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Benchmark Media Systems AHB2 Power Amplifier

Innovative Design Promises Lowest Noise, High Efficiency

Benchmark Media’s AHB2 is a professional analog audio power amplifier designed for high-resolution audio playback systems found in recording and post-production studios or high-end audiophile/home theater systems. The AHB2 is a hybrid Class-A/B unit that delivers super-low distortion, high efficiency, low noise and high dynamic range specifications.

As measured on the new Audio Precision APx555, Benchmark Media’s AHB2 showed a THD+N of -116 dB (0.00016%) at full rated power of 100 watts into 8 ohms, both channels driven at 1 kHz measured over a 90kHz bandwidth or 380W bridged mono into 8 ohms. The signal-to-noise ratio is 132 dB A-weighted in stereo mode and 135 dB in bridged mono. Dynamic range is specified at 132 dB and frequency response is rated at 0.1 Hz to beyond 200 kHz (+0dB/- 3dB).

Meticulous Design

The AHB2 is a compact, 2U desktop unit with heat sinks on both sides; it measures 11.04 inches wide and weighs about 12 pounds. Also available in a rackmount version, it is easily installed in control or listening rooms, as there are no cooling fans. Nonetheless, the unit runs only slightly warm at full music power levels.

The AHB2’s tight-fitting enclosure along with mu-metal shielding prevents ultrasonic switching noise from the resonant switch-mode power supply from entering the audio path as well as radiating externally. The supply’s very fast control loop tracks and detects changes in current demand made by audio peaks in the amp’s main output section and by changes in the incoming AC line voltage. The power supply continuously adjusts to maintain constant rail voltage and therefore maximum output power and overall efficiency.

THX Patents

Benchmark Media collaborated with THX Ltd. to implement the first use of Achromatic Audio Amplifier Technology, a new patent design that uses a combination of feedback and feed-forward error correction to make distortion “vanishingly small.” Crossover distortion can create significant problems at low signal levels, but the new THX-patented technologies eliminates this source of distortion.

The AHB2 uses an FPGA-based digital control system that powers up or shuts down the amplifier in a specifically defined sequence. The amp will shut down or not power up at all when there is: overheating in critical areas, over-current or low AC voltage, distortion, DC offset, output short circuit, or excessive input levels.

The rear panel has an IEC AC connector (auto-ranging 100 to 250 VAC), balanced XLR inputs for left and right channels, stereo/mono mode switch, huge audiophile-grade gold speaker cable binding posts, Neutrik Speakon jacks for left, right and bridge mono outs, and 12-volt trigger jacks for remote on/off power sequencing.

There is also a three-position input sensitivity switch with +22, +14.2 and +8.2dBu positions for accommodating a wide range of typical operating levels.

In the Studio(s)

For my first listening test, I substituted the amplifier(s) used in the alternate speaker monitor system at LAFX studios in North Hollywood, Calif. I set up a pair of their Tannoy SGM10 monitors with Mastering Lab crossovers and connected them to the AHB2 using a pair of short, custom-made #10 gauge cables fitted with Neutrik Speakon connectors.

At the +22dBu input sensitivity switch position and for a given loudness, you may find your system’s volume control nearly maxed out, so switch to the +14.2dBu position. Both the studio’s vintage API console and my own Avocet monitor controller worked fine at +22 dBu.

I used a well-known “reference” recording on a CD played through an Alesis ML9600 MasterLink deck. For consistent source program while comparing different power amps, I looped certain song sections to play over and over.

Immediately I heard that the AHB2 reproduced the ambient space captured (or added artificially) as open and wide, with reverb tails hearable down to the recording’s noise floor. I could hear all the reverb, not more reverb, and low-level detail—much like wearing headphones vs. listening on speakers in a room. There was a pristine and smooth quality to the high and middle frequencies heard on the Tannoys. By comparison, another well-known power amp sounded “trashy” and harsh in the upper midrange.

With the AHB2 there was an overall vibrancy and transparency, not a hyped, bright sound. The transients—snare hits, cymbal crashes and kicks—were crystal clear. Deep bass notes and loud kick drums were effortlessly reproduced without power amp compression as I sometimes hear on powered monitors. If there was any distortion, it was the woofers themselves over-extending.

The clean and clear sound of the AHB2 was apparent on the studio’s Yamaha NS10Ms as well. The AHB2 offers zero coloration; if you’ve been relying on your power amp to impart a flattering sound to your NS10Ms, it might take time to get used to them powered by the AHB2. But hearing those trusty ol’ 50W Yamahas with this super-clean amplifier pointed out how basically primitive and useful those speakers are.  I’ve never heard those speakers sound this tight and good.

High-Resolution Solution

For listening to HRA directly at my studio, I bypassed my monitor controller completely and used Benchmark Media’s DAC2 L digital-to-audio converter directly connected to the AHB2, using its XLR outputs and a short pair of VOVOX Link Series silver audio cables with gold-pinned XLR connectors. For this test I borrowed a pair of Manley Tannoy ML10B monitors.

I downloaded 24/ 96kHz PCM and 1-bit DSD files from hdtracks.com and other sites and played them (via USB) on my Mac using Audirvana Plus Version 2 software. I downloaded examples of acoustic music, orchestras, piano concertos and jazz ensembles. Whether listening to 24/ 96 files or .DSF 2X files, the sound was awesome, with amazing depth and realism. Depending on the particular record’s production, typically there was no harshness from file size compression or extreme mastering EQ/compression.

If you like loud and room filling spectacular sound for classical pieces, you’ll not be disappointed. The AHB2 and the ML10Bs came through with unfaltering and thrilling performance every time.

DAW Playback

I then connected my Pro Tools HD 11 system using the same setup. I collected all the CDs nominated in the final round for Best Engineered Non-Classical for last year’s Grammy Awards and imported them into a 24-bit/44.1kHz Pro Tools session. The DAC2 L automatically switched to PCM 24-bit/44.1kHz. I found having each song on a separate stereo track a good way to compare these great sounding recordings—back to back or randomly by clicking around the timeline.

As compared to my powered monitors, working on mixes in Pro Tools HD 11 through this system sounds more real, detailed and clear. In addition, this is a dead-quiet, noiseless system. With no music playing, I could crank the DAC2 L’s volume control wide-open and hear nothing—even with my ear right on the speaker cone. There is only one word for the new Benchmark Media Systems AHB2 power amplifier: Impressive. I highly recommend it!

Barry Rudolph is an L.A.-based audio engineer and educator. Visit him at www.barryrudolph.com.

Product Summary

COMPANY: Benchmark Media Systems, Inc.

PRODUCT: AHB2 Power Amplifier

WEBSITE:www.benchmarkmedia.com

PRICE: $2,995

PROS: Super-clean, low distortion at any power level.

CONS: Some may want more power—buy two of them!

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