TRUE HIGH-RESOLUTION PERFORMANCE
The AHB2 is the ideal match to the performance limits of High-Resolution-Audio (HRA) formats. Benchmark's AHB2 power amplifier delivers musical details without introducing the masking effects of amplifier noise and distortion. The dynamic range of the AHB2 is 132 dB, making it 10 to 30 dB quieter than some of the very best reference-quality power amplifiers.
The frequency response of the AHB2 extends beyond 200 kHz. With the AHB2, you will discover previously overlooked nuances, dynamics, and detail in your favorite recordings and experience the full potential of the latest high-resolution 24-bit PCM and 1-bit DSD audio formats.
EXPERIENCE THE EMOTION
The musical details and emotion captured on today's finest High-Resolution-Audio recordings can only be fully appreciated when every component in the signal chain is capable of true high-resolution performance. Power amplifiers are a weak link in most audio systems. Most power amplifiers are well matched to the limitations of the CD format, but they fall well short of the capabilities of high-resolution formats. In contrast, the revolutionary AHB2 was 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 power amplifier has become a limiting factor in many audio systems. For example, the noise and distortion produced by the Benchmark DAC3 D/A converter is 20 to 30 dB lower than that 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. In our search, we learned of two new patents on a new amplifier technology from THX. This was exactly the technology we needed to build our new amplifier.
The AHB2 uses the new and revolutionary THX-patented AAA™ technology to virtually eliminate all forms of distortion. This technology uses feed-forward error correction to eliminate the distortion that is normally produced by the output stage. No other audio amplifier comes close to delivering the clean, quiet, and robust power of the AHB2.
DIFFICULT SPEAKER LOADS ARE HANDLED WITH EASE
Many loudspeakers have frequencies at which their impedance drops to levels that are much lower than the "nominal" impedance. The AHB2 drives difficult phase angles and low impedances with ease. Stereo loads as low as 1.4 Ohms can be cleanly driven to full output levels.
Most power amplifiers produce higher levels of distortion when the load impedance decreases. In contrast, the feed-forward error correction system in the AHB2 keeps the output clean when driving difficult loads. The AHB2 produces almost no measurable distortion at any rated load condition.
In our quest to build 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 was designed, assembled, and tested in the USA using USA and imported components. Most major components are made in USA.
CONTINUOUS AVERAGE OUTPUT POWER
< 0.0003 % THD+N at full rated power, 20 Hz to 20 kHz
100 Watts per channel into 8 Ohms, both channels driven
130 Watts per channel into 6 Ohms, both channels driven
190 Watts per channel into 4 Ohms, both channels driven
240 Watts per channel into 3 Ohms, both channels driven
200 Watts into 16 Ohms, bridged mono
380 Watts into 8 Ohms, bridged mono
480 Watts into 6 Ohms, bridged mono
SNR & DYNAMIC RANGE
Rated output relative to 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 into 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
PROTECTION CIRCUITS
Fully Electronic, No Relays
Mute Sequencing
Distortion Detection
Short Circuit Detection
Over Current Detection
Over Temperature Detection
SOA Detection (Output device safe operating area)