Benchmark AHB2 / Class D Purifi Eigentakt / Mark Levinson 333 - Listening impression & Conclusion

[lovinthehd]

Gotta love the guys who read shite from the likes of the sold-out audio mags and blogs

 

[flyboylr45]

If you didn't do a proper dual blind test, then this is of no use. You need to listen to these amps under controlled (level balanced), blind scenarios. I have, like a few other members including ADTG, had many expensive amps. We have also enjoyed many expensive speakers such as the BW 802D2, RBH SVTRS, etc.and it is very difficult to separate them, especially when looking at them. Before getting the ATI class D series, I had come from a Mcintosh MA7000 with Focal 1028BE and then an MC452 amp with BW802D2 and all Mac gear. The reality is, they are all good. Unless blind, you can't honestly tell them apart. That Benchmark is probably one of the best measuring amps in the market right now. The Levinson looks better. The mind can play nasty tricks on you and that Levinson looks badass... Just as if you put the BW 802D3 next to the RBH SVTRS, there is no way anyone can say the BW sounds better, the RBH literally TOWERS over them, and anyone next to them. Personally, I think they really do sound better, but the point is that the mind plays tricks on you...

 

[Atlas-Athena]

If you didn't do a proper dual blind test, then this is of no use. You need to listen to these amps under controlled (level balanced), blind scenarios. I have, like a few other members including ADTG, had many expensive amps. We have also enjoyed many expensive speakers such as the BW 802D2, RBH SVTRS, etc.and it is very difficult to separate them, especially when looking at them. Before getting the ATI class D series, I had come from a Mcintosh MA7000 with Focal 1028BE and then an MC452 amp with BW802D2 and all Mac gear. The reality is, they are all good. Unless blind, you can't honestly tell them apart. That Benchmark is probably one of the best measuring amps in the market right now. The Levinson looks better. The mind can play nasty tricks on you and that Levinson looks badass... Just as if you put the BW 802D3 next to the RBH SVTRS, there is no way anyone can say the BW sounds better, the RBH literally TOWERS over them, and anyone next to them. Personally, I think they really do sound better, but the point is that the mind plays tricks on you...

I appreciate your input, but maybe U can’t tell a definitive difference doesn’t mean EVERYONE can’t? It’s not just #’s/graphs other people do have more acute hearing.

Did any of you ever give this some thought, perhaps the other side could have quantifiable advantages in this aspect?

 

[flyboylr45]

I appreciate your input, but maybe U can’t tell a definitive difference doesn’t mean EVERYONE can’t? It’s not just #’s/graphs other people do have more acute hearing..

So you think you can tell a difference between these 3 amps? Everyone's hearing is different. Are you under 40, 50, 60?? The difference you hear doesn't mean it's better, just indicates your preference...and that's ok. That's why all these threads are useless. Use what you like and enjoy the hobby. I LOVE the Mac amps, I can have them, but the reality is that they don't sound any better than the ATIs, for example, in my humble system.

 

[flyboylr45]

But I and anyone else who's heard the RBH SVTRS system can honestly say that they are an extremely dynamic speaker, unlike the BW. It's unbelievable until you listen to them properly set up. Just my humble opinion...

 

[lovinthehd]

It wouldn't surprise me that the B&W speakers can be bested in a variety of ways....especially the price

 

[Atlas-Athena]

So you think you can tell a difference between these 3 amps? Everyone's hearing is different. Are you under 40, 50, 60?? The difference you hear doesn't mean it's better, just indicates your preference...and that's ok. That's why all these threads are useless. Use what you like and enjoy the hobby. I LOVE the Mac amps, I can have them, but the reality is that they don't sound any better than the ATIs, for example, in my humble system.

Cool.. I appreciate your tact sir.. Yes I can hear a mouse pissing on cotton.. It is what it is.. I can hear separation in instruments/sound floor etc not talking poop just answering ur Q

I didn’t know this was a big deal till joining this forum, thought it was a given etc my bad..

 

[lovinthehd]

Cool.. I appreciate your tact sir.. Yes I can hear a mouse pissing on cotton.. It is what it is.. I can hear separation in instruments/sound floor etc not talking poop just answering ur Q

I didn’t know this was a big deal till joining this forum, thought it was a given etc my bad..

Ooh a real golden ear LOL

 

[Atlas-Athena]

Ooh a real golden ear LOL

It is what it is, I had no idea you were hearing impaired..
I can play you like a violin all night guy..

 

[lovinthehd]

It is what it is, I had no idea you were hearing impaired..
I can play you like a violin all night guy..

LOL keep burying yourself. You likely are just impressed by what you read in reviews?

 

[Atlas-Athena]

LOL keep burying yourself. You likely are just impressed by what you read in reviews?

Says the nut swinger-Lemming.. Do you have an autographed pic of Gene over your bed? Better be in tank top ur boys jacked!

 

[lovinthehd]

Says the nut swinger-Lemming.. Do you have an autographed pic of Gene over your bed? Better be in tank top ur boys jacked!

Yeah that makes a lot of sense...you are refugee from Thed's shite or just the usual nonsense from Fremer et al?

 

[lovinthehd]

Yeah that makes a lot of sense...you are refugee from Thed's shite or just the usual nonsense from Fremer et al?

Just where in this mix does your mediocre Parasound amp fit in while we're at it? LOL

 

[Atlas-Athena]

Just where in this mix does your mediocre Parasound amp fit in while we're at it? LOL

Where do you fit in here? I commented off the parasite vernacular u & others subscribe to here.
That no one can perceive any difference from said amps.. Now go back to your trailer shut the door, enjoy your little 5.1 in a box Cheers..

Edit: contradiction alert Parasound A51 & Mediocre? You sir are nothing more than average at best..

 

[lovinthehd]

Where do you fit in here? I commented off the parasite vernacular u & others subscribe to here.
That no one can perceive any difference from said amps.. Now go back to your trailer shut the door, enjoy your little 5.1 in a box Cheers..

Edit: contradiction alert Parasound A51 & Mediocre? You sir are nothing more than average at best..

LOL keep it up, you have no clue.

 

[Pogre]

So you think you can tell a difference between these 3 amps? Everyone's hearing is different. Are you under 40, 50, 60?? The difference you hear doesn't mean it's better, just indicates your preference...and that's ok. That's why all these threads are useless. Use what you like and enjoy the hobby. I LOVE the Mac amps, I can have them, but the reality is that they don't sound any better than the ATIs, for example, in my humble system.

Careful, keep up this line of logic and reasoning and you might end up getting accused of all kinds of outlandish rubbish.

OP I give you props for going through the effort you did, but if it wasn't double blind testing then the results are still subject to cognitive bias.

 

[Pogre]

My ears can not detect 0.1dB differences

Perhaps not the difference in spl, but could be perceived as one sounding fuller or clearer than the other. That's why careful level matching is so important.

 

[cpp]

Thank you for your comparison.