Dust Settled Consensus- is the Benchmark AHB2 an Audiophile Amplifier?


As the dust settles on the time the when the Benchmark AHB2 amplifier was a hot topic in the audio world, what is the long term consensus about this amplifier?  

Has it become a mainstay in the audiophile community?  

avanti1960

For me it has. It is the only amp I have left after the following amps came and went in the last 2 years:

- CODA #8

- Parasound A21+

- NAD M22 V2

- D-Sonic M3a 800s

- CODA CSiB integrated (from 2019 not latest)

- LSA Voyager 350 GAN (modified by EVS much better than stock)

- KRELL K-300i integrated

- KRELL Duo 175XD

I use the AHB2 monos in my office with the Benchmark LA4 preamp and a warmish Musetec 005 DAC. I also have a tube Magnum Dynalab 108T tuner that also sounds great with the clean Benchmark combo. I have the Benchmark DAC3B but switched it out for the warmer Musetec 005 DAC. I use the DAC3B instead with a tube headphone amp.

I sold the KRELL XD amps because I continued to upgrade up the line. I will be buying a more powerful KRELL XD amp for my future Livingroom system (when the amp is released).

Another amp that I would consider with the AHB2 is the CODA #16. It has the same crystal-clear clarity of the AHB2 amps. The AHB2, KRELL XD, and the CODA #16 are my fav amps. I am no longer searching for amps. 

BTW - I listen all day and late into the night with my office system. No fatigue, just enjoyment.

Benchmark is mid-fi at best. Good enough for 2nd, 3rd or desktop / office systems.