![]() ![]() TBH, I'm not going to pull the H2 out to compare because it would be a waste of time. Don't get me wrong, Vidar is competent but hardly the bee's knees (which I still consider the Hegel H2 or Pioneer M22 to be). But worse, because not just that, musical information that was abundant with the Vidar, the guitar and vocal textures, smack of lips, breaths, mix overlays, ambient information, reverb, etc. The stage and the music along with it just got sucked in to 2D plane, much like a how an NOS DAC would do it. Upon a switch back to the AHB2 for the Vidar, my 9 year old son was like "that other one (Vidar) was WAY better!" The difference to me was immediately apparent (like in two seconds) on the initial and first switch to the Vidar. Where the AHB2 totally falls apart is in the plankton, layering, texture, microdynamics, soundstage, and immediacy department. Will try out more tracks but currently as it stands, I'd give the AHB2 the benefit of the doubt and a slight nod in clarity. I am unsure whether VIdar or AHB2 is clearer sounding at this point as the AHB2 seems to simplifies music (and simplification sometimes lends itself to a clearer sound). The bass volume is like the D-sonic class D amp recently reviewed, lower in level compared to Vidar. From the mids on up, the balance is excellent. The tonal balance of the AHB2 tends towards lean. Thoughts and compared to other amps and Vidar: Amplifier Reviews, Equipment Reviews Published On: Last Updated on: OctoWe May Earn From Purchases Via Links Benchmark AHB2 Reference Stereo Amplifier Reviewed Every. ok microdynamics - ok, saving grace not as bad as others I've heard, but still on the flat side.However, to this shortlist, we can add Benchmark. Maybe Bryston and the odd ATC, but there arent a lot. rather poor microdetail - on the level of lower end gear, I am dead serious here. AHB2 - 'Thumbs Firmly Aloft' Stereonet Applause Award - Benchmark AHB2 'I cant think of many amps with dual hi-fi and pro functionality.Very wide, but upfront (slighty in front of speakers). very flat soundstage - if you guys think the Jot headamp is flat, this is just like it.I'm worried I'll feel the same way about the AHB2. (Theres no phono preamp, though, as there is in the otherwise similar, and similarly priced, Mytek Brooklyn. I'm not loving the D90, I think I'd rather have the less accurate Denafrips Ares II. The HGC (2195) is the standard for audiophiles it includes the usual, excellent Benchmark headphone amplifier (with two jacks) and two analog inputs, so that it can be used as a preamp. Only thing that concerns me is the fact that I'm a POS that seems to like noise. very nice smooth honest treble - more forgiving than Hegel H2, which can be a bit zippy and takes some work / tweaks to get good synergy. Amir's superb review of the AHB2 is great, and I have fond memories of the Benchmark DAC1, so as a company I'm leaning that way.I'll play with it a bit more, maybe let it bake for a day, tweak the sensitivity switches, but so far I am disappointed. ![]()
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