AHB2 Benchmark

"The best amp in the world? Independent measurements point to the same observation: the AHB2 is the most neutral amplifier on the market. And this, across all price ranges! In the studio or in hi-fi, those who want neutrality will choose the AHB2 Benchmark with their eyes closed." -Victor Malvolti aka Boring Vic

Linear stereo amplifier

The quietest, cleanest audio amplifier on the planet.

From the first watt to the last, no audio power amplifier offers lower noise or distortion than the Benchmark AHB2.

" I measured less distortion and noise in the AHB2 than in any other of the many power amps I have measured over the years. " - Bascom King, BHK Labs

“If there is such a thing as a giant amp killer, this is it.” ..."This is one of -- if not the -- quietest and most defined amps I've heard. I've spent hours listening to records left out of my music collection because the AHB2 is so transparent and powerful" -Hans Wetzel, SoundStage

"The AHB2 is an extraordinary amplifier. Not only is its performance at the limits of what can be reliably tested, but it offers high power in a very small package, particularly when used in bridged mono mode. It's truly a high-resolution amplifier." - John Atkinson, Stereophile

True high-resolution performance

The AHB2 ticks the boxes for Hi-Res audio. It gives all the details of the music, without introducing distortion or noise. The dynamic range of the AHB2 is 132 dB, making it 10 to 30 dB quieter than some of the best power amplifiers on the market.

The frequency response of the AHB2 extends beyond 200 kHz. With the AHB2, you'll discover previously overlooked nuances, dynamics and details in your favorite recordings and discover the full potential of the latest high-resolution 24-bit PCM and 1-bit DSD audio formats.

"Best stereo amplifier of 2017...masterfully detailed and transparent with perfect tone and punch to spare." - Ben Shyman, Home Theater Critic

Pushing the limits of amplifiers

Today, D/A converters are of very good quality and have far surpassed amplifiers in terms of fidelity. 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-end power amplifiers. Until now, this meant that the DAC3 could not be fully appreciated. Benchmark decided to solve this problem by creating an amplifier that matches the performance of the DAC3.

A radically different power amp

Benchmark had to look at ignoring current technologies and exploring solutions. During their research, they discovered two new patents on new amplifier technology from THX. This was exactly the technology they needed to build their new amplifier.

The AHB2 uses THX patented AAA™ technology to eliminate virtually all forms of distortion. This technology uses feedforward error correction to eliminate distortion normally produced by the output stage. No other audio amplifier can deliver such clean, quiet and high power. The AHB2 easily handles difficult phase angles and low impedances.

In their quest to build the ultimate amplifier, the brand also focused on frequency response, output noise, damping factor and reliability. The result is an amplifier that stands far apart from the competition.

Designed, assembled and tested in the United States

This product was designed, assembled and tested in the USA using US and imported components. Most major components are made in the United States.

Benchmarks and awards