Parmenter Sound

19/11/2025

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

"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...

14/11/2025

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

13/11/2025

The Emm Labs Meitner MA3i DAC/streamer has arrived and set up in my sound system.

Meitner MA3i DAC/streamer, AirTight ATC 5s preamplifier, AirTight ATM 1E power amplifier and the JBL 4367 loudspeakers.

The Meitner MA3i:
Next generation 16xDSD MDAC2™ DAC paired with the updated MDAT2™ DSP
Latest generation VControl™ volume system from the EMM Labs DV2i
Supports DSD128/2xDSD, DXD, and MQA®
New advanced network streamer for seamless music streaming integration
16xDSD MDAC2™ and MDAT2™ DSP:

Like our new EMM Labs flagship converters, the MA3i utilizes our next generation MDAC2™ fully discrete, single-bit, 16xDSD D-to-A converters. It also has our updated MDAT2™ DSP, delivering real-time transient detection and up-conversion of all incoming audio, resulting in stunning clarity and precision.

Latest Generation VControl™:

Our latest VControl™ system, inherited from the EMM Labs DV2i, provides unmatched transparency at any volume, ensuring no loss of resolution while offering an expansive range of volume control with absolute sonic integrity.
Advanced Network Streaming System:
With a more powerful network streaming platform, the MA3i grants effortless access to high-resolution services like TIDAL/TIDAL Connect and QOBUZ, while still supporting popular platforms such as Spotify, Deezer, and vTuner. It offers enhanced UPnP/DLNA support for NAS playback, ROON READY/ENDPOINT functionality, along with direct USB audio file playback for a seamless, modern listening experience.

Designed and manufactured in Canada, the new updated MA3i is ready to connect to your amplifier and speakers for a direct path to audio excellence. Whether upgrading or building a new high-end system, the MA3i is the ideal choice for those seeking the next level in digital performance.

https://www.parmentersound.com/meitner-ma3i

https://emmlabs-meitner.com

08/11/2025

·
Tested by Diapason magazine, the new Meitner MA3 "i" is an absolute reference. According to the review, "This MA3i is one of the few machines capable of bringing the live experience closer" — a rendition of remarkable precision and presence, as close as live music.
To find out more, go to our website: fusion-acoustic.com section NEWS
EMM Labs Inc. Meitner Audio.
https://emmlabs-meitner.com

Testé par le magazine Diapason, le nouveau MA3 « i » s’impose comme une référence absolue. Selon la r***e, « ce MA3i est une des rares machines capables d’approcher l’expérience du live » — une restitution d’une justesse et d’une présence remarquables, au plus près de la musique vivante.

Pour en savoir plus, rendez-vous sur notre site : fusion-acoustic.com rubrique NEWS

EMM Labs Inc. Meitner Audio

07/11/2025

Pass Labs INT60 Integrated amplifier.
This integrated amplifier sets a new benchmark in significantly narrowing any perceived performance gap between separate components and integrated amplifiers. Advanced technologies and real-world testing combine to create the INT-60 which presents 60 glorious watts per channel into 8 ohms, and doesn't leave class A until 30 watts thanks to its high-bias operation. This larger class A operating envelope brings lower distortion and greater loudspeaker control, delivering higher quality musical fidelity for your enjoyment.

Class AB
Type Stereo
Gain (dB) 29/35
Volume control (1dB steps) 63dB
Remote yes
Inputs 4
Outputs 2
Power Output /ch (8 ohm) 60 Watts AB
Power output in Class A 30 watts
Power Consumption (W) 375
Standby Power Consumption (W)

22/10/2025

Really looking forward to Fat Freddy’s Drop Based On A True Story album concert at the Auckland Town Hall - May 2026.

An emotional time with the announcement of our BOATS 21st Anniversary Tour 2026. Thanks everyone for your alofa. So much love for the music and MU. ❤ Fa’afetai tele lava. BOATS tour launches in Australia and Aotearoa in early 2026 before landing in Belgium, Budapest, Croatia, Denmark, Germany, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Prague, Sweden, Vienna, France, Italy, Netherlands, Portugal, Spain, Switzerland and the UK. Navigate full itinerary on Gig Guide fatfreddysdrop.ffm.to/2026tourdates

'Based On A True Story' aka BOATS the debut studio album from Fat Freddy's Drop unleashed in May 2005. The album debuted at #1 and went Gold on its first release day in New Zealand, and won the band a stash of NZ Music Awards and a legion of fans worldwide. BOATS album features 10 fresh slices of future funk, with surprises, fakes & freaky sidesteps throughout. There are new versions of previously released singles like 'This Room', 'Hope' & 'Ernie' (also known as 'Willow Tree'), alongside the recent 12 inch 'Flashback' & six completely new tracks, all mystic supernovas of soul.

Tracklisting:

Ernie
Cay's Crays
This Room
Ray Ray
Dark Days
Flashback
Roady
Wandering Eye
Del Fuego
Hope
https://fatfreddysdrop.nz/products/based-on-a-true-story-cd

21/10/2025

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

15/10/2025

Benchmark DAC 3B D/A converters are in daily use in many of the world's finest recording studios and mastering rooms. They are also enjoyed by thousands of audiophiles.

The Benchmark DAC 3B has now replaced my SME 30/12 turntable in my music studio system at Parmenter Sound.
The reason many audiophiles will ask why I have sold my turn table and all my Vinyl records is that the music I listen to now has all been recorded in digital. I can not see the point to transfer digital recorded music to Analog for my music playback just so I can go to the effort to play records. The Benchmark DAC-3B plays all my CD collection with incredible music detail, dead quiet and with bass dynamics that the vinyl can not match.

Ricky’s Road to Benchmark Electronics and Klipschorn.
https://benchmarkmedia.com/blogs/reviews/benchmark-system-review-ricky-dasler-living-sound-new-zealand

Phil Collins - remastered via Abbey Road's Benchmark converters.
https://benchmarkmedia.com/blogs/reviews/remastering-phil-collins-at-abbey-road-using-benchmark-adc16-converters

The DAC3 delivers outstanding musical detail and precise stereo imaging. It employs an advanced high-headroom digital filter design, and a high-sample-rate asynchronous USB audio interface. All inputs are fully isolated from interface jitter by Benchmark's new UltraLock3™ jitter attenuation system.

Internal digital processing and conversion is 32-bits, and this processing includes 3.5 dB of headroom above 0 dBFS. This headroom prevents the DSP overloads that commonly occur in other D/A converters.

The DAC3 B is the ideal converter to use in front of Benchmark's HPA4 headphone amplifier or LA4 line amplifier. It is also ideal for many professional studio applications.

Digital Inputs: 1x USB, 2x Optical, 2x Coaxial S/PDIF
Analogue Outputs: 2x RCA, 2x XLR
Input Sample Frequency range: 28-210kHz (coaxial), 28-96kHz (optical), 44.1-192kHz (USB)
Maximum input word length: 24bits
Frequency Response: 20Hz-20kHz
THD+N: -113dBFS
Signal to Noise Ratio: 125dB
Crosstalk: -137dB at 20Hz, -130dB at 1kHz, -116dB at 20kHz
Input impedance: 75ohm
Available in black or silver, standard or rackmount
Dimensions (WxDxH): 249 × 237 × 45mm
Weight: 1.36kg

Information and Specification
https://benchmarkmedia.com/collections/digital-to-analog-audio-converter/products/benchmark-dac3-b-digital-to-analog-audio-converter

Reviews
https://benchmarkmedia.com/blogs/reviews

Benchmark audio reference amplifiers & DAC’s in NZ from Parmenter Sound.

14/10/2025

The Backert Labs Rhythm 1.4 is our reference Tube preamplifier at Parmenter Sound.

Terry London Reviews the Backert labs Rhythm 1.4 preamplifier.
The Backert Labs Rhythm 1.4 preamplifier, the company’s reference model, is not inexpensive at $12,900 USD. However, when you factor in the superlative choice of internal parts, the materials used to construct its chassis, and its innovative power supply, it easily outperforms preamplifiers that cost significantly more; it’s a gem at this price point. I stated at the beginning of the review what my criteria are for what a world-class tube-based preamplifier has to offer: that the line stage disappears from the sonic signature and conveys the musical qualities that tubes bring to the music signal. Secondly, it should have a noise floor that is virtually nonexistent and a power supply that provides dynamics and transient speed, bringing music to life. Nothing in audio is perfect. However, the Backert Labs Rhythm 1.4 preamplifier comes close. Every time I put a different set of tubes into it, it returned beautiful tonality, astonishing spatiality, world-class dynamics, and control over the extension of both top and bottom frequencies. This was all done with an engaging and relaxing quality that, to a certain degree, only tubes provide compared to solid-state preamplifiers. I have an extensive collection of NOS 12AU7 and their equivalents (5814, 5963, 6189) from both famous American and European companies. Regardless of the tube I used, I heard what that tube had to offer in my system. Great fun! Based on what I shared in this review, I decided to purchase the Rhythm 1.4 because I didn’t want to give up the fun and exceptional musical enjoyment it creates in my system.

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

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

1. Reviewer reviews Backert Labs preamp.
2. Reviewer buys Backert Labs preamp.

07/10/2025

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/

29/09/2025

The Triangle Art M-100SE mono amplifiers have arrived and installed in my music studio system matched with my Destination Audio Nika horn speakers.
I have made matching plinths for the Triangle Art M-100 SE mono amplifiers now.
https://www.parmentersound.com/triangle-art-m-100-mono-amplifiers

26/09/2025

Pass Labs First Watt SIT-5 mono amplifiers set up today with my JBL 4367 horn speakers at Parmenter Sound.

I am really pleased to have Nelson Pass First Watt SIT-5 mono amplifier here in my sound system. I have been really looking forward to their arrival, from the first time I heard Nelson Pass First Watt Aleph amplifier back in the late 1990’s I wanted a new First Watt amplifier in my sound system. I have been so impressed by Nelson Pass and the Pass Labs amplifier designs. Now the new First Watt SIT-5 mono amplifiers - after only 6 hours playing time in my sound system I know I am going to love the SIT-5 amplifiers matched with my JBL 4367 horn speakers. The tone is truly Organic with music notes being fleshed out and voices with natural emotional engagement. 😊💕🎶

First Watt by Nelson Pass
My experience is that people who enjoy 5 or 10 watt Triode tube amps driving efficient/high impedance loudspeakers will have an appreciation of the SIT-4, which offers a different experience compared to the SIT-5. The SIT-5 is designed with higher power to suit less efficient/low impedance loudspeakers.

It’s not merely about watts, but human taste and the relationship the amplifier has with the loudspeaker. In any case, it’s worth experiencing both sides, and you can actually do that with the same single gain device…

I design mostly for myself. Only a few make it to market, but I am happy with all of them. It’s a lengthy task, but the process is simple: Think, Build, Measure, Listen, repeat.

For the SIT-5 this process began in 2020, and the design is now finished in 2024.

These particular amplifiers are aimed at those audiophiles who appreciate detail, warmth, depth and imaging. They aren’t for everyone, although they seem to have considerable acceptance in the audiophile community.
Anyway, I hope you enjoy them as I do.

Summary of the nominal specifications:
Distortion @ 1 watt: 0.07%
Input Impedance: 100 Kohm
Gain: 19 dB
Damping Factor: 25
Output power: 35 watts @ 1% THD, 8 ohms
Frequency response: 5 Hz to 200 kHz (-3 dB)
Noise: 30uV unweighted, 20-20 kHz
Power consumption: 200 watts
Fuse: 3AG slow blow type, 1.25 Amp for 240 VAC
Weight: 32 lbs
Dimensions: 17” W x 15” D x 5” H
The First Watt SIT-5 amplifiers are bespoke & custom made to order - Please allow build time 8-10 weeks.

https://www.firstwatt.com/product/sit-5/

Review
https://6moons.com/audioreview_articles/firstwatt-sit5/

https://hifiknights.com/reviews/amplifiers/firstwatt-sit5/

Video Review by Steve Guttenberg Audiophiliac.
https://youtu.be/ongk4CApoKs?t=26