AHB2 Benchmark

EXPERIENCE EMOTIONS
The musical detail and emotion captured in today's best high-resolution audio recordings can only be fully appreciated when every component in the signal chain is capable of true high-resolution performance. Amplifiers are the weak link in most audio systems. Most power amplifiers are well-suited to the limitations of the CD format, but they fall far short of the capabilities of the high-resolution format. In contrast, the revolutionary AHB2 is specifically designed to deliver true high-resolution performance.

FULFILLING THE NEED FOR BETTER AMPLIFICATION
D/A conversion technology has outpaced the development of new power amplifiers. This means that the amplifier has become the limiting factor in many audio systems. For example, the noise and distortion produced by the Benchmark DAC3 D/A converter are 20 to 30 dB lower than those produced by most high-quality power amplifiers. Until now, this meant that the DAC3 could not be fully appreciated. Benchmark set out to solve this problem by creating an amplifier that matches the performance of the DAC3.

A RADICALLY DIFFERENT POWER AMPLIFIER
We had to look beyond existing amplifier technologies and explore some new and radical solutions. During our search, we learned of two new patents for new amplifier technology from THX. This was exactly the technology we needed to build our new amplifier.

The AHB2 uses new and revolutionary THX-patented AAA™ technology to virtually eliminate all forms of distortion. This technology uses error correction to eliminate the distortion normally produced by the output stage. No other audio amplifier comes close to delivering the clean, quiet, and robust power of the AHB2.

HEAVY SPEAKERS LOADS ARE MOUNTED EASILY
Many speakers have frequencies where their impedance drops to levels much lower than their “nominal” impedance. The AHB2 handles difficult phase angles and low impedances with ease. Stereo loads as low as 1.4 Ohms can be driven cleanly to full output levels.

Most power amplifiers produce higher levels of distortion as the load impedance decreases. In contrast, the AHB2's forward error correction system keeps the output clean when driving heavy loads. The AHB2 produces almost no measurable distortion at any rated load.

In our quest to create the ultimate amplifier, we also focused on frequency response, output noise, drive current, damping factor, and reliability. The result is an amplifier that stands head and shoulders above the competition.

DESIGNED, ASSEMBLED AND TESTED IN THE USA

This Benchmark product is designed, assembled and tested in the USA using American and imported components. Most major components are made in the USA.

REVIEWS

CONTINUOUS AVERAGE OUTPUT POWER

< 0.0003 % THD+N at full rated power, 20 Hz to 20 kHz

100 W per channel at 8 Ohms, drive both channels
130 W per channel at 6 Ohms, drive both channels
190 W per channel into 4 Ohms, both channels driven
240 W per channel into 3 Ohms, both channels control
200 W at 16 Ohms, bridged mono
380 W at 8 Ohms, bridged mono
480 W at 6 Ohms, bridged mono

SNR & DYNAMIC RANGE

Rated output vs. output noise, inputs shorted
132 dB A-weighted, stereo mode
135 dB A-weighted, Mono mode
130 dB unweighted, 20 Hz to 20 kHz, stereo mode
133 dB unweighted, 20 Hz to 20 kHz, mono mode

THD+N

1 kHz, 80 kHz LPF, at full rated output at any rated load
< -118 dB (< 0.00013%), Stereo mode
< -118 dB (< 0.00013%), Mono mode

FREQUENCY RESPONSE

Better than 0.1 Hz to 200 kHz, +0/-3 dB

DAMPING FACTOR

350 at 20 Hz, 8 Ohms
254 at 1 kHz, 8 Ohms
34 at 20 kHz, 8 Ohms
7 at 200 kHz, 8 Ohms

PROTECTIVE CIRCUITS

Fully electronic, no relays
Mute sequencing
Distortion detection
Short circuit detection
Overcurrent detection
Excessive temperature detection
SOA detection (safe operating area of output device)