Pass Labs XA25 vs Benchmark AHB2

You can use 2 AHB2 for much more power without degrading sound as compared to a single AHB2 in stereo. Some posters on here say mono is worse than stereo. I disagree on that view with regards to the AHB2.

I do not recommend the AHB2 in mono or even stereo for very difficult speakers going down to 2 Ohm. This is in-spite of what Benchmark says on the matter. I have 2 AHB2s and speak from my experience with a difficult speaker.

I have a CODA 07x preamp that is warm sounding. I pair it with a single AHB2 for my RAAL SR1a headphones and I love it. Prior to this pairing I disliked the AHB2 with the SR1a. I blamed that on the SR1a because the AHB2 does not add or subtract. So what I am hearing now out of the uber detailed SR1a is only the CODA 07x + AudioMirror Tubadour III SE tube DAC sound signature. I actually had a 3rd AHB2 which I tried to make work with the SR1a and never could. I sold it before I got the CODA 07x, a big mistake on my part.

The AHB2 is also a very smooth sounding amp. It is not warm though so some may say it is analytical.

With my KEF LS50’s I love my all Benchmark gear on it. I plan on replacing the LS50s with the much bigger Yamaha NS5000 and use an all BM stack in mono (need that 3rd AHB2 again).

Owned both, but not at the same time. My notes indicate the Pass was a clear winner. Especially in the resolution. The AHB2 was thinner & more analytical sounding, though still very good.

I wonder if the people who have written in that the Pass is warmer and more tubey and not as transparent have ever heard it?  From those posts, I doubt it.  The XA25 is transparent as anything, I would disagree with those "generic" responses.  

@acurus yes, I spent significant time with the xa25. Compared to the ahb2, it’s definitely warmer. It’s shades in the gray scale, not black vs white...

@mesch My speakers are Focal Electras 1028BE. The room is 15x15. And I'm not a AC/DC fan. So your experience is really encouraging. Thanx a lot.