2. amps-preamps
  3. 184615-182267

Benchmark AHB2 or Class D (GaN FET)

The Benchmark AHB2 seems to be a different twist on linear Class AB amplifier design.  This amp uses a different approach to distortion cancellation that gets around some of the problems of using large amounts of negative feedback.  It uses a THX patented technology (under license) called AAA.  This amp has been around for several years. It gets rave reviews, so I am surprised that the technology is not in more widespread use.

I am interested in why this approach is not more widely used.

Also, how would this amplifier compare to the newest Class D technology, which uses GaN FETs and much higher switching frequencies.  (GaN Class D amplifiers which are price-competitive with the AHB2 are the LSA Voyager and Peachtree).  

At a higher price point would be Atma-Sphere Class D monoblocks and the AGD Tempo.

I would appreciate hearing the forum members' opinions on the AHB2 technology vs the latest Class D amps.

 

Thanks,

hifinut51

Showing 1 response by smatsui

smatsui
166 posts
 

I owned an AHB2 for about 7 months and I just sold it about a month ago. I used it for headphones and I tried it on my speakers as well.  It was ok but not my cup of tea so that was the reason I sold it.  It was quiet and it provided a black background but it was never engaging.  I tried it with 2 tube preamps, McIntosh C2600 and Linear Tube Audio reference Microzotl preamp, and one solid state preamp, Holo Serene KTE.  For headphones, I like my 4 dedicated headphone amps better (Woo WA23, Auris Nirvana, Enleum 23R and Holo Bliss KTE).  For my Klipsch Cornwall IV speakers, I like my First Watt F7 much better.  I didn't try the AHB2 on my other speakers, Harbeth M40.1 or Sterling Broadcast LS3/6.

If I were in the market for a 100w/Ch solid state amp, I would strongly consider the Atmasphere class D mono blocks that I heard at Axpona.   I've never liked class D amps in the past but those mono blocks sounded great on the Fritz speakers. 

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