$3K preamp giveaway

1356

Comments

  • BackertLabs
    BackertLabs Posts: 117
    We like the idea of letting you hear our baby... about how many of you would be interested? Keep in mind it's:
    - single ended
    - tubed (12au7 tubes)
    - linestage (no phono)
    - it has 1 XLR input and 1 XLR output
    and,
    - 3 RCA inputs, 2 RCA outputs
    :)
    We are assuming each guy gets to listen to it for 2-3 weeks.
    The preamp specialists. http://BackertLabs.com
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  • BlueFox
    BlueFox Posts: 15,251
    I would like to try it. All I need is a single XLR input, and I have wondered if a tube pre would make a difference. Then again, choose my submission, and I will not need a demo unit. :)
    Lumin X1 file player, Westminster Labs interconnect cable
    Sony XA-5400ES SACD; Pass XP-22 pre; X600.5 amps
    Magico S5 MKII Mcast Rose speakers; SPOD spikes

    Shunyata Triton v3/Typhon QR on source, Denali 2000 (2) on amps
    Shunyata Sigma XLR analog ICs, Sigma speaker cables
    Shunyata Sigma HC (2), Sigma Analog, Sigma Digital, Z Anaconda (3) power cables

    Mapleshade Samson V.3 four shelf solid maple rack, Micropoint brass footers
    Three 20 amp circuits.
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  • [Deleted User]
    [Deleted User] Posts: 10,716
    If I won, great! If I didn't pre's just add to distortion.
    I keep my signal pure. o:)
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  • breal74
    breal74 Posts: 324
    I would definitely be interested! I have been thinking that I need to step up my pre amp game and would love to try a tubed pre in my system.
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  • polrbehr
    polrbehr Posts: 2,830
    If you can get one down to south Jersey by the 31st you will be virtually guaranteed to have at least 6-10 Polkies in attendance to give it a listen (and on some pretty decent speakers/amps too, no worries there).
    That is, assuming our gracious host would be OK with having this for a demo?
    Also assuming people can be pried away from the BBQ table to head into the listening areas... :)
    So, are you willing to put forth a little effort or are you happy sitting in your skeptical poo pile?


    http://audiomilitia.proboards.com/
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  • tonyb
    tonyb Posts: 32,963
    I'd be interested also. BTW....I think obviously some time limit requirements need to be set along with making sure everyone pays to have it shipped and insured for full value. We've never had problems before to my knowledge, but ya never know when sh&t happens.

    Pretty cool your at least considering this, appreciate it very much. You guys over there are alright in my book.

    Seems like 6 moons really liked the big brother, so I'm kinda anxious to hear the little snot nosed sibling.
    HT SYSTEM-
    Sony 850c 4k
    Pioneer elite vhx 21
    Sony 4k BRP
    SVS SB-2000
    Polk Sig. 20's
    Polk FX500 surrounds

    Cables-
    Acoustic zen Satori speaker cables
    Acoustic zen Matrix 2 IC's
    Wireworld eclipse 7 ic's
    Audio metallurgy ga-o digital cable

    Kitchen

    Sonos zp90
    Grant Fidelity tube dac
    B&k 1420
    lsi 9's
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  • [Deleted User]
    [Deleted User] Posts: 10,716
    I vote for Tony to be our poet laureate as side bar to the thread. :)
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  • BackertLabs
    BackertLabs Posts: 117
    We'll have to seriously consider both of these October dates - thank you all for the interest. We will continue to see who raises their hand here so we can gauge how long the demo unit will be "on the road". Thanks again!
    The preamp specialists. http://BackertLabs.com
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  • BackertLabs
    BackertLabs Posts: 117
    We just received this... the first reaction we have gotten to the new preamp from a reviewer. Hope it's OK to post.

    "Just about a year ago I had the great pleasure of reviewing for hometheaterreview.com the Backert Labs reference Rhythm 1.1 preamplifier. The 1.1 rivaled the performance of my personal reference, the Concert Fidelity-080 which retails for $24,000, in all sonic parameters. I thought then the 1.1 was one of the great “unknown” bargains at its $7,500 retail price.

    Well, a short while ago I got a phone call from Andy Tebbe who was very excited about their new “baby” preamp, which retails for $2,995, which he believed delivered a big whopping dosage of the sonic performance of the Rhythm 1.1. In the last few weeks, in three different systems, I compared the performance of the “baby” preamp to five solid state and tube based preamplifiers. The least expensive of these cost 7K and the most expensive was 24K. Not only did it hold its own in comparison to these highly regarded and much more costly line stages, it was quite better than three of them, and was on the same level as the best of the overall group. When I write the formal review for HTR I’ll give all the details regarding the specifics of why this new Backert Labs preamp knocked my sonic socks off across the board. If the Rhythm 1.1 is one of the greatest bargains of high-end audio, it is not hyperbole to say the new “baby” preamp might be the best deal in high-end gear of the 21st century!

    Terry London, Staff Reviewer: hometheaterreview.com
    v6gx0ru60utt.jpg
    The preamp specialists. http://BackertLabs.com
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  • voltz
    voltz Posts: 5,384
    Nice Review and I know that put some smiles of your face reading it. I would like to hear it but I am also goingto be heading down to Skips house for the October 17th get together so I could hear it there too B)
    2 ch- Polk CRS+ * Vincent SA-31MK Preamp * Vincent Sp-331 Amp * Marantz SA8005 SACD * Project Xperience Classic TT * Sumiko Blue Point #2 MC cartridge

    HT - Polk 703's * NAD T-758 * Adcom 5503 * Oppo 103 * Samsung 60" series 8 LCD
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  • mrbiron
    mrbiron Posts: 5,711
    tonyb wrote: »
    You guys got it all wrong. Chuck was too late, the pre amps already went out the door. One is bound to fall off a truck somewhere in the Chicago vicinity....I'll make sure of it.

    That's fantastic news T-dawg!!
    I'll await my 11 tracking numbers. I might even lend one out as a demo but if it comes back sticky, you have to buy it!
    Where’s the KABOOM?!?! There’s supposed to be an Earth shattering KABOOM!!!
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  • MrBuhl
    MrBuhl Posts: 2,419
    I'd definitely be interested in the audition!
    VA HT HK AVR20II, Sony S9000ES CD/DVD/SACD, Polk Audio RC80i / Polk Audio CSi3, 60" Panasonic Plasma, Nordost / Signal Cable A2 / Wireworld / Pangea / Magic Power
    VA 2 Channel Focal Electra 926 speakers, Pass Labs X150.5 Amp, Eastern Electric MiniMax Preamp (Tutay mods), Eastern Electric Minimax CDP (Scott Nixon mods), Music Hall mmf 5.1 Turntable, Parks Audio Budgie Phono Pre , Audioengine B1 streamer, MIT S3 IC's / MIT Shotgun S3 Speaker Cables / PS Audio power cables
    Noggin Schiit Valhalla, Pangea, Phillips Fidelio X1, Polk UF8000

    Polk SDA1c modded
    Polk CRS+ 4.1TL modded (need veneer)
    Polk SDA2BTL (fully modded)
    A/L 1000VA Dreadnought Canare 4s11 SDA cable
    SACD Marantz DV8300
    Sony S9000ES CD/DVD/SACD
    Yamaha YP-D6
    Soundcraftsmen PCR800
    Audible Illusions L1 Preamp
    Vincent MFA based Cocci Tube Preamp
    Pho-700 Phono Pre
    Signal Cable Silver Resolution IC's






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  • marvda1
    marvda1 Posts: 4,901
    i'd love to give it a try.
    Amplifiers: Norma IPA 140, MasterSound Compact 845, Ayre v6xe, Consonance Cyber 800
    Preamp: deHavilland Ultraverve 3
    Dac: Sonnet Morpheus 2, Musical Paradise mp-d2 mkIII
    Transport: Jay's Audio CDT2 mk2, Lumin U1 mini
    Speakers: Rosso Fiorentino Volterra II
    Speaker Cables: Crystal Clear Magnum Opus 2, Organic Audio Organic Reference 2
    Interconnects: Crystal Clear Magnum Opus 2, Argento Organic Reference 2, Argento Organic 2
    Power Cables: Argento Organic Reference, Synergistic Research Foundation 10 and 12 ga.
    Digital cables: Crystal Clear Magnum Opus 2 bnc, Tellurium Q aes, Silnote Audio Poseidon Signature 2 bnc
    Puritan PSM156
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  • txcoastal1
    txcoastal1 Posts: 13,285
    Skips gathering would be a great place for exposure Oct. 16/17
    2-channel: Modwright KWI-200 Integrated, Dynaudio C1-II Signatures
    Desktop rig: LSi7, Polk 110sub, Dayens Ampino amp, W4S DAC/pre, Sonos, JRiver
    Gear on standby: Melody 101 tube pre, Unison Research Simply Italy Integrated
    Gone to new homes: (Matt Polk's)Threshold Stasis SA12e monoblocks, Pass XA30.5 amp, Usher MD2 speakers, Dynaudio C4 platinum speakers, Modwright LS100 (voltz), Simaudio 780D DAC

    erat interfectorem cesar et **** dictatorem dicere a
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  • nooshinjohn
    nooshinjohn Posts: 25,416
    I too am interested in the demo, and willing to host an event or two to show it off. See my sig for other gear in the chain
    The Gear... Carver "Statement" Mono-blocks, Mcintosh C2300 Arcam AVR20, Oppo UDP-203 4K Blu-ray player, Sony XBR70x850B 4k, Polk Audio Legend L800 with height modules, L400 Center Channel Polk audio AB800 "in-wall" surrounds. Marantz MM7025 stereo amp. Simaudio Moon 680d DSD

    “When once a Republic is corrupted, there is no possibility of remedying any of the growing evils but by removing the corruption and restoring its lost principles; every other correction is either useless or a new evil.”— Thomas Jefferson
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  • BackertLabs
    BackertLabs Posts: 117
    OK so far we have a possible Oct. 31 showing -- sounds like that would require permission -- and the following who are interested in trying it at home, or for a larger group demo:
    - BlueFox
    - breal74
    - tonyb
    - DSkip
    - MrBuhl
    - marvda1
    - nooshinjohn

    Sound right?
    The preamp specialists. http://BackertLabs.com
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  • Moose68Bash
    Moose68Bash Posts: 3,843
    edited October 2015
    @BackertLabs,

    I've been wondering how a tube pre would sound with my gear -- especially with new soon-to-be-installed CAT 600.2.

    If I don't win the "name-it" lottery, please count me in for the peregrinating demo unit.

    Thanks.
    Family Room, Innuos Statement streamer (Roon Core) with Morrow Audio USB cable to McIntosh MC 2700 pre with DC2 Digital Audio Module; AQ Sky XLRs to CAT 600.2 dualmono amp, Morrow Elite Speaker Cables to NOLA Baby Grand Reference Gold 3 speakers. Power source for all components: Silver Circle Audio Pure Power One with dedicated 20 amp circuit to main panel.

    Exercise Room, Innuos Streamer via Cat 6 cable connection to PS Audio PerfectWave MkII DAC w/Bridge II, AQ King Cobra RCAs to Perreaux PMF3150 amp (fully restored and upgraded by Jeffrey Jackson, Precision Audio Labs), Supra Rondo 4x2.5 Speaker Cables to SDA 1Cs (Vr3 Mods Xovers and other mods.), Dreadnaught with Supra Rondo 4x2.5 interconnect cables by Vr3 Mods. Power for each component from dedicated 20 amp circuit to main panel, except Innuos Statement powered from Silver Circle Audio Pure Power One.

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  • Toolfan66
    Toolfan66 Posts: 17,241
    I'm in .. B)
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  • BackertLabs
    BackertLabs Posts: 117
    Moose68Bash wrote: »
    If I don't win the "name-it" lottery, please count me in for the peregrinating demo unit.
    per·e·gri·nate
    ˈperəɡrəˌnāt/
    verb archaic humorous

    Gerund or present participle: peregrinating
    Travel or wander around from place to place.

    Nice! Learn something new every day. You are counted in, sir!
    The preamp specialists. http://BackertLabs.com
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  • heiney9
    heiney9 Posts: 25,165
    I would definitely love to try it and put it up against my Eastern Electric Mini Max Pre. Already have a "flood" of 12AU7's to try. Who knows if it does much better than the Mini Max, you will probably have a new customer.

    H9
    "Appreciation of audio is a completely subjective human experience. Measurements can provide a measure of insight, but are no substitute for human judgment. Why are we looking to reduce a subjective experience to objective criteria anyway? The subtleties of music and audio reproduction are for those who appreciate it. Differentiation by numbers is for those who do not".--Nelson Pass Pass Labs XA25 | EE Avant Pre | EE Mini Max Supreme DAC | MIT Shotgun S1 | Pangea AC14SE MKII | Legend L600 | BlueSound Node 3 - Tubes add soul!
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  • tonyb
    tonyb Posts: 32,963
    rednedtugent wrote: »
    I vote for Tony to be our poet laureate as side bar to the thread. :)

    I'd be hesitant on voting for me for anything. Last time that happened I got kicked out of the Girl Scouts and almost my daughters too.
    HT SYSTEM-
    Sony 850c 4k
    Pioneer elite vhx 21
    Sony 4k BRP
    SVS SB-2000
    Polk Sig. 20's
    Polk FX500 surrounds

    Cables-
    Acoustic zen Satori speaker cables
    Acoustic zen Matrix 2 IC's
    Wireworld eclipse 7 ic's
    Audio metallurgy ga-o digital cable

    Kitchen

    Sonos zp90
    Grant Fidelity tube dac
    B&k 1420
    lsi 9's
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  • jvc
    jvc Posts: 41
    had to just say ... VERY NICE !

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  • polrbehr
    polrbehr Posts: 2,830
    edited October 2015
    BackertLabs wrote: »
    OK so far we have a possible Oct. 31 showing -- sounds like that would require permission -- and the following who are interested in trying it at home, or for a larger group demo:

    Got an OK to do a demo, but honestly, I'd like to see a few more people commit to the 31st before I ask that a unit be made available. Link here

    Good on Backert Labs for even considering stepping up and doing this, it's not like they've been here for very long to trust that their preamp will be handled well.

    So, are you willing to put forth a little effort or are you happy sitting in your skeptical poo pile?


    http://audiomilitia.proboards.com/
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  • motorhead43026
    motorhead43026 Posts: 3,897
    edited October 2015
    "Good on Backert Labs for even considering stepping up and doing this, it's not like they've been here for very long to trust that their preamp will be handled well"

    They know most on this board have deep pockets, except yours truly....lol. Good bunch here, whether deep pockets or not.
    The best way to predict the future is to invent it.

    It is imperative that we recognize that an opinion is not a fact.
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  • Moose68Bash
    Moose68Bash Posts: 3,843
    BackertLabs wrote: »
    Moose68Bash wrote: »
    If I don't win the "name-it" lottery, please count me in for the peregrinating demo unit.
    per·e·gri·nate
    ˈperəɡrəˌnāt/
    verb archaic humorous

    Gerund or present participle: peregrinating
    Travel or wander around from place to place.

    Nice! Learn something new every day. You are counted in, sir!

    You are very welcome and I look forward to participating! :)
    Family Room, Innuos Statement streamer (Roon Core) with Morrow Audio USB cable to McIntosh MC 2700 pre with DC2 Digital Audio Module; AQ Sky XLRs to CAT 600.2 dualmono amp, Morrow Elite Speaker Cables to NOLA Baby Grand Reference Gold 3 speakers. Power source for all components: Silver Circle Audio Pure Power One with dedicated 20 amp circuit to main panel.

    Exercise Room, Innuos Streamer via Cat 6 cable connection to PS Audio PerfectWave MkII DAC w/Bridge II, AQ King Cobra RCAs to Perreaux PMF3150 amp (fully restored and upgraded by Jeffrey Jackson, Precision Audio Labs), Supra Rondo 4x2.5 Speaker Cables to SDA 1Cs (Vr3 Mods Xovers and other mods.), Dreadnaught with Supra Rondo 4x2.5 interconnect cables by Vr3 Mods. Power for each component from dedicated 20 amp circuit to main panel, except Innuos Statement powered from Silver Circle Audio Pure Power One.

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  • tonyb
    tonyb Posts: 32,963
    Should get the show on the road here, if people want enough time to put it on their Christmas list.
    HT SYSTEM-
    Sony 850c 4k
    Pioneer elite vhx 21
    Sony 4k BRP
    SVS SB-2000
    Polk Sig. 20's
    Polk FX500 surrounds

    Cables-
    Acoustic zen Satori speaker cables
    Acoustic zen Matrix 2 IC's
    Wireworld eclipse 7 ic's
    Audio metallurgy ga-o digital cable

    Kitchen

    Sonos zp90
    Grant Fidelity tube dac
    B&k 1420
    lsi 9's
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  • muncybob
    muncybob Posts: 3,042
    While I wish I could make one of the get together dates...I cannot. So I will be thrilled to be added to the individual user autitions list and welcome anybody who cares to stop by and give a listen.
    Yep, my name really is Bob.
    Parasound HCA1500A(indoor sound) and HCA1000(outdoor sound), Dynaco PAS4, Denon DP1200 w/Shure V15 Type V and Jico SAS stylus, Marantz UD7007, Polk L600, Rythmik L12 sub.
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  • BackertLabs
    BackertLabs Posts: 117
    tonyb wrote: »
    Should get the show on the road here, if people want enough time to put it on their Christmas list.
    Yes you are right! We are under a rock until we get the contest winner sorted out... each name that we like turns out to have various legal problems so it's taking a lot of our time right now, but we will be done shortly.
    nbrowser wrote: »
    Will this and your other products be CSA approved?
    We have not yet submitted for CSA approval but we will have to if the product catches on and we begin selling into Canada, which would be awesome for us.

    The preamp specialists. http://BackertLabs.com
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  • polrbehr
    polrbehr Posts: 2,830
    BackertLabs wrote: »
    Yes you are right! We are under a rock until we get the contest winner sorted out... each name that we like turns out to have various legal problems so it's taking a lot of our time right now, but we will be done shortly.
    I realized that right after I submitted the name Whopper Jr. for this preamp... B)

    Seriously, good luck with your decision.

    So, are you willing to put forth a little effort or are you happy sitting in your skeptical poo pile?


    http://audiomilitia.proboards.com/
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  • BlueFox
    BlueFox Posts: 15,251
    Somebody is using 'Bud'? :)
    Lumin X1 file player, Westminster Labs interconnect cable
    Sony XA-5400ES SACD; Pass XP-22 pre; X600.5 amps
    Magico S5 MKII Mcast Rose speakers; SPOD spikes

    Shunyata Triton v3/Typhon QR on source, Denali 2000 (2) on amps
    Shunyata Sigma XLR analog ICs, Sigma speaker cables
    Shunyata Sigma HC (2), Sigma Analog, Sigma Digital, Z Anaconda (3) power cables

    Mapleshade Samson V.3 four shelf solid maple rack, Micropoint brass footers
    Three 20 amp circuits.
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