Benchmark AHB2 Amplifier, opinions and competition

I, too, was worried about the “laser” effect of the Benchmark when I read the reviews. But, with a tubed Conrad-Johnson preamp no such problem exists.
Also, my Schiit Gumby DAC is somewhat more forgiving than some others.
So, the result is sharp and detailed yet sweet without being harsh even on non -audiophile recordings.

Synergy is almost everything.  Years ago, with far inferior equipment, I got a sound not too dissimilar to what I’m getting now because all components perfectly matched each other.
 Now, of course is better, but the point is I was without a balanced system for years because of “upgrading.”  Finally found the right combination again.

If you’re happy, stay with what you’ve got!

Amen and Amen !

I’ve had the amp for nine days now. I’ve played it for at least  eight hours a day since I bought it, and it is breaking in fantastically.  The combination with the Triton 1 speaker and the Conrad Johnson preamp seems to be ideal.
i bought it with the idea of probably returning it when my old amp was fixed.
It was randomly the first amp I saw listed on Music Direct, so I sprang.
Boy, am I glad I did!!