I've had an AHB2 amp for around 6 months. It's a perfect fit with my ancient AR-LST speakers. Owners of this amp may need to experiment with the sensitivity switch to get the best results. The sound from my system with the ABH2 is very much dependent on the source material being played. Records which are not well engineered have nowhere to hide with this amp. For me, the AHB2 is a good combination of relatively low cost and really good performance. No regrets whatsoever. |
In my experience, the AHB2 is incredible. I can fully change my system based on the DAC and Preamp I choose. This amp knows it's job - to amplify the signal it's given, no more and no less. Right now i'm using a fully restored sansui 9090 as preamp and i'm enjoying music more than I have in years. I've used it with a very neutral, sterile preamp and the music was just that. I've used it with a tube preamp and the sound was excactly what you'd want from tubes. It's a must-have.
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I recently heard @lancelock's system. Really nice sonics driven by a low power tube LTA amp and Backert preamp. Since none of this equipment is a live performance, despite much inflated hyperbole about equipment getting u there, listen and experiment with different configurations till u find the facsimile version of the live performance that u are happiest with. I have heard many pleasing systems and none have sounded the same. I have heard multiple systems that I did not care for and they did not sound the same. So, neutral is a sound descriptor that is used frequently to describe systems or components that sound different. I like the interchange of information and even the divergent opinions about certain equipment. In the end, the only thing that matters is do your brain pleasure centers light up when u listen to music. If they do then to hell with the measurements. I ain't listening to measurements nor seeking audio jewelry in my stereo equipment. I wish I could weigh in on the Benchmark amp debate, well at least express a preference, but since I have not heard it I cannot. |
completely agree seems to me threads like this asking about whether xyz is audiophile gear or audiophile level is much more about defining that word, as opposed to whatever unit is being debated in a properly configured system there is no doubt that the amp in question can greatly please the listener and produce a high level of sound quality |
the inquiry was simply asking the AG community if this amplifier "makes the cut" as a worthy part of discriminating audio and music lovers. The term "audiophile" was used assuming that we would understand its context, not try to define or re-define the meaning. Given the huge press and audiophile community buzz initially and following launch, the questions become is it still worthy? Did it meet expectations? why or why not? nothing more nothing less. Given my experiences with it the answer is an undeniable yes but it needs the right preamp to shine. Peace. |
