This crossover distortion can be especially problematic at low playback levels. The power supply rails maintain a constant voltage during audio peaks.Ĭlass AB amplifiers usually generate crossover distortion every time the output stage crosses 0 volts. Maximum power output of the AHB2 does not vary with line voltage or audio loading. This active regulation is much more effective than capacitive energy-storage. This control loop responds to audio-frequency load changes and keeps the supply voltage constant without the use of a large bank of capacitors. In contrast, the AHB2 uses a resonant switching power supply that has a very fast control loop. These linear supplies are usually unregulated and the capacitors help to remove ripple produced by the audio and by the AC line.
Most high-quality power amplifiers have linear power supplies, large toroidal transformers, and large banks of energy-storage capacitors. The Benchmark AHB2 rivals the efficiency of Class-D amplifiers while exceeding the sonic performance of power-hungry Class-A designs. These tracking rails significantly improve the overall efficiency of the amplifier while the error correction keeps distortion nearly nonexistent. The feed-forward error correction also allows the use of tracking power supply rails. The benefit of low bias current is that very little power is wasted as heat. Benchmark has chosen to maintain a small bias current in the output stage, but this bias current is not critical to the distortion performance of the unit. The patented feed-forward error-correction used in the AHB2 is so effective that biasing of the output devices can be reduced or even entirely eliminated. The result is that the Benchmark AHB2 has a signal to noise ratio that approaches 130 dB while distortion is at or below the measurement limits of the finest test equipment. Sophisticated shielding and star-quad signal distribution provide outstanding immunity to interference. A low-gain topology optimises the gain staging between the D/A converter and the power amplifier while minimising noise. An unconventional power supply maintains tight regulation and low ripple while minimising magnetic fields. Two new patented feed-forward error-correction technologies eliminate most sources of distortion. The AHB2 breaks is a significant departure from traditional designs. The AHB2 allows you to escape the distortion limitations of classic amplifier topologies and enter the world of high-resolution audio playback.
#Benchmark ahb2 power amp full#
It’s a stunning experience to finally hear full bandwidth high-resolution playback. The Benchmark AHB2 has a high damping factor that augments its extended low-end to deliver solid, well-controlled bass. The extended frequency response delivers a nearly perfect impulse response, and a nearly perfect phase response.
At the other end of the audio spectrum, the low-frequency response extends below 0.1 Hz. The frequency response of the Benchmark AHB2 extends beyond 200 kHz, to deliver the ultrasonic detail and fast transients captured by high-resolution recordings.
The AHB2 delivers true High-Resolution Audio. You will discover previously overlooked nuances, dynamics, and detail in your favourite recordings and experience the full potential of the latest high-resolution 24-bit PCM and 1-bit DSD audio formats. The dynamic range of the Benchmark AHB2 approaches 130 dB, making it 10 to 30 dB quieter than the typical reference-quality power amplifier. Benchmark’s AHB2 power amplifier delivers musical details without introducing the masking effects of amplifier noise and distortion. High-Resolution audio is only as good as the weakest link in the playback system. The details captured by today’s high-resolution 24-bit PCM systems are often lost in a veil amplifier noise and distortion.īenchmark’s goal was to build a power amplifier that could deliver the full performance of their flagship DAC2 converters, and today’s finest high-resolution recordings. Most power amplifiers limit system noise performance to the equivalent of a 16 to 18-bit digital system. Benchmark DAC2 D/A converters outperform most high-end power amplifiers by very significant margins. High-resolution recording formats and converter technology have outpaced the development of improved power amplifiers. Power amplifiers are usually a weak link in the audio chain.
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