Benchmark AHB2 Power Amplifier - Benchmark Media Systems, Inc.
This should divide opinions. Either the best measuring commercial amplifier on the planet or cold, sterile and souless. Or for me too expensive
Based on the weight (only 7 kilos) and size (only 2RU height) it's probably chock full of switching mode subsystems. Based on the audio performance, it's likely a class A with class D driven PS rails. BTW, 0.0001% at 1KHz is nothing really outstanding, if a generous output stage is included (class A, or even class AB). The 1KHz loop gain doesn't change much, even if the ULGF has to be lowered for stability reasons (the usual trade when adding output devices). HF distortion specs are conveniently skipped
.
HF distortion specs are conveniently skipped
The published specs are very carefully cherry picked. But everyone does that in audioland
.
But do they not want to give an honest price --> performance "bang
for the buck" ... or are they relying on on pure "puffery" (customer
ignorance) ?
This is what I have tried very hard to END (read my builders impressions).
OS
As some recall, I bought a used Mastering recorder a few months ago. When I played music thru it, it sounded dull, lifeless. I opened it up to see if I could mod it in some way but gave up and didnt do anything. It used mostly 5532/4 opamps for analog processing.
That was first time I heard a product with those opamps. Gnerally, I go with descretes for audio.
That someone thinks it is fine is not relevent to Me. And, does not change my perception of what I hear. Once again we have data from other people that is perceived same way. That is part of the meta-data I refer to. There are a significant number of people who hear this or that exactly the same way.
[note that significant does not have to be the majority]
The 5532/4 resembles 'compressive' behaviour which results in life-less sound quality.
THx-RNMarsh
That was first time I heard a product with those opamps. Gnerally, I go with descretes for audio.
That someone thinks it is fine is not relevent to Me. And, does not change my perception of what I hear. Once again we have data from other people that is perceived same way. That is part of the meta-data I refer to. There are a significant number of people who hear this or that exactly the same way.
[note that significant does not have to be the majority]
The 5532/4 resembles 'compressive' behaviour which results in life-less sound quality.
THx-RNMarsh
Last edited:
there were a significant number of people who believed in witchcraft for centuries after the Church pronounced they didn't exist - enough to burn tens thousands as witches in Europe
even today hundreds accused of witchcraft are killed yearly - one even just this week in the US
even today hundreds accused of witchcraft are killed yearly - one even just this week in the US
Last edited:
Just what I was thinking. How-can some criticize an amp without measuring/listening to-it ?
I would not qualify-it like this. Or, if it is some kind of compression, it affect microcontrasts only. Because it don't look like this OPA is lacking current on basses, for example, and no problem on global dynamic neither.
To find an equivalence in photography, it should be a lack of "clarity" and "vibrance".
No Idea from where it can come, or what happens. Measurements looks OK.
Oh, Pleeease. We are talking about listening perceptions in common.... not spiritual beliefs in common. Listening perceptions in this day and age. I dont see the connection you are trying to relate this to. Dont bother to elaborate.... its an old ploy that doesnt hold water IMO.
THx-RNMarsh
Last edited:
OK. I was wondering if the cfa greater clarity reasons may apply to lack of it in 5532. Just a thought... if there is a thread of connection that relates. But we hear it same way.
THx-RNMarsh
I liked the BenchMark one and even better the two DAC that I was thinking about thier power amp but when they didnt publish full specs and still have not...... I decided not to buy. Too fishy..... though BenchMark has done some very good work. Still waiting for more info from them or someone who was able to test one.
THx-RNMarsh
THx-RNMarsh
- Status
- Not open for further replies.