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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
 
Toetapaudio, thank you for the info. I will keep it in mind. SST Ampzilla Monoblocks are too expensive for me, but perhaps Son of Ampzilla II is worth listening to, if Benchmark doesn’t work for me. I suspect that it has a lot to do with amp-speaker synergy. Many reviewers praised imaging of AHB2 including depth of the soundstage while one guy stated that it was the worst imaging he ever heard - completely flat with no depth whatsoever. He even said that his 10 year old son called it awful sounding. How this could be? I can understand that AHB2, being very revealing, can mercilessly uncover shortcomings of the system or recording, but I don’t know how imaging can be so bad, while it is supposedly great with another amplifier.

On the other hand nothing surprises me after reading reviews of electric toothbrush on Amazon. One guy wrote that toothbrush is no good and gave it one star, the reason being that it stopped working after it was bitten by his dog. Perhaps there is not a lot of idiots, but they must be strategically placed, because I encounter one every single day.
aberyclark
1,355 posts
 
I like my amps to be as neutral and revealing as possible. If I want to add flavor ( warm, etc) I’ll do it on the pre amp side ( tube rolling)
viber6
2,448 posts
 
dpac996--I have owned a Bryston 2.5 B SST2 for a few years.  It is the most neutral, accurate amp I have ever had.  I tried a new Benchmark AHB2, broke it in for nearly 60 days, and found it very close to the Bryston in tonal character and detail, but a little warmer than my Bryston, so ultimately not as revealing.  The interesting thing is that Benchmark has the best specs in the business, while Bryston specs are excellent but not quite as low.  Still, I found the Bryston to have more accuracy and resolution, so always use your ears as the final arbiter.  Also puzzling is that the Benchmark clipped on less power than my Bryston into the very low impedance of my electrostatic speakers, despite the fact that peak current on the Benchmark is pretty high.  
kijanki's avatar
kijanki OP
4,428 posts
 
Viber6, I got AHB2 on Friday and so far I like what I hear.  It started with recessed midrange, then sharp midrange, then softer midrange with extended highs.  Bass got deeper.  It sounds like if I would add sub to my older class D.  What shall I expect in the future?  How did it change in 60 days?  My guess is that it will become a little bit more open and refined.  Even now, it is far better than previous class D amp.  Veil on the treble is gone, both extensions improved, better imaging, incredible bass control and slam, nice and natural attack and decay.
Bryston is great amp (I read reviews),  but it costs more and doesn't have as high WAF (wife acceptance factor), since AHB2 makes pair with DAC3 HGC.  I bought new since it is hard to find used one, while new registered original owner gets 5 year warranty (and 30 day trial).
kijanki's avatar
kijanki OP
4,428 posts
 
Viber6, It is strange that Benchmark specified 18A max current with 18A current protection threshold and both channels driven, while now they specify 29A at 1ohm, both channels driven.  Perhaps they improved something or is it just specsmanship?
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