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Benchmark Media AHB2 Power Amplifier

Benchmark Media AHB2 Power Amplifier
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Benchmark Media AHB2 Power AmplifierBenchmark Media AHB2 Power AmplifierBenchmark Media AHB2 Power Amplifier
£3,549.00
(£2,957.50 Exc. VAT)
  
  

Delivery In 1-3 Days

Free U.K. Delivery

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Silver Mogwai Analogue XLR Cable (Pair)Silver Mogwai Analogue XLR Cable (Pair)
  • 100 W/channel into 8 Ohms
  • 340 W Bridged Mono into 8 Ohms
  • 130 dB A-weighted
  • 0.00013% 
  • FR +0/-3 dB 0.1 Hz to 200 kHz
Benchmark Media
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Why buy from us?

Benchmark Media AHB2 Power Amplifier

Power amplifiers are usually a weak link in the audio chain.

High-resolution recording formats and converter technology have outpaced the development of improved power amplifiers. Benchmark DAC2 D/A converters outperform most high-end power amplifiers by very significant margins. Most power amplifiers limit system noise performance to the equivalent of a 16 to 18-bit digital system. The details captured by today's high-resolution 24-bit PCM systems are often lost in a veil amplifier noise and distortion. Benchmark's goal was to build a power amplifier that could deliver thefull performance of their flagship DAC2 converters, and today's finest high-resolution recordings. The AHB2 realises this goal.

High-Resolution audio is only as good as the weakest link in the playback system. Benchmark's AHB2 power amplifier delivers musical details without introducing the masking effects of amplifier noise and distortion. The dynamic range of the AHB2 approaches 130 dB, making it 10 to 30 dB quieter than the typical reference-quality power amplifier. You will discover previously overlooked nuances, dynamics, and detail in your favourite recordings and experience the full potential of the latest high-resolution 24-bit PCM and 1-bit DSD audio formats. The AHB2 delivers true High-Resolution Audio.

The frequency response of the AHB2 extends beyond 200 kHz, to deliver the ultrasonic detail and fast transients captured by high-resolution recordings. At the other end of the audio spectrum, the low-frequency response extends below 0.1 Hz. The extended frequency response delivers a nearly perfect impulse response, and a nearly perfect phase response. The AHB2 has a high damping factor that augments its extended low-end to deliver solid, well-controlled bass. It’s a stunning experience to finally hear full bandwidth high-resolution playback. The AHB2 allows you to escape the distortion limitations of classic amplifier topologies and enter the world of high-resolution audio playback.

The AHB2 breaks is a significant departure from traditional designs. Two new patented feed-forward error-correction technologies eliminate most sources of distortion. An unconventional power supply maintains tight regulation and low ripple while minimising magnetic fields. A low-gain topology optimises the gain staging between the D/A converter and the power amplifier while minimising noise. Sophisticated shielding and star-quad signal distribution provide outstanding immunity to interference. The result is that the AHB2 has a signal to noise ratio that approaches 130 dB while distortion is at or below the measurement limits of the finest test equipment.

The patented feed-forward error-correction used in the AHB2 is so effective that biasing of the output devices can be reduced or even entirely eliminated. Benchmark has chosen to maintain a small bias current in the output stage, but this bias current is not critical to the distortion performance of the unit. The benefit of low bias current is that very little power is wasted as heat. The feed-forward error correction also allows the use of tracking power supply rails. These tracking rails significantly improve the overall efficiency of the amplifier while the error correction keeps distortion nearly nonexistent. The AHB2 rivals the efficiency of Class-D amplifiers while exceeding the sonic performance of power-hungry Class-A designs.

Distortion performance exceeds that of class A amplifiers, while the efficiency exceeds that of traditional class AB amplifiers. Low-level details and reverb tails are rendered with a stunning resolution. The low-noise input amplifiers on the AHB2 are equipped with precision balanced inputs. Benchmark considers balanced inputs essential in a true high-resolution system.

Shipping typically 1-2 days
  • 100 W/channel into 8 Ohms, both channels driven
  • 170 W/channel into 4 Ohms, both channels driven
  • 340 W Bridged Mono into 8 Ohms
  • 130 dB A-weighted
  • 125 dB 20 Hz - 80 kHz
  • < -118 dB relative to full output at any output level below clip, stereo, 1 kHz
  • < -118 dB relative to full output at any output level below clip, bridged mono, 1 kHz
  • 0.00013% 
  • < -113 dB relative to full output, 1 kHz
  • 0.00022%
  • Better than 0.1 Hz to 200 kHz, +0/-3 dB

Connections

  • Input: Balanced XLR
  • Output: Binding post
  • Output: SpeakON NL4

Electronics

  • Amplifier Power @ 4 Ohms: 170W per channel
  • Amplifier Power @ 8 ohms: 100W per channel
  • Amplifier Power @ 8 Ohms: 340W bridged mono

Performance

  • Frequency Response: Better than 0.1 Hz to 200 kHz, +0/-3 dB
  • SNR: 130 dB A-rated / 125 dB 20 Hz - 80 kHz
  • THD Mono: <-118 dB relative to full output at any output level below clip, bridged mono, 1 kHz / 0.00013%
  • THD stereo: <-118 dB relative to full output at any output level below clip, stereo, 1 kHz / 0.00013%

UK Delivery

  • FREE delivery via DPD Local By 12pm on orders to value over £300, including one hour delivery window service 'Predict & Follow My Parcel'.
  • Royal Mail Special Delivery By 1pm costs between £5.00 - £10.00 on orders to value under £300, dependent on weight.
  • Saturday or Sunday delivery available upon request for supplemental charge.

EU Delivery

  • £25 delivery charge 'Flat Fee' via DHL Europe by Road service (5-7 days) which provides comprehensive tracking of shipments online.
  • £50 delivery charge 'Flat Fee' via DHL Europe by Air service  (2-3 days) which provides comprehensive tracking of shipments online.
    Receiver is responsible for the payment of local Duties and Taxes.

USA & Canada Delivery

  • Services based on your order being shipped to the U.S. and Canada are calculated as follows:
    £100 delivery charge 'Flat Fee' via DHL international 'Day Definite' service per parcel.
    Receiver is responsible for the payment of local Duties and Taxes.

Exceptions

  • Not all products are available for order into Europe, USA & Canada

WARRANTY

  • Full manufacturer's warranty on all new purchases. Standard warranty is typically 12 months to 2 years with some goods coming with 6 years manufacturer's warranty.
  • Goods purchased in UK and EU are covered by the Consumer Contracts Regulations.
Average Rating (1 Review):  
Write a Review and share your opinions!

Rating:  
Giant Killer!
30 October 2018  | 

There is no better power amp. Really. I have a pair of these driving the big Graham Audio LS5/8 speakers, and the combination is simply wonderful.

Truly transparent: I am listening to my recordings, not to the equipment.

The little AHB2-s have replaced a pair of beefy Sugden Masterclass MPA-4 Class A monoblocks. The difference in clarity, separation, soundstage, and overall control over the whole frequency range from sub-bass rumbles to hi-hat splashes is night and day. There is not a trace of distortion over the whole frequency range, at any and all volumes.

The AHB2 has killed Class A. At half the price.

I have been a customer of Peter's here at Igloo for several years now, and enjoy his enthusiasm and wide-ranging knowledge of the hifi landscape. A purchase decision is always a two-way conversation, and he has saved me from foolishness on more than one occasion. He is, like me, unimpressed by over-priced audiophile voodoo, and his nicley curated offerings reflect that practical dedication to
the authentic reproduction of the recording for maximum enjoyment of the music.

And that is why he is one of the only hifi dealers in the country offering Benchmark's outstanding kit. These little beauties are not over-priced, not power-hungry, have a discrete livingroom-friendly footprint and take control of a speaker like no other. They are, after all, the amplifiers of choice in the studios of the professionals who make the recordings we listen to.

You won't need another power amplifier.

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22 of 23 people found this review helpful.

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