Another new Pre Amp from Backert Labs

[Shadowfax]

Bob Backert, Backert Labs and RHB Sound Dezign, are about to release another new Preamp at half the cost of the Rhythm 1.1 they released last year. The new model has yet to be named and they are holding a contest for customers to Name the new Pre and the prize is one of the units. It is a Tube Pre at $2995.

I have already entered my name and crossing my fingers to win
Since the first model was named "Rhythm" I stuck with logic and entered "Pace"

Press release here
Press Release | Backert Labs


New model rivals their flagship Rhythm 1.1 at less than half the price


WILMINGTON, DE, Jul. 30, 2015 – Backert Labs (www.BackertLabs.com), the tube preamp specialist, today announced the introduction of its latest linestage preamplifier. It is available direct from Backert Labs at an introductory price of $2,995. The model has no name yet – and the company wants your help in choosing one. In fact, if you suggest a name that the company likes, you may win a free unit. Read about the September Preamp Giveaway under “You Name It, You Win It” below. The unit will be on display in Room 323 at the Capital AudioFest, Aug. 28-30.
The new $2,995 tube preamp from Backert Labs

Like the company’s Rhythm 1.1 preamp, which sells for $7,500, the new model features a convenient tube access door, which allows easy tube changes without tools. The new unit also features the company’s patented GreenForce^TM power supply. Other features carried over from the Rhythm 1.1 include the luxurious cast aluminum remote volume control, mute function, balance control, REC OUT jacks, toroidal transformer and IEC inlet to allow users to experiment with power cords.
The new model is single-ended. Built in the U.S., it features a silver-colored aluminum face plate and black aluminum body, both machined for Backert Labs in Pennsylvania.
The Sound
The new model sounds remarkably similar to the company’s flagship. “Although it is less than half the Rhythm 1.1’s price, we were able to bring the fun factor of the new model extremely close to the Rhythm 1.1,” said company president Andy Tebbe. “So things like rhythm, dynamics, emotional impact – in these areas, you have to listen pretty carefully to hear a difference.”
These sonic characteristics underlie all Backert Labs products, in accordance with its company mission. Mr. Backert noted, “When you enter a club or restaurant, it’s usually easy to tell whether the music is live, or being played on a stereo. The mission I set was to make it impossible to tell the difference. To do that, we focus first on the accuracy of two things: dynamics, and timing. Several of our technical innovations have brought out audible improvements in these areas. As a result, I believe we have made significant progress toward the goal of reproducing truly live sound.”
The Power Supply
One innovation that improves timing and dynamic accuracy is the power supply. Patented by Mr. Backert, GreenForce™ is the first completely new kind of power supply since switching supplies were invented in the 1950s. “GreenForce allows the power supply to use far higher quality capacitors, yet still at a reasonable price point for listeners. Our Rhythm 1.1 uses an exotic capacitor that is literally unheard of in a power supply, and our new model uses polypropylene caps, still way ahead of most manufacturers,” said Mr. Tebbe.
“The way it works is also key,” said Mr. Backert. “It’s very different, because it actively pushes power into the amplifying circuit, instead of passively bleeding out power as the circuit demands it. That ‘push’ makes GreenForce more nimble in responding to power demands from musical recordings. This improves the accuracy of rhythm and dynamics.”
GreenForce gets its green “cred” by shunning typical power supply parts (electrolytic capacitors) that contain environmentally unfriendly chemicals, instead using environmentally neutral “film” capacitors.
New Features
The new model has several added features, including:

• XLR input and output, in addition to 3 RCA inputs and 2 RCA outputs
• Home theater bypass
• Transparent tube cover, to enhance late-night listening sessions

Built in the U.S.
Like the Rhythm 1.1, the new model is designed by veteran circuit designer Bob Backert, and assembled in the U.S. under the close supervision of his son, Chief Operations Officer Gary Backert.
Tubes
Two 12au7 tubes are utilized for the gain stage, accessible by a convenient transparent access door that highlights the warm glow of the tubes through the top panel. The unit comes with JJ Electronics tubes.
Gain Stage – “Dynamic Linearity” Circuit
As in the Rhythm 1.1, the gain stage features a unique tube support circuit that allows more accurate dynamics, lower distortion and low output impedance. These benefits are achieved without resorting to common tools that Mr. Backert feels are detrimental to sonic accuracy, such as negative feedback and cathode followers.
Hear It
The new model will be featured in Room 323 at the upcoming Capital AudioFest stereo show, August 28-30, at the Hilton Hotel in Rockville, MD. Backert Labs will share the room with the highly regarded Montis speaker by MartinLogan™. An impressive lineup of AudioQuest™ cables, and a Classic turntable with 3D arm by VPI Industries™, will also be featured.
You Name It, You Win It**
Backert Labs is holding a contest to name the new unit. You can enter by e-mailing your full name, and your name idea, to Contest@BackertLabs.com. Each household is limited to three (3) name ideas. The deadline for submissions is September 30, 2015. One lucky listener who submits the name that the company chooses will win a free unit.** The criteria for choosing the winner will simply be the name that the company likes best for this preamp. Single words will be favored, although a two-word name could win. Entries are free to add “1.1”, since a numerical designation like this will be used.
If the company does not choose any of the submitted names, a free unit will still be given away, by random drawing from all entries received. The name that is chosen will be trademarked by, and will become the property of, Backert Labs. No purchase is necessary to enter or win. Void where prohibited. Open to U.S. residents other than Rhode Island, must be 18 or over. Winner is responsible for any resulting taxes. Complete rules at www.BackertLabs.com.
**If the name that the company selects was submitted by more than one person, a random drawing will be made from those entries, to select the winner.
“V-Cap” is a trademark of VH Audio, Inc. (http://www.vhaudio.com).
CONTACT: Andy Tebbe, Backert Labs, (302) 723-7549 – info@backertlabs.com

[socfan12]

I know Bob, a real gentleman! I'd like to hear how this unit sounds one day.

[Shadowfax]

I know Bob, a real gentleman! I'd like to hear how this unit sounds one day.

Both Bob and his son are great guys. I'll let you know how it sounds when I win the contest

[Shadowfax]

They are announcing the winner of the new Pre Amp on the 15th. Wish me luck!

Did anyone else enter the contest for naming the new unit?

[Mechnutt]

I entered the contest and have it in the bag!

[Shadowfax]

I entered the contest and have it in the bag!

What name did you pick?

[Mechnutt]

What name did you pick?

I will reveal it when I win

[Shadowfax]

And the answer is...........

[BlueFox]

I would expect it to be shipping to me even now.

[Shadowfax]

I would expect it to be shipping to me even now.

Good Luck, Bud!

[ICTWoody]

I submitted. Kinda fun actually. Working in advertising I've been part of several naming projects. Maybe some of that experience will pay off here.

Love to hear one either way.

- Woody


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

[Shadowfax]

No idea who won, but I didn't.

Not so sure I like the name they picked, but oh well, they did.

Rhumba 1.1

[jaybe]

Any Rhumba owners or users out there? Great reviews and would like to hear more about them.

One thing that I don't understand (not an electrical guy)...these preamps invert phase, so you need to reverse the speaker connections (I think). If that's the case, why can't the pre builder just reverse a few wires inside the unit so the user doesn't have to do odd things to his own cabling?