2. amps-preamps
  3. 186498-162656

Benchmark AHB2 compared to Rogue Atlas Magnum III

Very different amps.  Paired with Revels F208, and a Benchmark DAC3, do you thing there will be a difference in the sound?  I am unsure if the F208's can reveal the differences.  If there were to be a difference with these speakers or an upgraded speaker, what might the differences sound like, or maybe not much difference between two great amps?  Thanks.  I have never owned a tube amp.  I have listened to this Rogue amp on different speakers though.  

12many

Showing 1 response by helomech

helomech
1,761 posts
 

I’ve owned both these amplifiers. I also own a pair of F208s currently.

Unfortunately, I cannot tell you which is definitely the best match because I didn’t own all these items at the same time.

The Benchmark is a vastly quieter amp, for which reason I would be inclined to choose it for the fairly sensitive Revels. It can also reach deeper in the bass, though its midbass output is not as robust as the Rogue’s. The Benchmark is dead neutral with an even-keeled presentation. The Rogue OTOH, is very midrange-forward with most speakers—a more “first row” presentation compared to the typical 4th/5th row presentation of most amplifiers.

With a little patience and a little more money than the AHB2, you can get a pre-owned Coda No.8 which is significantly better than either the Rogue or the Benchmark. The Yamaha A-S2100 also has great synergy with the F208s and IMO is a better amp than the Rogue in most regards.

More to discover