BenchmarkAHB2usedBenchmark AHB2 stereo amplifierStereophile Class-A Rated: Benchmark AHB2: $2999 $$$Named for the late Allen H. Burdick, the engineer whose work formed the basis for its design, Benchmark's AHB2 makes use of THX Corporation's Ach...2650.00

Benchmark AHB2 stereo amplifier

Listing ID: lisa584c Classified 
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Condition
10/10
Payment methods
Ships fromMcKinney, TX, 75071
Ships toUnited States
Package dimensions15.5" × 13.5" × 7.0" (18.0 lbs.)
Shipping carrierUPS
Shipping costFree
Original accessoriesBox, Manual
AverageResearch Pricing

Stereophile Class-A Rated:

Benchmark AHB2: $2999 $$$

Named for the late Allen H. Burdick, the engineer whose work formed the basis for its design, Benchmark's AHB2 makes use of THX Corporation's Achromatic Audio Amplifier (AAA) technology, in which a low-power feed-forward amplifier drives a low-bias class-AB output section. In his listening tests KR discovered "much more apparent low-level detail in already-familiar recordings"—a characteristic he credited to the Benchmark's evident noiselessness—and a tonal balance that "sounded more 'right' than any of [the other amps on hand]." In measuring the AHB2 and attempting to confirm its specified (very) high signal/noise ratio, JA observed nonlinearities in his testing equipment that "haven't affected the measured performance of other amplifiers I've tested, but they were detectable with the AHB2's very low intrinsic distortion and noise." His conclusion: "an extraordinary amplifier." In his Follow-Up report JCA described comparing the AHB2 to his reference amp: "Although I preferred the AHB2's denser presentation of certain details, it's not clear to me which is truer to the source." (Vol.38 No.11, Vol.41 No.10 WWW)


"THIS COMPACT, LIGHTWEIGHT, COOL-RUNNING, CLASS-AB POWER AMPLIFIER IS A REAL BREAKTHROUGH IN EVERY WAY"

"When I unpacked the AHB2, I was impressed with its small size and weight: the non-rack-mount version is 11.04" wide by 3.84" high by 9.34" deep and weighs only 12.5 lbs. I was also impressed with a seriousness of design apparent in its features: The fully balanced AHB2 has, on its rear panel, only XLR jacks for signal input, plus a toggle switch that allows the user to select among three input-sensitivity levels. For output, the Benchmark amp offers a choice of traditional multiway connectors or a stereo pair of Neutrik NL4 sockets. A third Neutrik NL4 is provided for use when the amp is in bridged mode, which is selected with a second toggle switch."

"... it was probably the AHB2's low noise level that revealed to me much more apparent low-level detail in already-familiar recordings."

"These surprising and delicious details were evident from the bass up through the midrange and extreme treble, which nonetheless remained silky and diaphanous."

- Kalman Rubinson, Stereophile


"Benchmark Media Systems' AHB2 is an extraordinary amplifier. Not only does its performance lie at the limits of what is possible for me to reliably test, it packs high power into a very small package, especially when used in bridged-mono mode. It is truly a high-resolution amplifier."

- John Atkinson, Stereophile


"It is one of the -- if not the -- quietest, most resolving amps I've heard. Time and again, without ever having intended to, I wound up hours deep in listening to the fringes of my music collection, thanks to the AHB2’s reference-level transparency and obscene athleticism."

- Hans Wetzel, SoundStage!


"Best Stereo Amplifier of 2017 ... masterfully detailed and transparent with spot-on tonality and some serious punch."

- Ben Shyman, Home Theater Review


A single Benchmark Media Systems AHB2 amplifier. Purchased new, directly from Benchmark, in March 2020. Black faceplate (you can buy the silver, or the rack plate, and swap yourself). Using the amazing THX AAA amplifier technology. 108 wpc into 8 ohms, 190wpc into 4 ohms.    
No kids. No smoking. Absolutely flawless condition. Never used the binding posts (only the middle NL4 connection).   
I actually bought a pair and used them as bridged monoblocks in stereo, but am funding another purchase so one of the pair has to go.
Phenomenally clean, smooth, and airy. The specs speak for themselves. Stereophile Class-A rated. Noise floor with other high SNR gear (like my LA-4 preamp) is literally non existent. 135dBa SNR. One of the cleanest amps in the world. But not sterile or analytical. 100% made in New York State.    
I picked this after demoing it against a Pass XA30.8. Very close, but this has a slightly larger image and slightly better resolution. But the Pass Labs was very close.
Tiny form factor with very low heat output and low idle current. But it sounds like a pure class-A amp. Images nearly as well as a good tube amp; which is fully holographic if your gear and sources support it.   
All factory materials included, shipped in factory box.   
Asking $2700.00 shipped to the lower 48. Local pickup available in proximity to 98109. I have perfect feedback on Audiogon.
Insured shipping via UPS. Usually ship out next business day via ground.

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