Would Benchmark Amp AHB2 Pair Well with Salk Speaker (Beats, BePure, or Encore)?

Contrary to the audio theorists I think the AHB2 sounds better in mono. Though mono is worse in 2 Ohm than in stereo. So it depends on your speakers current demand. Hopefully, it does not lounge around in the 2 Ohm region.

The AHB2 is not bright, but if you have anything bright before or after it then you will hear brightness.

I paired my bright RAAL SR1a headphones with the a single AHB2 and Schitt Freya+ tube amp (4 tubes). That worked very well without fatigue. My solid state CODA 07x preamp with the AHB2 was not able to tame the brightness of the SR1a.

My office system is the following (2-channel and headphone with 2 sets of amps):

- KEF LS50 Meta + KEF KC62 sub

- Benchmark AHB2 mono

- CODA 07x preamp (smooth)

- Musetec 005 DAC (smooth)

- Audience FrontRow speaker cable with SpeakON termination

I like my Benchmark LA4 preamp better than the CODA 07x. It has more details on top. However, my 2 channel system is also a RAAL SR1a headphone system and the LA4 with the SR1a is a no no. (too bright). The CODA tames that nicely when used with the very smooth KRELL Duo 175XD amp.

I turn off one amp when using the other amps system.

Benchmark has a 30-day home trial period so it is a no brainer to ty it out.

I’ve used the AHB2 with my Revel Ultima Studios with music and movies at what I consider loud listening volumes and I’ve never had protection circuitry kick in. I use the HPA4 as the pre.

The AHB2 and HPA4 are as neutral as they come. If you hear brightness, it’s going to be in the source or the speakers.

I like Benchmark a lot. I’d be interested in what you think!

I have had the Benchmark stack for two years now and It is incredible equipment. I can understand comments to the effect that it’s too sterile or bright-it’s not, but the sound does take some getting used to, especially if you are used to hearing distortion, intentionally or otherwise. I have yet to hear any other equipment that is as transparent and allows one to hear all of the music. Once you get used to the sound it is hard to listen to anything else (with the right speakers). Having said that, I have other systems that have completely different sound signatures, including a Belles Aria in a nearfield analogue set up, which I enjoy immensely. Again though, nothing matches the all Benchmark system in its uncanny ability to allow the listener to hear more of the music.