![]() ![]() ![]() I have no wish to engage the double-blind test debate here, but I do think there’s a lot to be said for not knowing what you’re listening to when evaluating components, particularly when it comes to electronics. That said, even by contemporary standards of the most sophisticated, exotic, and expensive electronics, this new amplifier is something of a technological tour de force.Īs a remarkable number of audiophiles still tend to listen with their eyes rather than their ears, there continues to be a prejudice in favor of size, weight, and bulk, especially as regards speaker systems and amplifiers. Ferretting out differences typically involves zeroing in on a very specific and limited characteristic or set of characteristics with such concentration as to leave one tired, uncertain, or both: in other words, an activity that is the very antithesis of what is involved in listening seriously, even critically-to say nothing of pleasurably-to music. ![]() I know this is not the sort of thing we’re supposed to say about products, but it has been evident for a very long time now that solid-state electronics, particularly linestage preamplifiers and power amplifiers, have reached a point where they are effectively a solved problem such that it is exceeding difficult to tell one from another even in the most exacting A/B comparisons. Used within its limitations and for its intended purposes it is in any practical sense perfect. I don’t have much to say about the sonic qualities of Benchmark’s new AHB2 power amplifier because there isn’t that much to say. I appreciate what Paul Seydor of the abo!ute sound wrote in his review of the AHB2. They firmly believe that if they hear a difference, they should be able to measure it. Then imagine that these guys at Benchmark STILL listen for differences and THEN figure out a way to measure those differences. Take a look at the products they make, and take a look a the specs, and look at the unbelievably crazy good specs verified by numerous people taking measurements with the best gear available to do so. We then add this test to our arsenal of measurements.Įven though measurements show no flaws, they still listen, and if they identify something different, they figure out a way to measure what they heard. If we hear something, we go back and figure out how to measure what we heard. When all of the measurements show that a product is working flawlessly, we spend time listening for issues that may not have shown up on the test station. Measuring article caught my attention right away.Īt Benchmark, listening is the final exam that determines if a design passes from engineering to production. While investigating these amps I enjoyed reading Benchmark's VP and chief designer John Siau's application notes. I believe the AHB2 amps will be a significant part of my music listening system. However, what I don't want is anything to possibly hinder me from hearing the best I can hear, or at least that is what I am chasing right now. I'm just not good at identifying the differences like some others that are apparently able to do so. I am NOT stating there are no audible differences, and it does NOT mean I am NOT hearing a difference. Yet I've always been a proponent of not being able to identify any audible differences in quality solid state amps, which includes most all amps as far as I'm concerned, provided they are not over-driven. Lately I've been considering a little higher end gear to make sure I'm not missing anything in my music listening. I learned from talking with Rory Rall of Benchmark that they have paired up the AHB2 amps with several MartinLogan speakers over the past few years at various audio shows to show how well they pair with electrostatic speakers. These will power my ML 15A's in mono mode. and verified by Amir at AudioScienceReview who has the AHB2 at the top of his list for amps: Ī black pair landed at my shop today and I happily brought them home with me, since I paid good money for them. Output noise relative to 2.83 Vrms, A-weighted, inputs shortedġ kHz, 80 kHz LPF, at full rated output into any rated loadġ kHz, 20 kHz LPF, at full rated output into any rated load 133 dB Unweighted, 20 Hz to 20 kHz, Mono Mode.130 dB Unweighted, 20 Hz to 20 kHz, Stereo Mode. ![]() Rated output relative to output noise, inputs shorted You can see the full specs on their website, but here are some notables: I really don't know, but Benchmark makes the claim, and if it's not, it's most certainly "one of" the quietest and cleanest amps in the universe.īenchmark Media Systems AHB2 Power Amplifier. ![]()
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