Some amps I never heard of...


Hey all -

Thanks again for the replies to my "where can I audition amps near Boston" question.  I'll be visiting several of the suggested shops in the coming weeks.

I'm looking to replace my power amp, which is a Rotel 980BX.  It's driving Ohm Walsh Talls so it needs some beef, and it has to fit into a cabinet with a relatively small footprint.  So I've mostly been looking at Class D stuff like the Bel Cantos, and also some monoblocks, because although it's narrow our cabinet is relatively tall.

In looking around I ran across a couple of amps that seem plausible on paper, but I don't know / can't find very much information about them.  If you guys have any thoughts to share, I am all ears.

Benchmark ABH2 - small form factor, has lots of power.  Any downsides?
Gato DPA-4004 - tres swoopy!! and appears to have lots o' juice for such a little guy.
Gold Note PA-10 - on paper this thing seems too good to be true. 
Vincent SP-T700 tube hybrid monoblock - one stout looking little dude, the tube/solid state mix is of interest.
Vincent SP-997 solid state monoblock - looks like a nice little amp, fits anywhere. what's not to like?
Exposure 2010 S2 / 3010 S2 / 5010 S2 monoblocks - looks like nice old-school UK hifi. good value for $$$?

Anybody heard these, or have hands-on experience with them?  Mostly I'm interested in knowing if there's anything here I should straight-up run the hell away from - the fewer options, the easier the selection process will be.

As always thanks for your thoughts and comments, this place has been and continues to be my audio hobby schoolhouse.
v7b9b13
Vincent is German I think, Vincent makes good stuff!

 Only heard good words about them, longevity unsure.
Never heard the Gold Note PA10 (but enjoy my GN PH10 phono) .
6moons just did a review of the PA10 and said it was the equal to an amp 6 times the price. (Don't recall that amp). Look up that review might be something to look into.
I have the Vincent SP-T700's in my Collection. Like most Vincent Products they sound good and Punch way above their Price Point. The Tube Input gives them some Warmth and they have a nice "Punchy" Bass. They will be a Massive step up over your Rotel. Not familiar with your Speakers.
@v7b9b13 I'm happy to send a Gold Note PA-10 your way. If you don't love it, send it back to me.

- Colin

Gold Note dealer in Nashville, TN
https://gestalt.audio
I do not have any of the Vincent products that you described, but I do have an SP 331 MK hybrid power amp. I like the sound quality. The bass texture is what stands out the most to me.