[gbaby]

I have been using the Benchmark AHB2 with my 92 dB efficient Spatial Audio M3 Sapphires since I got them in August. I am now 60 hours into breaking in my Pass Labs XA25. Although the XA25 is rated at 25W per channel, it has significantly better bass tone, texture, and extension. It has a firm grip on the two 15" drivers in each speaker that the AHB2 did not have. The XA25 also has better timbre and reveals more detail than the AHB2, and the XA25 is much more dynamic. The AHB2 isn't bad at all and served me well. When I bought it I also tried to convince myself that it measured so well that I would never need another amp. I'm glad I went ahead and tried a new amp. I'm hearing more of the music and enjoying it more.

  Happy listening!

You are correct about the way Class A provided better bass tone. However, for me, this was not an issue as my Infinity Composition Preluded P-FR have built in subwoofers and an amp that handles the low frequency that are -3db@32Hz. Not bad. 

[newzooreview]

Those Infinities are impressive looking! They look like they would develop a large and deep soundstage.

[gbaby]

Those Infinities are impressive looking! They look like they would develop a large and deep soundstage.

Yes sir. Those are the speakers. They responded well to tube and low Class A power like the First Watt Aleph J. But the power in the Bryston 2.5sst2 made these Infinity’s come alive Whatever sonic benefit one thinks he gets from Class A power is completely negated by the heat it gives off. I can feel it all over the room. Give me class A/B any day.