Audio Amplifier (AAA™) technology for ultra-low distortion
- 100% analog signal path
- High power and voltage output
- Precise relay gain control
What customers say
The Benchmark HPA4 is highly regarded for its superior build quality and dependable performance. Users consistently praise its precise volume control and elegant design, which complements any high end audio system. This amplifier is celebrated for its sonic transparency, offering a pure listening experience without coloration. The intuitive touchscreen interface ensures simple and efficient daily operation. It is a worthwhile investment for those who demand consistent, top tier audio performance.
Know before you buy
Yes, the HPA4 functions as a high-performance line-level preamplifier. It includes balanced and unbalanced outputs, allowing you to integrate it directly into a speaker-based system alongside your headphone setup.
Absolutely. The HPA4 is designed to handle demanding loads, delivering up to 11.5 Vrms into 300 ohms and 6 watts into 16 ohms, ensuring it can drive even the most difficult headphones with ease.
The THX-888 technology utilizes feed-forward error correction to virtually eliminate noise and distortion. This results in an incredibly clean, transparent sound that allows you to hear the finest details in your music without fatigue.
The HPA4 uses a relay-controlled gain system that offers 256 steps of adjustment in 0.5 dB increments. This ensures perfect channel balance and precise volume control that remains accurate regardless of the setting.
Yes, the unit is highly versatile, featuring two balanced stereo inputs and two unbalanced stereo inputs. For outputs, it provides both balanced and unbalanced headphone jacks, as well as balanced and unbalanced line-level outputs.
Yes, the HPA4 features a 100% analog signal path. By avoiding digital processing, it maintains the purity of the audio signal from the input to the output stage.
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