I think my Bartok sounds really good played through the Benchmark LA4 pre-amplifier into the Benchmark ABH2 amplifier into Foca Diablo speakers. Does anyone have experience of adding a second ABH2 to play in mono? A worthwhile improvement for £3500? or are there better avenues?
Suggestions would be much appreciated.
The Focal Diablo can handle until 200W/ 8 Ohms. A Benchmark AHB2 puts out 380 Watts into 8 Ohms, bridged mono (410 Watts when measured). So you need to be careful with your volume setting.
The AHB2 is very linear in output, so 2 monos will bring the possibilty of louder music, but not better SQ, when using the Diablo.
Check out Benchmark’s site. They recommend sticking with one AHB2 unless you really need the extra power. One measures slightly better than 2.
For what it is worth, I run my AHB2 direct from My Bartok into Harbeth speakers and keep the volume from -10 to 0dB. Sounds marvellous to me
Many thanks guys.
What voltage are you using?
I use the lowest gain setting on the AHB2 so i can keep my Bartok at the top end of the 2V output. So -10 to 0dB on the 2V and for some recordings i use the 6V setting to crank the volume.
I’ve been using 6v.
Hello Johnandvirginia,
My Rossini played through the Trinity Reference pre-amplifier into the Benchmark ABH2 amplifier pair to bi-amp drive Foca Scala Utopia EVO. It seems our set up is quite similar. Then I have to share with you, bi-amp of AHB2 pair is a huge improvement. It’s worth the money to have a try in case it’s affordable to you.
Adam
Thank you Adam. I appreciate your message. I have been delighted with my AHB2. It was quite a change from the David Berning Tube amp I had before but I have not regretted it. I shall start looking for a pre-owned Benchmark in the new year! Happy New Year to you.