Benchmark System Review - Ricky Dasler, Living Sound, New Zealand

With over 40 years as an audiophile and more than half those years as a hi-fi retailer, I feel I’ve finally put together a stereo that ticks all my sonic boxes. Those being in order of priority, dynamics, scale, tonal accuracy, fatigue free resolution and soundstage.

For the last 25 years I’ve been fortunate to have a dedicated listening room. I use acoustic treatments from Real Traps, Vicoustic and Primeacoustic.

Both as a hobbyist and audio dealer I’ve owned in my home system many brands. Loudspeakers from Kef, Gale, Magnepan, Naim and Harbeth. Electronics by Cambridge, Rega, Musical Fidelity, Mission, Meridian, McLaren (The NZ brand), Perreaux, Naim, PrimaLuna and Pass. A lot of these were top models at the time and I enjoyed them all for their various attributes. Each one taught me something about music replay in the home.

After years immersed in this exciting, wonderful hobby you tend to develop a sense of which gear may lift you listening pleasure to greater heights. This was true when after being intrigued for years, but never hearing horn loudspeakers I bought a pair of Klipsch Cornwall IV’s in 2021, then a couple of years later a pair of Klipschorn AK6’s. Both these speakers cemented for me that horn’s are the speakers that I enjoy the most.

Another instinct based decision came very recently with the Benchmark brand. It had been on my radar for a few years through glowing reviews, YouTube videos and online forum discussions. Fortunately just when I was ready to go down the Benchmark path Parmenter Sound became the authorised New Zealand distributor. I had got to know Jason well over the years so it was great dealing with him. His knowledge and service are top notch.

My Benchmark components consist of the DAC3 B (connected to a Naim NDS streamer), LA4 line amplifier and two AHB2 power amplifiers run in bridged mono mode. All cables are Benchmark too.

The Benchmark gear in my system has brought what I have wanted in my list of sonic priorities as listed above and then some. They have delivered way beyond what I thought could be possible in my system in my room. I’m delighted and stunned daily as my vast music collection comes to life on a whole new level.

Benchmark products are a genuine bargain in the audio high-end world. Plus you can build a Benchmark system as funds permit. For example you may start with a single AHB2 power amp, then decide to add another for either bi-amping or bridged mono mode. For price vs performance their Dacs are a bargain, and their line amplifiers are special when it comes to vanishingly low noise, construction and ergonomics.

So if you’re looking for great value, compact, solid engineered audio electronics, I suggest you check out Benchmark’s website and learn more about who they are and their products. Or contact Parmenter Sound for any Benchmark information.

By Ricky Dasler from Living Sound, Nelson, New Zealand.
https://uniquelynelson.nz/2021/05/03/30-year-anniversary-for-living-sound/

Parmenter Sound
https://www.parmentersound.com/benchmark-ahb2-power-amplifier