2. amps-preamps
  3. 188790-188464

Benchmark AHB2 in Mono Block Configuration

Hi:

I've owned the Benchmark ABH2 Amp for a few years but am now considering one two alternative upgrade paths:

A New Amp or adding a second AHB2. If I purchase a new amp so far I like the Bryston 3BCubed which is a dual mono design with 200 watts into 8 ohms or possibly the 4BCubed at 300 watts. In either case this is more power than the single ABH2 at 100 watts into 8 ohms. However adding a second ABH2 increases the power per channel to 380 watts .

So much for raw power. What about overall sound quality? The Bryston 3BCubed got an excellent review on Absolute Sound as an amp that would require significantly more $$ to better. Another review I read easily preferred the Bryston 43Cubed (300 watts per channel) over the ABH2.

I'm in the process of completely upgrading my system after several years of the same components. I will shortly have:

An Aurender N20 Streamer into an MSB Discrete DAC with dual power supplies feeding the single ABH2 which drives my Harbeth C7es-XD speakers.

Everything will be new except the older ABH2. Hence the consideration of an amp upgrade.

Now Benchmark will tell you that adding a second ABH2 is only needed when the single amp clips. Other than that there is no sonic benefit to adding a second. I Ffnd that hard to believe. I would think having a second would offer improved soundstage, separation and possibly better performance from the speakers. So my question is:

Have any of you added a second ABH2 and if so what were the overall sonic benefits if any? Also any opinion or experience on the Brystons vs the Benchmark? Or any suggestions of a better upgrade path would be welcomed.

jfrmusic

Showing 3 responses by jimmy2615

jimmy2615
417 posts
 

Edit…sorry, I meant your Harbeth C7s, not SHL5s.

jimmy2615
417 posts
 

So you went with the N20 ?  Nice!  That’s quite a digital front end combination with the MSB.  I had Harbeth M40.2 paired with the AHB2 monoblocks.  It was by far the best amplification synergy I had with those speakers.  I preferred them to a stereo Luxman M900u.  Since you already have one, you know how it sounds and whether you like the sound.  Adding another one may or may not change the sound.  The M40s can use that extra power.  Adding a second one did improve the sound IME.  Bass became tighter and everything more focused.  I’m not sure about the SHLs.  I think you’d just have to try it to see for yourself.  

jimmy2615
417 posts
 

I wouldn’t necessarily categorize the Benchmark as a level below something like Bryston just because it is cheaper.  One way to look at it is those accurate electronics (I.e. Benchmark) will allow all the goodness from your front end to come through.  In all actuality, at that point the speakers would probably become the limiting factor.  But that’s ok if you like them - Harbeth can be magical for sure.  But as for the amps, I’ve owned both AHB2 monos and Bryston 2.5B3 Monos. The Bryston has a bit of a bump in the bottom end, whereas the Benchmarks are very flat. The Bryston has excellent bass, but also a bit more emphasis in that mid bass area. Again, you’d have to try it, but given the sound profile of Harbeth speakers which are slightly warm, I believe the Benchmark will be more synergistic.

More to discover