"There's nothing here to inspire cults, 'merely' a precision instrument that performs the precisely defined task of reproducing music and sound essentially to perfection. With AHB2, you'll finally hear what you've been missing in high-resolution playback. Significantly quieter than typical reference amps, the Stereophile Editors' Choice Award-winning and Class A Recommended AHB2 touts extremely extended frequency response at both spectrums, patented error-correction technology, remarkable efficiency, a bi-polar Class AB output stage, and an innovative power supply. Given Benchmark's sterling reputation with digital audio, it's not surprising the company has built a groundbreaking power amplifier, AHB2, capable of delivering the full performance of its flagship converters and the world's finest high-resolution recordings. This subtle excellence assures long term satisfaction.Benchmark AHB2 Power Amplifier Reveals Full Scope of PCM and DSD Recordings: Extended Frequency Response, Class AB Output Stage, Patented Technology, Remarkable Efficiency "The outstanding musicality of the Benchmark AHB2 takes some time to convince the listener of its wholly musical presentation. 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." If more power is needed, two amplifiers configured for mono can provide it. "The Benchmark AHB2 is a very fine sounding, easy to live with, zero-maintenance power amplifier that has enough power for most systems. The sonic image is remarkably focused and apparent." It is a simple exercise to point a finger directly at a performer, even when several are present in the recording. "The imaging and sound stage is 3D, large and stable. The coherence and resolution of all sounds - which have stunning low level resolution - is special, encouraging the listener to maximally enjoy a musical performance." This is due to the exceptional linearity across the musical spectrum. These last for long periods of a listening session, not just as a momentary feeling of great sound. "The overall sound is very true to the recording with regular 'virtual reality'-like experiences. "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." In this regard, the Benchmark amplifier should be compared to excellent Class A or AB amplifier technology." "Immediately upon cuing up the first musical selection, it was perfectly obvious that the AHB2 has outstanding extension in the upper treble, seemingly unlimited. This is critical to the excellent sound of the amplifier as it eliminates crossover distortion, the common bane of push-pull amplifiers." "Other significant technologies include patented THX-AAA feed forward error correction. 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." "One might well assume that due to these specs the amplifier is some kind of Class D “digital” tech. A switching power supply does not require “big iron” power transformers and large capacitors." "The key to the small size and weight is the “tightly regulated resonant switching power supply”, which is claimed to be over 90% efficient. "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."
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