Benchmark AHB2 amp
111 responses Add your response
It's not close to the most expensive component in my rig, it's not the second most expensive, it's tied with my 3rd most expensive... it's my Supratek Cortese LCR, and I'd part with everything else before this preamp. In part because the guy who hands builds this in Australia has been at this for some time and when he retires what out there's may very likely be all that exists. But also it's just a beautiful sounding piece. |
For the source component, it’s the Townshend Audio Elite Rock turntable/Zeta tonearm/London Reference pickup combination. For loudspeakers, it’s a pair of Eminent Technology LFT-8b loudspeakers with a pair of Rythmik Audio/GR Research OB/Dipole Servo-Feedback Woofers used in place of the LFT-8 woofers.
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My Thiel 3.6 speakers and Mark Levinson 23.5 amplifier. I really didn't feel the need to change since this combination came together. I have changed few items such preamps and DACs, but Thiel/Levinson continued to amaze me whether it is a brand new recording or a less than perfect mono recording from nearly a century ago. This combination made it very hard for me to leave my listening chair once the music starts playing. Both designs are achievements in near optimal balance in engineering and art. |
Hmmm....well, since my continued existence is definitely approaching the short end of my schtick, I think I'll keep my pile of oddities more or less intact. I suspect the bulk if not all will end up at the local Habitat, currently a 5 minute walk away. The quick and sharp will snag a few nice items, but I'm not the only one who haunts the 'tech' corner which is generally pretty bland... ;) The omni's? To 'good homes', I'd prefer. Otherwise crushed, and notes burnt. |
My 47 year old JBL 4311 speakers. I've auditioned 5 other candidates with no luck. I'm currently listening to a pair of ATC SCM20 Passives. It's only the second day but so far, I'm not that impressed. When my dealer set them up yesterday, he briefly listened to my JBLs. He knows that's the competition. His jaw briefly dropped and he kind of smiled and said "those sound really good". If I end up returning them, I don't know what's next. I've heard the ATC 50s and was very impressed, but that's not in my budget right now. |
@tlcocks Yup. I did forget to mention that MQ 112 !!! Ty. And I do still love it. Only wish it had a remote. I hate getting out of my listening chair if I need to adjust the sound. |
Easy. It would be the operator (me). I'm the only component that cannot be replaced without the entire system collapsing! All kidding aside, in 40 years I've replaced every component many times over. There hasn't been one I regret selling as I've always enjoyed newer and (usually) better components, and a few vintage ones. For me, the journey and enjoyment of a wide variety of components has been central to my love of high quality audio. Fun question though. It instigated quite the trip down memory road!
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My Technics EPC 100 MK4 moving magnet cartridge with bandwidth that gives any moving coil a run for the money and has enough output it can work into a moving magnet phono stage. I can only guess what it would be like if 40 years of improved knowledge and materials were applied to it. Beyond that while I really enjoy my system if I won the lottery big it would all change. |
That would by my 35 yr old Xstatic EC/X full range electrostatic speakers built by Jason Daniels with Brazilian Cherry & Italian Marble frames by Jim Gittings. I keep trying them against other speakers and I’ve never found anything else I like nearly as well. I’ve rebuilt the stators twice and these still sound like nothing else I’ve heard at a reasonable price point. They are beautiful to look at and my wife loves them as well! |
@tattooedtrackman , no, it’s you MQ-112! |
@ghdprentice Hey bro. Long time. Haven’t been on much lately. To much work. lol. But yes. I really am permanently happy very much with my same old system. lol. Still loving it !!! 👍 |
@jsalerno277 "...Therefore, my response is my all of the components in my system that’s posted under virtual systems..." Exactly my reaction as well. All mine are carefully chosen and perfect, exactly what I wanted. |
@motown-l good call on the velodyne. I’ve had my CHT-8 since 2002 and it just keeps going and going. |
I would have to say my speakers. DALI Mentor 6s I’ve had for several years now. I’ve changed out/upgraded sources, preamps, amps and cables over the years but have never really been tempted to change out the speakers. I bought them after hearing the Epicon 6s and I believe I’d have to spend far more than I want to in order to gain a significant improvement. I have DALI speakers in my office system (Menuet SEs) and my tv system (Opticon), so I’m pretty locked in to the DALI house sound. |
My Dahlquist DQ 10s. Purchased new mirror imaged pair in 1980. I’ve upgraded wiring to LOC pure copper. Also European caps and rebuilt woofers. Replaced speakers connectors with gold plated units. Built my own stands as I got a deal in 1980 because the factory stands had “disappeared”. Also my Denon DP 51F TT. Only change was to install new interconnect cables. It still spins vinyl with perfection. |
I am not attempting to skirt around the premise of the post. At my age, the careful selection of all of the components in my current retirement system were specifically chosen as the components for my last system. Therefore, my response is my all of the components in my system that’s posted under virtual systems. Purchases moving forward in retirement are tickets to live musical performances and high end bourbon. |