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.
When one of my monoblocks (Monarchy SM-70Pro) went out for repair, I used the single as stereo for a couple weeks and noticed quite a degraded change. Upon return of the second unit, it became apparent that having the monoblocks in place made everything tighten up; imagining, separation, detail... everything sounded organized and made me appreciate them together. Caveat, in monoblock configuration, I can also bi-wire and run balanced, to which could add to the elevated performance.
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@jfrmusic I made a decision today to buy a $10k set of headphones. Problem is I do not have $10k. However, I have a CODA #16 amp that can get me almost there money wise to buy the phones. I will be listening to phones more than the Livingroom system that has the CODA. I have done extensive listening sessions with my Livingroom system and the CODA and AHB2. Infact, I wrote a thread about it here. This is what I feel needs to happen with the AHB2. It is not as strong on the bass as the CODA but on my new Yamaha NS5000 that is really not the case. On other speakers it was not as strong. I attribute that to the dips to 2 to 4 Ohm region. The AHB2 can sound too hot on the mid and highs. I think that is an artifact of the upstream gear. I have a Benchmark DAC3B on my Livingroom system and it is too hot for the AHB2 (though not the CODA #16). A PlayBack Designs Dream DAC is a future buy and I think this solves the hotness issue. My much cheaper Musetec 005 DAC (sold) would likely also solve this issue on the Livingroom system. When AHB2 amps are run in mono a speaker that does not dip too much into the 2 Ohm region should be used. My Yamaha NS5000 is likely one of those (I need to double check). One advantage of having monos in my setup would be that the AHB2 becomes even quieter. It also becomes louder by 4 or 6 dB at the same volume level as a single AHB2 (that is a big deal for me). If you decided to sell your AHB2 and it is silver color give me a DM because I will likely go with monos after the headphone are sorted out. I already have silver a AHB2. If anyone is curious this is the phone I will get. (4) RAAL 1995 headphones, Magna and Immanis | Headphone Reviews and Discussion - Head-Fi.org I am going to spend a few hours next week in Ventura, CA listening. |
In my second system I went with a pair of Benchmark AHB2’s driving 93 db efficient Verity Leonore speakers with a minimum nominal impedance of 6 ohms. These speakers retailed for $17k 15 years ago or about $25k now if adjusted for inflation. I would not use price as the determinate since the AHB2’s are so utterly neutral and transparent to the point many people do not like them for just these qualities – what goes in is pretty much what comes out. This system’s front end is digital only – streaming and CD with a R2R DAC. I had a single AHB2 and tried another and kept it due to the effortless presentation 380W of mono blocks yield. If you don’t listen at loud volumes and your room is not too big, one may be plenty in both quality and quantity. My space is large. Some food for thought. My primary system is all tube amplification. The frontend on this analog and digital system is 10X more expensive than the speakers, and it sounds glorious. Is one system better (more perfect) than another? I don’t know but they are both very enjoyable in very different ways. The point is, do not let the cost of one component be the driver of another. Try a second AHB2 and see what you think. Good luck! |
Thanks for the information and your experience with the AHB2. My AHB2 is Silver and 3 years old. I plan to try it with my new front end when they arrive. If I decide to sell I will let you know before listing it. I will als definitely be selling my Benchmark DAC3 and possibly the HPA4 as well. I want to try the HPA4 as a pre between the MSB and the amp first. Thsnks I have watched that video. Very informative. |
