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Benchmark ABH2 compared to Merrill Element Series and other ultra high end amps

The Benchmark ABH2 has received enthusiastic reviews from a number of sources as have the Merrill Element series of amplifiers.  Both are lauded for their low background noise, transparency and neutrality.  However the Benchmark amp, even allowing for its lower power rating, is a fraction of the price of the Merrill Element Series even when one uses two in a bridged monoblock configuration.  Has anyone directly compared the Benchmark ABH2 to the Merrill Element amps or other ultra high end amps such as Soulution, Constellation, etc ?
soundhound

Showing 1 response by georgehifi

georgehifi's avatar
georgehifi
10,312 posts
 
soundhound OP
Most comments seem to find that bridged mono’ed amps work better than a single amp into full range stats
Most comments are BS then, as the ML’s ESL's present down to 1ohm loading and this is not nice for bridged amps, let alone good non bridged.

Benchmark maintains that bridged mono’ed amps are stable into low impedances.
So is a 1980’s $299 Nad 3020 receiver stable into 2ohms, doesn’t mean it will sound good

Cheers George
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