Amp/Preamp Asylum: RE: Now have the AHB2 by Paul Tobin Looking for a new Amp or Preamp? If you're after tubes, post over here.

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Posted by Paul Tobin (A ) on December 3, 2017 at 16:44:45

In Reply to: RE: Now have the AHB2 posted by Dale Clark on December 1, 2017 at 17:42:56:

Once you have a decent amp like the STA200 (assuming it's close to the job225) you're definitely looking at diminishing returns for $'s spent.

This is true of the F6 amp I have, though that is perhaps a more specialist amp given it's low output. Not really an issue for me even with my medium/low efficiency Harbeths - though I have noticed more pronounced dynamics with the Benchmark.

Initially I would have chosen my F6 over the Benchmark if I could only keep one. Now with only a few days on the BM it would be my first choice - it's hard to find weaknesses with the BM and it's otherwise such a sensible package. The nuance and delicacy in quiet music and low level listening is very impressive - as is the composure when things get loud.

Edit: Did another quick and dirty comparison with the (diy) F6 tonight. The BM is a clear winner for me. The superb clarity provides wonderfully realistic tone/texture on acoustic instruments. Violin, piano, guitar, double bass etc -all rendered with greater realism, unvarnished detail and consequent musical involvement. And it's not some stripped back lifeless rendering either, it's lively with dynamics, harmonic detail and sense of space. This acoustic stuff is right in the F6's zone but I feel it's bettered by the BM.
I should emphasise that my F6 is a diy build and it's quite possible the Pass version is better. Worth noting that a diy F6 would be much cheaper to build than the asking price for the AHB2.
Also note the F6 was not given a full hour warm up - which is when it sounds best. Still the BM is out in front IMO.

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