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

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. 

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.

@jaymark

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

@jjss49 

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.  

Some people have lost sight as to " what is it to be an audiophile " ? Anyone spending any amount of money to achieve greater detail retrieval from our recordings, ime, makes one an audiophile. Now, there are levels that people take, and it mostly has to do with the $ amount one can afford. I have heard many many systems over the years, and some of the most expensive I have heard, fall short of my listening preferences and personal criteria, which cannot be ignored. We are all different, and with time, we all seek specifics in what we want our recorded music to sound like. I think the area with listeners that confuses me with this hobby ( I worked with many listeners throughout the years ), are those that actually listen to music ( 1st and foremost ), and those that are more interested in listening to the equipment, which we are all guilty of to some extent. Another A’gon member brought to my attention on another thread, a very interesting statement by a WBF member, describing was I was trying to say on this other thread...This statement was ( not word for word )" I want to hear WHAT the musicians are doing on the stage / studio / environment ". For over 50 years, this has always been my mission. And keep in mind, as I have said many times before, we are at the mercy of the " recordings ". My best, and Enjoy ! Always, MrD.

@mrdecibel   The full quote, attributed to John Farlowe is: "I want to know why the musicians are on stage, not where". 

It is the tag line of member matthais (of WhatsBestForum) 

Cheers. - David.