Benchmark DAC3 / AHD2 Combo (with a Goldenear Triton Reference chaser)
AHB2 amp with LSA line preamp is an amazing combination. I switched out my Parasound BC2 for the LA4 line stage and the details poured forth. Would love to see the Benchmark make Integrated with an interchangeable DAC section. They would own the market. Auralic G2 Streamer -PS audio DSD DAC-LA4-AHB2 -Paradigm S4 v2 or Tekton Imapct monitors. |
toobusylisteningtopost Thanks for that info! your DDP-1 is -32 dB THD (!) compared to your Odyssey power amp, so the AHB2 (-50 dB THD+N relative to your current amp) will get out of the way and allow your DAC to shine.I have a phone consult with Jim Smith of www.getbettersound.com this weekend to discuss improving my system and room treatments. I will discuss this with him, as I am not a techie. I have come close to getting that Benchmark amp, but then decided to consider the merits of going to a tube preamp (Linear Tube Audio MZ3) with my current amp. Maybe the Benchmark amp and the MZ3 is the best combo, but I don't have the budget for that yet. Cheers, PD |
stereo5, I auditioned the T-Refs with the 450wpc MC452 and I much prefer the sound with the AHB2 in my medium-large listening room. I do the vast majority of my listening with the volume knob on the DAC3 between the 9 and 10 o’clock position. A few times annually I’ll crank up some Devin Townsend at 12 o’clock (his stuff is mixed to be played LOUD) and peel some paint off the walls, but even then nothing sounds the least bit strained. I read some people get better results from running two AHB2’s as bridged monos. Rock out y’all! Gave Benchmark’s sales dude a call a while back (he’s picked up within 3 rings every time I’ve called and is very quick on the email response too) and talked to him about whether I might try adding another amp. He thought it extremely unlikely I’d hear a difference. The DAC3 pumps out pro-level output 9.8 Vrms, so the AHB2 can operate in its lowest gain setting. Always headroom to spare. |
patrickdowns, I have no experience with your gear, but, looking at specs, your DDP-1 is -32 dB THD (!) compared to your Odyssey power amp, so the AHB2 (-50 dB THD+N relative to your current amp) will get out of the way and allow your DAC to shine. I’d be shocked if you aren’t stunned with the improved resolution the AHB2 will offer. In any case, how can you argue with a no-questions-asked 30-day return policy (which only starts when you actually take delivery)? Listen and decide. The T-Refs work great in my medium-large listening room. I’ve read positive reviews from people who have them fairly close to rear walls--the passive radiators fire to the side and there’s a knob to adjust the bass level in both speakers. For small rooms I’d definitely check out the more compact, less expensive, models in the GE Triton line. |
I have not noticed any change in the sound of the Benchmark electronics from burn-in time since original purchase nor from the time I turn them on every day--they sound great right once you power them up. I know this is absolute heresy.I am on my 3rd AHB2 now and I can also say there is no burn in with this amp. It sounds the same on day 1 as it does much later. I am assuming you have the DAC3 HGC. I had that with the AHB2 at one time. Later on, I tried the HPA4/LA4 preamp with the DAC3B and it was better than the HGC at low volume situations. The HPA4/LA4 preamps are in my opinion the best electronics made by Benchmark. I also found 2 AHB2's in mono did wonders with my power hungry speakers. I also added some expensive speaker wire, Audience FrontRow with SpeakON connections to use with the AHB2 monos. A very worthwhile upgrade from the Benchmark SpeakON speaker cables. |
Aside, re the Triton Refs: They seem to require a large room, if placing them the way Stereophile did for their review. YES? " We began by placing the Triton References where the KEF Reference 5s had worked best, but ended up with the speakers quite far away from the wall behind them (91"), closer to the listening chair (113" compared with the KEFs' 123"), and farther away from the sidewalls. My room is somewhat asymmetrical, so the woofers of the left-hand speaker were 51" from the nearest sidewall, those of the right-hand speaker 60". " https://www.stereophile.com/content/goldenear-technology-triton-reference-loudspeaker |
@toobusylisteningtopost, As good as your Triton Reference speakers sound with 100wpc, they will improve even more with more power. I use a 300wpc McIntosh amp with my Triton Reference speakers and I am amazed with the effortlessness of the sound. I love the Triton Refs and the only speaker I would consider trading them in for would be the Rockport Avior II speakers. |
I've been thinking about this amp for months and haven't pulled the trigger. With a 30-day in home audition, there is little risk. My hesitation is that I was thinking of keeping my current amp (Odyssey Audio Khartago, with Kismet upgrade) and getting a tube preamp (LTA MZ3) and Denafrips Pontus instead, to replace my Audio Alchemy DDP-1 DAC/preamp. Trying to decide if the tube preamp or the Benchmark amp will make a bigger difference. Wish I had more $$$! |
