![]() A “bipolar class AB output stage” is married with class H (hence “AHB2”) and some THX-AAA Technology (Achromatic Audio Amplifier) and makes claims of superior performance to the high-end fav, class A. The topology and overall design hopes to touch on a new direction for more traditional audiophile ways. Website claims even tout capablities to handle stereo loads as low as 1.4 to full output. For those extreme conisuires, consider two units a capable contender. Of course power concerns tug closely to the feature set of any amplifier so prospective buyers can rest assured for most non-extreme systems at 100W into 8 ohms in stereo mode and 380W in bridged mono. Indeed, real world playback corresponded in turn with both these assumptions. Even as forums claims of “one of the best measuring DACs out right now” trickle around the internet for the DAC3, so does John Atkinson’s bench test for the AHB2 with high marks for both clarity and dynamic range – pushing the limits of the measuring capabilities of his Audio Precision system. The big play from Benchmark has always been more from the professional monitoring side than audiophile roots, but the company has managed to straddle the chasm that spreads between production and consumption with tight packages and well-measuring gear. Linked up with the included Benchmark brand wiring, the entire package felt physically sturdy and very well connected, even compared to the wide array of other cable companies that have made their way through AH HQ. The AHB2 power amp is usually demo’d with a pair of the Benchmark’s own stand mount SMS1, so in the lab we went straight to the TAD Micro-Evolution One’s in for review from MoFi Distribution. Everything stocked, locked and loaded in proper working order as a complete package ready for any pair of speakers. A full loom of Benchmark cabling with correlating connectors even accompanied the review sample. ![]() ![]() It came as the perfect pairing for the matching DAC3 digital converter and pre.
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