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Thanks I might need this for future purposes. And I heard of a really interesting headphone called the human headphones is it possible to see if that is any good?
Zeos, I'd totally watch you do tool reviews. Maybe custom cabinets, enclosures or electronics assemblies and the tools used to assemble them. Cordless screwdrivers, 12V power tools, hands tools, etc. You'd be a natural. Bob Carver would like this amp!
7.5/10 tonality, some things you can't fix by just killing distortion. It's also reported that the holo may makes almost as much difference as this amp, hmmm
@@tcc5750 it's certainly not confirmation bias (or "placebo") for planar drivers. Their diaphragms are super light so more current -> more electromagnetic force -> much more acceleration. With more current planar drivers get much faster, it's just physics. For example, the 7Hz Timeless iems perform so much better from my Singxer SA-1 headphone amp (on high gain) than from my not-too-powerful DAP. Transient response and dynamics get crazy good. If you have planar transducers in your setup, feed them with some more current-just be careful and start from minimal volume. You won't regret 😉
@@RyuMasterEX It got a 7.5 in there ONLY because it doesn't have a tonality....it's never there in the first place, only your source, speakers or headphones. It doesn't color the music, it doesn't make it brighter or colder, it leaves it as it is. Personally, I like that and for me that isn't a con. But if you'd like to have more warmth, you could use a warmer sounding source and counterbalance that issue.
"These are some of the best headphones I've ever heard...for me personally...as an individual...united as a single entity...alone...as a monoblock of a human...I singlehandedly remain at concensus with my solidarity...I go on to proclaim the greatness of these headphones unaccompanied and unencumbered." -Zeos
Actually the AHB2 was developed several years before the first THX headphone amplifier. The AHB2 was first demonstrated in 2013 and began shipping in early 2014. We also built the first THX headphone amplifier which was the Benchmark HPA4 which is the THX-888 design.
Thanks for this review. The AHB2s are incredible amps. Btw AHB are the initials of the designer. I have a pair of these. I can concur that they are terrific and clean with more than enough power to drive my Magico A3s. I use the Zu Audio speaker cables bc you can connect NL4 connections to the amp end. The only issue with doing this is that the mono NL4 connection is right above and close to the power inlet. If you use an NL4 mono speaker out connection there is therefore no room for the typical round power plug. You have to use a power cord with a smaller square power plug. That is my only and granted, minor complaint regarding these amps. Not a biggie. These amps are great and you are right. They don’t advertise. As you can see they are back ordered without advertising. They are the Tesla of amps in that regard.
I'm seriously tempted to send Zeos my Pioneer Exclusive C3/M4 set -- the ultra boutique, big brothers of his Pioneer SPEC. They just don't make things like it anymore.
Anything over 500 dollars in the mail stresses me out, I understand. I am about to spend 4k on drone equipment in about a month and that has me stressed out. That is about what you would be sending through the mail and pray no damage. Yikes.
For future reference on things you didnt borrow/ dont care about/ really need to get into, you can literally pop that security pin out with a flat screwdriver and use a normal torx bit for the rest of its life
If the Specs of this amp are state of the art or reference level why aren't they more popular given the price which is good if they are this good for 2ch HiFi usage? The amazing Specs may not make enough difference in the sound quality department, but I'm sure it sounds amazing for $3.5k
Zeos, Pioneer is nice vintage, yes, however I must recommend a listen to Luxman R-117 which does down to a 2 Ohm load.. and 160 watts per channel at 8 Ohms. TOTL
Great review. Probably missed it but what was the media source on your lap later in the video? Seems to be such a convenient source right next you and compact.
You said "you shouldn't break into your things". I need you to change your mind on that. Right to repair is important. People deserve to know how to fix and be able to fix things properly to reduce waste.
Shouldn't you have this Amp as part of your review equipment? Seems like it would be a valuable tool to have under review conditions. --I was surprised to see it's been around for 6 years. As for using it as a headphone amp... seems like buying a Nuke to blow up a house, when a couple of sticks of dynamite would do the job. :) I guess sometimes one just has to get her done!
AHB2 + EM5 + (Speakers/headphones of your choice) looks like a sick setup. Pretty much every digital option available, driven as cleanly as possible through your preferred sound signature. Pretty sweet.
I think you would really like the Burson Timekeeper 3i. It's a 100W class A DAC/headphone amp/preamp/speaker amp all in one and it's cheaper than this and half the size. You should also try the alternate gold ribbons for the 1200 because they're supposed to be a warmer more chill version.
As of 5 Dec 2021, Benchmark is shipping orders with a three week backorder. There is not a seperate SKU for a monoblock, it's a poweramp so that set up is done with two AHB2s and a mode switch on the back. And no, Zeos did not affect the supply of these amps, so no FOMO. Benchmark has always taken it's time manufacturing and the demand from home theater geeks has driven demand from day one. Good luck fellow audiophiles! Remember to always enjoy your music!
Haven't seen the full review yet, please put it in mono and do a pair of speakers wired in parallel. Y sure do it with my crown XLS and pair of JBL arena 130. Would like a cleaner amp to do the same config
Class-H amplifiers create an infinitely variable (analog) supply rail. They are sometimes referred to as rail trackers. This is done by modulating the supply rails so that the rails are only a few volts larger than the output signal "tracking" it at any given time. The output stage operates at its maximum efficiency all the time. This is due to the circuit ability to keep the rail transistors (T2 and T4) in cutoff until a music voltage peak is of a sufficient magnitude to require the additional voltage from the + and - 80 V supplies. Refer to the schematic figure. The class H amplifier can actually be thought of as two amplifiers in series. In the schematic example shown by the figure, + - 40 V rail amplifiers can produce about 100 Watts continuous into an 8 ohm load. If vout music signal is operating below 40 volts, the amplifier only has the losses associated with a 100 W amplifier. This is because the Class H upper devices T2 and T4 are only used when the music signal is between 100 and 400 Watts output. The key to understanding this efficiency without churning the actual numbers is that we have a 400 Watt capable amplifier but with the efficiency of a 100 Watt amplifier. This is because the wave-forms of music contain long periods under 100 Watts and contain only brief bursts of up to 400 Watts instantaneous; in other words, the losses at 400 Watts are for brief time periods. If this example were drawn as a class AB with just the 80 V supplies in place of the 40 V supplies, the T1 and T3 transistors would need to be in conduction throughout the 0 V to 80 V signal with the corresponding VI losses all through the vout wave period - not just the brief high energy bursts. To achieve this rail tracking control, T2 and T4 act as current amplifiers, each in series with its low voltage counterpart T1 and T3. The purpose of T2 and T3 is to allow back-biasing diode D2 when vout is at a positive peak (above 39.3 V) and back biasing D4 when vout is at negative peak less than -39.3 V. During the vout musical peaks from 100 to 400 Watts, the 40 V supplies have zero Amperes drawn from them as all current comes from the 80 V rails. This figure is too simplistic however as It will not actually control the T2 T4 transistors at all. This is because the D1 and D3 diodes which are intended to provide a path for the vout back into the upper devices are always reverse biased. They are drawn backwards. In place of these diodes, a voltage amplifier with gain which uses vout as its input would be needed in an actual design. There is another reason for this gain requirement between vout and T2 base in an actual class H design and that is to assure that the signal applied to the T2 is always "ahead" of the Vout signal so it can never "catch up" with the rail tracker. The rail tracker amplifier might have a 50 V/µs slew rate while the AB amplifier might have only a 30 V/µs slew rate in order to guarantee this.
@@aceofspades6667 I absolutely hated class D due to the typical class D sound. Class D over even the last few years has changed so much. I am 1000% convinced class D or some variation of is the future. I would put a vtv purifi amp or this benchmark in comp with any comparable class A AB
The AHB2 actually has two sets of fixed DC rails that are tightly regulated. The definitions of Class-G or Class-H are reversed depending on which side of the Atlantic you live.
There is more to these than just the actual amp used. Input and power supply used changes things. I have been eyeballing a vtv purifi amp with an awesome op amp set for close to $1700. These amps are supposed to be pretty special as the whole package
@@ufarkingicehole As a Diy it's true there are options with regard to the buffer board, op amps, et al. For the most part, moat people will opt for the Hypex SMPS1200A400 (I know I did--most other options are not even on OEM mfg's radar). Unfortunately, most of the exotic op amps and buffer board tweeks will result in an amp with measurably lower performance stats than using Purifi's demo board. VTV's no frills Eigentact stereo model exactly duplicates the no tweek amp that had the stellar measured performance in the ASR review. Both their cheapest and best amp. If it ain't broke...
Makita is cool in that they're a stand alone tool company. They have to be reliable and perform in a sensible way. They can't risk shooting for the stars and trying to bend known physics. There's some good and some bad with that. But for the most part, Makita is probably the safest best. They won't be cutting edge, but they also won't embarrass you or surprise you in how they behave in various situations.
lol Zoes you naively think this would pull up trees in the two channel world. I will reserve my judgement on this amp having not heard it but I am confident it wouldn’t hold a candle to some immensely impressive pre and power combos out there. And I don’t even mean absurdly expensive ones.
Z the amp "sees" planers differently than dynamic drivers so I'm guessing a beefier amp will make little difference for them unless they're really, really, inefficient. Now if you put a really, really, clean tube pre-amp in front of this amp, like the Schitt Freya+, you can only imagine the sound on your Fostex 909's
Pulling the aune s8 and that tangent purely speaks to how subjective this hobby is... there is shit to learn and try but it's open to everyone if you love music. Make it your own
Zeos can you link to this "resistor box"? Why dont you plug the headphones into the Pioneer directly? Asking because I run headphone jacks on a few vintage receivers and curious if this method you're doing is better for headphone quality
the GL1200 headphones are ribbon drivers and have an impedance of about 0.1 Ohms. This would go pop on a normal amp expecting 4-8 ohms. The box tricks the amp into thinking it has a 6 Ohm load and makes it suitable for these ribbon headphones. The box is part of the GL1200 package, is not available separately (as far as I know) and has no use for any other headphones (other than possibly the only other ribbon driver I know - the Raal Requisite). The GL1200's are amazing...
Nice review Z ! Took you're advice and got the JBL 570's 400 bucks! Wanted to check out your sound demo but it was taken down. Shape of sound had to do. Great advice!!
Reviews are always great-they remind me that I can either buy stereo, or a boat, on some land, and some earth moving equipment to create a small lake, plus a cane pole and some kite string. Don’t listen to the haters. I LOVE that you started with a THX amp to drive headphones in figure 8’s with other kit. Never change, not that you could. Sympathy with you on your kitter, bro. Always tuff to lose a buddy.
Tempted to sub after he used "you fucks" that's a personal favorite of mine but when mans said, "wallpaper in the description" that was a must sub right there. Sometimes it's quality over quality.
My bet is the purifi will sound better but from an amp sounding like a bleached asshole to a hot a mess I'd bet both the ahb2 and purifi sound closer to a bleached asshole.
Problem being 100Watts isn't what you generally use, and the distortion rises as you go lower power - so you won't actually be "experiencing" the 0.0003, more like 0.001. Still the lowest distortion out there, just keep that in mind. I don't marketing through selective facts.
I'm sea sick. Do a tripod test video and then US IT. This video is only good for listening. Also this is a tiny power monster hook it up to a 3 ohm load they claim and see if it hangs with a 100lb AB amp it claims to replace.
I tried out this amp, it was my primary choice. it is very precise, but it was not too live sound on big monitors (10-15”). If I swap after a traditional ab amp, i am a happy ahb2 owner now, but the class d showed it’s weakness. I liked more eg the nad c298 in my setup. My impression was, it would fit better to the current small speaker/woofer trends (kef ls50 or similar). I liked the build, and the xlr/speakon connectors. Every power amp should use these.
I don't know why I watched this entire review. I'll never buy anything that rich... but if I have a spare few hundred thousand in the future, maybe possibly not.
Did you know playing Zeos at 1.25x can save you time ?? Try it.
⚔️www.SubscribeStar.com/Zeos -- Subscribe Star
🥇www.Patreon.com/Zeos -- Check out the Patreon
Thanks I might need this for future purposes. And I heard of a really interesting headphone called the human headphones is it possible to see if that is any good?
I play Z at 0.75 speed so I can get more z. And that is a useful life hack to get more goodness into your day 😁
@@hliddi slightly drunk Zeos
Yes please do tool reviews I’m into automotive and hifi and tools and car audio
Also I got a makita impact like that one mine is 18. Volt lxt and came with a drill and fast charger and bag
Zeos, I'd totally watch you do tool reviews. Maybe custom cabinets, enclosures or electronics assemblies and the tools used to assemble them. Cordless screwdrivers, 12V power tools, hands tools, etc. You'd be a natural.
Bob Carver would like this amp!
I'm running all my headphones off the AHB2 😅 all of them never sounded better. Especially when it comes to dynamics.
Placebo
7.5/10 tonality, some things you can't fix by just killing distortion. It's also reported that the holo may makes almost as much difference as this amp, hmmm
@@tcc5750 it's certainly not confirmation bias (or "placebo") for planar drivers. Their diaphragms are super light so more current -> more electromagnetic force -> much more acceleration. With more current planar drivers get much faster, it's just physics. For example, the 7Hz Timeless iems perform so much better from my Singxer SA-1 headphone amp (on high gain) than from my not-too-powerful DAP. Transient response and dynamics get crazy good. If you have planar transducers in your setup, feed them with some more current-just be careful and start from minimal volume. You won't regret 😉
@@RyuMasterEX It got a 7.5 in there ONLY because it doesn't have a tonality....it's never there in the first place, only your source, speakers or headphones. It doesn't color the music, it doesn't make it brighter or colder, it leaves it as it is. Personally, I like that and for me that isn't a con. But if you'd like to have more warmth, you could use a warmer sounding source and counterbalance that issue.
It is the same hpa4 + more noise + longer signal path + power that is not needed for 99 percent of headphones. Man youre becoming delusional.
"These are some of the best headphones I've ever heard...for me personally...as an individual...united as a single entity...alone...as a monoblock of a human...I singlehandedly remain at concensus with my solidarity...I go on to proclaim the greatness of these headphones unaccompanied and unencumbered."
-Zeos
It's cute that in Zeos' world Benchmark Media heard about THX headphone amplifiers and contacted THX to collaborate on the AHB2.
Actually the AHB2 was developed several years before the first THX headphone amplifier. The AHB2 was first demonstrated in 2013 and began shipping in early 2014. We also built the first THX headphone amplifier which was the Benchmark HPA4 which is the THX-888 design.
Thanks for this review. The AHB2s are incredible amps. Btw AHB are the initials of the designer. I have a pair of these. I can concur that they are terrific and clean with more than enough power to drive my Magico A3s. I use the Zu Audio speaker cables bc you can connect NL4 connections to the amp end. The only issue with doing this is that the mono NL4 connection is right above and close to the power inlet. If you use an NL4 mono speaker out connection there is therefore no room for the typical round power plug. You have to use a power cord with a smaller square power plug. That is my only and granted, minor complaint regarding these amps. Not a biggie. These amps are great and you are right. They don’t advertise. As you can see they are back ordered without advertising. They are the Tesla of amps in that regard.
Damn dude Magico A3's! Good shit! How are they sound wise?
@@CockatooDude they are excellent. I am very happy with them. There are always another better pair of speakers. But these are excellent for the money.
Zoe’s , you need to get the Benchmark Preamp to fully appreciate the Benchmark power amp. Both are amazing together
I'm seriously tempted to send Zeos my Pioneer Exclusive C3/M4 set -- the ultra boutique, big brothers of his Pioneer SPEC. They just don't make things like it anymore.
Anything over 500 dollars in the mail stresses me out, I understand. I am about to spend 4k on drone equipment in about a month and that has me stressed out. That is about what you would be sending through the mail and pray no damage. Yikes.
I can't wait for the PA5 review! I hope the PA9 or PA90 will be similar to the benchmark whenever it comes out.
Holy shit those triangle towers look GORGEOUS.
1200€ a pair, I'm so close to ordering them !!!
3 Grand isn't that expensive in audiophile amp terms. I would like to check out a couple of these one of these years
For future reference on things you didnt borrow/ dont care about/ really need to get into, you can literally pop that security pin out with a flat screwdriver and use a normal torx bit for the rest of its life
I run my Susvara off this amp.
It really made a difference. The more resolving the cans, the more you can appreciate this amp.
What preamp are you using?
Might as well put a grid pattern carpet down. That would make speaker placement easier when trying to square them up.
You're the only tool this channel needs. ❤️❤️❤️
The day you get susvara to review will be golden haha , minus the horrendous QC from hifiman they are a delight
Buy it directly from Benchmark, get the engraved shot glass.
If the Specs of this amp are state of the art or reference level why aren't they more popular given the price which is good if they are this good for 2ch HiFi usage? The amazing Specs may not make enough difference in the sound quality department, but I'm sure it sounds amazing for $3.5k
I am wondering this myself. The ones who know praise it so it SHOULD be more popular then it is.
Zeos, Pioneer is nice vintage, yes, however I must recommend a listen to Luxman R-117 which does down to a 2 Ohm load.. and 160 watts per channel at 8 Ohms. TOTL
Yes, do tool reviews!
I'm not sure what he could add people like project farm miss.
@@davidjameswales Yub, and everything besides performance and longevity is more or less covered by AvEs BOLTR vijayos.
@@herbstwerk uncle bumblefuck lol
@@davidjameswales does project farm use his tools on audiophile gear?
Topping PA5! Or SMSL VMV A2 vs Benchmark AHB2! Try the HD800S! Run the Benchmark on the RB42’s! It would amuse me.
Yep, literally among the best 200W amplifiers money can buy including anything over 10,000
Hey bud, I know you don't mention it on your channel but how much are you into audio? Love your content.
Great review. Probably missed it but what was the media source on your lap later in the video? Seems to be such a convenient source right next you and compact.
About time you reviewed the AHB2
Would love to see you get your hands on the new TOPPING NX7 Portable Headphone Amplifier that will be releasing on 12/10. 😅
You said "you shouldn't break into your things". I need you to change your mind on that. Right to repair is important. People deserve to know how to fix and be able to fix things properly to reduce waste.
Right to repair is paramount.
The 'affordable' thing that sounds like it already exists, its the Purifi.
Shouldn't you have this Amp as part of your review equipment? Seems like it would
be a valuable tool to have under review conditions. --I was surprised to see it's been
around for 6 years.
As for using it as a headphone amp... seems like buying a Nuke to blow up a house,
when a couple of sticks of dynamite would do the job. :) I guess sometimes one just
has to get her done!
You're like an audio evil genius with an anime girl addiction lol. Honestly really interesting watch. Thanks for the video!
Looking forward to the BR09 review. Seems you like them way better than the BR03! That BR03 must of been dodgy!
Which model are those Triangle Towers? Never mind, I see you have a link to it.
NAD had more then one THX marked stereo power amplifiers. I am not sure id they would mark a stereo amplifier with THX-movie logos.
Hey Z, when you claim incredible improvements with AHB2 for headphones you have to do a voltage-matched A/B test to confirm it's not placebo.
listening to zeos while studying hits different
I remember noticing that CDs sounded really good through this amp - like listening to Hi-Res audio. (through their DAC of course)
I think I am getting sea sick. Must be at least nine foot waves!
I hear the only thing better is running 2 Benchmark AHB2's in mono to Susvaras.
There's a crazy dude that does exactly that :D Nuts!
@@Soundnews well, nobody could dispute you are getting literally ZERO crosstalk from that setup Sandu 😬
Wonder How the Topping PA5 will compare to this for 350 usd . Since ASR praised it.
AHB2 + EM5 + (Speakers/headphones of your choice) looks like a sick setup. Pretty much every digital option available, driven as cleanly as possible through your preferred sound signature. Pretty sweet.
you mean shanling em5
@@datdudeinred yes
What is the cable like this at 15:44 mentioned? A pair of RCA out from amp to a single female XLR? Can’t find the link to buy this
So how do you compare this to the PA5 that is 1/10th the price? Some people are suggesting that they rate about the same
Bump for this being a great amp. I have one and anxious to get a second. Have that aeron chair too. Hate it.
I think you would really like the Burson Timekeeper 3i. It's a 100W class A DAC/headphone amp/preamp/speaker amp all in one and it's cheaper than this and half the size. You should also try the alternate gold ribbons for the 1200 because they're supposed to be a warmer more chill version.
I'm thinking of getting the Burson timekeeper monoblocks. What do you say about them compared to the 3i? Thanks.
Get the HP4-A headphone amplifier.
yeah - the GL1200's. Bloody loving mine
I love mine, but i ditched the stupid adapter box. Its only good using Raal's adapter box OR using a Jot R or HSA1B
As of 5 Dec 2021, Benchmark is shipping orders with a three week backorder. There is not a seperate SKU for a monoblock, it's a poweramp so that set up is done with two AHB2s and a mode switch on the back. And no, Zeos did not affect the supply of these amps, so no FOMO. Benchmark has always taken it's time manufacturing and the demand from home theater geeks has driven demand from day one. Good luck fellow audiophiles! Remember to always enjoy your music!
Haven't seen the full review yet, please put it in mono and do a pair of speakers wired in parallel. Y sure do it with my crown XLS and pair of JBL arena 130. Would like a cleaner amp to do the same config
Class-H amplifiers create an infinitely variable (analog) supply rail. They are sometimes referred to as rail trackers. This is done by modulating the supply rails so that the rails are only a few volts larger than the output signal "tracking" it at any given time. The output stage operates at its maximum efficiency all the time. This is due to the circuit ability to keep the rail transistors (T2 and T4) in cutoff until a music voltage peak is of a sufficient magnitude to require the additional voltage from the + and - 80 V supplies. Refer to the schematic figure. The class H amplifier can actually be thought of as two amplifiers in series. In the schematic example shown by the figure, + - 40 V rail amplifiers can produce about 100 Watts continuous into an 8 ohm load. If vout music signal is operating below 40 volts, the amplifier only has the losses associated with a 100 W amplifier. This is because the Class H upper devices T2 and T4 are only used when the music signal is between 100 and 400 Watts output. The key to understanding this efficiency without churning the actual numbers is that we have a 400 Watt capable amplifier but with the efficiency of a 100 Watt amplifier. This is because the wave-forms of music contain long periods under 100 Watts and contain only brief bursts of up to 400 Watts instantaneous; in other words, the losses at 400 Watts are for brief time periods. If this example were drawn as a class AB with just the 80 V supplies in place of the 40 V supplies, the T1 and T3 transistors would need to be in conduction throughout the 0 V to 80 V signal with the corresponding VI losses all through the vout wave period - not just the brief high energy bursts. To achieve this rail tracking control, T2 and T4 act as current amplifiers, each in series with its low voltage counterpart T1 and T3. The purpose of T2 and T3 is to allow back-biasing diode D2 when vout is at a positive peak (above 39.3 V) and back biasing D4 when vout is at negative peak less than -39.3 V. During the vout musical peaks from 100 to 400 Watts, the 40 V supplies have zero Amperes drawn from them as all current comes from the 80 V rails. This figure is too simplistic however as It will not actually control the T2 T4 transistors at all. This is because the D1 and D3 diodes which are intended to provide a path for the vout back into the upper devices are always reverse biased. They are drawn backwards. In place of these diodes, a voltage amplifier with gain which uses vout as its input would be needed in an actual design. There is another reason for this gain requirement between vout and T2 base in an actual class H design and that is to assure that the signal applied to the T2 is always "ahead" of the Vout signal so it can never "catch up" with the rail tracker. The rail tracker amplifier might have a 50 V/µs slew rate while the AB amplifier might have only a 30 V/µs slew rate in order to guarantee this.
So many words. Thank you.
You know your stuff
I'll stick with inefficient pure class A . Luxman, Accuphase are my jam baby... hell Pass or First Watt would also win.
@@aceofspades6667 I absolutely hated class D due to the typical class D sound. Class D over even the last few years has changed so much. I am 1000% convinced class D or some variation of is the future. I would put a vtv purifi amp or this benchmark in comp with any comparable class A AB
The AHB2 actually has two sets of fixed DC rails that are tightly regulated. The definitions of Class-G or Class-H are reversed depending on which side of the Atlantic you live.
The Purifi Eval 1 offers twice the power of the AHB2 with nearly identical specs for l.t. $1200. If the Benchmark is #a, then the Purifi is No 1a.
There is more to these than just the actual amp used. Input and power supply used changes things. I have been eyeballing a vtv purifi amp with an awesome op amp set for close to $1700. These amps are supposed to be pretty special as the whole package
@@ufarkingicehole As a Diy it's true there are options with regard to the buffer board, op amps, et al. For the most part, moat people will opt for the Hypex SMPS1200A400 (I know I did--most other options are not even on OEM mfg's radar). Unfortunately, most of the exotic op amps and buffer board tweeks will result in an amp with measurably lower performance stats than using Purifi's demo board. VTV's no frills Eigentact stereo model exactly duplicates the no tweek amp that had the stellar measured performance in the ASR review. Both their cheapest and best amp. If it ain't broke...
As a milwaukee fan and tool enthusiast yes yes you should do a review, you got a lot of leaves? buy thee leaf blower lol
31:50 Wanting to jerry-rig a 40$ headphone to a 3000$ amplifier has got to be peak Zeos
Only if the $40 headphones have been modded to take balanced output.
Thanks, Philip. Nice review.
I'm gonna be waiting for that Milwaukee drill review
Makita is cool in that they're a stand alone tool company. They have to be reliable and perform in a sensible way. They can't risk shooting for the stars and trying to bend known physics.
There's some good and some bad with that. But for the most part, Makita is probably the safest best. They won't be cutting edge, but they also won't embarrass you or surprise you in how they behave in various situations.
Z! If you build a balance cable for the KPH40 please make a little tutorial about it! Would love to build one myself
My ‘650’s on 604 🥳
Btw getting KATO for my wife for Christmas
I felt the bass from those triangle speakers, wow what an amp !@#$
Hey zeos get the he6se v2 and Susvara... Want to know your opinion... 😈😈
lol Zoes you naively think this would pull up trees in the two channel world. I will reserve my judgement on this amp having not heard it but I am confident it wouldn’t hold a candle to some immensely impressive pre and power combos out there. And I don’t even mean absurdly expensive ones.
If your buy them I am willing to listen.
Which ones are you referring to.
Hey bro I would watch tool reviews, maybe as little mini features at the end of the video...
Best part of this entire review was the True Lies reference!!!
Ok, I'm glad you said something, because I thought that's where it was from...but then I thought "Naw, too obscure." :)
does it need a preamp or can it already work with just a DAC?
Z the amp "sees" planers differently than dynamic drivers so I'm guessing a beefier amp will make little difference for them unless they're really, really, inefficient. Now if you put a really, really, clean tube pre-amp in front of this amp, like the Schitt Freya+, you can only imagine the sound on your Fostex 909's
What's with the pervy anime stuff?
Pulling the aune s8 and that tangent purely speaks to how subjective this hobby is... there is shit to learn and try but it's open to everyone if you love music. Make it your own
Hifi man headphones usually have all Sanskrit words
Ananda - Happiness
Sundara - Beauty
Deva - God
Arya - Honor
Susvara - Sweet voice
Zeos can you link to this "resistor box"? Why dont you plug the headphones into the Pioneer directly? Asking because I run headphone jacks on a few vintage receivers and curious if this method you're doing is better for headphone quality
the GL1200 headphones are ribbon drivers and have an impedance of about 0.1 Ohms. This would go pop on a normal amp expecting 4-8 ohms. The box tricks the amp into thinking it has a 6 Ohm load and makes it suitable for these ribbon headphones. The box is part of the GL1200 package, is not available separately (as far as I know) and has no use for any other headphones (other than possibly the only other ribbon driver I know - the Raal Requisite). The GL1200's are amazing...
@@bongofury3176 gotcha, but he was using other headphones than the GLs so wasnt sure if it helped to go direct, cut out resistance or whatever
Nice review Z ! Took you're advice and got the JBL 570's 400 bucks! Wanted to check out your sound demo but it was taken down. Shape of sound had to do. Great advice!!
Zeos Pantera killing it those thumbnails lol
hey Z, You should test the new Beyerdynamic mmx100
You should do a review on Schiit Aiger if you ever get a chance.
I read a review say the aegir is 80% of a first watt sit 3 but with more power and that thing is over 4x the aegir's price.
Newbie here - What do the gemstones int he title mean?
Are there any other AAA based amps yet?
Reviews are always great-they remind me that I can either buy stereo, or a boat, on some land, and some earth moving equipment to create a small lake, plus a cane pole and some kite string.
Don’t listen to the haters. I LOVE that you started with a THX amp to drive headphones in figure 8’s with other kit.
Never change, not that you could. Sympathy with you on your kitter, bro. Always tuff to lose a buddy.
This man has reviews of meze Elite, Beyerdynamic DT 700s, fiio eclipse and still doesn't upload them, I want this type of dedication
Patrons have them... Ye
@@ZReviews oh God the negative of me not knowing how to use internet money
I don't think I'm alone in saying I enjoy videos over 20 mins long. The longer the better.
Tempted to sub after he used "you fucks" that's a personal favorite of mine but when mans said, "wallpaper in the description" that was a must sub right there. Sometimes it's quality over quality.
No one cares if you sub or not.
How does this compare to Purifi Eigentakt?
My bet is the purifi will sound better but from an amp sounding like a bleached asshole to a hot a mess I'd bet both the ahb2 and purifi sound closer to a bleached asshole.
Problem being 100Watts isn't what you generally use, and the distortion rises as you go lower power - so you won't actually be "experiencing" the 0.0003, more like 0.001. Still the lowest distortion out there, just keep that in mind. I don't marketing through selective facts.
They state that the numbers I read off on the website are at Rated power. Which is astonishing if true
I'm getting the KATO, "cause I got to know".
Uh oh , Zeos discovered plugging headphones into super clean speaker amps , welcome to the dark side . You can't really come back from that.
Thx ... Huh? Its 100 watt .. whats the big deal?
Which triangle speakers are these? Thanks!
what preamp were you using that had the screen on it?
I'm sea sick.
Do a tripod test video and then US IT. This video is only good for listening. Also this is a tiny power monster hook it up to a 3 ohm load they claim and see if it hangs with a 100lb AB amp it claims to replace.
@Z Reviews Where have you been all my life
Awesome review!
I tried out this amp, it was my primary choice. it is very precise, but it was not too live sound on big monitors (10-15”). If I swap after a traditional ab amp, i am a happy ahb2 owner now, but the class d showed it’s weakness. I liked more eg the nad c298 in my setup. My impression was, it would fit better to the current small speaker/woofer trends (kef ls50 or similar).
I liked the build, and the xlr/speakon connectors. Every power amp should use these.
Benchmark AHB2 is not a class D amp. It is actually AB...
I know that exactly, I preferred the class d.
Love, Love, Love
You need some martin logans in your life . coming from a owner and seller .
You’ve got a thing about runnin your hands over fins. That’s okay, I don’t kink shame 😄
I don't know why I watched this entire review.
I'll never buy anything that rich... but if I have a spare few hundred thousand in the future, maybe possibly not.
II2S what is that?
I buy XLR to 3.5 dongles from Ali
express that are real nice.
Tool reviews.. yes please
got to stop watching z because I just bought two.
As a recovering person I fully understand THE ITCH
... You mean you're a recovering AUDIOPHILE?!?!! HMMMM??!? 🤪🤪🤪
The god amp. BOW TO IT
I want one of these so bad for my Kef R900s
Also leave it to zeos to review a stereo speaker amp mostly with headphones LOL
Are you gonna post your Spotify wrap up on your Instagram?
“Unlimited Powaaaaaah”!
Yes Zeos power tool reviews!