@tomthiel, While Benchmark’s class leading distortion specs are truly impressive, their use of non-standard standards is curious. One has wonder if the difference between the vanishing low distortion measurement standards of the Benchmark compared to the 1% standard measurements is more academic than of practical use to the consumer. I’d be more impressed if Benchmark would spec in writing their power delivery into load with a reduced distortion criterion, than to avoid addressing whether it can deliver the goods for my application. While I don’t doubt your reporting what you’ve been told, the cynic in me doesn’t buy what they aren’t willing to put in writing.
It has bee quite obvious that Stereophile doesn’t measure amps into 2 Ohms unless the manufacturer specs their amps into 2 Ohms. And even then they often only do the 2 Ohm measurements from one channel, even when a stereo amp shares power supplies between the 2 channels. One might question whether or not Stereophile is more concerned with avoiding embarrassment to potential advertisers than providing useful guidance to its subscribers? And if manufactures spec their gear in such a way as to avoid the exposure?
That the Benchmark uses what appears to be a rugged protection circuitry is nice in that it prevents an over stretched Benchmark from causing further damage down the line. Some manufacturers go out of their way by over building their gear to eschew protection circuitry because they believe the use of which has negative sonic characteristics. To be fair the Benchmark’s exemplary noise and distortion measurements might put that argument to rest. Still, I wouldn’t want my automobile or even my washing machine to shut down because it was overstressed, and given the choice after sitting down for a nice recreational listening session, I’d prefer to be able to avoid protection saving shutting down altogether if possible.
The Benchmark comes in at the minimum suggested 100 Watts per channel power rating at 8 Ohms for many Thiels, and struggles to keep up below that 8 Ohm rating, there is no extra power to start with to offer some wiggle room below. A Benchmark could be generously compared to an 80 Watt per channel amplifier that could truly double down. And as we know how the sensitivity decreases with impedance, I don’t think that’s an unfair comparison. The above is regard to it’s stereo performance. In bridged mono mode the Benchmark might be excellent for insensitive speakers with a high impedance load, but as spec’d doesn’t appear at all appropriate for low impedance speakers. The price for the Benchmark for it’s performance within it’s limitations is favorable, but for the similar money there are other options that might be better suited for some Thiels.
t