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.
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,
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@nymarty my speakers are Acoustic Zen Crescendo II. They are nominally 6 ohms and about 90dB sensitivity. |
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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I owned an AHB2 for about 7 months and I just sold it about a month ago. I used it for headphones and I tried it on my speakers as well. It was ok but not my cup of tea so that was the reason I sold it. It was quiet and it provided a black background but it was never engaging. I tried it with 2 tube preamps, McIntosh C2600 and Linear Tube Audio reference Microzotl preamp, and one solid state preamp, Holo Serene KTE. For headphones, I like my 4 dedicated headphone amps better (Woo WA23, Auris Nirvana, Enleum 23R and Holo Bliss KTE). For my Klipsch Cornwall IV speakers, I like my First Watt F7 much better. I didn't try the AHB2 on my other speakers, Harbeth M40.1 or Sterling Broadcast LS3/6. If I were in the market for a 100w/Ch solid state amp, I would strongly consider the Atmasphere class D mono blocks that I heard at Axpona. I've never liked class D amps in the past but those mono blocks sounded great on the Fritz speakers. |
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