Benchmark AHB2 Power Cable Upgrade

@timothy_m Glad to help. I'm thinking about going to monoblocks, so it was good to find out now about a potential problem. I ran a quick scan for cables that might work, and it appears some of the Audioquest cables could fill the bill.

I've tried a number of power cords on my AHB2's, and nothing has been consistently better. 

Different, yes. But nothing actually better. 

I also have a pair of Atma-Sphere M60s that I use the Benchmark power cords on. They're just really good, neutral power cords.

I think a 10awg Audience Forte F3 might work as it uses similar size plugs as factory cords. It’s a really nice power cable that won’t break the bank. It made a positive difference on my pass labs X260.8 mono amps. You won’t know if it makes a difference on Benchmark until you try and if it doesn’t, you’re out $175 And you know you have a 10awg cord on the amp which is what you should be using on your amps. 

Hello @timothy_m

This may not be helpful, but — I installed a (used) Cardas Clear Beyond PC on my AHB2, and it was a game-changing upgrade. More PRaT, more clarity, better dynamics…really brought my system to life. That said, the connector is quite beefy, and it may not work with the Speakon connector(s).

I’m running the Beyond Clear PC from a dedicated 20A line, which also has a Cardas duplex outlet installed.

I recently replaced the stock PCs on my Lumin U2, DAC3 HGC, and HPA4 with Cardas Clear Cygnus PCs, and the effect was more subtle, but they improved the instrument separation and clarity further.

Best, JAMES

You would think an amp that gets widespread praise as objectively one of the best out there from a company that is held in highest regard for its engineering acumen would include a good quality power cord . I would be inclined to not worry about it.

I wonder what Benchmark’s response would be if you asked them about a power cord upgrade?  They know their products best.