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Benchmark AHB2 in Mono Block Configuration

Hi:

I've owned the Benchmark ABH2 Amp for a few years but am now considering one two alternative upgrade paths:

A New Amp or adding a second AHB2. If I purchase a new amp so far I like the Bryston 3BCubed which is a dual mono design with 200 watts into 8 ohms or possibly the 4BCubed at 300 watts. In either case this is more power than the single ABH2 at 100 watts into 8 ohms. However adding a second ABH2 increases the power per channel to 380 watts .

So much for raw power. What about overall sound quality? The Bryston 3BCubed got an excellent review on Absolute Sound as an amp that would require significantly more $$ to better. Another review I read easily preferred the Bryston 43Cubed (300 watts per channel) over the ABH2.

I'm in the process of completely upgrading my system after several years of the same components. I will shortly have:

An Aurender N20 Streamer into an MSB Discrete DAC with dual power supplies feeding the single ABH2 which drives my Harbeth C7es-XD speakers.

Everything will be new except the older ABH2. Hence the consideration of an amp upgrade.

Now Benchmark will tell you that adding a second ABH2 is only needed when the single amp clips. Other than that there is no sonic benefit to adding a second. I Ffnd that hard to believe. I would think having a second would offer improved soundstage, separation and possibly better performance from the speakers. So my question is:

Have any of you added a second ABH2 and if so what were the overall sonic benefits if any? Also any opinion or experience on the Brystons vs the Benchmark? Or any suggestions of a better upgrade path would be welcomed.

jfrmusic
kairosman's avatar
kairosman
265 posts
 

OP, I have owned CODA amps, and previously had a Bryston 4B3. The Bryston was competent but that's not saying much IMO. CODA makes great value amps and currently I am running an S5.5 in my second system, a wonderful amp but perhaps not quite enough grunt for you unless your speakers are 88db or above.

As a few others have mentioned, given your new super-resolving source stack, don't skimp, get an amp from a next-level manufacturer like Gryphon, Esoteric, Block or T+A etcetera, otherwise you're not going to get everything your source stack has to give.

FYI I have a Gryphon Diablo 300 in my main system and it continues to wow me every time I run it - and especially when I run it HARD. It's like that girlfriend you once had way back when you were the Dude, the girl that the harder you went at it with, the louder/faster/BETTER it got.

yogiboy's avatar
yogiboy
5,521 posts
 

I’ve owned many different Harbeths including the C 7. Have you ever considered using a tube amp? The combination of both is outstanding. I am using Quicksilver 70 watt mono amps with the Harbeth HL5.  50 watts minimum is sufficient with those Harbeths!

zlone
471 posts
 

I agree with others you might want to add another brand there, +1 for Coda, a #8 would be a perfect fit. Not a big fan of bridged monos, though likely not an issue with those speakers. Depending on what kind of improvement you are seeking, I would not put Benchmark or, from what I have read, Bryston, in the category of warm sounding. I am currently looking to replace my LA4 preamp, it is just too clinical and lean sounding for me. 

crustycoot
604 posts
 

Your budget is out of my league but I have been most impressed with Ayre Acoustics amps. I have compared them to Bryston and they consistently sound more grainless, transparent, and musical. This is the $12K stereo amp I am referencing. At 52lbs, it’s not a hernia machine either. VX 5-Twenty. 

jfrmusic OP
144 posts
 

@yyzsantabarbara 

Interesting experience with the ABH2. Although I don’t understand how the mono ABH2 would fair worse than a single driving lower ohm speakers since the power is significantly higher with the mono configuration 

@azlon 

I agree and also I will most likely sell my HPA4 as the volume control on the MSB will be sufficient. 

As to tube amps. Been there not going back. 
To all: Thanks for your thoughtful responses. I appreciate it. 

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