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Running Benchmark AHB2 in bridged mode and 4 Ohm Speaker

Does running this amp in bridge mode mean each channel will see half the impedance i.e 2 Ohm each when connected to a 4 Ohm speaker.  If so will this cause a problem when the speaker dips to 3 or 2 ohms?. 

Anyone running Benchmark AHB2 in bridged mode with low impedance speakers?. 
geek101
douglas_schroeder
3,281 posts
 
Legacy Wavelet and Aeris are an integrated system. 

Meanwhile... Some ears at Stereophile are hearing the same attributes from the AHB2 as I have. Two honors each for the Benchmark DAC3 and AHB2. Kudos to Benchmark. 


hifidream's avatar
hifidream
154 posts
 
I think you’d be hard pressed to find a better sounding amp period, much less for the money. I auditioned a number of amps through my dealer who had 20.1s in a show room with various amp configurations over the years including some uber expensive equipment such as Boulder 3050 Monoblocks. I read about the innovative design of the Bencmark amps and gave them a try. I don’t plan on ever letting them go. I now hear only the music recording rather than the equipment which I feel we audiophiles get caught up in more often then not. I have my 20.1 Maggie’s bi-amped with Benchmark amps and can get much louder than I can comfortably listen before I run into clipping. They both run in stereo mode . . . Geek101 I think you’d be impressed with the output of one amp and would try it before getting a second. That being said, it’s your system and John has said that two mono amps will work well. Please tell us what you think. It would be nice to hear your experience of driving the system with one stereo vs. dual mono Benchmark amps. 

- Steve
jl35
4,225 posts
 
How good is the DAC 3 as a preamp?
douglas_schroeder
3,281 posts
 

I am running a small tower that is 89dB and 4 Ohm, and two of AHB2 in Mono with Exogal Comet and Plus Power Supply take 90 of 100 setting sometimes at listening level. This is no issue for the Comet or the amps, but with less efficient speakers you might bump into a barrier with listening level and amp output.

As I stated in my review the amps do not pull off absolute power for any and all speakers with unlimited listening level. Know your speakers and know your preference. Now, having said that, I would guess that in 90% of the cases, perhaps more, this is not an issue.

What remains rock solid is the control, cleanness, tonal richness etc. from class AAA. It's simply a great design. BUT, you must work with cables to elicit the best result you are seeking.

The DAC3 is very good as a preamp. Tends toward lean and light, not a thick, warmish pre like tubed preamps. Again, cables make the difference in so many rigs. The Exogal Comet with AHB2 is a bit warmer, and the DAC3 a bit cooler, but both are superb with the amps.

jl35
4,225 posts
 
Thanks 
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