Description
Benchmark AHB2
The Benchmark AHB2 is a legendary product, tiny in proportions yet massive in power and has one of the best measured-performance specifications in the industry, a truly outstanding amplifier.
The AHB2 is a radically different audio amplifier. Its patented design delivers performance that approaches the limits of the latest high-resolution audio 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.
Unlike class-D amplifiers, the AHB2 is noise free over its ultra-wide 0.1 Hz to 200 kHz frequency range. Don’t settle for the limited performance of class-D amplification.
With the AHB2, you will discover previously overlooked nuances, dynamics, and detail in your favourite tracks. Experience the full potential of the very best high-resolution 24-bit PCM and 1-bit DSD recordings.
Feed-Forward Error Correction
- Much Faster than Feedback
- Eliminates Zero-Crossing Distortion
- Inherently Stable, Non-Recursive Correction
- Stable into Any Phase Angle
- Stable when Driving Very Low impedances
- No Rise in THD when Driving Low Impedances
- No Rise in THD when Running in Bridged Mono
Patented THX-AAA Technology
- Benchmark Exclusive
- Not Available on Any Other Power Amplifier
- 30 to 40 dB reduction in THD
- Keeps THD+N Below 0 dB SPL at All Times
- No “Electronic Fingerprints” on the Music
- Accurate Impulse Response Into all Loads
- 132 dB SNR
Extended Frequency Response
- Ultra Wide 0.1 Hz to 200 kHz Response
- Bass is Delivered Without a Phase Shift
- Fast, Distortion-Free Transient Response
- Linear Phase Response
- Accurately Reproduces the Audio Waveshape
- Precise Rendering of Stereo Width and Depth
- Focused 3-D Stereo Image
Bridged-Mono Switch
- 100 W Stereo – Generous Power for Most Applications
- 380 W Mono – Suitable for Large Rooms or Extreme SPL Levels
- Nearly a 4X Power Increase in Bridged Mono
- No increase in THD when Running in Bridged Mono
- Flexible Upgrade Path – Start with Stereo, Upgrade to Bridged Mono
The Benchmark AHB2 delivers a clear, open, and uncluttered playback across the entire frequency range.
Instrumental overtones are rendered with exceptional precision and realism. Vocals are reproduced with outstanding accuracy and natural tones. Transients are fast and precise. Bass is deep and well controlled.
The ultra-linear phase response of the AHB2, allows it to create a precise three-dimensional rendering of the recorded space. This space is open and uncluttered because noise and distortion are held below the 0-dB SPL threshold of hearing at all playback levels.
From the first watt to the last watt, the AHB2 delivers a clear image of the musical performance. Pure excitement, no distractions.
Specifications Benchmark AHB2:
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
- 259 Watts per channel into 2 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
- 518 Watts into 4 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 driven
- 28.92 dBV, 31.14 dBu, 27.93 Vrms into 6 Ohms, both channels driven
- 28.81 dBV, 31.03 dBu, 27.57 Vrms into 4 Ohms, both channels driven
- 28.57 dBV, 30.79 dBu, 26.83 Vrms into 3 Ohms, both channels driven
- 27.14 dBV, 29.36 dBu, 22.76 Vrms into 2 Ohms, both channels driven
- 35.05 dBV, 37.27 dBu, 56.57 Vrms into 16 Ohms, bridged mono
- 34.83 dBV, 37.05 dBu, 55.14 Vrms into 8 Ohms, bridged mono
- 34.59 dBV, 36.81 dBu, 53.67 Vrms into 6 Ohms, bridged mono
- 33.16 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 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
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. The noise will be even further below the threshold of hearing when driving typical speakers.
Noise Relative to 2.83 Vrms (1 Watt into 8 Ohms)
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 kHz
- Better 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-Ohms
- 254 at 1 kHz, 8-Ohms
- 34 at 20 kHz, 8-Ohms
- 7 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 dB
- Mid-Gain = 14.2 dBu (4 Vrms), Gain = 17.0 dB
- High-Gain = 8.2 dBu (2 Vrms), Gain = 23 dB
- Use Mid-Gain or High-Gain settings for unbalanced inputs
- Unbalanced inputs require RCA to XLRM adapter cables
Input Impedance
- 50 k Ohms, normal mode
- 1 M Ohm, common mode
Input CMRR
- 80 dB at 20 Hz, typical
- 80 dB at 1 kHz, typical
- 65 dB at 20 kHz, typical
Trigger I/O
- 12 VDC 200 mA current-limited output to trigger turn-on of remote devices
- DC input for slaving to remote devices
- Input responds to 3.3 V logic and higher, VIL = 1.26 V, VIH = 2.7 V
- Absolute maximum input voltage = 30 VDC
- Absolute minimum input voltage = -0.3 VDC
- Input Impedance = 20 k 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)
Dimensions
Non-rack-mount version:
- 11.04″ W x 3.88″ H x 9.34 ” D – Including feet and binding posts
- 11.04″ W x 3.47″ H x 8.33 ” D – Excluding feet and connectors
- Faceplate height is 2RU
Rack-mount version:
- 19.00″ W x 3.88″ H x 10.62 ” D – Including binding posts, handles and removable feet
- 19.00″ W x 3.47″ H x 8.33 ” D – Excluding feet and connectors
- 9.09″ rack depth, including binding posts, excluding cables
- 11″ rack depth, including cables
- Faceplate height is 2RU
Weight
- 12.5 lbs., 16 lbs. shipping – Non-rack-mount version
- 13.5 lbs., 17 lbs. shipping – Rack-mount version
AC Input
- Auto-ranging AC Input
- 100 to 120 VAC +/- 10%, 8 Amps, 50 – 60 Hz
- 220 to 240 VAC +/- 10%, 8 Amps, 50 – 60 Hz
- Idle Power Consumption = 20 W
- Standby Power Consumption < 0.5 W





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