[Backert Labs]

Enter the giveaway at our website:   Backert Labs website.

Hello, and welcome.  I'm Andy Tebbe, president of Backert Labs.  Last year we introduced our $7,500 single-ended line stage preamp, the Rhythm 1.1.  Reviews have been great -- PartTimeAudiophile just called it "freakin' awesome" and NewRecordDay exclaimed, "You want this.  Trust me -- you want it bad."

This year, we are introducing a new model that has almost all of the sound of the Rhythm (and we really mean that, it's like 97% of the big daddy) at less than half the price.   $2,995 to be exact.  And, we're giving one away.  If you submit a name for our new baby, and we choose it, you win one.      Want some inside info on the new model so you can suggest the best name?  Check out our press release.

There will be one awarded, so if multiple entries suggest the same name, and we choose that name, the winner will be chosen at random from those entries.  No purchase necessary to enter, or to win.  Any resulting taxes will be winner's responsibility.  Void where prohibited; otherwise, all U.S. residents 18 and over other than Rhode Island are eligible to enter.

Our new model:




Designed by amplification veteran Bob Backert, our preamps have some interesting features:

• They are voiced to provide the best possible rhythm and dynamics.  In our view, these factors are critical for creating "live" sound.
  
• They have a handy "tube access door" on top that lets you change tubes without any tools.
  
• Their modern exteriors have no visible screws, fasteners or ventilation slats anywhere (!!)
  
• The Rhythm 1.1 is the only tube preamp with bias correction.  Regardless of which preamp you own, every different pair of tubes you use requires different bias to keep the preamp working at the designer's parameters.  Bias that is "off" can affect sound quality.  As a result of our automatic correction, every tube you try will be perfectly biased and will sound its very best in the Rhythm 1.1.
  
• The Rhythm 1.1 is the only audio product that is able to use V-Cap capacitors to run the power supply.  Other manufacturers use this type of capacitor, but we are the only company that is able to use them to actually run the power supply (our patent was issued in 2013).  Having these very nimble and linear capacitors in the power supply position contributes to the Rhythm 1.1's accurate rhythm and dynamics.
  

The Rhythm 1.1:











Bob Backert has been designing and modifying amplifiers for decades.  Bob and his son Gary build every Backert Labs preamp in Pennsylvania.  I am a professional drummer and pianist and I helped Bob and Gary with voicing the Rhythm 1.1 and our new model.

Any questions?  You can respond here or give us a call at 1-302-723-7549.

Cheers!
-Andy

[Backert Labs]

Here's the Rhythm 1.1's power supply, consisting of hexfred diodes and V-Caps capacitors. 

[jtwrace]

Looks nice.  Can we see some objective measurements?

[Backert Labs]

We are proud to have received a 2014 Choice Award from Positive Feedback.

It was nice to see their review ( http://www.positive-feedback.com/Issue76/backert_linestage.htm ) capture so many of the traits that we are proud to present with the Rhythm 1.1, such as "awesome rhythmic drive", "wonderful clear and dynamic sound," “Outstanding, bone-rattling slam.  At the same time, the resolution at low levels is superior, allowing you to hear every note and subtle detail,” "an amazing sense of drama," "a tremendous bargain," and:

“The real message here is that the Rhythm 1.1 has superior clarity, transparency, and linearity compared to many other preamps, even some well above its price range.”

[Backert Labs]

Looks nice.  Can we see some objective measurements?

Sure -  the Rhythm 1.1's specifications are:
THD+N:  0.032%   
Frequence response:  Low end: flat from 1.5Hz up.  High end: -1dB down at 400kHz, -3dB down (the industry standard point for measurement) at 810kHz
S/N ratio:    98dB (90dB referenced to a 1V output).
Gain:  24.5dB or optionally 9 dB
Input impedance:  55,000Ω
Output impedance:  150Ω
Crosstalk: 78dB
Power consumption, idle: 23W
Power consumption, maximum output: 24W

High end frequency response for the lower-gain version is -3dB down at 320kHz.

[Backert Labs]

Here are the front panel, back panel and inside-front panels before anodizing...

[Backert Labs]

Here is the black anodized version, with black and silver knobs.

[ted_b]

It's a tremendous preamp.  I had it inhouse for a few weeks or so and loved it.  Bass control and clarity are two of its best characteristics.

[Big Red Machine]

Two of my favorite things:  rhythm and dynamics!

I'll add this to my list of possible new preamp candidates.

[Backert Labs]

Here is the recent review by Terry London in HomeTheaterReview.com : http://hometheaterreview.com/backert-labs-rhythm-11-stereo-preamplifier-reviewed/

[Backert Labs]

We have updated the slide show on our website:

www.BackertLabs.com

Let us know what you think!

[Backert Labs]

Enter our September Preamp Giveaway - we've just released our new model, and it sounds unbelievable - it just needs a name!



Suggest a name, and if we use it, you win one.**

The new model retails for $2,995. 

**If we choose a name that was suggested by more than one person, we'll pick the winner by random drawing from those entries.  If we use a name that nobody suggested, the winner will be chosen at random from all entries. 

Good luck!  Enter at www.BackertLabs.com

[mresseguie]

Thanks for offering us this opportunity. 

[Backert Labs]

You're welcome - hope you enter, and give it your best shot!  Up to 3 names can be suggested by each person/household.

-Backert Labs

[Phil A]

Thanks for offering us this opportunity. 

+1 - I'm entered

[Backert Labs]

Very good to see this Phil.... hopefully you will take advantage of all 3 chances. 
Some guys are waiting a few days between entries, just to see if a different creative mojo strikes them later in the week. 

-Andy (Backert Labs)

[Backert Labs]

We will be at the Capital AudioFest this weekend, with MartinLogan's fabulous Montis speaker, some incredibly tasty cables from AudioQuest (including their Fire, which we are drooling all over) and the luscious VPI 3-D tonearm, atop their Classic turntable.  DAC duty provided by Chord Hugo.... USB cable by Moon Audio (their Silver Dragon... ooooohh....).

Room 323 - come say hello!

-Andy

[Folsom]

Your enclosures are very nice! You make them?

What's the patent #?

[Backert Labs]

Hi Folsom,
Thanks for the compliment - we have the enclosures made right next door in Pennsylvania.  (Well, almost right next door...)  Proud of that.  Nothing is outsourced, unless you count the remote control coming from Canada 
The patent on the power supply is U.S. no. 8,411,475... have fun!

[Backert Labs]

Room 319 at the Capital AudioFest will be having their own giveaway -- actually on a daily basis:
    "Now Listen Hear will have Daily Giveaways in Suite 319
We'll be doing a daily giveaway including Grado SR60's, Straight Wire cables and other audio merch"

Our only giveaway at the show will be our candy dish... but it will be really good candy, I promise!
Also kind of cool -- Art Dudley and Herb Reichert of Stereophile will be at the show.

Our room, 323, will feature:

MartinLogan's Montis speakers

 
AudioQuest interconnects, speaker cable and power cables
 

The VPI Classic turntable, with 3D tonearm and Dynavector XX-2 cartridge
 

and of course our Rhythm 1.1 and "the new preamp which has yet to be named."