SPL Phonitor X vs. Benchmark HPA4
Clipdat
Posts: 7,138
I've been looking at and researching two big boy headphone amps (plus built in preamps) and wondering which one is "best".
SPL Phonitor X - $2,500 (without DAC)
Which of course I would get in red, naturally.
vs.
Benchmark HPA4 - $3,000
They both have a similar feature set, so I'm not sure if there is one clear "winner". It's possible the only way to know for sure which is "best" is to listen to both of them back to back.
Anyone have experience with either of these pieces?
SPL Phonitor X - $2,500 (without DAC)
Which of course I would get in red, naturally.
vs.
Benchmark HPA4 - $3,000
They both have a similar feature set, so I'm not sure if there is one clear "winner". It's possible the only way to know for sure which is "best" is to listen to both of them back to back.
Anyone have experience with either of these pieces?
"Electronic music is human sound adapting to indulge technology, and for some, it feels like the signature sound of energy. New and abstract sounds over hypnotic rhythms can conjure vast soundscapes for escape, pleasure, and transcendence."
Comments
Phonitor X:
HPA4:
And they both have a perfect feature for my specific use case, the ability to have a fixed or variable preamp output!
The SPL has the interesting crossfeed feature and VU meters going for it. The Benchmark has a superior relay stepped volume control, a touchscreen and great specs. It's also $500 more expensive though.
I'm leaning toward the SPL, even though it's slightly too large for where I want to put it.
Why not get a preamp with headphone output? I have a pre that I used for headphones at work, and it was great.
Lumin X1
Sony XA-5400ES SACD
Pass XP-22 pre, X600.5 amps
Magico S5 MKII Mcast Rose speakers, SPOD spikes
Shunyata Triton v3/Typhon QR on preamp, Denali 2000 (2) on amps
Shunyata Sigma XLR analog ICs, Sigma speaker cables
Shunyata Sigma HC (2), Sigma Analog, Sigma Digital, Z Anaconda (3) power cables
Mapleshade Samson V.3 four shelf solid maple rack, Micropoint brass footers
Three 20 amp circuits.
Lumin X1
Sony XA-5400ES SACD
Pass XP-22 pre, X600.5 amps
Magico S5 MKII Mcast Rose speakers, SPOD spikes
Shunyata Triton v3/Typhon QR on preamp, Denali 2000 (2) on amps
Shunyata Sigma XLR analog ICs, Sigma speaker cables
Shunyata Sigma HC (2), Sigma Analog, Sigma Digital, Z Anaconda (3) power cables
Mapleshade Samson V.3 four shelf solid maple rack, Micropoint brass footers
Three 20 amp circuits.
I like the look of the SPL better. But gotta love the touch screen
One for sale. No affiliation.
https://sfbay.craigslist.org/sfc/ele/d/san-francisco-benchmark-hpa4-headphone/6893677375.html
Cheers
AVR-Pioneer SC99
Adcom 585
RTi12s
Rear- RT150
Center-CSi5
Sub-Rythmik audio F25
Player- Oppo BDP-103
Living room 2ch rig:
Peach Tree Decco, Onkyo CS-5VL SACD and Linn Kelidh
Bedroom 2ch rig.
Cary AE-3, Parasound 2125, Marantz SA8005, Usher V-601 or SDA 1C, SVS SB12-NSD, Intel NUC PC and Panamax MX5105
Headphone rig;
Little DOT MK II with upgraded tube's and Sennheisers HD650.
Heh, "overkill". That's funny coming from someone with 600 watt Pass Labs monoblocks.
Saw that. Also listed on USAM for $2,400.
I don't know, sounds about right to me.
Joule-Electra LA 100 MKIII Upgraded by Rich Brkich Pre
Butler Audio TBD 2250 Amp
PS Audio DirectStream DAC and MemoryPlayer Transport
LSA-1 Statement
SVS SB4000 & SB2000
Wireworld Equinox 7 bi-wire, Wireworld Silver Eclipse 7 IC
Secondary Rig:
Parasound P5, Audio Electronics by Cary Constellation
Marsh a200s, Audio Elecrtonics by Cary Hercules
Pioneer Elite DV-45a, Denon DVD-2910
Klipsch Epic CF-1, Vandersteen 3CE sig
Analysus Plus Oval
Backup Gear:
Pass Labs Aleph 30, McCormack DNA-125, Parasound A21
Marantz SA-14S1
Usher CP-6311/Tyler Acoustics Taylo Reference Monitor, LSA-1
It’s all he could afford.