Training Example: Benchmark Media Systems, Inc. – Review the Data, Give Your Score & Compare to the Real AI Evaluation

[H2]
Benchmark

High-End Audio Products for the Studio and Home

Products

[IMG: Benchmark LA4, DAC3 B, and AHB2 on a rustic wooden rack.]

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[IMG: Stereo Times The Complete Audiophile Magazine Logo]

[IMG: Stereo Times The Complete Audiophile Magazine Logo]

[IMG: The ear Hi-fi Music Gear Logo]

[IMG: the ear Hi-fi Music Gear Logo]

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[H2] The Benchmark Product Line

Benchmark ... the measure of excellence! ®

[H3]
AHB2 - Power Amplifier
The AHB2 sets the benchmark for the lowest noise and lowest distortion in a power amplifier ... at any price.Backed by top industry awards, rave reviews, and proven bulletproof reliability.Its unique patented feed-forward design delivers uncompromising performance. It effortlessly drives demanding speaker loads while keeping distortion and noise below the threshold of hearing.

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[IMG: Benchmark AHB2 on a rustic wooden box]

[H3]
LA4 - Preamplifier
Widely recognized with top industry awards, the reference-grade LA4 preamplifier defines state-of-the-art performance.The fully-balanced high-precision relay-controlled attenuator and gain stage delivers the lowest noise and THD at any price point.Discover the transparency, speed, and accuracy of the LA4.

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[IMG: Benchmark LA4 on a rustic wooden box]

[H3]
HPA4 - Headphone Amplifier and Preamplifier
The HPA4 adds the THX-888 headphone amplifier to the LA4 preamplifer. It also adds a second independent relay-controlled attenuation and gain stage to drive the headphone amplifier.With patented THX-AAA feed-forward topology, the Benchmark-exclusive THX-888 marks the pinnacle of the THX headphone amplifier family.This award-winning design packs power, speed, and control into a package that includes a fully-independent preamplifier output.

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[IMG: Benchmark HPA4 on a rustic wooden box]

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DAC3 - D/A Converter
With a wide analog bandwidth, a high-headroom DSP, and a linear-phase low-pass filter, the DAC3 delivers a true reconstruction of the original analog waveform.When necessary, studios can pass music through cascaded Benchmark A/D and D/A converters without altering the analog waveshape. There are very few converters that can make this claim.Benchmark converters have a long history in top-tier studios and in high-end Hi-Fi systems. In both categories, they win top awards, year after year. Available in three models.

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[IMG: Benchmark DAC3 HGC on a rustic wooden box]

[H3]
Cables - "Performance and Durability"
Benchmark Studio&Stage™ professional audio cables deliver the performance required for studio applications, with the durability to withstand live stage applications.Hi-Fi users will enjoy top performance without paying for dubious pseudo-scientific claims. No snake oil!Studio&Stage™ cables are handmade in the USA using the finest wire and connectors available.Our optical cables are assembled in Canada using low-loss fiber cable and durable metal ends.

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[IMG: Benchmark Studio&Stage™ cables on a rustic wooden box]

[H2] Recommendations

Stereophile

"Benchmark Media Systems' AHB2 is an extraordinary amplifier. Not only does its performance lie at the limits of what is possible for me to reliably test, it packs high power into a very small package, especially when used in bridged-mono mode. It is truly a high-resolution amplifier."

- John Atkinson, Stereophile

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[IMG: Stereophile 2025 Recommended Components Logo]

Best High-End Stereo Preamplifier

"The Benchmark Media Systems HPA4 preamplifier is an exceptionally transparent and well-designed audio device. I found it to be an extremely neutral reference point that allowed me to hear more of what a connected speaker or headphone was actually doing and, in turn, how much my existing electronics were adding to the sound that I was hearing in my reviews."

- Carlo Lo Raso, Secrets of Home Theater and High Fidelity

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[IMG: Home Theater and High Fidelity - Best High-End Stereo Preamplifier 2021]

Abbey Road Studios

"The biggest sonic improvement in mastering in the last 5 or 6 years is D/A and A/D converters ... we use fairly new Benchmark converters front and back. Abbey Road like a uniformity between the rooms so all of the rooms have the same A/D and D/A conversion."

- Geoff Pesche, Mastering Engineer, Abbey Road Studios

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Stereophile Recommended Component - Preamplifiers

"Benchmark's LA4 is the widest-bandwidth, widest-dynamic-range, lowest-noise, lowest-distortion preamplifier I have encountered."

- John Atkinson

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[IMG: stereophile recommended components 2025 award]

Stereo Times

"The Benchmark performance continues to engage me, and the company gives me confidence in long-term support. I never get tired of listening with the Benchmarks. Found a home in my system."

- Don Shaulis, Stereo Times

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[IMG: The Stereo Times Publishers Choice 2022 Award]

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[H2] Q&A's

[H3]
How does your 30-Day Risk-Free Trial work?

The only way to fully appreciate the performance of our products is to try them in a familiar listening space. With our 30-Day Risk-Free Trial, you can audition select Benchmark products in your studio or home listening space with no obligation other than shipping costs.Factory direct orders qualify for our 30-Day Risk-Free Trial. Your order must exceed $700 and it must be shipped to a USA address.If you order from a dealer, you are not eligible for our risk-free trial, but your dealer may offer a generous return policy of their own.Please note, the trial period starts when the product is delivered to your address. If you wish to return the product, it must be shipped back to us within 30 days, and you will be responsible for return shipping and insurance. Certain products like custom items, re-manufactured items, refurbished items, closeouts, and specials, are not eligible for the 30-day trial. Restocking fees may apply for returns with cosmetic damage. See our 30-Day Risk-Free Trial for complete details.

[H3]
What's your warranty policy?

Benchmark products are backed by a 5-year warranty in the USA and Canada. Products purchased in all other locations are backed by a 2-year warranty. Please see The Benchmark Warranty for complete details.

[H3]
When will my order ship?

All orders ship directly from our factory in Syracuse, NY. Orders placed before noon (New York) usually ship the same day. Orders placed after 12 noon, usually ship the next day. Delays of a day or two can occur when we are experiencing high order volumes. You will receive an email with a tracking number when your order ships. Feel free to call if you have questions about your order, or about the availability of an out-of-stock item.

[H2] Recent Application Notes

Explore Application Notes

[IMG: Technically Correct: John Siau on DACs and Measurements]

Benchmark Media Systems
Updated on
Mar 26, 2026

[IMG: Graphic showing the 41 dB noise level of a washing machine]

John Siau
Updated on
Aug 8, 2025

[IMG: Output spectrum of an overloaded interpolator]

John Siau
Updated on
Nov 20, 2024

[IMG: Audiophile Snake Oil]

John Siau
Updated on
Apr 5, 2024

[IMG: Closeup of Plasma Tweeter]

John Siau
Updated on
Jun 6, 2023

[IMG: Benchmark AHB2 Power Amplifier]

John Siau
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Jun 4, 2023

[IMG: Benchmark AHB2 Power Amplifier]

John Siau
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Jun 3, 2023

[IMG: Secrets Q&A with John Siau of Benchmark Media Systems]

Benchmark Media Systems
Updated on
Jan 7, 2022

Benchmark products are sold to recording studios, mastering engineers, home theater integrators, and HiFi enthusiasts.
Benchmark products are tested and certified for operation in both professional and home environments.
Bring Benchmark into your studio or bring the studio into your living room ...
Either way, Benchmark will invite the musicians into your listening space!

[IMG: Benchmark Rack]

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Showing 32 of 32 products

Benchmark AHB2 Power Amplifier

[IMG: Benchmark AHB2 Silver - top front]

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Benchmark AHB2 Power Amplifier

Regular price

$3,499.00 USD - $3,599.00 USD

Sale price

$3,499.00 USD - $3,599.00 USD

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$3,499.00 USD - $3,599.00 USD

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Benchmark HPA4 Headphone / Line Amplifier

[IMG: Benchmark HPA4 Silver - front view]

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Benchmark HPA4 Headphone / Line Amplifier

Regular price

$3,499.00 USD - $3,799.00 USD

Sale price

$3,499.00 USD - $3,799.00 USD

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$3,499.00 USD - $3,799.00 USD

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Benchmark LA4 Line Amplifier

[IMG: Benchmark LA4 Silver - front]

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Benchmark LA4 Line Amplifier

Regular price

$2,950.00 USD - $3,250.00 USD

Sale price

$2,950.00 USD - $3,250.00 USD

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$2,950.00 USD - $3,250.00 USD

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Benchmark DAC3 HGC - Digital to Analog Audio Converter

[IMG: DAC3 HGC Silver with Remote Control]

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Benchmark DAC3 HGC - Digital to Analog Audio Converter

Regular price

$2,399.00 USD

Sale price

$2,399.00 USD

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$2,399.00 USD

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Benchmark DAC3 L - Digital to Analog Audio Converter

[IMG: Benchmark DAC3 L Digital to Analog Converter]

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Benchmark DAC3 L - Digital to Analog Audio Converter

Regular price

$2,099.00 USD - $2,199.00 USD

Sale price

$2,099.00 USD - $2,199.00 USD

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$2,099.00 USD - $2,199.00 USD

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Benchmark DAC3 B - Digital to Analog Audio Converter

[IMG: Benchmark DAC3 B Digital to Analog Converter]

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Benchmark DAC3 B - Digital to Analog Audio Converter

Regular price

$1,899.00 USD

Sale price

$1,899.00 USD

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$1,899.00 USD

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Benchmark Studio&Stage™ StarQuad XLR Cable for Analog Audio

[IMG: Benchmark Star-Quad XLR Cable]

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Benchmark Studio&Stage™ StarQuad XLR Cable for Analog Audio

Regular price

$50.00 USD - $88.00 USD

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$50.00 USD - $88.00 USD

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Benchmark Studio&Stage™ XLR Cable for Digital Audio

[IMG: Benchmark Digital XLR Cable]

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Benchmark Studio&Stage™ XLR Cable for Digital Audio

Regular price

$50.00 USD - $54.00 USD

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$50.00 USD - $54.00 USD

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Benchmark RCA to RCA Coaxial Cable for Digital Audio, Analog Audio, or Analog Video

[IMG: Benchmark RCA to RCA Cable]

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Benchmark RCA to RCA Coaxial Cable for Digital Audio, Analog Audio, or Analog Video

Regular price

$48.00 USD - $76.00 USD

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$48.00 USD - $76.00 USD

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TOSLINK Optical Cable with Metal Connectors for Digital Audio

[IMG: TOSLINK Digital Audio Cable with Metal Ends]

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TOSLINK Optical Cable with Metal Connectors for Digital Audio

Regular price

$60.00 USD - $67.00 USD

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$60.00 USD - $67.00 USD

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TOSLINK to MiniPlug Optical Cable with Metal Connectors for Digital Audio

[IMG: TOSLINK to MiniPlug Digital Audio Cable with Metal Connectors]

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TOSLINK to MiniPlug Optical Cable with Metal Connectors for Digital Audio

Regular price

$67.00 USD

Sale price

$67.00 USD

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Benchmark BNC to RCA Coaxial Cable for Digital Audio or Analog Video

[IMG: Benchmark BNC to RCA Adapter Cable - ends]

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Benchmark BNC to RCA Coaxial Cable for Digital Audio or Analog Video

Regular price

$27.00 USD

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$27.00 USD

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5.00 from 350+ reviews

[H2]
Designed for Accuracy, Built for Transparency

We are passionate about audio quality.

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[IMG: Benchmark LA4, DAC3 B, and AHB2 on a rustic wooden rack.]

[H2] Benchmark ... The Measure of Excellence®

[IMG: Benchmark Logo Small]

[IMG: Benchmark LA4, DAC3 B, and AHB2 on a rustic wooden rack.]

Benchmark - a standard or point of measurement to which other things can be compared.As our name implies, we are committed to excellence. Our award-winning products define the current state-of-the-art in terms of audio performance.Benchmark products are designed and built by audio enthusiasts. We are musicians, audiophiles and audio professionals who are passionate about audio quality. We also are passionate about the durability and build quality of our products. Most of our products are designed, assembled, tested, and shipped worldwide from our headquarters in Syracuse, NY, USA, where we have been for over 40 years.Our goal is to build top-quality sonically-transparent products that you will enjoy for years to come.

[H3]
Transparent Audio Products

When you see the Benchmark name on an audio product you can be assured that the product has been designed to be sonically neutral and transparent. This means that we are focused on building products that have an accurate impulse response. It also means that our products produce very little distortion or noise. The accurate impulse response is an indication of our focus on maintaining an accurate phase response, as well as a very wide and flat frequency response. Transparency can be measured and defined by these parameters.

[H3]
Is Transparency Right for You?

If you are looking for audio products that will change or enhance the sound of your music, you have come to the wrong place. If you are looking to add a warm veil of even-harmonic distortion, you have also come to the wrong place. On the other hand, if you are looking for accurate, clean, and transparent audio equipment, you will enjoy Benchmark products.

[H3]
Transparency in the Studio, Transparency in the Home

Transparency is essential in a studio monitoring chain but it is also important in a home listening environment. Transparent home systems can recreate the studio experience. The electronics get out of the way and allow you to experience the music.If you want to hear your music the way the artists heard it in the studio, you will need a transparent playback system.

[H3]
Transparency Connects the Listening Space to the Performance Space

If the entire recording and playback chain is transparent, the listener can be transported to the performance space. This is the magic of music. It is enabled by the magic of a transparent audio chain - from the performance space to the listening space. Enjoy the magic!

[H3]
Professional Audio Products with In-Home Applications

Benchmark products are designed for professional applications, but we include features and certifications that make our products well-suited to the home environment. Our products are designed for demanding 24-hour a day use in professional environments but we offer options, such as remote control, to meet the needs of our audiophile customers.

The Benchmark Product line

[IMG: Benchmark AHB2 on a rustic wooden box]

[IMG: Benchmark HPA4 on a rustic wooden box]

[IMG: Benchmark LA4 on a rustic wooden box]

[IMG: Benchmark DAC3 HGC on a rustic wooden box]

[IMG: Benchmark Studio&Stage™ cables on a rustic wooden box]

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[H2] The History of Benchmark

1983

[H3] It all began in 1983

Benchmark began in 1983 as the "Benchmark Sound Company", a small operation working out of a garage in Garland, Texas.

[IMG: Benchmark Logo and Tagline]

1985

[H3] Moving to Syracuse, NY

Our founder, Allen H. Burdick, began by building very high-performance audio equipment to meet the specialized needs of television broadcast facilities. The company quickly grew, and was incorporated as Benchmark Media Systems, March 5, 1985. Benchmark expanded into additional audio markets, and relocated to Allen's home town, Syracuse, NY. To this day, all Benchmark products are designed, assembled and tested in our Syracuse facility.
The graphic in the background of Allen's photo states: "Old fashioned perfection ... state of the art performance". Benchmark still faithfully follows these guiding principles set down by Allen Burdick.

The A.H.B Story

[H3]
John Siau, VP, Director of Engineering
Allen's vision and passion for audio has been carried forward by John Siau. Under John's direction Benchmark has continued to lead the industry with outstanding award-winning audio products.

[H3]
AHB2 Power Amplifier
Our AHB2 power amplifier is a product that would have made Allen proud. It has the lowest distortion and lowest noise of any audio power amplifier at any price. Like many of our current products, the AHB2 was designed after Allen's retirement. Due to health problems, Allen was unable to participate in the design of any products released after 2007. Nevertheless, each new product closely follows Allen's vision for building transparent audio products.Just hours before we announced our new power amplifier, we received the sad news that Allen had passed away. In honor of Allen H. Burdick, the AHB2 power amplifier bears his initials.See "History of the AHB2 Power Amplifier" for the rest of this story!

[IMG: AHB2 Power Amplifier Black]

[H3]
Listening vs. Measuring

Transparent products will usually produce an impressive set of measurements.Non-transparent products will usually produce a "poor" set of measurements.Impressive measurements do not necessarily guarantee that transparency has been achieved.Transparency must be confirmed with listening tests.Some very high-quality products are not transparent because they are intentionally designed to produce an audible effect or enhancement. For this reason, measurements are much less useful when evaluating non-transparent products. Distortion and frequency contouring are often added to create euphonic effects. A "poor" set of THD measurements may indicate that the product is carefully crafted to produce a warm overlay of even-order harmonics. A "poor" set of frequency response measurements may indicate that the product has been designed to contour the frequency response.In contrast, Benchmark products are designed for transparency. This means that measurements can form an important part of our design process. Nevertheless, we understand that measurements don't always tell the full story.

[H3]
"Measurements don't always tell the full story"

It is very important to verify transparency by listening. Many times, we have detected problems in listening tests that didn't show up in a basic set of measurements. Usually this was an indication that the measurements were incomplete.We have learned that if we hear something that didn't show up in the measurements, then we haven't done the right measurements! Over the years, our listening tests have helped us to refine our measurement techniques. We have learned how to detect and quantify defects that were initially revealed only by human ears.When measurement techniques are adequately refined, defects can be quantified and design changes can be evaluated objectively. Measurements then allow us to refine a product until the defect is reduced to inaudible levels. In the end, the refinements need to be confirmed by listening tests.

[H3]
Benchmark's Listening Room

Benchmark's listening room is equipped with a number of popular studio monitors (active and passive) and with passive hi-fi loudspeakers. It is also equipped with an ABX tester that is used to conduct double-blind tests. In the photo to the left, we were comparing a selection professional near-field monitors in a carefully calibrated setup. The passive monitors were driven by the AHB2 power amplifiers. This test demonstrated the improved clarity provided by external amplification. In addition, the AHB2 to passive monitor solutions were completely noise free. In contrast, each of the active monitors produced some audible noise. Powered monitors may be cost effective, but the performance clearly seems to suffer.

[H3]
Free Shipping in the USA, Affordable International Shipping
Orders for in-stock items, placed by 3 PM New York time, usually ship the same day. Free ground shipping within the USA on all orders over $700. Benchmark products are also available through our international dealer network. If your country is not serviced by our international dealer network, we can ship directly to you at affordable rates (shipping options shown in cart).

[H3]
Call Toll Free: 1-800-262-4675
(M-F, 9AM - 5 PM, New York)  Please feel free to call our toll-free line with questions regarding the use and operation of our products. We are here to provide expert help, before and after the sale! Please don't hesitate to call.

[H3]
Business Hours

Monday - Friday9:00 AM - 5:00 PM New York Time

[H3]
Telephone

Toll-free: 1-800-262-4675 (1-800-BNCHMRK) Phone: 1-315-437-6300 Fax: 1-315-437-8119

[H3]
Online Help is Available Here

ManualsDriversApplication Notes

[H3]
E-Mail

Sales and Technical Support: sales@benchmarkmedia.com Service Department: service@benchmarkmedia.com Webmaster: webmaster@benchmarkmedia.com

[H3]
Shipping Address

Benchmark Media Systems, Inc.203 East Hampton PlaceSyracuse, NY 13206 USA

[H3]
Returns

Note:All returns require an RMA number. Email or call the service department at 1-800-262-4675 or 1-315-437-6300 to obtain an RMA number. See returns and warrantyfor more information.

[H3]
Dealers & Distrubutors

Dealers - USADealers - CanadaInternational Dealers and Distributors

5.00 from 350+ reviews

[H2]
Designed for Accuracy, Built for Transparency

We are passionate about audio quality.

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[IMG: Benchmark LA4, DAC3 B, and AHB2 on a rustic wooden rack.]

[H3] The Benchmark 5-Year Domestic Warranty (USA and Canada)
For products purchased for use within the USA and Canada, Benchmark Media Systems, Inc. warrants its products to be free from defects in material and workmanship under normal use and service for a period of five years from the date of purchase. If the date of purchase cannot be verified by the customer, the date of manufacture shown on the serial number tag will apply.
This warranty applies only to products shipped to addresses within the USA and Canada at the time of purchase. This warranty does not apply to fuses, lamps, batteries, or any products or parts that have been subjected to misuse, neglect, accident, modification, or abnormal operating conditions.
In the event of the failure of a product under this warranty, Benchmark Media Systems, Inc. will repair the product, at no charge, after it is returned to Benchmark's factory. Benchmark Media Systems, Inc. may, at its option, replace the product in lieu of repair. If the failure has been caused by misuse, neglect, accident or abnormal operating conditions, repairs will be billed at the normal shop rate. In such cases, an estimate will be submitted before work is started. The repaired product will be shipped to the customer at Benchmark's expense. Products covered by the 5-year warranty cannot be returned to addresses outside of the USA or Canada after repair. If the customer's return address is outside of the USA or Canada, the product is subject to the terms of the 2-Year International Warranty.
Attempts to deliberately deface, mutilate, or remove the product's serial number label will render this warranty void.
The foregoing warranty is in lieu of all other warranties, expressed or implied, including but not limited to any implied warranty of merchantability, fitness or adequacy for any particular purpose or use. Benchmark Media Systems, Inc. shall not be liable for any special, incidental, or consequential damages. This limited warranty gives the consumer-owner specific legal rights, and there may also be other rights that vary from state to state.
[H3] The Benchmark 2-Year International Warranty
For products purchased for use outside of the USA and Canada, Benchmark Media Systems, Inc. warrants its products to be free from defects in material and workmanship under normal use and service for a period of two years from the date of purchase. If the date of purchase cannot be verified by the customer, the date of manufacture shown on the serial number tag will apply.
This warranty applies to products shipped to or returned from addresses outside of the USA and Canada. This warranty does not apply to fuses, lamps, batteries, or any products or parts that have been subjected to misuse, neglect, accident, modification, or abnormal operating conditions.
In the event of the failure of a product under this warranty, Benchmark Media Systems, Inc. will repair the product, at no charge, after it is returned to Benchmark's factory or a Benchmark Factory-Authorized International Service Center. Benchmark Media Systems, Inc. may, at its option, replace the product in lieu of repair. If the failure has been caused by misuse, neglect, accident or abnormal operating conditions, repairs will be billed at the normal shop rate. In such cases, an estimate will be submitted before work is started. The repaired product will be shipped to the customer at Benchmark's expense.
Attempts to deliberately deface, mutilate, or remove the product's serial number label will render this warranty void.
The foregoing warranty is in lieu of all other warranties, expressed or implied, including but not limited to any implied warranty of merchantability, fitness or adequacy for any particular purpose or use. Benchmark Media Systems, Inc. shall not be liable for any special, incidental, or consequential damages.
[H3] Notes on Warranty Repairs
An RMA (return merchandise authorization) number is required before sending products for repair. Contact our Customer Service department to request a number.
Product must be shipped to Benchmark Media Systems, prepaid, insured, and preferably in the original shipping carton.
The RMA number must be clearly visible on the exterior of the packaging.
Inside the package, please provide telephone and e-mail contact information, a return shipping address, and a detailed description of the problem.