![]() This is what you can expect from the amplifier. The polar opposite of saggy, cloudy and mushy. ![]() So while I intentionally shy away from silky anythings in this review, let me start with the most identifiable positive trait (there are many) of the AHB2, and that is low end control. I understand his perspective, amp reviews are not the easiest to communicate. While I try not to spend too much time in the comment section of any site or social media network, one angry Facebook patron recently decided to convey his opinion that any review of an amplifier is a complete farse, quoting the descriptor of “silky highs” as the crux for his disbelief. There is also a 3-step sensitivity switch and one toggle for mono mode. The back panel offers up a whole host of connections including balanced in, standard speaker binding posts, NL2 2-pole speaker connections, 12v trigger but no SE inputs – just something to keep in mind in case your coming from that space on your pre. The faceplate design does allow for a longer rack-mounted version for those interested. Its a tick more practical than full-size casework, and harkens back to some of Wyred4Sound’s mono elaborations. Indeed the temperature coming off the dual-sided heat sinks wasn’t unbearable and the compact footprint is only extended further than the DAC3 via those metal dissipators. In any case, heat dissipation didn’t run amuck with the AHB2 and its small form factor felt distinctly class D, even as the sound quality securely set it self apart from some of the more negativity stereotypes of the more entry-level class of amplification. A “bipolar class AB output stage” is married with class H (hence “AHB2”) and some THX-AAA Technology (Achromatic Audio Amplifier) and makes claims of superior performance to the high-end fav, class A. The topology and overall design hopes to touch on a new direction for more traditional audiophile ways. ![]() Website claims even tout capablities to handle stereo loads as low as 1.4 to full output. For those extreme conisuires, consider two units a capable contender. Of course power concerns tug closely to the feature set of any amplifier so prospective buyers can rest assured for most non-extreme systems at 100W into 8 ohms in stereo mode and 380W in bridged mono. Indeed, real world playback corresponded in turn with both these assumptions. Even as forums claims of “one of the best measuring DACs out right now” trickle around the internet for the DAC3, so does John Atkinson’s bench test for the AHB2 with high marks for both clarity and dynamic range – pushing the limits of the measuring capabilities of his Audio Precision system. The big play from Benchmark has always been more from the professional monitoring side than audiophile roots, but the company has managed to straddle the chasm that spreads between production and consumption with tight packages and well-measuring gear. Linked up with the included Benchmark brand wiring, the entire package felt physically sturdy and very well connected, even compared to the wide array of other cable companies that have made their way through AH HQ. The AHB2 power amp is usually demo’d with a pair of the Benchmark’s own stand mount SMS1, so in the lab we went straight to the TAD Micro-Evolution One’s in for review from MoFi Distribution. Everything stocked, locked and loaded in proper working order as a complete package ready for any pair of speakers. A full loom of Benchmark cabling with correlating connectors even accompanied the review sample. PSE builds some fine amps, and so are the early Jeff Rowland pieces.It came as the perfect pairing for the matching DAC3 digital converter and pre. I also like the performance from many of the Musical Fidelity amps, and the big Nuvistor based integrated is excellent. Other amps I have gotten excellent sound from are the First Watt series of amps, especially the F5. I still think about taking a plane flight to Pennsylvania. Fortunately they are on the other side of the country and the seller will not ship. About the only thing that tempts me is a NAT Audio transmitter tube based amplifier. But I am reluctant to explore other options as these sound so nice. I am kind of spoiled in that I bought them for fairly cheap compared to how they perform, so I always wonder if I can do better. 200 WPC of power, and a sound that exceeds expectations and is more accurate than tube gear I have owned. These amps are the most natural and unforced sounding SS gear I have heard to date. So far the amp/pre amp combination that has yielded the best overall sound is a Halcro DM8 pre amp and a pair of AVM Audio AMP Essential monoblocks. The JBL speakers I have demand high current amplification, and solid state seems to be the best choice.
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