![]() This was exactly the technology we needed to build our new amplifier. In our search, we learned of two new patents on a new amplifier technology from THX. We had to look beyond existing amplifier technologies and explore some new and radical solutions. Benchmark set out to solve this problem by creating an amplifier that matches the performance of the DAC3. Until now, this meant that the DAC3 could not be fully appreciated. For example, the noise and distortion produced by the Benchmark DAC3 D/A converter is 20 to 30 dB lower than that produced by most high-quality power amplifiers. This means that the power amplifier has become a limiting factor in many audio systems. Ben Shyman, Home Theater Review FULFILLING THE NEED FOR BETTER AMPLIFICATIONĭ/A conversion technology has outpaced the development of new power amplifiers. m asterfully detailed and transparent with spot-on tonality and some serious punch." In contrast, the revolutionary AHB2 was specifically designed to deliver true high-resolution performance. ![]() Most power amplifiers are well matched to the limitations of the CD format, but they fall well short of the capabilities of high-resolution formats. Power amplifiers are a weak link in most audio systems. The musical details and emotion captured on today's finest High-Resolution-Audio recordings can only be fully appreciated when every component in the signal chain is capable of true high-resolution performance. 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. The frequency response of the AHB2 extends beyond 200 kHz. 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. Benchmark's AHB2 power amplifier delivers musical details without introducing the masking effects of amplifier noise and distortion. The AHB2 is the ideal match to the performance limits of High-Resolution-Audio (HRA) formats. John Atkinson, Stereophile TRUE HIGH-RESOLUTION PERFORMANCE It is truly a high-resolution amplifier." "Benchmark Media Systems' AHB2 is an extraordinary amplifier. Not only does its performance lie at the limits of what is possible for me to reliably test, it packs high power into a very small package, especially when used in bridged-mono mode. Time and again, without ever having intended to, I wound up hours deep in listening to the fringes of my music collection, thanks to the AHB2’s reference-level transparency and obscene athleticism." "It is one of the - if not the - quietest, most resolving amps I've heard. “If ever there were a giant-killer of an amp, this is it.” “I measured less distortion and noise in the AHB2 than in any other of the many power amps I've measured over the years.” I am starting to really hate the AHB2 it is not something I can really afford, but it is pushing all my buttons.BENCHMARK AHB2 POWER AMPLIFIER THE QUIETEST, CLEANEST AUDIO AMPLIFIER ON THE PLANETįrom the first watt to the last watt, no audio power amplifier offers lower noise or lower distortion than the Benchmark AHB2.Benchmark has raised the bar by introducing a new and revolutionary amplifier! I have a bias toward high-power amplifiers and, aside from the obvious headroom advantage with my low-sensitivity speakers, I think the higher idle bias many have and lower output impedance is a player in that. Less power at idle, so less heat, and easier on AVRs with their limited power supply and output capacity as well as limited ability to dissipate heat when crammed into a console, but greater amounts of low-level "grunge" in the sound. I think the trend the past few years (actually, many years) has been toward lower bias levels and that leads to higher levels of crossover distortion. That is one of those things you'd think would never be a problem these days, but previously I have noticed crossover distortion and found it much more audible than I expected. The white paper on the Benchmark site about hearing low-level crossover distortion was interesting. Back then I had many more resources for finding the technical reasons (there always was one or more). In the past I have been surprised by the times I could and could not tell the difference among power amplifiers. Just not sure I can justify the money outlay right now. The AHB2's lower output impedance might make the bass a bit better, and lower noise floor means less hiss in the treble.įrankly I am not sure I would be able to tell the difference between the AHB2 and my Emotiva XPA-2, but I am anxious to find out. Too many unknowns it will have a lower noise floor and lower distortion but whether that is audible to you I could not say.
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