Benchmark AHB2 vs Parasound A21+ ?? Driving Klipsch Cornwall IV
- Thread starter Frank Sol
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Purely subjective but in my mind Benchmark is the better make and I would guess it would hold value nicely over time. There is so much used Parasound gear out there, and they sell at multiple 'levels', which I think hurts their value compared to something from Benchmark. I can't imagine either one breaking even a minor sweat driving the Cornwalls (102db).
I'd look around and see if you can find a better amp with less watta and a warmer sweeter tone. Like Pass labs. Don't worry about measurements. All modern amps measure well enough. Focus on tone. Klipsch speakers have a lot of punch and detail, Their lesser quality would be in the mids. Get an amp with strong and detailed mids. You can do with as little as 30 watts with Klipsch.
jblnut
Don't Overthink It
I'll second (or third...lost count) of the Pass class A recommendation. You don't need tons of power, but the amp you do choose will be under the magnifying glass of high-efficiency speakers so choose carefully. I've heard a few Parasound units (and I own a complete stack of their Z series stuff) and never thought it was anything more than middle of the pack gear. If you got $3k for a really nice amp, you can do a lot better. Classic Threshold (also Pass-designed) might be a good call here.
Tubes are another whole can of worms and I'm not sure if you're open to that path ? It'll need to be very quiet or the horns will amplify the background noise....
jblnut
Tubes are another whole can of worms and I'm not sure if you're open to that path ? It'll need to be very quiet or the horns will amplify the background noise....
jblnut
@Frank Sol you're a tinkerer and have tried all sorts of gear. Do you already own the Cornwalls? What about trying out a small Pass clone on a trial basis to see what that does for you? If you're simply choosing between the two big SS asked about upthread, then I already noted that I'd go with the Benchmark. However, much of the appeal of the heritage Klipsch models is their ability to crank with low wattage, which (as others have noted) would lead me to try out some small Pass designs, or even one of the Hood 1969 remakes.
Frank Sol
Lunatic Member
All good. I've been toying lately with the idea of trying out a Hood 1969 or Pass clone. I've had very small tube amps before that performed nicely but never a Class A SS unit. I do love the idea of driving big floor standers with flea power. Something really cool about it. Anyway, it'll be interesting to hear what your friend goes with. FWIW, you can find Parasound gear at dime-a-dozen pricing on ebay all day long, but there are almost never Benchmark units for sale that I see and guess they hold value very well.
Flavor of the month. They are selling well because they are affordable Stereophile A listed and because ASR has given them the thumbs up. Two very powerful endorsements. It's clear from both sources that this is an extremely low distortion unit. Whether it sounds good is another question entirely. I suspect that there will be a lot for sale in a couple of years. Not that that makes it bad. For example, there are a lot of Kef LS50 Metas on the market, and at about half price. But they really are very good speakers in their price range. I think there are just a lot of them out there.
Frank Sol
Lunatic Member
Seems like it will be the Benchmark... He was waiting till Music Direct received a new shipment. Apparently they just did
I suggested they try a Schiit Aegir 1st... Return it if not satisfied
Or... a pair of Outlaw 2220 mono blocks ( But is not recognized as Audiophile
)
Or... VTV Amp
I suggested they try a Schiit Aegir 1st... Return it if not satisfied
Or... a pair of Outlaw 2220 mono blocks ( But is not recognized as Audiophile
)Or... VTV Amp
joecoulson
CUPBOARD BROKER
Nice!, either would work.
I have a very good friend with ears I trust and he has the BM gear. I have exactly the same as you questioned: CW IV's with A21+ driving them. What steered me that direction was the 6 watts +/- pure class A that I know I will be inside of most of the time with these very sensitive speakers.
Consequently I LOVE this combo.
And sorry, but the midrange on the new IV series is not the weak point, quite the opposite. If you have not heard them, then you don't know. But suggest anyone with preconceptions about Klipsch weaknesses to hear the IV versions.
I have a very good friend with ears I trust and he has the BM gear. I have exactly the same as you questioned: CW IV's with A21+ driving them. What steered me that direction was the 6 watts +/- pure class A that I know I will be inside of most of the time with these very sensitive speakers.
Consequently I LOVE this combo.
And sorry, but the midrange on the new IV series is not the weak point, quite the opposite. If you have not heard them, then you don't know. But suggest anyone with preconceptions about Klipsch weaknesses to hear the IV versions.
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