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Spectacle. The Rhythm 1.1 offers 0.032% THD+N and flat bandwidth from 3Hz all the way to 450kHz. The -1dB down point hits at a delayed 600kHz. Relative to a 2.5V output, S/N ratio is 98dB (90dB referenced to a 1V output). Voltage gain is 24.5dB. Input impedance as set by the TDK volume control is 50kΩ. Output impedance is a usefully low but not record-breaking 434Ω (Octave's hybrid preamp for example manages 56Ω). Crosstalk is better than 78dB. Very unusually and likely reflective of the proprietary GreenForce power supply is that power consumption between idle and full output varies by only one measly 1 watt. Those figures are 23 and 24W respectively, the latter very low for a tube preamp indeed which usually tend to consume 100-150w. What the Rhythm 1.1 again doesn't have is a single electrolytic capacitor like the one at right.
A Rhythm 1.1 partially assembled already shows its Hexfred diodes, CMC Teflon tube sockets, REL AudioCap PPT Theta output caps, Elma input switch and VCap power supply capacitors. The L-bracket assembly of the chassis panels avoids visible bolts on the front and sides.
The back panel shows off its stout triple-ringed Vampire jacks for the five inputs, two variable and one fixed pre-out. We also see how the top cover slides into grooves cut into the side panels to eliminate visible fasteners on the top.
In this shot of a black unit we see the screwless top cover of Frank Speranza's industrial design; the tube access door; and along the rear edge the easily legible and very practical socketry descriptions.
And changing chameleon skins, here we are back at frosted silver with matching knobs.
The drop-lid access hatch to the tubes is fixed with magnets and flips open with just one finger. A small finger symbol indicates which end to push. The hatch itself is done in medium grey anodized aluminium but also available in chrome.
