The ABH2 is THX AAA Certified (utilizing several of the company's technologies/circuitries) and provides a plethora of additional features. It possesses a small footprint of approximately 11 inches by eight inches, and it is solidly built in the same brushed aluminum as the DAC3. The AHB2 is a handsome product that sells for $2,995, or roughly $1,000 more than the DAC3. Could an amplifier with a reported signal-to-noise ratio greater than amplifiers produced by legendary designers like Coangelo, Curl, D'agostino, and Pass, and far greater than any recording (high resolution or otherwise), really be that much quieter? If so, does it matter? Now, while I never 'get off' reading consumer product statistics because stats cannot ever replace actual listening tests, I must admit that my curiosity was further heightened. The AHB2 Reference power amplifier has a reported 132-dB signal-to-noise ratio. Low noise and distortion are in the company's DNA and are the ultimate goals with every product produced. In my recent review of the DAC3, I discussed Benchmark's philosophy to pursue musical sonic transparency. Knowing the company's reputation and having owned its products in the past, I was definitely intrigued. Benchmark clearly states that the AHB2 represents a 'radical approach' to power amplification. Terms like low-bias, Class H, Class G, and feed-forward error correction are not terms that accompany the workhorse amplifiers I usually live with. So, when Benchmark shipped me the AHB2 Reference Power Amplifier (100 watts per channel into eight ohms, 380 watts bridged mono into eight ohms) along with the new DAC3 preamplifier/DAC that I already reviewed, and I first read the manual-yes, I read manuals-I was initially taken aback. Nonetheless, these amplifiers are my references, matching like peas and carrots with my Focal Sopra N☁ speakers. Their downside is that they are inefficient and dissipate a lot of heat as they consume a lot of power. These amplifiers are deep-biasing, always ready to handle musical transients and dramatically shifting dynamics. When it comes to amplification, I am admittedly a Class A guy, and I love the two Class A amplifiers I currently own: the 30-watt Pass Labs XA30.8 stereo amp and the 10-watt First Watt SIT-2 stereo amp. Some embrace gear based just on sound quality others embrace gear on sound quality along with design philosophy. Need an expert opinion? The experts at Dreamedia AV are your best choice for consultations and advice!Įvery enthusiast, audiophile, and equipment reviewer has different criteria for selecting reference equipment.Top Deals Amazon - Headphones, TV's, Speakers, and more!.

Sorry if this wasn’t articulated well and long winded. Yeah now I have to get their DAC and audition it. I was gonna keep just the AHB2 and send the LH4 pre back. You can turn it up all the way, put your ear to the tweeter.and nothing. Yes reverb trails if the mix had that in it.Īnything you put on. This is a whole different level.ĭepth is just what the mix and room it was recorded in says. I have zero clue what you are taking about. Put back the benchmark I was there in the studio again. I’m not joking I felt like I was in sunset studios listening to them. This album through the Benchmark gear blew me away. I have a Marshall plexi like Ed’s and I know what it sounds like. You can HEAR the room they are playing in. Yes putting in the LH4 preamp made a huge difference. They sound spot on with the benchmark gear As in practiced them and know how to play them. I am a musician and know what instruments sound like. The timing of the benchmark AHB2 and LH4 is spot on. What I mean is that the NAIM was fast but congested. Mind you the rega for listening pleasure is seriously good. Wanted to wait before I reported back on my listening. I waited a month listening to these to review them. If their power amp sounds so good, the preamp much be good as well Sorry for those who like those amps.Īfter listening to the benchmark AHB2 for a week I of course got the itch to try the Benchmark LH4 pre. When I first got my rega I tried a NAIM X3 next to it and didn’t like the NAIM at all. Really wanted to try the Benchmark AHB2 so I got one to audition and run my rega pre through it. I started off with my Rega Elex R, Marantz HD DAC1 and Proac DT 8 speakers. Feels weird reviewing something whereas so many more here have much more experience than me but here goes.

Mytek brooklyn amp vs benchmark ahb2