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Benchmark Media
HPA4 Headphone / Line Amplifier with Remote Control
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The Benchmark HPA4 headphone/line amplifier features THX Achromatic Audio Amplifier (AAA™) technology, which allows the amplifier to reach its maximum output power and sound pressure level (SPL) without producing the distortion that normally accompanies increased output levels in traditional amplifiers. The HPA4 delivers sonic perfection. Hear the music without any contamination from electronic noise or distortion. The HPA4 delivers power, audio fidelity, speed and accuracy over an utterly silent background.
THE ULTIMATE LINE AMPLIFIER
The THX-888 amplifier is driven by a Benchmark line amplifier that features relay gain control, relay input selection, and relay muting. The line amplifier incorporates the finest gold-contact relays available. The gain control has 256 steps in 0.5 dB increments. It also features a balance control. Relay closures are precisely timed to deliver silky-smooth volume changes. No other relay gain control offers this level of precision and performance. The HPA4 includes 4 independent 256-step attenuators: two for the L&R headphone outputs, and two for the L&R line outputs. To make this all happen, the HPA4 includes a total of 64 precision relays.
100% ANALOG SIGNAL PATH
The HPA4 is 100% analog. It is designed to be driven from an external D/A converter or an external analog source. The HPA4 is designed to provide the ultimate analog signal path between inputs and outputs. The HPA4 eclipses the performance of typical high-end preamplifiers by achieving much lower noise and distortion.
HIGH VOLTAGE, HIGH CURRENT AND HIGH POWER
The THX-888 amplifiercan cleanly deliver high voltage into low-sensitivity high-impedance headphones and it can cleanly deliver high power and current into low-impedance headphones. The HPA4 delivers 11.9 Vrms into 300 Ohms and 6 Watts into 16 Ohms. Given these extreme capabilities, Benchmark has incorporated several protection systems to protect expensive headphones and the amplifier itself. These include DC detection, short-circuit detection, over-current protection, over-voltage protection, and thermal protection.
SPEED AND PRECISION
The bandwidth of the HPA4 extends from 0.01 Hz to over 500 kHz. This means that the HPA4 delivers very precise amplitude and phase accuracy over the entire audio bandwidth. Wave shapes are accurately reproduced, and the entire spectrum is delivered with precise timing. The HPA4 will deliver musical overtones with life-like accuracy. This means that musical instruments are rendered without changing their sonic character.
BALANCED AND UNBALANCED I/O
The headphone output of the THX-888 amplifierfeatures a 1/4" TRS and a 4-pin XLR. Both outputs deliver the full performance of the HPA4. However, we recommend the XLR4 due to its lower contact resistance. The HPA4 features two balanced stereo inputs and two unbalanced stereo inputs. The line amplifier provides one balanced stereo output, one balanced mono sum, and one unbalanced stereo output.
SYSTEM INTEGRATION
The HPA4 includes IR remote control and can be operated using the optional Benchmark remote. The HPA4 is designed to work with the Benchmark DAC2 and DAC3 converters but may be driven from any high-end D/A converter. When paired with a Benchmark DAC, a single remote control will operate both units.
The HPA4 is the perfect complement to the Benchmark AHB2. It may be the only preamplifier or line amplifier that exceeds the signal to noise ratio of the ultra-quiet AHB2. This means that the HPA4 will extract the full performance of the AHB2. In contrast, other preamplifiers limit the system noise performance because they cannot match the SNR performance of the AHB2. The HPA4 is the only line amplifier/preamplifier that we recommend inserting between a DAC and the AHB2. The HPA4 can be inserted between a Benchmark DAC3 and AHB2 without degrading the system noise performance. With the HPA4 inserted, the DAC3's 32-bit digital gain control is replaced by the HPA4's more-resolving fully-analog relay gain control.
Two bidirectional 12V trigger ports can be used to link the HPA4 with external D/A converters and power amplifiers. The trigger signal controls the power-up and power-down sequencing of the entire audio system. The trigger ports are compatible with most industry-standard trigger input or output ports, but can communicate bidirectionally with other Benchmark products.
TOUCH SCREEN
The touch screen provides easy access to advanced features such as balance control, input level offsets, input names, screen dimming, remote control, and function locking. Help screens explain the special functions.
ROTARY ENCODER
The volume control knob features a high-quality optical encoder that is rated for heavy use. An acceleration feature makes it easy to move through the 256 volume steps while maintaining 0.5 dB/step resolution. A press of the control knob toggles between headphone volume, line out volume, or both.
CONVENIENCE FEATURES
The HPA4 includes independent on-screen mute buttons for the headphone and line outputs. Both can also be muted with the volume knob or with the optional remote control.
The HPA4 includes an on-screen -20 dB dim button that instantly reduces the level by 20dB. This function provides a temporary volume reduction and an easy return to the previous listening level. This control makes it easy to transition between a normal listening level and a background level. The dim function is also accessible from the optional remote control.
Inputs may be renamed and unused inputs may be disabled. Input levels can be trimmed to provide input-to-input level matching.
Screen brightness is adjustable and timers can be set to dim or shut off the display. The screen can be locked to prevent access to advanced features.
CASEWORK
The HPA4 is available with a black or silver faceplate and is designed to match the Benchmark AHB2 power amplifier. It occupies the same footprint as the Benchmark DAC1, DAC2 and DAC3 converters. The case features a milled faceplate and milled sides. Top, bottom, and rear panels are made from thick aluminum and feature a brushed texture. The HPA4 is built to last and will be a fine addition to your listening space.
DESIGNED, ASSEMBLED, AND TESTED IN 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.
FEATURES
• THX-888 (AAA™)Headphone Amplifier
• Benchmark Low-Noise Line Amplifier
• 256-Step Fully-Balanced Relay Gain Control, 0.5 dB Steps
• Precision Timed Relay Closures
• Precision Metal Film Resistors
• Gold-Contact Relays
• Balanced and Unbalanced I/O
• 6 Watts into 16 Ohm Headphones
• 11.5 Vrms into 300 Ohm Headphones
• 0.01 Hz to 500 kHz
• SNR > 135 dB
• THD < 125 dB (0.00006%) under full load
• Short-Circuit Protection
• DC Protection
• Over-Voltage Protection
• Over-Current Protection
• Thermal Protection
• Touch Screen Control
• IR Remote Control (optional)
• 2 Balanced Stereo Line Inputs
• 2 Unbalanced Stereo Line Inputs
• 1 Balanced Stereo Line Output
• 1 Unbalanced Stereo Line Output
• 1 Balanced Mono Sum Output
• 2 Bidirectional 12V Trigger Ports
SPECIFICATIONS
(using balanced inputs at +24 dBu)
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
• Maximum Output Power, 6 Watts into 16 Ohms
• Maximum Output Current, 1.5 A
• Maximum Output Voltage, 11.5 Vrms into 300 Ohms
• Crosstalk < -133 dB @ 1 kHz, -115 dB @ 10 kHz (XLR4)
BALANCED LINE OUTPUTS:
• THD < -125 dB (0.00006%)
• SNR > 135 dB, unweighted, 20-20 kHz
• SNR > 137 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 60 Ohms
• Output Noise < 1.9 uV at Unity Gain, 20-20 kHz
• Maximum Input and Output Voltage, 20 Vrms (+28 dBu)
• Crosstalk < -133 dB @ 1 kHz, -116 dB @ 10 kHz
DIMENSIONS:
8.65" W x 3.88" H x 8.33" D - Including Feet
8.65" W x 3.47" H x 8.33" D - Excluding Feet
WEIGHT:
8.0 lbs., 12 lbs. shipping
POWER:
• 18W Typical Input Power
• 35W Maximum Input power
• 0.33 W Standby Power (when off)
• Internal Universal Power Supply
THE ULTIMATE LINE AMPLIFIER
The THX-888 amplifier is driven by a Benchmark line amplifier that features relay gain control, relay input selection, and relay muting. The line amplifier incorporates the finest gold-contact relays available. The gain control has 256 steps in 0.5 dB increments. It also features a balance control. Relay closures are precisely timed to deliver silky-smooth volume changes. No other relay gain control offers this level of precision and performance. The HPA4 includes 4 independent 256-step attenuators: two for the L&R headphone outputs, and two for the L&R line outputs. To make this all happen, the HPA4 includes a total of 64 precision relays.
100% ANALOG SIGNAL PATH
The HPA4 is 100% analog. It is designed to be driven from an external D/A converter or an external analog source. The HPA4 is designed to provide the ultimate analog signal path between inputs and outputs. The HPA4 eclipses the performance of typical high-end preamplifiers by achieving much lower noise and distortion.
HIGH VOLTAGE, HIGH CURRENT AND HIGH POWER
The THX-888 amplifiercan cleanly deliver high voltage into low-sensitivity high-impedance headphones and it can cleanly deliver high power and current into low-impedance headphones. The HPA4 delivers 11.9 Vrms into 300 Ohms and 6 Watts into 16 Ohms. Given these extreme capabilities, Benchmark has incorporated several protection systems to protect expensive headphones and the amplifier itself. These include DC detection, short-circuit detection, over-current protection, over-voltage protection, and thermal protection.
SPEED AND PRECISION
The bandwidth of the HPA4 extends from 0.01 Hz to over 500 kHz. This means that the HPA4 delivers very precise amplitude and phase accuracy over the entire audio bandwidth. Wave shapes are accurately reproduced, and the entire spectrum is delivered with precise timing. The HPA4 will deliver musical overtones with life-like accuracy. This means that musical instruments are rendered without changing their sonic character.
BALANCED AND UNBALANCED I/O
The headphone output of the THX-888 amplifierfeatures a 1/4" TRS and a 4-pin XLR. Both outputs deliver the full performance of the HPA4. However, we recommend the XLR4 due to its lower contact resistance. The HPA4 features two balanced stereo inputs and two unbalanced stereo inputs. The line amplifier provides one balanced stereo output, one balanced mono sum, and one unbalanced stereo output.
SYSTEM INTEGRATION
The HPA4 includes IR remote control and can be operated using the optional Benchmark remote. The HPA4 is designed to work with the Benchmark DAC2 and DAC3 converters but may be driven from any high-end D/A converter. When paired with a Benchmark DAC, a single remote control will operate both units.
The HPA4 is the perfect complement to the Benchmark AHB2. It may be the only preamplifier or line amplifier that exceeds the signal to noise ratio of the ultra-quiet AHB2. This means that the HPA4 will extract the full performance of the AHB2. In contrast, other preamplifiers limit the system noise performance because they cannot match the SNR performance of the AHB2. The HPA4 is the only line amplifier/preamplifier that we recommend inserting between a DAC and the AHB2. The HPA4 can be inserted between a Benchmark DAC3 and AHB2 without degrading the system noise performance. With the HPA4 inserted, the DAC3's 32-bit digital gain control is replaced by the HPA4's more-resolving fully-analog relay gain control.
Two bidirectional 12V trigger ports can be used to link the HPA4 with external D/A converters and power amplifiers. The trigger signal controls the power-up and power-down sequencing of the entire audio system. The trigger ports are compatible with most industry-standard trigger input or output ports, but can communicate bidirectionally with other Benchmark products.
TOUCH SCREEN
The touch screen provides easy access to advanced features such as balance control, input level offsets, input names, screen dimming, remote control, and function locking. Help screens explain the special functions.
ROTARY ENCODER
The volume control knob features a high-quality optical encoder that is rated for heavy use. An acceleration feature makes it easy to move through the 256 volume steps while maintaining 0.5 dB/step resolution. A press of the control knob toggles between headphone volume, line out volume, or both.
CONVENIENCE FEATURES
The HPA4 includes independent on-screen mute buttons for the headphone and line outputs. Both can also be muted with the volume knob or with the optional remote control.
The HPA4 includes an on-screen -20 dB dim button that instantly reduces the level by 20dB. This function provides a temporary volume reduction and an easy return to the previous listening level. This control makes it easy to transition between a normal listening level and a background level. The dim function is also accessible from the optional remote control.
Inputs may be renamed and unused inputs may be disabled. Input levels can be trimmed to provide input-to-input level matching.
Screen brightness is adjustable and timers can be set to dim or shut off the display. The screen can be locked to prevent access to advanced features.
CASEWORK
The HPA4 is available with a black or silver faceplate and is designed to match the Benchmark AHB2 power amplifier. It occupies the same footprint as the Benchmark DAC1, DAC2 and DAC3 converters. The case features a milled faceplate and milled sides. Top, bottom, and rear panels are made from thick aluminum and feature a brushed texture. The HPA4 is built to last and will be a fine addition to your listening space.
DESIGNED, ASSEMBLED, AND TESTED IN 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.
FEATURES
• THX-888 (AAA™)Headphone Amplifier
• Benchmark Low-Noise Line Amplifier
• 256-Step Fully-Balanced Relay Gain Control, 0.5 dB Steps
• Precision Timed Relay Closures
• Precision Metal Film Resistors
• Gold-Contact Relays
• Balanced and Unbalanced I/O
• 6 Watts into 16 Ohm Headphones
• 11.5 Vrms into 300 Ohm Headphones
• 0.01 Hz to 500 kHz
• SNR > 135 dB
• THD < 125 dB (0.00006%) under full load
• Short-Circuit Protection
• DC Protection
• Over-Voltage Protection
• Over-Current Protection
• Thermal Protection
• Touch Screen Control
• IR Remote Control (optional)
• 2 Balanced Stereo Line Inputs
• 2 Unbalanced Stereo Line Inputs
• 1 Balanced Stereo Line Output
• 1 Unbalanced Stereo Line Output
• 1 Balanced Mono Sum Output
• 2 Bidirectional 12V Trigger Ports
SPECIFICATIONS
(using balanced inputs at +24 dBu)
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
• Maximum Output Power, 6 Watts into 16 Ohms
• Maximum Output Current, 1.5 A
• Maximum Output Voltage, 11.5 Vrms into 300 Ohms
• Crosstalk < -133 dB @ 1 kHz, -115 dB @ 10 kHz (XLR4)
BALANCED LINE OUTPUTS:
• THD < -125 dB (0.00006%)
• SNR > 135 dB, unweighted, 20-20 kHz
• SNR > 137 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 60 Ohms
• Output Noise < 1.9 uV at Unity Gain, 20-20 kHz
• Maximum Input and Output Voltage, 20 Vrms (+28 dBu)
• Crosstalk < -133 dB @ 1 kHz, -116 dB @ 10 kHz
DIMENSIONS:
8.65" W x 3.88" H x 8.33" D - Including Feet
8.65" W x 3.47" H x 8.33" D - Excluding Feet
WEIGHT:
8.0 lbs., 12 lbs. shipping
POWER:
• 18W Typical Input Power
• 35W Maximum Input power
• 0.33 W Standby Power (when off)
• Internal Universal Power Supply
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A warranty can be a very important factor when making a buying decision. Because repairs can be very expensive in terms of parts and labour costs, manufacturers usually only provide one year limited warranties that generally only cover items that malfunction due to a manufacturer’s defect. With an important purchase such as a musical
instrument or piece of studio gear, however, many people want to have the peace of mind in knowing that their investment will be protected should the product no longer be performing at 100%.
Because of this, Long & McQuade provides our customers with a FREE one-year Performance Warranty on most of our products. The Long & McQuade Performance Warranty supplements the manufacturer’s warranty to ensure that our customers receive complete “no hassle” warranty coverage within their first year.
How does the Long & McQuade Performance Warranty differ from most manufacturers' warranties?
- Performance Guarantee: Normal wear and tear is covered, so your product will be performing as well as the day you purchased it for the entire duration of the coverage. Band and Orchestral Performance Warranty does not include replacing pads or cleaning for woodwind instruments, unless deemed necessary by our repair staff. Ultrasonic cleaning for brass instruments will be provided if deemed necessary by our repair staff, but is not routinely offered under the Performance Warranty.
- Product Replacement: If your product cannot be fixed or costs too much to fix, we will replace it with the equivalent model for no additional charge. If this is not possible, a full refund will be provided.
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- Accessory Coverage: Any peripheral devices or accessories that come with your product (i.e. foot pedal, case) are also covered.
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Long & McQuade reserves the right to restrict the purchase of additional years of Performance Warranty. Used products come with a 3-month Long & McQuade Performance Warranty. Some products (i.e. computers, software, cymbals and other items) are covered only by the manufacturer‘s warranty. Consumables (i.e. strings, reeds, drum sticks, batteries, tubes, cross faders) are excluded as they are designed to be replaced. Cosmetic Damage, Accidental Damage, or problems caused by Humidity or Temperature Issues are not covered. Speakers damaged by overpowering are generally not covered. Our coverage does not provide compensation for loss of use. As of June 2018 the Performance Warranty is no longer transferable. The warranty is only valid in Canada.
Purchasing additional years of coverage
Some manufacturers provide warranties for longer than 1 year; however, these are usually limited warranties that do not provide the same coverage as the Long & McQuade Performance Warranty. Customers interested in more complete and convenient (but not necessarily longer) coverage are still able to purchase additional years of the Performance Warranty.
If you are interested in receiving this coverage for longer than one year, you have the option of purchasing additional years of the Performance Warranty. The pricing is as follows:
- NEW products: 4% of the current new selling price to double the warranty from 1 year to 2 years. 4% for each additional year.
- USED products: 4% of the current new selling price to increase the warranty from 3 months to 1 year. 4% for each additional year.
- GUITARS: 4% of the current new selling price to double the warranty from 1 year to 2 years. 4% for each additional year. $45 maximum. An additional free setup is not included with additional purchased years of Performance Warranty.
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| Product | SKU | Qty |
|---|---|---|
| HPA4 Headphone / Line Amplifier with Remote Control | 730594 |
