bearwarrior
Another +vote for the Anthem STR Integrated. Happy Listening!
Anthem STR Int or Benchmark AHB2 + Preamp
Hi,
I am looking for suggestions to choose between Anthem STR Int and Benchmark AHB2 + Preamp.
My speaker is Goldenear Triton Reference. My source is mainly from digital streaming. Have been checking so many reviews. I have auditioned the Rogue audio amps, and results are pretty good. But I hope I can get a bit more details and keep the smoothness and richness from the setup.
That is why I am leaning toward solid state power amp so that I can get enough power and less distortion. Due to the high sensitivity of the speakers, the output power might not be an issue in this case.
Two combos have been considered right now:
1) Anthem STR Int. The ARC room correction looks very interesting. Tons of power. However, the analog in signal has to transform to digital first to utilize the ARC and convert back to analog. I am not quite sure about this topology.
2) Benchmark AHB2 plus some tube preamp. AHB2 is respectable amp receiving numerous reviews. The output power is 100W at 8 ohms, enough for the Triton reference. Some review mention the sound is a bit analytical. I thought a good tube preamp can tune the sound a bit. Now, I am looking at used PS Audio BHK pre and Rogue Audio RP-7. The price is similar. But I cannot find any comparison.
I am not sure which route will give better performance. I will appreciate any impression or suggestions.
Thanks in advance.
K
I am looking for suggestions to choose between Anthem STR Int and Benchmark AHB2 + Preamp.
My speaker is Goldenear Triton Reference. My source is mainly from digital streaming. Have been checking so many reviews. I have auditioned the Rogue audio amps, and results are pretty good. But I hope I can get a bit more details and keep the smoothness and richness from the setup.
That is why I am leaning toward solid state power amp so that I can get enough power and less distortion. Due to the high sensitivity of the speakers, the output power might not be an issue in this case.
Two combos have been considered right now:
1) Anthem STR Int. The ARC room correction looks very interesting. Tons of power. However, the analog in signal has to transform to digital first to utilize the ARC and convert back to analog. I am not quite sure about this topology.
2) Benchmark AHB2 plus some tube preamp. AHB2 is respectable amp receiving numerous reviews. The output power is 100W at 8 ohms, enough for the Triton reference. Some review mention the sound is a bit analytical. I thought a good tube preamp can tune the sound a bit. Now, I am looking at used PS Audio BHK pre and Rogue Audio RP-7. The price is similar. But I cannot find any comparison.
I am not sure which route will give better performance. I will appreciate any impression or suggestions.
Thanks in advance.
K