Benchmark AHB2 or Class D (GaN FET)
The Benchmark AHB2 seems to be a different twist on linear Class AB amplifier design. This amp uses a different approach to distortion cancellation that gets around some of the problems of using large amounts of negative feedback. It uses a THX patented technology (under license) called AAA. This amp has been around for several years. It gets rave reviews, so I am surprised that the technology is not in more widespread use.
I am interested in why this approach is not more widely used.
Also, how would this amplifier compare to the newest Class D technology, which uses GaN FETs and much higher switching frequencies. (GaN Class D amplifiers which are price-competitive with the AHB2 are the LSA Voyager and Peachtree).
At a higher price point would be Atma-Sphere Class D monoblocks and the AGD Tempo.
I would appreciate hearing the forum members' opinions on the AHB2 technology vs the latest Class D amps.
Thanks,
Here you go @ricevs @nonoise . Almost every review mentions it so they must know more than us and GN is simply play their cards close to their chest? I do know this they sound great and better than most if not all the Class D that I have listened to. https://positive-feedback.com/reviews/hardware-reviews/gold-note-pa-10-amplifiers/ https://www.hifipig.com/gold-note-pa-10-power-amplifier/ https://darko.audio/2020/07/brawn-and-brains-gold-notes-pa-10-power-amplifier/ |
@nonoise yes, and I was also addressing @ricevs comment. Gold Note also makes Tube Amplifiers and like other fine Italian marquis they perform and look the part IMHO. If you have a chance to listen to the complete line they will not disappoint in regards to integrated amplifiers, stereo amplifiers and mono-blocks. |
I’ve not heard the latest iterations of class D so cannot comment on these amps, but I recently took delivery of a Benchmark amp, and it is incredibly quiet, dynamic, and clean thru 93db Verity Leonore speakers. I am streaming with a less than reference setup in my second system and yet, the amp is a revelation and surprise. Tracy Thorn’s voice on the 30-year recording of Amplified Heart gave me goose bumps right out of the box. I can understand the observation that midrange or voices may seem forward, but concert mixes can have the vocalist forward if you’re center row, close in and studio mix pull it this way often as well. This amp just doesn’t add much, if any sound of its own. Tubes are what I have listened to for decades – Shindo in particular, coupled with very nice front-end components. The Benchmark, with a completely different presentation is thoroughly enjoyable. I’ll now need to upgrade my DAC and streamer to keep up with the Benchmark. The Benchmark makes me think of an audio mag cover a few years ago, it showed a high-end, well regarded tube amp and a SS state one and said something to the effect that if one is right, then the other must be wrong. In fact, they were both great amps. |
