[soundmax]

First, let me state that, as a Bryston B135 Cubed owner, I find this an accomplished product that we all should enjoy at least once!
A great upgrade from SST2! 

However, I would like to play with your imagination and discuss together some additional features that would make this product even more enjoyable!

Some may think that adding a digital display... or XLR inputs... or an included basic mini-remote control would make sensible additions.
Or maybe a second pair of speaker terminals...

I would start by adding a nicely designed LED on the volume knob... for me it's a feature that I would love to see above all!!
I find myself often listening in complete darkness (and lost in the recording of course) and in the need to know how loud is the level of the sound...



Let's stir our minds... let me know your thoughts!
David

[PierreB]

Yes, a small led on the volume knob would be nice.
I am not sure for a digital display. I have XLR inputs and outputs on my BP25 and I tried them but I prefer the RCA.
You have a nice Bryston by the way.

[Armaegis]

A display would add unnecessary cost and complexity (yet another power supply needed).

XLR inputs would be nice.

Unless you're thinking about adding an entire second amplifier inside, the second set of speaker terminals doesn't do much...

Extra lights is again an unnecessary cost and complexity, albeit not as much as a display, but still... in the meantime, just get some of these for your knob marking purposes:
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Lots-100pcs-Light-Green-Glow-In-The-Dark-Star-Stickers-Baby-Kid-Room-Wall-Decal-/282354467517?var=&hash=item41bda342bd:m:meQrWq8HyWqETPs7FSjBjWQ

[soundmax]

I'm really willing to pay for that feature, it improves usability of the product.

[Grant Hill]

Hi David,

congrats for your amplifier! Can I ask you which speakers are you using? What difference did you find comparing B135cubed with the previous model?

Coming to your question, I'd like to have XLR inputs on board. Actually, it would be great to have a bigger integrated amp with the power section of the 3B3 or the 4B3

[soundmax]

Hi,
Using PMC Twenty.24.
Impressive synergy with PMC speakers and with BDA-3 DAC. Not sure about other brands...

Compared to SST2 I am experiencing:
- lower noise floor
- improved clarity, detail, expressive midrange
- no harshness (of course, this could come from the source, cables, etc)
- less warm up time (5 min maybe), which took around 30 minutes with the SST2. Listening was unimpressive before that time.
- more grip on bass, more cohesive and more rhythmic
- more engaging
- more attack rather than the velvet punch of the sst2
- brings the energy of the bass to the listening position

As cons:
- the volume button still needs to travel a lot to increase volume. Instead of 9 o'clock it is 12 o'clock
- no remote included
- gets a bit warm on the faceplate but not exaggerated (ignore this)
- somehow fussy about power cables, stock one is a no-go for me
- a power conditioner shows improvements further on the noise floor and is still needed in my opinion


I'm struggling to find a compatible power cable now... tough mission. Any recommendations of a brand ?

[PierreB]

I'm struggling to find a compatible power cable now... tough mission. Any recommendations of a brand ?

I am a big fan of Bis Audio cables. All my interconnects and AC cords are from them.
The choice is vast.

[martydmnt]

An updated, internal DAC card that can do up to 24/192 PCM.

I would find a screen very distracting - what would it display?

[soundmax]

A display could indicate the volume, the selected source...

[Grant Hill]

Hi,
Using PMC Twenty.24.
Impressive synergy with PMC speakers and with BDA-3 DAC. Not sure about other brands...

Compared to SST2 I am experiencing:
- lower noise floor
- improved clarity, detail, expressive midrange
- no harshness (of course, this could come from the source, cables, etc)
- less warm up time (5 min maybe), which took around 30 minutes with the SST2. Listening was unimpressive before that time.
- more grip on bass, more cohesive and more rhythmic
- more engaging
- more attack rather than the velvet punch of the sst2
- brings the energy of the bass to the listening position

As cons:
- the volume button still needs to travel a lot to increase volume. Instead of 9 o'clock it is 12 o'clock
- no remote included
- gets a bit warm on the faceplate but not exaggerated (ignore this)
- somehow fussy about power cables, stock one is a no-go for me
- a power conditioner shows improvements further on the noise floor and is still needed in my opinion


I'm struggling to find a compatible power cable now... tough mission. Any recommendations of a brand ?

Thank you!

[soundmax]

Maybe James will confirm that he will add these features for the next version of integrated amp.

[techguy0192]

Yes, a small led on the volume knob would be nice.
I am not sure for a digital display.

Meh...I would be OK with an LED to indicate the volume.  However,  personally, I hate digital displays.  Audio Research has added displays to most of the products.  I really like their old look much better with simple knobs and switches.  I just wonder how much the display would cost to replace; overall, I see it as unnecessary and just something else to break.  I do like how ARC does the steeped volume indicator LED. 

[James Tanner]

Hi James.

Does the B135 require burn in?

I let play over night, and it just may be the wine but this thing sounds incredible.

I don’t have any hi res digital, I use sonos to stream so we need to talk about digital but I’m playing records and this amp is simply amazing.

Thanks
Chris

[Laundrew]

I would start by adding a nicely designed LED on the volume knob... for me it's a feature that I would love to see above all!!
I find myself often listening in complete darkness (and lost in the recording of course) and in the need to know how loud is the level of the sound...

A valid observation as this has happened while listening to the beasties - the power can really sneak up on you.

Be well....

[tie_breaker]

What are the differences between the preamp sections in B135 cubed and the BP17 cubed besides the balanced inputs? Thank you in advance..

[James Tanner]

What are the differences between the preamp sections in B135 cubed and the BP17 cubed besides the balanced inputs? Thank you in advance..

Hi

The input section on the BP-17 Cubed is the new patented circuits that we use on the Cubed amplifiers as well.

james

[tie_breaker]

Thx James, any plans to incorporate the new input circuits into the B135 cubed?

[James Tanner]

Thx James, any plans to incorporate the new input circuits into the B135 cubed?

Hi

Not at this point as it would mean a redesign so would probable require a different product name.

james

[James Tanner]

Hello,

I recently purchased the B135 cubed. I had read reviews about the B135 sst2 and figured that this was probably the integrated I wanted. But, not having found the sst2, I was introduced to the b135 cubed.

I was (and still am) absolutely floored. This integrated will very likely stay with me for many years to come.

Regards,

Yvon Provencher