LINE LEVEL PRE-AMPLIFIER

Benchmark LA4 – Line Amplifier

The LA4 line-level preamplifier features the best analog volume control system available at any price.

At each volume setting, relays select pairs of high-precision resistors to attenuate the music to the desired level. This system eliminates the noise, distortion, and L/R balance issues found in more conventional analog volume control systems. Traditional potentiometers and integrated electronic volume controls are the weakest link in most Hi-Fi signal chains. The LA4 removes the weak link while optimising the system noise performance at each volume setting.

The award-winning LA4 is designed to keep noise and distortion below the 0-dB SPL threshold of hearing at each of the 256 volume control settings. No preamplifier delivers a higher degree of transparency.

The LA4 provides input selection and volume control without adding an “electronic fingerprint” to the music. Discover the difference! Listen to the music, not the electronics.

Relay-Controlled Volume
High-Precision Low-Impedance 256-Step Attenuator
Low-Noise 16-Step Input Gain Stage
Control Range is +15 dB to -127.5 dB in 0.5 dB Steps
High Precision Laser-Trimmed Thin-Film Resistors
12 Relays per Output Channel – 24 Total
Precision Make-Before-Break Timing – Prevents Switching Noise
Extended Frequency Response
Ultra Wide 0.1 Hz to 500 kHz Response
Bass is Delivered Without a Phase Shift
Fast, Distortion-Free Transient Response
Linear Phase Response
Accurately Reproduces the Audio Waveshape
Precise Rendering of Stereo Width and Depth
Focused 3-D Stereo Image
Fully-Balanced Signal Path
2 Pairs of Balanced Line Inputs
Fully-Balanced Differential Input Amplifiers
Fully-Balanced Relay-Controlled Gain Stage
Fully-Balanced Relay-Controlled Attenuation Stage
Fully-Balanced Output Line Drivers
Left, Right and Mono – Balanced Line Outputs
Unbalanced Inputs and Outputs Included
System Optimisation
Establishes an Optimal Gain Structure Between the DAC and Power Amplifier
System Noise Performance is Optimized at all Volume Settings
Matches Hi-Fi to Pro Signal Levels
Matches Unbalanced to Balanced Signal Levels
Perfect Match Between a DAC3 and AHB2
Use a Single Remote to Control an All-Benchmark System
Special Features
Colour Touch Screen
Balance Control
-20 dB “Dim” Function
Soft Unmute
Two Bidirectional 12V Trigger Ports
Gain Offset Adjustments for Each Input
Home Theatre Bypass Function
Studio Applications
Precise, Repeatable Gain Settings Calibrated in dB
Studio +28 dBu Input and Output Capability
Instant A/B Switching Between Sources with Calibrated Input Offsets
Volume Knob uses Long-Life Heavy-Duty Optical Encoder
Long-Life Telcom-Grade Gold-Contact Relays
Rack-Mount Version Available

DESIGNED, ASSEMBLED, AND TESTED N THE USA

This Benchmark product was designed, assembled, and tested in the USA using USA and imported components. Most major components are made in USA.