Benchmark AHB2 vs. Schiit Aegir Monoblocks - Driving demanding headphones with speaker amps!!! 

Thanks for talking about these amps. Wish there were more reviews out there talking about speaker amps and headphones. I own high power headphone amps like wa33 and flux volot but have not ventured into speaker amp land yet.

I haven't finished the video yet but i got an ahb2 for shits and giggles for my HD800s and used my violectric v550 as a preamp instead of a headphone amp. The v550 works really well with the HD800s but when hooked up to the ahb2, there's just this weight to the sound that got added and everything hits a bit harder. It sounds very nice. I absolutely love my setup now and I couldn't imagine going back to just a headphone amp.

Great review. Pretty much how I expected it to go based on other reviews I have heard. I agree one Aegir is nothing to write home about but I do love love them as monoblocks. Makes my Paradigm personas much more enjoyable to listen to. 😊

I can’t believe that this video only has 95 likes. It is still the only one on this topic and so well done. Maybe a re-visit when Aegir 2 is released?

do you plug right into the speaker taps ? and do you turn the amps on with the headphone plugged in or do you turn it on then plug them in ive been contemplating 1 or 2 aegirs for my ab1266

You my friend, need to get your hands on an SPL Performer S800 amp. You get the amazing detail and clarity that you do from the Benchmark but with a more natural and liquid presentation. Speed, dynamics and transient response is also superior on the SPL. Dig your honest take and videos, as always.

Not to be that kid who gets a Xmas present and plays with the box, but I happen to be looking for some custom switch boxes! Gonna have to reach out to Zynsonix. Thanks for the link!

Thanks for the informative review. I would love to hear your thoughts on the Cayin HA-300B if you have the chance to get your hands on one as it's made for the Sus.

great review as usual, SCA .... you mention that they're better head amps for the Susvara; what amps in particular??

They should have to have a disclaimer when buying the Susvara making it very clear and you aware that besides the $6K cost of buying it new or whatever the cost you bought it for used... that you will also be having another added expense of buying audio gear that can actually drive it for at least another grand or more. I had the Susvara for about a week and was able to drive it decently with the Burson Conductor 3X GT... but I knew it wasn't close to it's fullest potential. And I wasn't going to spend more for something like these speaker amps. Hifiman allowed me to return the Susvara and get the HE1000se and I couldn't be happier. The HEKse are the exact opposite and very EASY to drive. Because of how easy the HEKse are to drive, I kinda feel they are the best Hifiman TOTL HP and one to get. They do a lot of what the Susvara does, EASY to drive and are $2500 cheaper than the Susvara. Now if money is no object then buying the Susvara and whatever gear needed to drive it is going to be the best experience. But if you're into the diminishing returns theory... the HEKse is going to get you 90% of the way for so much less. And I have the HE6se V2 and it's easier to drive than the Susvara. The Conductor 3X GT drives it fine and even the LYR 3 can drive it well with a little oomph from the Lokius EQ/tone control

Stupid question, but how do you connect your monoblocks to headphones? Do you use something like a banana XLR cable?

Try a pair of Vidar's as MB's 😎😎

Will you be doing a review for the Holo Spring 3 DAC?

Wait where is the all mighty Topping A90 comparison with these amps. I see sooooooooo many RU-vidrs saying that’s all the Susvara needs. 🙈

One of the most ridiculous videos I have seen. We have a view of 2 amps from the top for the entire time and no real conclusion at the end of it.