I have Benchmark AHB2. It is powerful, dynamic and very clean with great treble and bass extensions. It has only XLR input, since Benchmark believes that S/N at this level (132dB) is wasted with single ended RCA connection. Also, it is extremely revealing and neutral sounding, but don't expect any added warmth.
Some amps I never heard of...
Hey all -
Thanks again for the replies to my "where can I audition amps near Boston" question. I'll be visiting several of the suggested shops in the coming weeks.
I'm looking to replace my power amp, which is a Rotel 980BX. It's driving Ohm Walsh Talls so it needs some beef, and it has to fit into a cabinet with a relatively small footprint. So I've mostly been looking at Class D stuff like the Bel Cantos, and also some monoblocks, because although it's narrow our cabinet is relatively tall.
In looking around I ran across a couple of amps that seem plausible on paper, but I don't know / can't find very much information about them. If you guys have any thoughts to share, I am all ears.
Benchmark ABH2 - small form factor, has lots of power. Any downsides?
Gato DPA-4004 - tres swoopy!! and appears to have lots o' juice for such a little guy.
Gold Note PA-10 - on paper this thing seems too good to be true.
Vincent SP-T700 tube hybrid monoblock - one stout looking little dude, the tube/solid state mix is of interest.
Vincent SP-997 solid state monoblock - looks like a nice little amp, fits anywhere. what's not to like?
Exposure 2010 S2 / 3010 S2 / 5010 S2 monoblocks - looks like nice old-school UK hifi. good value for $$$?
Anybody heard these, or have hands-on experience with them? Mostly I'm interested in knowing if there's anything here I should straight-up run the hell away from - the fewer options, the easier the selection process will be.
As always thanks for your thoughts and comments, this place has been and continues to be my audio hobby schoolhouse.
Thanks again for the replies to my "where can I audition amps near Boston" question. I'll be visiting several of the suggested shops in the coming weeks.
I'm looking to replace my power amp, which is a Rotel 980BX. It's driving Ohm Walsh Talls so it needs some beef, and it has to fit into a cabinet with a relatively small footprint. So I've mostly been looking at Class D stuff like the Bel Cantos, and also some monoblocks, because although it's narrow our cabinet is relatively tall.
In looking around I ran across a couple of amps that seem plausible on paper, but I don't know / can't find very much information about them. If you guys have any thoughts to share, I am all ears.
Benchmark ABH2 - small form factor, has lots of power. Any downsides?
Gato DPA-4004 - tres swoopy!! and appears to have lots o' juice for such a little guy.
Gold Note PA-10 - on paper this thing seems too good to be true.
Vincent SP-T700 tube hybrid monoblock - one stout looking little dude, the tube/solid state mix is of interest.
Vincent SP-997 solid state monoblock - looks like a nice little amp, fits anywhere. what's not to like?
Exposure 2010 S2 / 3010 S2 / 5010 S2 monoblocks - looks like nice old-school UK hifi. good value for $$$?
Anybody heard these, or have hands-on experience with them? Mostly I'm interested in knowing if there's anything here I should straight-up run the hell away from - the fewer options, the easier the selection process will be.
As always thanks for your thoughts and comments, this place has been and continues to be my audio hobby schoolhouse.