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Benchmark AHB2 amplifier - what to expect?

My current amplifier, driven by Benchmark DAC3 HGC, is Rowland model 102.  It is basically couple of Icepower 200ASC modules packed into resonance free heavy case, with additional input differential amp THAT1200.  These modules were used in many small class D amps, including Bel Canto S300 and M300.  I feel that Benchmark AHB2 might be a good choice for few reasons:

- It matches my Benchmark DAC3 (electrically and physically) 
- It has neutral sound, that I like, with very low noise floor (according to reviews)
- It could possibly extend trebles a little more  (trebles are slightly veiled now).

My speakers are Hyperion Sound HPS-938, (a giant killer), but not too many people are familiar with them since company went bankrupt few years ago.  They tend to sound warm (soft dome tweeter), with wonderful midrange.

I'm looking for anyone familiar with AHB2 and class D amps.  I found favorable review of AHB2 vs NAD M22, but it might not apply to my situation since M22 is based on different modules (Hypex).  My birthday is coming in a month and I could buy myself a present.  I will be grateful for any comments.


128x128kijanki
kijanki's avatar
kijanki OP
4,428 posts
 
I don't like too warm, because that, to me implies a shelved down presence region and recessed high end.
Not only that.  According to technical director of Benchmark Media John Siau, overly warm sound can make instruments with complex overtones, like piano, to sound like out of tune.
mapman's avatar
mapman
22,299 posts
 
BTW Kijanki congrats on your retirement.   Now is the chance to do more of things you enjoy to engage the mind and body, like listening to great sounding great music, than perhaps before.  Perhaps a little dance even here and there?   
kijanki's avatar
kijanki OP
4,428 posts
 
Thank you Mapman.  One of my resolutions is to spend much more time with music (and perhaps little dance) and much less with TV.
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kijanki's avatar
kijanki OP
4,428 posts
 
John Siau said that warm sound is great for voice or guitar but bad for instruments that have more complex harmonic structures than simple overtones.

His exact quote:
Personally, I do not like what warm sounding equipment does to the sound of a piano. Warmth is wonderful on vocals, guitars and certain instruments, but it beats against the streched overtones of a piano. The overtones in a piano occur at slightly higher than harmonic ratios, and these create beat notes with the exact integer ratios produced by electronic equipment (and speakers). Too much harmonic distortion will make a piano sound out of tune.

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