I know the AHB2 does not use Purifi but they should sound similar. Here is a review of the Reference 3 + AHB2 monos.
KEF Reference 3 Review - Magic Making Machines (soundnews.net)
Showing 2 responses by yyzsantabarbara
The NAD M22 V2 I had recently was returned because it was nothing special. I am assuming the NAD M33 is more like a Benchmark AHB2 due to the Purifi module in the M33 and also better than the M22 V2. My next speaker is going to be KEF Blade 2 META, so similar to KEF Reference 3. I decided today between the following amps to drive the Blades. 1) Benchmark AHB2 monos (I own 1 AHB2 now but have had 2 before so I know how monos sound) 2) KRELL XD lineup, maybe the new crazy KSA 400i. I currently own the KRELL 175XD. I sold my K-300i integrated to buy the 175XD stereo amp 3) CODA #16. I owned the CODA #8 and have demoed the #16. The Benchmark AHB2 was my leading contender and I have Audience FrontRow speaker cables in short length that are really only for mono blocks and the AHB2 specifically. So this is the easy way to go. However, in my listening sessions with my KEF LS50 + KEF KC62 in my small room. The KRELL 175XD is a slight winner over the AHB2. It has that extra warmth that works nicely in this small room. So, I decided it was between the CODA and KRELL for the Blades. The CODA #16 is like the AHB2, super clean sounding, but more powerful, especially at 2 Ohm (600 watts continuous). The KRELL is more buttery and smoother. All 3 are great but since I already have the KRELL 175XD I am going with the CODA #16 to have a slightly different sonic signature. I can always switch the 2 amps between my LS50 and BLADE 2 META systems. I will be putting up FOR SALE my Benchmark AHB2 stereo amp and my Audience FrontRow speaker cables for the AHB2 (with SpeakOn termination) later tonight. I do not like to have too much gear sitting around. @crwindy If you can swing it I recommend this unit. Krell Duo 300 XD Like new Dealer Ad - US Audio Mart I plan on using my Benchmark LA4 preamp ($2500) with my future CODA #16. It was great with my old CODA #8 and also current KRELL 175XD. I also have a more expensive CODA 07x preamp but the LA4 is my fav. I mention this because this separates combo is not much more costly than the integrateds you are looking at, especially a new KRELL K-300i.
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