Benchmark AHB2 Amplifier, opinions and competition


I just ordered the Benchmark AHB2 amplifier.  
I would appreciate any comments on this amp from users, or any opinions of competing amps in the $2000-$3000 range.
My speakers are the GoldenEar Triton 1’s.  Preamp: Conrad Johnson PV11 modified with Teflon caps.
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Amazingly, for such a small amplifier, the Benchmark packs a load of power.  Much more solid  than the 170 watt per channel Nuforce monoblocks I was using.
With the 1600 watt subwoofer built in to the Triton 1’s, probably will never need a second one.
Benchmark has been "sold Out" of the AHB2 for a while. Just curious if a new version is coming pretty soon. 
If anyone is passively biamping, such as hifidream, I highly recommend the vertical biamping scheme. One amp for each speaker, one channel running the low frequencies, the other channel running the tops. To my ears, this is always more open, dynamic and detailed. Does not cost a penny to try it. There are others besides myself who prefer it, so I am not alone in making the recommendation. Enjoy ! MrD.
One amp for each speaker, one channel running the low frequencies, the other channel running the tops. To my ears, this is always more open, dynamic and detailed.
That's because in vertical bi-amping all the energy stored in the power supply of the one amp is devoted to just one bass driver, and the other amp the other bass driver.
Horizontal is compromised, as the power supply in one amp has to service both channels bass drivers.
And bridging the amp is just wrong, unless you want/need very high wattage, but be prepared to "take a hit" on all the other parameters that make an amp a good one.

Cheers George
There was a review I read on the AHB2 that compared it to the Chord TToby. I have NEVER even heard of this Chord amp and yet according to this reviewer I think I would prefer it as its Warmer/Sweeter etc.  I cant even find a review of this Chord amp or literally anything on the Web.  I am intrigued. Its a little more expensive...like 1K more. Might be something to consider if you can audition one.