Benchmark AHB2 Power Amplifier
The Benchmark AHB2 brings ultra-low noise, lightning-fast transients and iron-fisted loudspeaker control to a remarkably compact Class A/B chassis. Soundnews praised its exceptional transparency, detail and impactful bass, while bridged operation unlocks serious power reserves. With balanced connectivity, selectable gain and comprehensive protection, it is a precision power amplifier built for revealing systems.
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Deliciously Crispy
Sound Quality
94/100
Build Quality
95/100
Value for Money
95/100
Pros
Exceptionally transparent, quiet presentation with abundant low-level detail and a clean, neutral balance.
Fast, hard-hitting dynamics and authoritative driver control, including taut, impactful bass.
Compact, cool-running and versatile, with bridgeable mono operation, selectable gain, balanced inputs and Speakon outputs.
Cons
Its neutral, matter-of-fact character does not add tube-like warmth or soften an already bright system.
Ultimate soundstage depth and tonal colour were judged behind more expensive reference amplifiers.
Very large, demanding electrostatic speakers may require more power than a bridged pair can provide at the highest levels.
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What Reviewers Are Saying
SOUND QUALITY PERFORMANCE 94/100
Reviewers consistently hear an exceptionally clean, neutral and controlled amplifier, with unusually high resolution and powerful speaker grip from its compact chassis. Its presentation is more matter-of-fact than overtly romantic, and one reviewer found tonal colour and stage depth somewhat behind a reference tube design.
Transparency Resolution
95/100
Soundnews calls the AHB2 an amplifier that disappears from the chain, praising world-class detail retrieval, purity and an exceptionally quiet background. Convince Me Audio likewise describes it as clean, transparent and high-resolution, while Z Reviews found familiar headphones more open and revealing than ever.
Tonal Balance Musicality
91/100
The prevailing view is of an even-handed, fundamentally neutral sound that lets the character of the source and loudspeakers come through. Soundnews heard some natural flow and a touch of midrange warmth, while StereoNET appreciated its creamy, mellow politeness but found instrumental texture and tonal colour less expansive than its valve reference.
Dynamics
96/100
Dynamics and control draw repeated outstanding praise: Soundnews calls it a dynamic-range behemoth with lightning-fast transients, chest-level impact and iron-fisted grip. In bridged use, Dagogo heard stunning organ transients approaching substantially costlier Bricasti monoblocks, although its largest electrostatic panels needed more power to be fully free of compression.
Soundstage Imaging
92/100
Reviewers praise precise placement, layering, choir separation and convincing ambience. Soundnews heard excellent depth and imaging, and Z Reviews found imaging dramatically improved, but Dagogo and StereoNET both judged ultimate stage depth short of their more expensive reference amplifiers.
Assessments of Build Quality, Usability, and Overall Propositions.
Build Quality
95/100
The AHB2 is widely described as compact but exceptionally well engineered, with thick panels, careful rear-panel detailing and confidence-inspiring construction. Reviewers also highlight its selectable gain, balanced inputs, Speakon and binding-post outputs, bridgeable mono operation, 12V triggering and comprehensive protective monitoring; the only practical complaint is tight XLR clearance with especially thick speaker cables.
Value for Money
95/100
At roughly $3,499-$3,599, the AHB2 is not inexpensive, but reviewers repeatedly regard its performance as extraordinary for the asking price. Dagogo compares it favorably with amplifiers below $20,000 and finds bridged performance close to $28,000 Bricasti monoblocks, while Positive Feedback says competing alternatives can cost at least twice as much without equaling it.
Reviews & Sources
Professional reviews and sources for this product's Watt'n Potatoes analysis.
Online Reviews & Mentions
YouTube Reviews
Forum Mentions
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Specifications
- Continuous Average Output Power
- 100 Watts per channel into 8 Ohms, both channels driven 130 Watts per channel into 6 Ohms, both channels driven 190 Watts per channel into 4 Ohms, both channels driven 240 Watts per channel into 3 Ohms, both channels driven 259 Watts per channel into 2 Ohms, both channels driven 200 Watts into 16 Ohms, bridged mono 380 Watts into 8 Ohms, bridged mono 480 Watts into 6 Ohms, bridged mono 518 Watts into 4 Ohms, bridged mono
- Output Voltage Into Various Load Impedances
- 29.03 dBV, 31.25 dBu, 28.28 Vrms into 8 Ohms, both channels driven 28.92 dBV, 31.14 dBu, 27.93 Vrms into 6 Ohms, both channels driven 28.81 dBV, 31.03 dBu, 27.57 Vrms into 4 Ohms, both channels driven 28.57 dBV, 30.79 dBu, 26.83 Vrms into 3 Ohms, both channels driven 27.14 dBV, 29.36 dBu, 22.76 Vrms into 2 Ohms, both channels driven 35.05 dBV, 37.27 dBu, 56.57 Vrms into 16 Ohms, bridged mono 34.83 dBV, 37.05 dBu, 55.14 Vrms into 8 Ohms, bridged mono 34.59 dBV, 36.81 dBu, 53.67 Vrms into 6 Ohms, bridged mono 33.16 dBV, 35.38 dBu, 45.52 Vrms into 4 Ohms, bridged mono
- SNR & Dynamic Range
- 132 dB A-weighted, Stereo Mode 135 dB A-weighted, Mono Mode 130 dB Unweighted, 20 Hz to 20 kHz, Stereo Mode 133 dB Unweighted, 20 Hz to 20 kHz, Mono Mode
- Noise Voltage
- -103 dBV, -101 dBu, 7.1 uVrms, Stereo Mode -100 dBV, -98 dBu, 9.8 uVrms, Mono Mode
- Noise Relative to 2.83 Vrms (1 Watt into 8 Ohms)
- -112 dB, Stereo Mode -109 dB, Mono Mode
- THD+N
- < -118 dB (< 0.00013%), Stereo Mode < -118 dB (< 0.00013%), Mono Mode
- THD
- < -119 dB (< 0.00011%), Stereo Mode < -120 dB (< 0.00010%), Mono Mode
- Crosstalk
- Better than -115 dB at 1 kHz Better than -92 dB at 20 kHz
- Frequency Response
- Better than 0.1 Hz to 200 kHz, +0/-3 dB -0.01 dB at 20 Hz, -0.17 dB at 20 kHz, 8-Ohm Load -0.23 dB at 20 Hz, -0.32 dB at 20 kHz, 4-Ohm Load
- Damping Factor
- 350 at 20 Hz, 8-Ohms 254 at 1 kHz, 8-Ohms 34 at 20 kHz, 8-Ohms 7 at 200 kHz, 8-Ohms
- Maximum Audio Output Current
- 29 A peak, per channel, both channels driven
- Input Sensitivity
- Low-Gain = 22 dBu (9.8 Vrms), Gain = 9.2 dB Mid-Gain = 14.2 dBu (4 Vrms), Gain = 17.0 dB High-Gain = 8.2 dBu (2 Vrms), Gain = 23 dB
- Input Impedance
- 50 k Ohms, normal mode 1 M Ohm, common mode
- Input CMRR
- 80 dB at 20 Hz, typical 80 dB at 1 kHz, typical 65 dB at 20 kHz, typical
- Trigger I/O
- 12 VDC 200 mA current-limited output to trigger turn-on of remote devices DC input for slaving to remote devices Input responds to 3.3 V logic and higher, VIL = 1.26 V, VIH = 2.7 V Absolute maximum input voltage = 30 VDC Absolute minimum input voltage = -0.3 VDC Input Impedance = 20 k Ohms
- Protection Circuits
- Fully Electronic, No Relays Mute Sequencing Distortion Detection Short Circuit Detection Over Current Detection Over Temperature Detection SOA Detection (Output device safe operating area)
- Dimensions
- Non-rack-mount version: 11.04" W x 3.88" H x 9.34 " D - Including feet and binding posts 11.04" W x 3.47" H x 8.33" D - Excluding feet and connectors Faceplate height is 2RU Rack-mount version: 19.00" W x 3.88" H x 10.62 " D - Including binding posts, handles and removable feet 19.00" W x 3.47" H x 8.33 " D - Excluding feet and connectors 9.09" rack depth, including binding posts, excluding cables 11" rack depth, including cables Faceplate height is 2RU
- Weight
- 12.5 lbs., 16 lbs. shipping - Non-rack-mount version 13.5 lbs., 17 lbs. shipping - Rack-mount version
- AC Input
- Auto-ranging AC Input 100 to 120 VAC +/- 10%, 8 Amps, 50 - 60 Hz 220 to 240 VAC +/- 10%, 8 Amps, 50 - 60 Hz Idle Power Consumption = 20 W Standby Power Consumption < 0.5 W
Manufacturer's Description — Benchmark
The AHB2 is a radically different audio amplifier. Its patented design delivers performance that approaches the limits of the latest high-resolution audio formats. Benchmark's AHB2 power amplifier delivers musical details without introducing the masking effects of amplifier noise and distortion. 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.
Unlike class-D amplifiers, the AHB2 is noise free over its ultra-wide 0.1 Hz to 200 kHz frequency range. Don't settle for the limited performance of class-D amplification.
With the AHB2, you will discover previously overlooked nuances, dynamics, and detail in your favorite tracks. Experience the full potential of the very best high-resolution 24-bit PCM and 1-bit DSD recordings.
- Much Faster than Feedback
- Eliminates Zero-Crossing Distortion
- Inherently Stable, Non-Recursive Correction
- Stable into Any Phase Angle
- Stable when Driving Very Low impedances
- No Rise in THD when Driving Low Impedances
- No Rise in THD when Running in Bridged Mono
- Benchmark Exclusive
- Not Available on Any Other Power Amplifier
- 30 to 40 dB reduction in THD
- Keeps THD+N Below 0 dB SPL at All Times
- No "Electronic Fingerprints" on the Music
- Accurate Impulse Response Into all Loads
- 132 dB SNR
- Ultra Wide 0.1 Hz to 200 kHz Response
- Bass is Delivered Without a Phase Shift
- Fast, Distortion-Free Transient Response
- Linear Phase Response
- Accurately Reproduces the Audio Waveshape
- Precise Rendering of Stereo Width and Depth
- Focused 3-D Stereo Image
- Class-AB with Class-H Tracking Rails - High Power, Runs Cool
- No Class-D Amplification - No Ultrasonic Noise
- Tightly Regulated Power Supply with AC Line Conditioning
- Immune to AC Line Noise
- Power Does not Change with Line Voltage
- THD+N Does Not Change with Line Voltage
- Complete Monitoring of Current, Voltage, THD, and Temperature
- No Performance-Compromising Protection Circuits in the Signal Path
- Lightning-Fast Tweeter Protection if THD Exceeds 2%
- Noise-Free Electronic Mute Under Fault Conditions
- Fault And Clip Indicator Lights
- 100 W Stereo – Generous Power for Most Applications
- 380 W Mono – Suitable for Large Rooms or Extreme SPL Levels
- Nearly a 4X Power Increase in Bridged Mono
- No increase in THD when Running in Bridged Mono
- Flexible Upgrade Path – Start with Stereo, Upgrade to Bridged Mono
- On/Off Momentary Switch
- Indicator Off - Power is Off
- Indicator On - Power is On
- Indicator Flashing - Fault Condition, Protection Enabled, Power Disabled
- Off - Normal
- Flash - Clip
- On - Speaker Protection Enabled Due to Excessive Clipping
- Off - Normal
- Flash - Peak-Current Warning
- TEMP On and POWER On - Over-Current Protection Enabled
- TEMP On and POWER Flashing - Over-Temperature Protection Enabled
- Off - Normal
- On - Audio is Muted
- Support Studio or HiFi Input Levels
- High CMRR for Noise Immunity
- Support Benchmark RCA to XLR Adapters
- Up - 2V RCA Source (with Adapter)
- Center - 4V HiFi XLR Source
- Down - +22 dBu Studio XLR Source
- High-Current NL2/NL4 Twist-Lock Connectors
- Better Electrical Connection than Binding Posts
- Quick and Easy Operation
- No Risk of Shorts or Polarity Reversals
- Dedicated Bridged-Mono Output Connector
- Up - Bridged Mono
- Down - Stereo
- Unit Mutes when Switching Modes
- Bidirectional Operation
- Work with all Single and Dual Direction Trigger Ports
- Time Delays Allow Noise-Free System Startup and Shutdown
- Standard 3-Pin IEC Connector
- Fuse Drawer with Two Fuses
- Auto-Ranging
- 50-60 Hz
- Insulated to Comply with Safety Regulations
- Accept Bare Wire, Spades, or Banana Plugs
- Use SpeakON Outputs for Highest Performance
- International Certifications
- Safety Tested
- Production Monitored
Verified Dealers
Online Dealers
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Authorized dealers for Benchmark AHB2 Power Amplifier
- The Music Room — online and in-store — Erie, Colorado, United States (website)
- 110Hz — online and in-store — Kielce, Województwo świętokrzyskie, Poland (website)
- Acton Gate Audio — online and in-store — Cymru, United Kingdom (website)
- Alto Music — online and in-store — Middletown, New York, United States (website)
- Atlas Pro Audio, Inc. — online and in-store — Sun City Center, Florida, United States (website)
- Audio Advisor — online and in-store — Michigan, United States (website)
- Audio Extreme — in-store — Kowloon, China (website)
- Audiolab Stereo & Video — online and in-store — Morrisville, Pennsylvania, United States (website)
- AUDIOPHONICS — in-store — Bordeaux, Nouvelle-Aquitaine, France (website)
- B&H Photo — online and in-store — New York, New York, United States (website)
and 23 more verified dealers