Benchmark AHB2 (Black)
UPC/EAN #837654830741
MPN #500-18000-200
From the first watt to the last watt, no audio power amplifier offers lower noise or lower distortion than the revolutionary amplifier Benchmark AHB2.
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.
The AHB2 has a bipolar class-AB output stage that delivers high output current and low noise. The THX-AAA Technology provides accurate cancellation of zero-crossing errors, exceeding the performance of the best class-A amplifier.
Feed-Forward Error Correction
Traditional class-AB amplifiers generate crossover distortion every time the push-pull output stage crosses 0 volts. This crossover distortion can be especially problematic at low playback levels.
In contrast, class-A amplifiers eliminate crossover distortion by keeping all output devices turned on at all times. This eliminates the push-pull crossover region and this eliminates crossover distortion. Unfortunately. this improvement comes at the expense of high power consumption, poor damping, and limited output power.
The AHB2 Outperforms all Traditional Class-AB and Class-A Designs
Traditional class-AB designs attempt to control distortion through the use of feedback. Unfortunately, these feedback systems have a limited ability to reduce the abrupt transients that are caused by output device crossover transitions. Feedback networks attempt to correct errors after they occur. In contrast, feed-forward networks can prevent errors before they occur.
The THX-AAA Technology includes an ultra-clean low-power error-correction amplifier that runs in parallel with the high-power main amplifier. The correction amplifier actively drives the output while the main output devices transition between push and pull states. Like a class-A amplifier, the AHB2 shows no signs of crossover distortion. The feed-forward system virtually eliminates the errors that would have been produced by the output devices in the main amplifier.
High Efficiency - Green Never Sounded so Good!
The THX-patented feed-forward error correction used in the AHB2 is so effective that biasing of the class-AB bipolar output devices can be reduced to unusually low levels. Benchmark has chosen to maintain a small bias current in the output stage, but this bias current is not critical to the distortion performance of the unit. The benefit of low bias current is that very little power is wasted as heat when the amplifier is idle. The AHB2 only draws 12 W when idle, and less than 1/2 W in standby.
The feed-forward error correction also allows the use of class-H tracking power supply rails without the usual distortion-performance penalty. These tracking rails significantly improve the overall efficiency of the amplifier while the error correction keeps distortion nearly nonexistent. The AHB2 rivals the efficiency of class-D amplifiers while exceeding the sonic performance of power-hungry class-A designs. Green never sounded so good!
Innovative Low-Noise Power Supply
Most high-quality power amplifiers have linear power supplies, large toroidal transformers, and large banks of energy-storage capacitors. These linear supplies are usually unregulated and the capacitors help to remove ripple produced by the audio and by the AC line. In contrast, the AHB2 uses a tightly regulated resonant switching power supply that includes a very fast control loop. This control loop responds to audio-frequency load changes and keeps the supply voltage constant without the use of a large bank of capacitors. This active regulation is much more effective than capacitive energy-storage. Consequently, the peak power output of the AHB2 does not vary with line voltage or audio loading. The power supply rails maintain a constant voltage during audio peaks.
The power supply in the AHB2 switches at frequencies that are well above audible frequencies. This eliminates mechanical hum while significantly reducing the strength of stray magnetic fields. For a given amount of power, magnetic field strength decreases as switching frequency increases. The lower field strengths also provide a significant reduction in size. High-frequency transformers and coils are also much smaller than line-frequency components. This size reduction contributes to the small physical size of the AHB2.
The switching power supply used in the AHB2 is a zero-voltage switching, resonant power converter. This means that the power devices in the supply switch near zero voltage and zero current, eliminating the large switching transients produced by conventional switching power supplies. The power supply in the AHB2 is actually much cleaner and quieter than a conventional linear supply.
The power supply In the AHB2 is well over 90% efficient, much more efficient than linear supplies. This means that little power is lost to heat.
Passive Cooling
The power-efficient AHB2 uses passive heat sinks to maintain cool operation. The AHB2 delivers high power without the need for fans. The unit runs cool, even when playing audio at full output levels. The absence of fan noise is absolutely essential in a high-resolution listening environment.
Low-Noise Input Amplifiers
The precision balanced inputs on the AHB2 are equipped with low-noise input amplifiers. Benchmark considers balanced inputs essential in a true high-resolution system. If balanced sources are not available, Benchmark sells unbalanced to balanced adapter cables that extend a 3-wire balanced connection back to the unbalanced source connectors. These adapter cables provide many of the advantages of fully balanced interconnects while providing full compatibility with all unbalanced sources.
Low Gain for Low System Noise
The AHB2 is a low-gain design. Maximum output is not reached until the balanced inputs reach +22 dBu. This is a much higher signal level than is used at the input of most power amplifiers. High interface signal levels are required to achieve the best possible system signal to noise ratio (SNR). Most power amplifiers have far too much gain and consequently they suffer from poor noise performance. The AHB2 is 10 dB to 30 dB quieter than some of the very best power amplifiers on the market. A rear-panel gain switch can be used to set the AHB2 at higher gain settings if necessary. The low-gain setting is designed to interface directly with Benchmark DAC2 converters and other professional audio products.
SpeakON Output Connectors
The AHB2 is equipped with high-quality binding posts, and SpeakON output connectors. The high-current SpeakON connectors are designed for heavy-duty commercial sound systems and provide much better electrical connections than binding posts. Benchmark highly recommends the use of the twist-lock SpeakON output connectors. We highly recommend the use of our top-quality professional-grade speaker cables.
A.H.B.
The letters A, H, and B allude to the unique topology of the amplifier's output stage. The AHB2 combines class-AB, and class-H topologies using a feed-forward error correction system.
But there is much more to the story -
The initials A.H.B. can be found on many of the circuit diagrams of Benchmark's early products dating back as far as 1983. These are the initials of Benchmark's founder, Allen H. Burdick. He personally designed many of Benchmark's early products.
Allen had a life-long passion for audio, and he became one of the leading innovators in the pro-audio industry. The AHB2 is named in his memory.
A New Benchmark
Experience high resolution audio as you have never heard it before. The AHB2 is a ground-breaking product. Benchmark has leveraged patented technology from THX to create an amplifier that defines a whole new level of performance. No audio amplifier delivers lower noise or lower distortion.
The All-Important First Watt
In a normal listening environment, a comfortable listening level is usually reached with only a few watts of audio power. With high-efficiency speakers, most of the audio may be delivered at less than one watt. In either case, the 1st few watts of power are some of the most important to the listening experience. Unfortunately, most amplifiers perform poorly in this low-power region. This is the region where the non-musical distortion caused by conventional class-AB push-pull output stages can rise to a high percentage of the audio level. Likewise, the dead-band distortion in a class-D amplifier can be problematic at these low output levels. The AHB2 does not have either of these problems. It behaves like a class-A amplifier in the low-power region. The AHB2 is virtually distortion-free in the critical first few watts.
Clean to the Last Watt
Class-A amplifiers often perform poorly at high power levels. Likewise, class-D amplifiers often have slew-rate related distortion problems that show up at higher power levels. Class-AB amplifiers tend to do well at high levels, but usually show a gradual increase in distortion energy as the output increases. In contrast to these conventional designs, the AHB2 remains virtually distortion free to the last watt.
Extended Frequency Response
The frequency response of the AHB2 extends beyond 200 kHz, to deliver the ultrasonic detail and fast transients captured by high-resolution recordings. At the other end of the audio spectrum, the low-frequency response extends below 0.1 Hz, for solid well-controlled bass.
The extended frequency response delivers a nearly perfect impulse response, and a nearly perfect phase response, over the entire audio spectrum.
The AHB2 Eliminates the Weak Link
Other than loudspeakers, power amplifiers are usually the weakest link in the audio chain. Until now, high-resolution recording formats and converter technology have rapidly outpaced the development of audio power amplifiers. For example, Benchmark DAC2 D/A converters outperform most high-end power amplifiers by very significant margins.
Most power amplifiers limit system noise performance to the equivalent of a 16 to 18-bit digital system. The differences between 16-bit and 24-bit recordings cannot be experienced if the power amplifier can only deliver 16-bit noise performance. In most audio systems, the details captured by today's high-resolution 24-bit PCM systems are completely lost in a veil of amplifier noise and distortion.
Benchmark set out to build an amplifier that would deliver the full performance of their flagship 24-bit 192-kHz D/A converters. The AHB2 realizes this goal, and it is the first power amplifier that meets or exceeds the performance of the DAC2 D/A converter.
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 these low impedance regions with ease. Loads as low as 2.2 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 prevents any increase in distortion. The AHB2 produces almost no measurable distortion at any rated load condition.
High Damping Factor
The AHB2 has a high damping factor that augments its extended low-end to deliver solid, well-controlled bass. This high damping factor also keeps the frequency response absolutely flat while driving speakers with large frequency-dependent impedance variations.
High Output Current
The AHB2 can deliver up to 18 A to each channel simultaneously. This robust drive current easily handles some of the most demanding loudspeakers. The AHB2 stays clean while delivering high current.
Distortion is Below Audibility
The AHB2 will never produce audible distortion, In most playback systems, the distortion produced by the AHB2 will never even reach the 0 dB SPL threshold of hearing. This means that the distortion could not be heard, even if it could be played while the music was muted.
The AHB2 allows you to escape the distortion limitations of classic amplifier topologies and enter the world of high-resolution audio playback.
Bipolar Class-AB Output Stage
The AHB2 has a bipolar class-AB output stage that delivers high output current and low noise. The THX-AAA Technology provides accurate cancellation of zero-crossing errors, exceeding the performance of the best class-A amplifier.
Feed-Forward Error Correction
Traditional class-AB amplifiers generate crossover distortion every time the push-pull output stage crosses 0 volts. This crossover distortion can be especially problematic at low playback levels.
In contrast, class-A amplifiers eliminate crossover distortion by keeping all output devices turned on at all times. This eliminates the push-pull crossover region and this eliminates crossover distortion. Unfortunately. this improvement comes at the expense of high power consumption, poor damping, and limited output power.
The AHB2 Outperforms all Traditional Class-AB and Class-A Designs
Traditional class-AB designs attempt to control distortion through the use of feedback. Unfortunately, these feedback systems have a limited ability to reduce the abrupt transients that are caused by output device crossover transitions. Feedback networks attempt to correct errors after they occur. In contrast, feed-forward networks can prevent errors before they occur.
The THX-AAA Technology includes an ultra-clean low-power error-correction amplifier that runs in parallel with the high-power main amplifier. The correction amplifier actively drives the output while the main output devices transition between push and pull states. Like a class-A amplifier, the AHB2 shows no signs of crossover distortion. The feed-forward system virtually eliminates the errors that would have been produced by the output devices in the main amplifier.
High Efficiency - Green Never Sounded so Good!
The THX-patented feed-forward error correction used in the AHB2 is so effective that biasing of the class-AB bipolar output devices can be reduced to unusually low levels. Benchmark has chosen to maintain a small bias current in the output stage, but this bias current is not critical to the distortion performance of the unit. The benefit of low bias current is that very little power is wasted as heat when the amplifier is idle. The AHB2 only draws 12 W when idle, and less than 1/2 W in standby.
The feed-forward error correction also allows the use of class-H tracking power supply rails without the usual distortion-performance penalty. These tracking rails significantly improve the overall efficiency of the amplifier while the error correction keeps distortion nearly nonexistent. The AHB2 rivals the efficiency of class-D amplifiers while exceeding the sonic performance of power-hungry class-A designs. Green never sounded so good!
Innovative Low-Noise Power Supply
Most high-quality power amplifiers have linear power supplies, large toroidal transformers, and large banks of energy-storage capacitors. These linear supplies are usually unregulated and the capacitors help to remove ripple produced by the audio and by the AC line. In contrast, the AHB2 uses a tightly regulated resonant switching power supply that includes a very fast control loop. This control loop responds to audio-frequency load changes and keeps the supply voltage constant without the use of a large bank of capacitors. This active regulation is much more effective than capacitive energy-storage. Consequently, the peak power output of the AHB2 does not vary with line voltage or audio loading. The power supply rails maintain a constant voltage during audio peaks.
The power supply in the AHB2 switches at frequencies that are well above audible frequencies. This eliminates mechanical hum while significantly reducing the strength of stray magnetic fields. For a given amount of power, magnetic field strength decreases as switching frequency increases. The lower field strengths also provide a significant reduction in size. High-frequency transformers and coils are also much smaller than line-frequency components. This size reduction contributes to the small physical size of the AHB2.
The switching power supply used in the AHB2 is a zero-voltage switching, resonant power converter. This means that the power devices in the supply switch near zero voltage and zero current, eliminating the large switching transients produced by conventional switching power supplies. The power supply in the AHB2 is actually much cleaner and quieter than a conventional linear supply.
The power supply In the AHB2 is well over 90% efficient, much more efficient than linear supplies. This means that little power is lost to heat.
Passive Cooling
The power-efficient AHB2 uses passive heat sinks to maintain cool operation. The AHB2 delivers high power without the need for fans. The unit runs cool, even when playing audio at full output levels. The absence of fan noise is absolutely essential in a high-resolution listening environment.
Low-Noise Input Amplifiers
The precision balanced inputs on the AHB2 are equipped with low-noise input amplifiers. Benchmark considers balanced inputs essential in a true high-resolution system. If balanced sources are not available, Benchmark sells unbalanced to balanced adapter cables that extend a 3-wire balanced connection back to the unbalanced source connectors. These adapter cables provide many of the advantages of fully balanced interconnects while providing full compatibility with all unbalanced sources.
Low Gain for Low System Noise
The AHB2 is a low-gain design. Maximum output is not reached until the balanced inputs reach +22 dBu. This is a much higher signal level than is used at the input of most power amplifiers. High interface signal levels are required to achieve the best possible system signal to noise ratio (SNR). Most power amplifiers have far too much gain and consequently they suffer from poor noise performance. The AHB2 is 10 dB to 30 dB quieter than some of the very best power amplifiers on the market. A rear-panel gain switch can be used to set the AHB2 at higher gain settings if necessary. The low-gain setting is designed to interface directly with Benchmark DAC2 converters and other professional audio products.
SpeakON Output Connectors
The AHB2 is equipped with high-quality binding posts, and SpeakON output connectors. The high-current SpeakON connectors are designed for heavy-duty commercial sound systems and provide much better electrical connections than binding posts. Benchmark highly recommends the use of the twist-lock SpeakON output connectors. We highly recommend the use of our top-quality professional-grade speaker cables.
A.H.B.
The letters A, H, and B allude to the unique topology of the amplifier's output stage. The AHB2 combines class-AB, and class-H topologies using a feed-forward error correction system.
But there is much more to the story -
The initials A.H.B. can be found on many of the circuit diagrams of Benchmark's early products dating back as far as 1983. These are the initials of Benchmark's founder, Allen H. Burdick. He personally designed many of Benchmark's early products.
Allen had a life-long passion for audio, and he became one of the leading innovators in the pro-audio industry. The AHB2 is named in his memory.
Specifications
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 driven130 Watts per channel into 6 Ohms, both channels driven190 Watts per channel into 4 Ohms, both channels driven240 Watts per channel into 3 Ohms, both channels driven200 Watts into 16 Ohms, bridged mono380 Watts into 8 Ohms, bridged mono480 Watts into 6 Ohms, bridged mono
All speakers have variations in input impedance. Select loads based on nominal impedances not minimum impedances. The AHB2 is stable into all loads. The AHB2 is conservatively rated at an output level where THD+N is < 0.0003 % instead of the more typical 1% THD+N. Power at 1% THD will be higher.
OUTPUT VOLTAGE INTO VARIOUS LOAD IMPEDANCES
< 0.0003 % THD+N at the following output voltages and load impedances, 20 Hz to 20 kHz
29.03 dBV, 31.25 dBu, 28.28 Vrms into 8 Ohms, both channels driven28.92 dBV, 31.14 dBu, 27.93 Vrms into 6 Ohms, both channels driven28.81 dBV, 31.03 dBu, 27.57 Vrms into 4 Ohms, both channels driven28.57 dBV, 30.79 dBu, 26.83 Vrms into 3 Ohms, both channels driven27.14 dBV, 29.36 dBu, 22.76 Vrms into 2 Ohms, both channels driven35.05 dBV, 37.27 dBu, 56.57 Vrms into 16 Ohms, bridged mono34.83 dBV, 37.05 dBu, 55.14 Vrms into 8 Ohms, bridged mono34.59 dBV, 36.81 dBu, 53.67 Vrms into 6 Ohms, bridged mono33.16 dBV, 35.38 dBu, 45.52 Vrms into 4 Ohms, bridged mono
Use dBV to calculate the peak SPL from your speaker/amplifier combination. Use the following formula: Amplifier output voltage in dBV + speaker sensitivity at 2.83V - 9 dB. Example: (29.03 dBV at 8 Ohms) + (90 dB SPL @ 2.83V 1m) - 9 dB = 110 dB SPL at 1 meter
SNR & DYNAMIC RANGE
Rated output relative to output noise, inputs shorted
132 dB A-weighted, Stereo Mode135 dB A-weighted, Mono Mode130 dB Unweighted, 20 Hz to 20 kHz, Stereo Mode133 dB Unweighted, 20 Hz to 20 kHz, Mono Mode
NOISE VOLTAGE
Output noise voltage, A-weighted, inputs shorted
-103 dBV, -101 dBu, 7.1 uVrms, Stereo Mode-100 dBV, -98 dBu, 9.8 uVrms, Mono Mode
Use dBV to calculate the SPL of the noise produced by your speaker/amplifier combination. Use the following formula: Amplifier output noise voltage in dBV + speaker sensitivity at 2.83V - 9 dB. Example: Mono mode driving very high efficiency speakers: (-100 dBV) + (104 dB SPL @ 2.83V 1m) - 9 dB = -5 dB SPL at 1 meter. This means that the system noise will be 5 dB below the threshold of hearing when driving speakers with a very high 104 dB efficiency.
NOISE RELATIVE TO 2.83 VRMS
Output noise relative to 2.83 Vrms, A-weighted, inputs shorted
-112 dB, Stereo Mode-109 dB, 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
THD
1 kHz, 20 kHz LPF, at full rated output into any rated load
< -119 dB (< 0.00011%), Stereo Mode< -120 dB (< 0.00010%), Mono Mode
CROSSTALK
Better than -115 dB at 1 kHzBetter than -92 dB at 20 kHz
FREQUENCY RESPONSE
Better than 0.1 Hz to 200 kHz, +0/-3 dB
-0.01 dB at 20 Hz, -0.17 dB at 20 kHz, 8-Ohm Load-0.23 dB at 20 Hz, -0.32 dB at 20 kHz, 4-Ohm Load
DAMPING FACTOR
350 at 20 Hz, 8-Ohms254 at 1 kHz, 8-Ohms34 at 20 kHz, 8-Ohms7 at 200 kHz, 8-Ohms
MAXIMUM AUDIO OUTPUT CURRENT
29 A peak, per channel, both channels driven
INPUT SENSITIVITY
Low-Gain = 22 dBu (9.8 Vrms), Gain = 9.2 dBMid-Gain = 14.2 dBu (4 Vrms), Gain = 17.0 dBHigh-Gain = 8.2 dBu (2 Vrms), Gain = 23 dBUse Mid-Gain or High-Gain settings for unbalanced inputsUnbalanced inputs require RCA to XLRM adapter cables
INPUT IMPEDANCE
50 k Ohms, normal mode1 M Ohm, common mode
INPUT CMRR
80 dB at 20 Hz, typical80 dB at 1 kHz, typical65 dB at 20 kHz, typical
TRIGGER I/O
12 VDC 200 mA current-limited output to trigger turn-on of remote devicesDC input for slaving to remote devicesInput responds to 3.3 V logic and higher, VIL = 1.26 V, VIH = 2.7 VAbsolute maximum input voltage = 30 VDCAbsolute minimum input voltage = -0.3 VDCInput Impedance = 20 k Ohms
PROTECTION CIRCUITS
Fully Electronic, No RelaysMute SequencingDistortion DetectionShort Circuit DetectionOver Current DetectionOver Temperature DetectionSOA Detection (Output device safe operating area)
DIMENSIONS
NON-RACK-MOUNT VERSION
11.04" W x 3.88" H x 9.34 " D - Including feet and binding posts11.04" W x 3.47" H x 8.33 " D - Excluding feet and connectorsFaceplate height is 2RU
RACK-MOUNT VERSION
19.00" W x 3.88" H x 10.62 " D - Including binding posts, handles and removable feet19.00" W x 3.47" H x 8.33 " D - Excluding feet and connectors9.09" rack depth, including binding posts, excluding cables11" rack depth, including cablesFaceplate height is 2RU
WEIGHT
12.5 lbs., 16 lbs. shipping - Non-rack-mount version13.5 lbs., 17 lbs. shipping - Rack-mount version
AC INPUT
Auto-ranging AC Input100 to 120 VAC +/- 10%, 8 Amps, 50 - 60 Hz220 to 240 VAC +/- 10%, 8 Amps, 50 - 60 HzIdle Power Consumption = 20 WStandby Power Consumption < 0.5 W
Write a review about the Benchmark AHB2 (Black)
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5.0
Michael
Boisbriand, Qc
September 7, 2024
AHB2 satisfaction, a wire with gain... LOTS of it
If all you want is massive headroom and absolute transparency this is it. No it does not add anything but that is hard to do. I purchased a pair and use in bridged mono and they are just power and dynamics monsters. In my opinion, transducers are where you really choose your sound "flavor", ie speakers and headphones.
Read moreThese are literally wires with 380 watts into 8 ohms. The form factor is also awesome and they run very cool. I place each very near to each speaker with short Benchmark Speakon to locking banana cables fed via XLR cables from my pre. Extremely pleased. I had on loan a $25k Burmester amp for 5 days and honestly .. in very active and long listening sessions maybe there was a bit smoother upper mid / lower treble but at almost 3 X the price. My previous amp was a 200Wx2 into 8ohms McIntosh that is ~same price but I was blown away by how dynamic and resolute the AHB2s were .. and WAY more power / headroom, no comparison. Totally satisfied and highly recommended.
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4.0
R. O'Brien
Oshawa, ON
April 6, 2021
Transparent with a Silent Background
The AHB2 has been an excellent addition to my music listening system. It provides detail, clarity, dynamics enough quietness to ensure that the smallest contribution to a musical performance is audible. I value also that it is physically small and lightweight as well as energy efficient.
Read more I would call the sound neutral, that is, it does not add anything. If you are used to listening to recordings made in the pre-solid state years or to electric guitar with tube amps you may find the sound to be drier than you might like. If you want to hear accuracy and the blend of the mix in a way that is close to the original then this amp with appropriate speakers could do that.
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