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Benchmark AHB2 or Class D (GaN FET)

The Benchmark AHB2 seems to be a different twist on linear Class AB amplifier design.  This amp uses a different approach to distortion cancellation that gets around some of the problems of using large amounts of negative feedback.  It uses a THX patented technology (under license) called AAA.  This amp has been around for several years. It gets rave reviews, so I am surprised that the technology is not in more widespread use.

I am interested in why this approach is not more widely used.

Also, how would this amplifier compare to the newest Class D technology, which uses GaN FETs and much higher switching frequencies.  (GaN Class D amplifiers which are price-competitive with the AHB2 are the LSA Voyager and Peachtree).  

At a higher price point would be Atma-Sphere Class D monoblocks and the AGD Tempo.

I would appreciate hearing the forum members' opinions on the AHB2 technology vs the latest Class D amps.

 

Thanks,

hifinut51
nymarty
94 posts
 

I would add the Orchard Audio Starkrimson Ultra to the class D amps to try list.  it’s a GaN FET amp.  I’ve heard great reviews for the AHB2 but haven’t actually heard one yet.  What speakers are you going to run them with?  Do you need more power than what the AHB2 puts out?

jasonbourne71's avatar
jasonbourne71
816 posts
 

Nothing new here. THX AAA is just a variation of feed-forward error correction. Peter Walker (Quad) used this method in 1976 with the 405 amp. Later the 306/606 and other Quad amps used feed-forward successfully. 

hifinut51 OP
22 posts
 

@nymarty my speakers are Acoustic Zen Crescendo II.

They are nominally 6 ohms and about 90dB sensitivity.

recklesskelly
330 posts
 

Gold Note PA-10 GaN FET class A/D power amplifiers and they are truly balanced and are bridgeable. Reviews are all positive and I have auditioned these with both tube and SS preamplifiers and they are Italian marvels. Outstanding value and sound. 

Ciao 

yyzsantabarbara
4,490 posts
 

I have owned the AHB2 stereo and monos. I love the crystal-clear sound of the AHB2. It is actually my favorite sounding amp. However, I sold them to get am amp with much more power, CODA #16. Overall, I like the CODA #16 better.

Here is a great description of how the AHB2 sounds. Totally agree with this post.

(2) Review and Measurements of Benchmark AHB2 Amp | Page 5 | Audio Science Review (ASR) Forum

Currently, I also own a modded Peachtree GAN1 "amp". The mods took it to spectacular levels. However, it is a PIA to use. So, I am going to use the GAN1 for headphones and get another amp for the Yamaha NS5000 speakers. The GAN1 is currently driving the NS5000 and it sounds very good. Just a PIA to use.

If you do not have a very hard to drive speaker, then you may like the AHB2. I am thinking about it for the NS5000.

 

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