The AHB2 is really great. It gives you a clear sound like nothing I have ever heard. I loved it with my KEF LS50's. I sold it to raise funds not because I disliked it. I would like to get the AHB2 for my LS50's in the future (2 future classic pieces that I will keep until they fall apart)
However, when I demoed the Magico A3 speakers I was able to do a direct AB comparison with the Mark Levinson mono blocks ($20K), the Mark Levinson 585 integrated ($12K), and the AHB2. I found that the AHB2 had a slightly clearer sound but the ML gear moved the sound away from the speakers and gave a beautiful soundstage and separation of performers (instruments). Now the AHB2 was not bad with the soundstage it was the the ML gear was a lot better.
It could have been that the Magico A3 required more power than a single AHB2 was delivering. There are some big speakers out there that are being driven by AHB2 monoblocks and I would think those owners know what they are doing.
If you have the spare cash I think an AHB2 is a great amp to have in the house. As either a main or spare. I can vouch, to my ears, that with the KEF LS50's it was amazing. This is one of the reasons I am even considering the LA4 preamp (it has the THX stuff as the AHB2).
However, when I demoed the Magico A3 speakers I was able to do a direct AB comparison with the Mark Levinson mono blocks ($20K), the Mark Levinson 585 integrated ($12K), and the AHB2. I found that the AHB2 had a slightly clearer sound but the ML gear moved the sound away from the speakers and gave a beautiful soundstage and separation of performers (instruments). Now the AHB2 was not bad with the soundstage it was the the ML gear was a lot better.
It could have been that the Magico A3 required more power than a single AHB2 was delivering. There are some big speakers out there that are being driven by AHB2 monoblocks and I would think those owners know what they are doing.
If you have the spare cash I think an AHB2 is a great amp to have in the house. As either a main or spare. I can vouch, to my ears, that with the KEF LS50's it was amazing. This is one of the reasons I am even considering the LA4 preamp (it has the THX stuff as the AHB2).