Benchmark Media Systems AHB2 High Resolution Stereo Power Amplifier (Black)

I purchased the AHB2 along with a Benchmark DAC3 HGC. The combination was over my budget for DAC + AMP. But I'm glad I spent the few extra bills. At this price point, there didn't seem to be much point in compromising. This is the state of the art - true hi-fi quality, at mid-fi prices.I love the company’s design philosophy… relentless engineering for faithful sound reproduction. So said, part of the impetus for the amp was the need for a unit to match the super low distortion of their DACs. This amp benefits both from some cutting edge THX technology, and from innovative solutions to mundane engineering imperatives like power management. Some kit that measures well doesn’t sound very good. But Benchmark just figures that, if that’s the case, there's something they are not measuring properly. So they are also listening, very carefully.The results are fantastic. I read all the reviews I could find, and I found only the highest praise for this amp. The reviews weren't exaggerating. This amplifier is super detailed, transparent and fast, with zero distortion, and it drives my power hungry bookshelf speakers with real authority. I'm having a great time going through my collection (everything from classical to drum & bass) and hearing so much of the music for the first time.The build quality is excellent. The amp itself is physically small, but at c. 16lb, feels quite heavy, dense, for its size. It runs cool to the touch.Finally, the company's customer service and overall attention to the customer experience is tops. There is extensive documentation on the products, both on the company web site and in the accompanying manuals. On my first email query, I was surprised to received a reply from the Sales Manager himself.I can't recommend this amp, or the company, highly enough.

Very happy with this amp! I'm a tube guy at heart and actually bought this to use while I'm working through some problems with my main amp. Anyway, the sound is very natural and open, with a nice, clear soundstage with good separation among instruments. And, the thing is tiny -- small and light (for high-end hi-fi gear, but still solid). I could bridge it mono and get 2 side by side on one shelf of my rack.Note: This amp only has balanced xlr inputs -- no rca inputs.Update: One thing that they claim about this amp is that it completely warms up in less than a minute. After messing with this for a while I really feel like it sounds better after an hour or so of warm-up.

ProsCompact. Light weight. Built solid. Looks sexy. Accurate.ConsExpensive. Sterile. Lifeless. Why is something so small and light so expensive? XLR inputs only.It's neat. World class performance on paper, but it feels like a toy, and would look small compared with other components in a Hifi system. Better for mobile professionals.

You will never hear a better stereo amplifier. It measures off the charts for clarity. It's an American company (design AND manufacturing) with excellent customer service.To do it justice, you will need both excellent speakers and source.

Came across this amp while reading about different hifi setups for computers and home stereo.This amplifier is dead quiet, and sounds fantastic. It is hard to explain, but it powers my current desktop speakers (paradigm prestige 15b), much better than the nova300 or schiit ragnarok.The sound is engaging, yet the soundstage is large. Every note, and drum beat hits with authority and separation is great.I'm currently running Schiit Gungnir Multibit -> ifiPro -> benchmark Ahb2 -> Paradigm prestige / sony zr1. This is a great combo, if you are looking for a compact, no compromises desktop solution

I have had many amplifiers throughout my life and without a doubt this is the best I've had, I never thought that this small amplifier could sound as good and better than many that quadruple in price, weight and size.Amazing amplifier made by Benchmark !!!

I bought this amp ahead of the benchmark SMS1, so it was left unused for quite some time. HooHaa yesterday the SMS1 finally arrived.Hooked up and and will need to run it before can tell if its all worth it...Mr Rory promise me that I will not regret it...so let see if this will be soInitial listening after 6 hrs of run in...Mr Rory...you are right...no regrets...Thanks for the persuasion. almost giving it up waiting for the speaker.Very happy I waited... Benchmark AHB2 + SMS1 = EXCELLENT *****

Really love this Amp. It does not only deliver the punch in drums, but also offer much detail in the mid and high frequency range.