AHB2 Review - Jerry Seigel, 10 Audio - "Perfect 10 Award"
AHB2 - "I Purchased the Review Sample"
"The Benchmark AHB2 is a very fine sounding, easy to live with, zero-maintenance power amplifier that has enough power for most systems. If more power is needed, two amplifiers configured for mono can provide it."
"The decision to purchase the review sample and make the Benchmark AHB2 a new, long term reference took over a month of listening and comparisons."
AHB2 - "Instantly Grabbed the Audio World's Attention"
"The Benchmark AHB2 solid-state stereo power amplifier immediately grabbed the audio world’s attention about 7 years ago when it was introduced."
"There are already a number of reviews, so the purpose of this one is to add another data point, another reaction to add to the knowledge base of this remarkable amplifier."
"Just looking at the amplifier’s diminutive size of about 11 inches wide, 3.9 inches high, and 9.3 inches deep, and 12.5-pound weight will not prepare one for the quality of performance delivered by the nicely finished package."
"The key to the small size and weight is the “tightly regulated resonant switching power supply”, which is claimed to be over 90% efficient. A switching power supply does not require “big iron” power transformers and large capacitors."
Not Class D
"One might well assume that due to these specs the amplifier is some kind of Class D “digital” tech. Not so! The amplifier has a low-bias bipolar class AB output stage which produces far less heat than most other amplifier bias schemes, especially those with high bias Class A output stages."
THX-AAA Technology
"Other significant technologies include patented THX-AAA feed forward error correction. This is critical to the excellent sound of the amplifier as it eliminates crossover distortion, the common bane of push-pull amplifiers."
"Immediately upon cuing up the first musical selection, it was perfectly obvious that the AHB2 has outstanding extension in the upper treble, seemingly unlimited. In this regard, the Benchmark amplifier should be compared to excellent Class A or AB amplifier technology."
"The AHB2 lacks the characteristic, almost subliminal harshness in the upper frequencies that is observed in some push-pull amplifiers, but absent in single-ended amplifiers."
"The overall sound is very true to the recording with regular 'virtual reality'-like experiences. These last for long periods of a listening session, not just as a momentary feeling of great sound. This is due to the exceptional linearity across the musical spectrum. The coherence and resolution of all sounds - which have stunning low level resolution - is special, encouraging the listener to maximally enjoy a musical performance."
"Sound Stage is 3D, Large and Stable"
"The imaging and sound stage is 3D, large and stable. It is a simple exercise to point a finger directly at a performer, even when several are present in the recording. The sonic image is remarkably focused and apparent."
"The Benchmark AHB2 is a very fine sounding, easy to live with, zero-maintenance power amplifier that has enough power for most systems. If more power is needed, two amplifiers configured for mono can provide it. The decision to purchase the review sample and make the Benchmark AHB2 a new, long term reference took over a month of listening and comparisons."
"The outstanding musicality of the Benchmark AHB2 takes some time to convince the listener of its wholly musical presentation. This subtle excellence assures long term satisfaction."
- Jerry Seigel, 10 Audio
Read the entire review at 10audio.com →
AHB2 - "Perfect 10" Award
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AHB2 Review - Mike Prager, Future Audiophile
"For years, the audio world acknowledged one main contender (at least at sub-five-figure pricing) for the quietest, cleanest, most neutral power amplifier around. That was the Benchmark AHB2, whose specifications are still, for all practical purposes, unsurpassed, even by today’s excellent Class-D amps."
"10 years after its release, the Benchmark Media Systems AHB2 stereo power amp is still a standard-bearer in clean, neutral sound in the audiophile world."
"I greatly enjoyed having a pair of AHB2s in my system – their purity, neutrality, and seemingly unlimited power provided a clear window on the music and a lot of joy."
"I especially appreciated the AHB2’s smooth, well-integrated treble, free of splashiness or grain, and its natural reproduction of the human voice."
- Mike Prager, Future Audiophile