Parmenter Sound

Benchmark AHB2 Review (Video) - Jay's Iyagi.
https://youtu.be/8aeYu4aniQc?t=1

AHB2 Review (Video) - Jay's Iyagi "SHOULD be the LAST Power Amplifier Audiophiles Buy..." but Jay still likes his tubes. - Benchmark AHB2 Amplifier Review. Jay discusses the sonic tradeoffs between transparency and the sound of tube-induced distortion. He describes how his tube amps make poor recordings sound enjoyable while the AHB...

I have set up a new system today consisting of the Emm Labs Meitner MA3i DAC/streamer for music source.
Backert Labs Rhythm 1.4 Linstage Tube Preamplifier using balanced output to my Benchmark AHB2 amplifiers set in bridged mono mode.
JBL 4367 horn speakers.

The Rhythm 1.4 is our flagship preamplifier. It looks just like the Rhythm 1.3, but it sounds…. better. Silky, powerful, dynamic, and huge. Backert Labs finest linestage tube preamplifier
“The long and the short of it is that the Rhythm is completely quiet, highly resolving, explosively dynamic, and sounds freakin’ amazing. I suppose you could say that I’m a fan.”
— Scot Hull, the founder of Part Time Audiophile
“You want this. Trust me – you want it bad. ”
— Ron Brenay, founder of NewRecordDay.com
Features

Fully balanced XLR inputs (2) and output (2): for those of you with long cable runs or who feel that balanced XLR just sounds better.

Incredibly long tube life: Our proprietary five-step design process for the gain stage extends the lives of your tubes, to the point where they might just outlast all of us.

Brass: We have found that incorporating a solid-brass bottom panel to support the unit (and the circuit board) provides more holographic and more natural sound quality.

Dual-mono power supply: left and right channels have their own power supplies and regulators and their own separate windings in the power transformer, for the ultimate in separation, imaging and accuracy.

Highest-quality output capacitors: The highly seductive V-Cap ODAMs handle output duty. These are not PTFE, because we find that this material is best suited for the demands of the power supply. To our ears they are extremely revealing, involving, accurate capacitors.

“Crazy-good” power supply capacitors: the famously dominant V-Cap PTFE capacitors now drive our GreenForce power supply — with copper foil, these exotic capacitors are unheard-of for use in an audio power supply. In any any power supply at all, actually.

Improved circuit board: features design upgrades that improve grounding and separation throughout.

Improved stock tubes: our special NOS tubes provide maximum pace, dimensionality and resolution.

Our latest circuit: last but not least (because it’s probably the most important point), the Rhythm’s gain stage and power supply regulator designs benefit from our latest research.

Specifications
The Rhythm 1.4 preamplifier, from Backert Labs - Line stage tubed preamp.
5 inputs, 4 outputs, 1 “Rec Out”, 1 Home Theater Bypass (2 inputs are fully balanced XLR, 3 inputs are RCA) (2 outputs are fully balanced XLR, 2 are RCA).
Balance control, mute switch, stereo/mono switch, remote volume control with mute button.
Tube complement: 2 X 12au7, accessible via tube access door on top panel.
Phase: correct phase.
Chassis: machined in Pennsylvania from solid aluminum billet; bottom panel supporting the circuit board is solid brass.
THD+N: 0.09%
Gain: 10dB
Frequency response: flat within 1.5 dB from 6Hz to 108 kHz
S/N ratio: 98dB (90dB referenced to a 1V output)
Input impedance: 34,000Ω
Output impedance: Below 80Ω
Crosstalk: 78dB
Power consumption, idle: 31W
Dimensions: 17 x 14 x 5 inches
Weight: 29 lbs
Experience the Difference

If you seek a linestage preamplifier that breathes life into your music and delivers unparalleled sonic fidelity, the Backert Labs Rhythm 1.4 is the perfect choice. Explore the Rhythm 1.4 and discover the magic of exceptional audio engineering.

https://backertlabs.com/the-rhythm-1-3-linestage-tube-preamplifier/

Review
https://www.stereotimes.com/post/backert-labs-rhythm-1-4-tube-preamplifier-by-terry-london/

https://www.parmentersound.com/backert-labs-rhythm-1-4

Benchmark LA4 preamplifier with the Pass Labs First Watt SIT-5 mono amplifiers & Tannoy loudspeakers.

https://www.parmentersound.com/benchmark-la4-line-amplifier

https://www.parmentersound.com/pass-labs-first-watt-sit-5-mono-block

Pass Labs new XS Preamplifier 2.
The fully redesigned three-box XS Pre 2 incorporates innovations from the ground up. Sonically, it is quieter and more dynamic than its predecessor, with better resolution from the new power supply and gain circuitry. It recreates space more accurately for improved realism thanks to upgrades in both the gain stage and the supply. The power supply is dual mono with three double-shielded transformers—one per channel plus a separate digital supply—along with increased capacitance and added pre-regulators. The output stage runs with more Class A bias and lower output impedance, making it easy to drive long cable runs and any power amplifier. The volume control offers 100 dB of range in 0.5 dB steps. New ceramic-based, gold-plated circuit boards feature Toshiba FETs in the input stage and MOSFETs in the output stage—parts we've long preferred for maximum sonics and secured for product longevity.

Specs at a glance
Gain: 10.5 dB (Balanced)
Output Impedance: 30 Ω (RCA), 60 Ω (XLR)
Input Impedance: 20 kΩ (RCA), 40 kΩ (XLR)
Frequency Response: ±0.05 dB (10 Hz–20 kHz), –0.7 dB @ 100 kHz Crosstalk / Channel Separation: 110 dB (Unbalanced), >125 dB (Balanced)
Residual Noise:

Pass Laboratories, known worldwide for class-leading, musically engaging solid-state electronics, has made the best even better with its new XS Pre 2. The award-winning XS Preamp has been at the top of the Pass range for a dozen years and remains a favorite of demanding audiophiles and reviewers. Suffice it to say that Pass Labs does not introduce new models unless
significant advances have occurred.

That change is evident the minute you see the XS Pre 2, now with a three-box design featuring separate mono amplification sections. The result is a preamplifier that is quieter and more
dynamic, revealing a greater sense of musical realism than the model it replaces—a difficult challenge, to be sure.

The three-box design also incorporates a wide range of innovations from the ground up. The power supply is also a dual mono design, with three double-shielded transformers to lower
mechanical and radiated noise—one for each channel and one separate digital supply. Of course, more capacitance and pre-regulators absent from the original design deliver the sheer brawn, while all the other subtle improvements add up to a flagship pre that is superior in every way.

The output stage has more class A bias and lower output impedance, so it can easily drive long cable runs and any power amplifier. The volume control offers 100dB of range in .5dB steps for seamless attenuation. The new ceramic-based, gold-plated circuit boards are updated, featuring Toshiba FETs in the input stage and MOSFETs in the output stage. These have always been
Pass’s choice for maximum sonics, and we have a vast stockpile to ensure a long product life.

And that’s only part of the story. You need to experience the XS Pre 2. Stop by and see us at the show to hear it for yourself.
Pass Labs’ Wayne Colburn – the mastermind behind the original XS Pre feels the new XS Pre 2 “is the best work I’ve done in 35 years.”

When you're ready, check it out:
https://www.passlabs.com/products/xs-pre-2/