Used PS Audio BHK 300 monoblock or (2) new benchmark ahb2 bridged?


Would appreciate opinions - thanks in advance

listen to rock, jazz, classical at normal levels but appreciate headroom for transients

Listen to vinyl and computer-based files equally

basis 2200, transfiguration phoenix, bryston bda-3, PS audio stellar phono pre, Red Rose Revelation 1 tower speakers, 14x20 room

richardnyc

I don't have a PS amp, but do  have the ABH2.  It has been great.  Lots of power and no distortion.  It outputs what you give it.  It also has some flexibility for going mono.  IMO, it depends on what you want - if you want the amp to color or distort the signal, then don't get the Benchmark.  There are charts and tests that show it is distortion free (below audible level) to high power output levels.  It is all about making the sound profile that you enjoy.  If I had unlimited budgets, I would build several different systems each tailored to different types of music because I think it is hard for one system to be optimal for all types of music.   

Truly appreciate the thoughtful, time-consuming to write words of wisdom that you all have been kind enough to help me with. It seems like the differences are subtle but real, and that you all have been very objective and realistic about what I'd be getting with each. It's great to be able to have such experience and knowledge to draw on.

PS Audio BHK 300s are really musical as well as the BHK Preamp, when I change any of these components my system it looses all its magic, the PS Audio components are noisy and it drives me crazy but no other amps or preamps make me so happy. The BHK line hits way above its weight much more expensive amps don't have the smoothness. If you listened to industrial music they wouldn't be the amps for you but you can't beat them for the music you do listen to.

 

@donavabdear what exactly do you mean when you say they are noisy? Fan noise type of noisy?

thanks