Benchmark AHB-2 vs. Parasound JC-1??

[xirtam2005]

Has anyone compared the Benchmark AHB-2 amplifier to the legacy Parsaound Halo JC-1 monoblock?

I currently have a system with Parasound JC-1 monoblocks powering Paradigm Persona 3 floorstanders. There is also a powered sub integrated in the system for a 2.1 system.

During the summer, the heat given off by the Parasound JC-1 monoblocks is unbearable, even just when powered on but not being used. Their heat makes the A/C work harder which is having a tough time keeping up with the 100+ degree heat we get.

Because of this, during the summer, the system spends a majority of the time off and unused.

The Benchmark AHB-2 is different amp technology and runs considerably cooler than the JC-1. I'm seriously considering getting one even just as a "summer amp" so I can listen to the system without it being unbearably hot.

My questions:
1) Does anyone have experience with the Benchmark AHB-2? I understand it measures well and runs cool, but how does it sound and/or integrate with systems?
2) Does anyone have any experience with both the Benchmark and the Parasound Halo?
3) Would a single ~$3K Benchmark AHB-2 stereo amp be a notable sonic downgrade from a pair of Parasound JC-1 monoblocks (~$9k retail at the time, but the new ones are like double).
4) Would a single Benchmark AHB-2 stereo amp be sufficient to properly drive a pair of Parasound Persona 3 speakers to at least moderate levels for all genres of music? By moderate I mean satisfyingly loud, but not so loud that you feel any pain or noticeable temporary hearing loss. Would the fact that there is a sub crossed over at 50Hz and the amp will not be asked to produce material below that make a difference?

Is this worth trying?

 

[bo_knows]

30-DAY RISK FREE TRIAL​

30-DAY RISK-FREE TRIAL (UNITED STATES ONLY)​

I would think, the best way to find out is to order it, listen in your home, and see what you think.

 

[xirtam2005]

30-DAY RISK FREE TRIAL​

30-DAY RISK-FREE TRIAL (UNITED STATES ONLY)​

I would think, the best way to find out is to order it, listen in your home, and see what you think.

That's good to know - thanks. Still interested in others first-hand experience with this before giving it a try.

I'm a bit further south and hotter than you, so you know what I'm talking about with summers.

 

[bo_knows]

That's good to know - thanks. Still interested in others first-hand experience with this before giving it a try.

I'm a bit further south and hotter than you, so you know what I'm talking about with summers.

LOL. I do! I don't critically listen to music during the summer due to the air conditioner noise in my HT room.
If I do, it will be early in the day when I can cool off the room to 74deg, and then I have about 30-40 minutes of listening time before it hits 78-79.
I had the same JC-1 monoblocks and I do remember the heat especially if you flip that switch in the back for them to run 10Watt in pure class A.
Now, downsized to Denon avr-8500 which also runs hot.

 

[PGAMiami]

That's good to know - thanks. Still interested in others first-hand experience with this before giving it a try.

I'm a bit further south and hotter than you, so you know what I'm talking about with summers.

I replaced Constellation Centaur mono with a pair of AHB2s. Never looked back. John Curl was involved in the design of the Constellation. I would think the Parasound JC amps may have a similar sound. I don’t feel there is anything the AHB2s don’t do as well or better. I’m using 4 AHB2S in a bi amp and this runs much cooler than a pair of Constellation. I now have an active bi amo set up, so 4 Constellation would have been very expensive and energy inefficient. The Benchmark are dead quiet and silky smooth with no crossover distortion. I expect Benchmark will let you try a pair so you can decide if you want 0, 1 or 2.