Benchmark AHB2 Power Amplifier

AHB2 Power Amplifier

The Quietest, Cleanest Audio Amplifier on the Planet

 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.

"Best Stereo Amplifier of 2017 ... masterfully detailed and transparent with spot-on tonality and some serious punch."

- Ben Shyman, Home Theater Review

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.

Sonic Purity that Surpasses Class A!

The AHB2 is a linear amplifier that surpasses the sonic purity of all class-A amplifiers. No amplifier delivers lower noise or lower distortion. The small, passively cooled chassis, cleanly delivers 480 Watts bridged mono into 6 Ohms, with additional reserves for driving difficult speaker loads. Unlike power-hungry class-A amplifiers, the AHB2 achieves a power efficiency that rivals that of a Class D (switching) power amplifier.

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.

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 29 A peak to each channel simultaneously. This robust drive current easily handles some of the most demanding loudspeakers. The AHB2 has tightly regulated power supplies that keep the output 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.

"I very much enjoyed my time evaluating the Benchmark AHB2 amplifier and can heartily recommend it to those seeking one of the lowest distortion and lowest noise amplifiers on the planet—one that is very musically transparent and easy on the ears to boot."

- Frank Alles, Stereo Times

Extreme Performance Often Requires a Radical Approach

The AHB2 amplifier is radically different than traditional audio amplifiers. Two new THX-patented feed-forward error-correction technologies eliminate most sources of distortion. An unconventional power supply maintains tight regulation and low ripple while minimizing magnetic fields. A low-gain topology optimizes the gain staging between the D/A converter and the power amplifier while minimizing noise. Sophisticated shielding and star-quad signal distribution provide outstanding immunity to interference. A unique output stage incorporates class-H tracking power supply rails to improve efficiency. The result is that the cool-running AHB2 has a signal to noise ratio of 132 dB while distortion is at or below the measurement limits of the finest test equipment.

See John Siau's application note: "A Radical Approach to Power Amplification" for more details.

Introducing THX Achromatic Audio Amplifier Technology™

The AHB2 is the only amplifier that leverages the patented THX-AAA Technology™. This patented system reduces distortion to vanishingly low levels while enabling several power-saving techniques.

"The Benchmark AHB2 is a powerful and efficient amplifier with prodigious low levels of noise and distortion. The fact that it is also very musical and non-fatiguing, courtesy of THX’s patented AAA Technology™, is the icing on the cake. Benchmark Media and THX have a lot to be proud of for the development and implementation of the new technology the AHB2 represents."

- Frank Alles, Stereo Times

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 brute-force class-A approach solves the crossover distortion problem but it consumes lots of power while delivering very little to the speakers. The wasted power produces heat which must be dissipated into the listening space.

Class-A amplifiers eliminate crossover distortion but they suffer from high power consumption, poor damping, and limited output power. The AHB2 is the first amplifier to virtually eliminate crossover distortion without incurring the undesirable side effects of class-A amplification.

The Importance of the First Watt

Dick Olsher once said that "the first Watt is the most important Watt". We agree! From the first Watt to the last Watt, the AHB2 shows no evidence of crossover distortion.

In contrast, all conventional class-AB amplifiers have crossover-distortion artifacts.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.

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 DAC3 converters and other professional audio products.

Bulletproof Protection System - No Relays

The AHB2 has a unique protection system that prevents damage from overloads and short circuits. The protection system monitors output voltage, output current, output distortion, output device SOA (safe operating area), power supply current, power supply voltage, AC line voltage, case temperatures, and power device temperatures. Fault conditions silently mute both output channels in order to protect the speakers and amplifier from damage. The amplifier outputs are also muted while the amplifier is turning on or off.

The mute circuits are fully electronic. There are no mechanical relays in the mute circuits. Our tests showed that relays are too slow to protect against certain fault events. Our tests also showed that relay contacts can add significant distortion as they deteriorate with use. The AHB2 is one of very few amplifiers that avoids the use of relays in the output stage. This means that the AHB2 will maintain its rated distortion performance after an unlimited number of power on/off cycles. 

Benchmark's unique distortion monitoring system mutes the amplifier if it is excessively driven into clipping. This system protects tweeters from an overdriven amplifier.

Benchmark's short circuit detection system is fast enough to fully protect the amplifier from events occurring at any output voltage or current. This system detects abnormal loads and instantly mutes the outputs. 

A status display shows the exact cause of the fault so that the problem can be corrected.

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 also 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.

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

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.

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 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:

280mm W x 96mm H x 237mm D - Including feet and binding posts

280mm W x 88mm H x 237mm D - Excluding feet and connectors

Faceplate height is 2RU

RACK-MOUNT VERSION:

482.6mm W x 98.55 H x 269.74mm D - Including binding posts, handles and removable feet

482.6mm W x 88.13 H x 211.58 mm D - Excluding feet and connectors

230.88" rack depth, including binding posts, excluding cables

11" rack depth, including cables

Faceplate height is 2RU

WEIGHT

5.66kg., 7.25kg lbs. shipping - Non-rack-mount version

6.1kg., 7.71kg. 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

User Reviews

The AHB2 has been internationally recognized for its groundbreaking technology, performance, and transparent sound.