EXPERIENCE EMOTIONS
\nThe 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.<\/p>\n
FULFILLING THE NEED FOR BETTER AMPLIFICATION
\nD\/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.<\/p>\n
A RADICALLY DIFFERENT POWER AMPLIFIER
\nWe 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.<\/p>\n
The AHB2 uses new and revolutionary THX-patented AAA\u2122 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.<\/p>\n
HEAVY SPEAKERS LOADS ARE MOUNTED EASILY
\nMany speakers have frequencies where their impedance drops to levels much lower than their \u201cnominal\u201d 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.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
DESIGNED, ASSEMBLED AND TESTED IN THE USA<\/p>\n
This Benchmark product is designed, assembled and tested in the USA using American and imported components. Most major components are made in the USA.<\/p>\n
REVIEWS<\/p>\n
CONTINUOUS AVERAGE OUTPUT POWER<\/p>\n
< 0.0003 % THD+N at full rated power, 20 Hz to 20 kHz<\/p>\n
100 W per channel at 8 Ohms, drive both channels
\n130 W per channel at 6 Ohms, drive both channels
\n190 W per channel into 4 Ohms, both channels driven
\n240 W per channel into 3 Ohms, both channels control
\n200 W at 16 Ohms, bridged mono
\n380 W at 8 Ohms, bridged mono
\n480 W at 6 Ohms, bridged mono<\/p>\n
SNR & DYNAMIC RANGE<\/p>\n
Rated output vs. output noise, inputs shorted
\n132 dB A-weighted, stereo mode
\n135 dB A-weighted, Mono mode
\n130 dB unweighted, 20 Hz to 20 kHz, stereo mode
\n133 dB unweighted, 20 Hz to 20 kHz, mono mode<\/p>\n
THD+N<\/p>\n
1 kHz, 80 kHz LPF, at full rated output at any rated load
\n< -118 dB (< 0.00013%), Stereo mode
\n< -118 dB (< 0.00013%), Mono mode<\/p>\n
FREQUENCY RESPONSE<\/p>\n
Better than 0.1 Hz to 200 kHz, +0\/-3 dB<\/p>\n
DAMPING FACTOR<\/p>\n
350 at 20 Hz, 8 Ohms
\n254 at 1 kHz, 8 Ohms
\n34 at 20 kHz, 8 Ohms
\n7 at 200 kHz, 8 Ohms<\/p>\n
PROTECTIVE CIRCUITS<\/p>\n
Fully electronic, no relays
\nMute sequencing
\nDistortion detection
\nShort circuit detection
\nOvercurrent detection
\nExcessive temperature detection
\nSOA detection (safe operating area of output device)<\/p>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
The Benchmark AHB2 ideally fits the performance constraints of the High-Resolution-Audio (HRA) format. Benchmark's AHB2 power amplifier delivers musical detail without introducing masking noise effects and amplifier distortion. The AHB2's dynamic range is 132 dB, making it 10 to 30 dB quieter than some of the best reference-quality power amplifiers.<\/p>\n
The AHB2's frequency response exceeds 200 kHz. With the AHB2, you'll discover previously overlooked nuances, dynamics and details in your favorite recordings and experience the full potential of the latest 24-bit PCM and 1-bit DSD high-resolution audio formats.<\/p>\n