Quandary


I’m really happy with my system. However when a technician, who is also a salesman, came to my house for a stereo repair he complimented my set but said it would sound a lot better if I switched out my Benchmark AHB2 amp (which I think is great) for a Pass 30 wpc class AB amp. He offered to let me hear that amp in my system so that I could decide for myself (at a fee of $300.) The only problem is he doesn’t  have the 30 watt amp in stock but would have to demo the Pass sound with 60 watt monoblocks. He assured  me that with my very efficient GoldenEar Triton 1 speakers the 30 watt amp will almost have the the same quality.

Do you think I can honestly judge how the smaller amp will actually sound? Or should I cancel the demonstration (and save$300?)

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I think the Benchmark AHB2 amp is lovely. I agree completely with Mahler123. I would just stick with the Benchmark for all the reasons cited. 

It is very possible you will like the change, but for $300 and not even getting to hear the actual amp you would buy, hard ‘no’. You could probably just order the amp yourself from a dealer that offers returns.

You'd be nuts to spend $300 on an audition! You don't need a new amp. The AHB2 is excellent and competitive with amps that cost way more!