Benchmark AHB2 Review (Updated Measurements)

[Gringoaudio1]

You have wonderful amplifiers but IMNSHO you also have spent too much in amplifiers.

Yes. Absolutely overkill. Surround channels use so little power
You only needed to add one more for the surrounds likely. But I bet it makes for a lovely rack of amps!

 

[mocenigo]

Yes. Absolutely overkill. Surround channels use so little power. But makes for a lovely rack of amps!

Aas long as you are aware and happy about it, what's wrong? That parade of AHB2's *must* really look great!
I put my money in designing my speakers, and I do love them (mr. BoXem has also heard them, and did not seem to dislike them).

 

[Nicolas]

I also got these. And now I wish all amps had SpeakOn connectors

I made mine (I live in Europe so it didn't make sense to purchase them from Benchmark) and I wish amps and speakers had speakon connectors...

I also use powercon and ethercon in other applications; nice range of products to work with.

 

[MaxBuck]

You have wonderful amplifiers but IMNSHO you also have spent too much in amplifiers.

If people are going to overspend on amplifiers, I'm pleased to see Benchmark being the recipient.

 

[pogo]

Is a successor to the AHB2 planned?
Purifi now has the 2nd generation, ...

 

[fredoamigo]

Is a successor to the AHB2 planned?
Purifi now has the 2nd generation, ...

Unless there is a turnaround, I highly doubt it.
https://benchmarkmedia.com/products/benchmark-ahb2-power-amplifier
""The dynamic range of the AHB2 is 132 dB, making it 10 to 30 dB quieter than some of the very best reference-quality power amplifiers. Unlike class-D amplifiers, the AHB2 is noise free over its entire 0.1 Hz to 200 kHz frequency range. Don't settle for the limited performance of class-D amplification. With the AHB2, you will discover previously overlooked nuances, dynamics, and detail in your favorite recordings and experience the full potential of the latest high-resolution 24-bit PCM and 1-bit DSD audio formats. """

 

[Julf]

Unless there is a turnaround, I highly doubt it.
https://benchmarkmedia.com/products/benchmark-ahb2-power-amplifier
""The dynamic range of the AHB2 is 132 dB, making it 10 to 30 dB quieter than some of the very best reference-quality power amplifiers. Unlike class-D amplifiers, the AHB2 is noise free over its entire 0.1 Hz to 200 kHz frequency range. Don't settle for the limited performance of class-D amplification. With the AHB2, you will discover previously overlooked nuances, dynamics, and detail in your favorite recordings and experience the full potential of the latest high-resolution 24-bit PCM and 1-bit DSD audio formats. """

Was the previous job of their marketing person at Sony?

 

[fredoamigo]

Was the previous job of their marketing person at Sony?

Sony ? explain to me? what does this have to do with Sony?

 

[Julf]

Sony ? explain to me? what does this have to do with Sony?

The "the limited performance of class-D amplification" and " experience the full potential of the latest high-resolution 24-bit PCM and 1-bit DSD audio formats" stuff reminds me of the Sony "Hi-res" marketing campaign with the BS staircase illustrations.

 

[pogo]

Don't settle for the limited performance of class-D amplification. With the AHB2, you will discover previously overlooked nuances, dynamics, and detail

It now sounds like it's from another century.
Will there be a successor?

 

[fredoamigo]

The "the limited performance of class-D amplification" and " experience the full potential of the latest high-resolution 24-bit PCM and 1-bit DSD audio formats" stuff reminds me of the Sony "Hi-res" marketing campaign with the BS staircase illustrations.

yes of course, it's marketing to differentiate it from the others, but what is written remains engraved in marble, and I can't see Benchmark going back on its word and moving to class D in the near future, especially since it will be difficult to do better...more powerful perhaps but better in a compact format...no

 

[Julf]

yes of course, it's marketing to differentiate it from the others, but what is written remains engraved in marble, and I can't see Benchmark going back on its word and moving to class D in the near future, especially since it will be difficult to do better...more powerful perhaps but better in a compact format...no

Definitely hard to do better in terms of sound quality, as most decent amps are already audibly perfect (transparent).

Marketing is marketing, but there is still a distinction between fact and BS.

 

[xaxxon]

I don't understand the 6 ohm rating mentioned in review or documentation. I had asked Benchmark about this (wish I could find the correspondence), and they said there were no issues driving 4 ohm. Benchmark site even has article AHB2 - Driving PMC IB2S Studio Monitors ,complete with measurements while driving 4 ohm (monoblock mode) speaker system.

I have mono locks on Wilson alexias. No issues.

I talked to benchmark about this and they said that it doesn’t have all the same guarantees if you, say, drive a sin wave through it for extended periods of time so that’s why they don’t advertise it but that it’s fine and the amp will do all the right amp things if you drive it too hard in terms of protecting way early.

I could protect a stereo ahb2 (from another room) I cannot protect a monoblock.

 

[SoulsHarbor]

Whew, at the nick of time, thanks for the report. Just ordered the NCx500, decision confirmed to be a good one.

Why? Price?

 

[elvisizer]

I hope to see them become a standard in home/consumer audio.

i'm with you brother, speakon 4eva

In a world where LA90 exists, these are not worth it. Topping is clear as fresh glass. This is glass with small specks of dust. But these are way better than amps like Roksan which are dusty as f.

eh, they're both wires with gain. benchmark is pricey, sure, but there ain't no dust on that signal.

 

[mocenigo]

i'm with you brother, speakon 4eva

eh, they're both wires with gain. benchmark is pricey, sure, but there ain't no dust on that signal.

Regarding Benchmark, I have yet to hear of their amplifiers failing. Topping is not there yet regarding reliability of power amps. I do have a D90 (first series, AKM based, no MQA) and a Pre90, and they are simply perfect.

 

[RB Dennis 57]

Regarding Benchmark, I have yet to hear of their amplifiers failing. Topping is not there yet regarding reliability of power amps. I do have a D90 (first series, AKM based, no MQA) and a Pre90, and they are simply perfect.

Having owned both products, I'm inclined to agree. I've already had one Topping component bit the dust in less than 2 years. IMO, the jury is out on the reliability and longevity of Topping products. My AHB2 is warrantied for 5 years form the date of delivery if the item was purchased in the U.S. and registered.

 

[RB Dennis 57]

Regarding Benchmark, I have yet to hear of their amplifiers failing. Topping is not there yet regarding reliability of power amps. I do have a D90 (first series, AKM based, no MQA) and a Pre90, and they are simply perfect.

Regarding Benchmark, I have yet to hear of their amplifiers failing. Topping is not there yet regarding reliability of power amps. I do have a D90 (first series, AKM based, no MQA) and a Pre90, and they are simply perfect.

I have the pre90 as well and very pleased, but for some reason, I feel my somewhat vintage Conrad Johnson pre will outlive me.