![]() Changing the Benchmark into mono and repeating the test with one speaker solved the physical movement and improved the sound greatly, but it was still just a little off the reference sound of a pair of HD-650 headphones plugged into the DAC produced, and still behind the old Accuphase. The Benchmark not only failed to reproduce the sound but was unable to move the driver visibly at all. The Accuphase was able to move the drivers sufficiently to deliver both the real sound and physical force of the kick drum in a life-like way, and the low frequency driver movement / stroke was also visible. What I heard was a lack of authenticity in the reproduction of the kick drum attack / leading edge (of the sound). The understanding I had was the AHB2 can drive any speaker, and the Accuphase is quite similar in power (slightly more). Unmistakable, clear, and a confusing difference. Listening at 70dB and then again at 90dB with each system showed up a big difference. The selection was a Roger Waters track 6 min 10 sec into It's a Miracle from Amused to Death) with real kick drum "kick". Then we started being more analytical and trying to isolate various categories of accuracy - vocal realism, instrument separation in classical, etc etc.Īfter some very enjoyable listening the Benchmark missed a step. The Benchmark gear exceeds expectations and delivers on the the hype etc. Many many areas of sound/ speaker performance were better. System 2 = DAC2-HGC and AHB2 driving the same Yamaha NS-2K speakers. System 1 = An old Accuphase P300 with 180W per channel measured (claimed 150W), and a slew rate over 20v/ms, driving a pair of Yamaha NS-2000 speakers. Let me (try to) explain what I experienced and then pose a question for those perhaps able to answer it slightly more scientifically. After some old school analog blind testing it seems there is something to the thoughts others have voiced regarding grunt and attack (lack of power). I like it so much that I just ordered a second AHB2.īut it's not for that slightly obvious reason. Accurate, transparent reproduction of what is recorded without colouration or alteration.
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |