Burdick, the engineer whose work formed the basis for its design, Benchmark's AHB2 makes use of THX Corporation's Achromatic Audio Amplifier (AAA) technology, in which a low-power feed-forward amplifier drives a low-bias class-AB output section. Distortion performance exceeds that of class A amplifiers, while the efficiency exceeds that of traditional class AB amplifiers. Benchmark AHB2: 2999 Named for the late Allen H. The licensed technology solves the crossover problem by combining a plurality of output stages such that one stage drives the output while another stage enters a crossover region.
These new innovations virtually eliminate crossover distortion while offering opportunities to improve efficiency, damping, and dynamic range. THX recently patented two new technologies that address crossover distortion, and Benchmark incorporated these innovations into the AHB2 design. Class A output stages eliminate this crossover distortion at the expense of high power consumption, poor damping, and a limited dynamic range. This crossover distortion can be especially problematic at low playback levels. The AHB2 allows you to escape the distortion limitations of classic amplifier topologies and enter the world of high-resolution audio playback.Ĭlass AB amplifiers generate crossover distortion every time the output stage crosses 0 volts.
#Benchmark ahb2 power amp full
Its a stunning experience to finally hear full bandwidth high-resolution playback. The AHB2 has a high damping factor that augments its extended low-end to deliver solid, well-controlled bass. At the other end of the audio spectrum, the low-frequency response extends below 0.1 Hz. The frequency response of the AHB2 extends beyond 200 kHz, to deliver the ultrasonic detail and fast transients captured by high-resolution recordings. 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 dynamic range of the AHB2 approaches 130 dB, making it 10 to 30 dB quieter than the typical audiophile power amplifier. Thats why we created the AHB2, a perfect match to the new high-resolution digital formats.īenchmark's AHB2 power amplifier delivers musical details without introducing the masking effects of amplifier noise. Benchmark saw clearly that the differences between a 16-bit recording and a 24-bit recording cannot be fully appreciated through a power amplifier that can only achieve 16 to 18-bit performance. Most of the advantages of the high-resolution formats are lost in even high-end setups. However, it is hard to find a power amplifier that can deliver more than 100 to 105 dB of dynamic range. It is now possible to produce and distribute recordings that have dynamic ranges that exceed 120 to 125 dB. Recent advances in high-resolution digital formats have well outpaced most existing amplifier technologies. Theres a huge problem with HD music today. Only the AHB2 power amplifier is designed to deliver the details, texture, and dynamic range of the finest best high-resolution recordings. High-resolution audio recordings are now available in a variety of digital formats, but none of these formats can be experienced to their full potential using a typical power amplifier. Its entirely new patented technology eliminates most sources of distortion while extending the dynamic range well beyond that of most high-end amplifiers. The AHB2 stereo power amplifier introduces groundbreaking advances in power amplifier design and performance. At least that was my impression.*** We have a unit available for demo purposes *** Going to the Benchmark amp did nothing about the overall sound of the speakers, but subjectively I thought the sound was 'cleaner', and that I could play program material louder without 'aural fatigue'. Moving them around did solidify the bass a lot, though. Good speakers are hell on bad recordings. No matter where you put it, a Magneplanar speaker will always sound like a Magneplanar.ģ) FWIW, my speakers have often been criticized for having 'aggressive highs', but I find that in almost all cases of that sort of thing, it's the recording. What can mostly be changed by moving speakers around are LF stuff, imaging, directionality, and things like that. Especially the highs, which tend to be directional.
Possibly moving the speakers around, however a speaker's basic 'sonic signature' remains, no matter about placement. Then, the problem will not likely be solved by a new amplifier, but rather new speakers. Unless everything in the upper register sounds shrill to you. Whether that is a good enough reason to change what you have is up to you.Ģ) 'really forward vocals' sounds like a problem in a particular recording. Click to expand.1) it will be difficult to find a better production amplifier that measures better than Benchmark.
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