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Benchmark AHB2 Experiments

I’ve been using one AHB2 amplifier for a couple of years. I recently acquired a 2nd AHB2, thinking that the sound quality might be better if I used only one channel of each amp, with both amps set for Stereo.

In this configuration, the ease and resolution improved. Sibilants, the "s" sounds, became more natural and connected to the singer instead of sounding like a separate sound. The natural ring of cymbals also increased, sounding less like hiss and more like metal. Soundstage depth increased, too.

Take aways: If using one AHB2, adding a 2nd amp with both amps in Stereo mode and using only one channel of each amp provides a noticeable improvement.

If using two amps in Mono, and if you don’t need the added power you get with the amps in Mono, try the above configuration.

Happy listening!

imjerrys

Showing 1 response by gearbuilder

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gearbuilder
8 posts
 

Driving 8 Ohms in bridged mono is equivalent to the load produced by driving 4-Ohms in stereo. Most amplifiers produce more distortion when driving a 4-Ohm load instead of an 8-Ohm load. This is not the case with the AHB2. The 8-Ohm and 4-Ohm THD+N is exactly the same and it will be below 0 dB SPL at all output levels up to full power. This can be seen from the following plot:

Benchmark AHB2 - THD+N SPL Plot

Blue = 8 Ohms, Orange = 4-Ohms and Green = 8-Ohms Mono

Notice that the vertical axis is plotted in dB SPL at the listening position (assuming a 90 dB at 2.83V speaker efficiency in a typical listening room).

You can read more about this here:

How Loud is the Distortion from Your Power Amplifier? - Benchmark Media Systems

 

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