$3K preamp giveaway

1235

Comments

  • motorhead43026
    motorhead43026 Posts: 3,897
    You can call that PONO, Neil won't mind....lol.
    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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  • BackertLabs
    BackertLabs Posts: 117
    The Polk Forum Peregrinating Unit is now on its way, first stop: TEXAS (DSkip)
    Next stop ... ? Here are the people that I have as signed up:
    - BlueFox
    - breal74
    - tonyb
    - DSkip
    - MrBuhl
    - marvda1
    - nooshinjohn
    - Moose68Bash
    - Toolfan66
    - heiney9
    - muncybob
    - [maybe?] polrbehr
    My apologies if I've left any of you out who want to try it - please just bonk me on the head to remind, and you'll be on the list.
    With 11 or 12 of you (wow), I wonder if we should ask that each in-home demo last 1 week before moving the unit along. What do you all think?
    The preamp specialists. http://BackertLabs.com
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  • breal74
    breal74 Posts: 324
    Ten days sounds like a good plan, but with Backert's generous offer I am even fine with ten hours. I am excited to get my ears on this unit!
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  • BlueFox
    BlueFox Posts: 15,251
    DSkip wrote: »
    How about 10 days in house? Ship it on a Monday, then whoever gets it has two weekends with it, then they ship again on the second Monday. It keeps a good flow going.

    Depends on the logistics. Shipping coast to coast with least expensive method might take a week. Two weekends sounds good though, as I only use my main stereo on a weekend, but I can live with one Friday and Saturday night.

    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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  • BackertLabs
    BackertLabs Posts: 117
    10 days + 12 guys and maybe more to come = 4+ months, we'll still be going strong in February... if that's OK with you all, we're OK with it, but we can't go longer than that.
    Plan A: To reduce shipping time and cost, we centralize all the addresses (everybody sends to me, or another volunteer on the list) so that we plan out the best order.

    Or, Plan B: We don't worry about shipping efficiency, and we just go in the order that people signed up, or "the next guy who raises his hand" here in the forum.
    Preference?
    The preamp specialists. http://BackertLabs.com
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  • MrBuhl
    MrBuhl Posts: 2,419
    DSkip wrote: »
    You're the bossman. Don't let us decide.

    LOL - I agree - that way leads to the dark side!
    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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  • BackertLabs
    BackertLabs Posts: 117
    edited October 2015
    LOL... ok we select Plan A. Everybody who wants to check out the new preamp send me a message here with your address. I'll do some map magic and announce the order.
    ALSO:
    - Each person who gets the unit will be responsible for the shipping cost to the next person.
    - Gotta use FedEx or UPS, must insure for $2,000. Yes we are taking risk there. Yes you can also drive it to the next guy, if it's that close.
    - Each person gets to have the preamp for 7 days. If you receive it on a Saturday, you don't have to mail it out until the next Monday because each guy deserves a full weekend.
    - You must keep checking this forum -- if you are coming up on the list and you'll be out of town, communication with me will be essential. My email is andytebbe@gmail.com
    - Each listener must ensure that when forwarding the preamp, he is sending:
    1. Preamp, wrapped in its plastic envelope and surrounded with its grey packing foam
    2. The remote control, in plastic envelope and secured tightly in the grey foam
    3. Repeat: remote control !!
    4. Power cord
    5. Manual
    6. Original tubes it came with
    7. Your NOS Telefunken smooth plates (just kidding)
    8. The clear acrylic tube cover, secured by the two thumbscrews on the top of the unit

    Good?
    The preamp specialists. http://BackertLabs.com
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  • polrbehr
    polrbehr Posts: 2,830
    My original idea was to bring this down to NJ on the 31st, but with DSkips meet this weekend I probably won't get it in time (and that's cool, I'm sure he will have a good turnout). And having it here "in the sticks" means I will be the only one who gets to hear it, so I will bow out for now.
    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
    BackertLabs wrote: »
    LOL... ok we select Plan A. Everybody who wants to check out the new preamp send me a message here with your address. I'll do some map magic and announce the order.

    Sounds good to me. However, after thinking about it I am going to pass. The rest of the gang will give it a good workout. :)

    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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  • mrbiron
    mrbiron Posts: 5,711
    Dagnabbit! I'ma have to buy myself another 2 channel amp. Can't really demo a unit without one. Good thing i didn't win, otherwise i'd have to buy 11... ;)
    Where’s the KABOOM?!?! There’s supposed to be an Earth shattering KABOOM!!!
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  • marvda1
    marvda1 Posts: 4,901
    well, i'm right down the highway from skip.
    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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  • heiney9
    heiney9 Posts: 25,165
    If it hasn't already been suggested, we should start a new thread for the demo and only post demo related stuff to that thread. This one is getting kind of long and all the good info (about the demo) is at the end.

    It will make it easier to find and track the information. In fact maybe 1 thread for the demo and 1 thread for impressions.

    Thanks again for doing this.

    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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  • muncybob
    muncybob Posts: 3,042
    edited October 2015
    Wow! My hat's off to you Andy and everybody at Backert...a very generous offer here. I agree, lets start a new thread for "reviews". edit: PM sent
    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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  • WLDock
    WLDock Posts: 3,073
    Congrats to the winner, Rhumba is a catchy name....I like it! I thought mine were cool: Rubato, Pace, Ostinato... also I thought Backert Labs Backbeat was pretty cool. Would love to listen to the unit but no worthy system yet so I will pass on the demo for now.
    2.2 Office Setup | LG 29UB55 21:9 UltraWide | HP Probook 630 G8 | Dell Latitude | Cabasse Stream Amp 100 | Boston Acoustics VS 240 | AUDIORAX Desk Stands | Mirage Omni S8 sub1 | Mirage Omni S8 Sub2
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  • tonyb
    tonyb Posts: 32,962
    Does this mean I have to put Andy on my Christmas card list ? Not so sure he'd want one from a Dago who chases flying squirrels in his underwear and locks himself out of the house repeatedly.

    Hope this pre is as good as Andy's generosity, we may have a winner on our hands.
    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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  • BackertLabs
    BackertLabs Posts: 117
    edited October 2015
    BlueFox wrote: »
    Sounds good to me. However, after thinking about it I am going to pass. The rest of the gang will give it a good workout. :)
    Sorry to see you go, I would love to hear your thoughts after checking it out in that system - nice one.

    The preamp specialists. http://BackertLabs.com
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  • BlueFox
    BlueFox Posts: 15,251
    BackertLabs wrote: »
    BlueFox wrote: »
    Sounds good to me. However, after thinking about it I am going to pass. The rest of the gang will give it a good workout. :)
    Sorry to see you go, I would love to hear your thoughts after checking it out in that system - nice one.

    Maybe I can get back in a bit later. I just wasn't in the mood for unpacking, packing, swapping things in and out, and shipping. Getting lazy in my old age. :)
    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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  • BlueFox
    BlueFox Posts: 15,251
    DSkip wrote: »
    nbrowser wrote: »
    DSkip wrote: »
    BlueFox wrote: »
    BackertLabs wrote: »
    BlueFox wrote: »
    Sounds good to me. However, after thinking about it I am going to pass. The rest of the gang will give it a good workout. :)
    Sorry to see you go, I would love to hear your thoughts after checking it out in that system - nice one.

    Maybe I can get back in a bit later. I just wasn't in the mood for unpacking, packing, swapping things in and out, and shipping. Getting lazy in my old age. :)

    Have a few more drinks.... This is much cheaper than your average night of drinking.

    Didn't he claim to be kinda tipsy when he pulled the trigger on the Magicos or was it the amps? :)

    Both?


    Winner. Funny how a few beers makes things seem like a good idea. It's great when it does turn out to be a good idea. Of course, the night I had the idea to find out how loud the Magicos would play wasn't the best idea. :)
    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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  • BackertLabs
    BackertLabs Posts: 117
    BlueFox wrote: »
    Of course, the night I had the idea to find out how loud the Magicos would play wasn't the best idea. :)
    That is awesome.

    The preamp specialists. http://BackertLabs.com
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  • BlueFox
    BlueFox Posts: 15,251
    BackertLabs wrote: »
    BlueFox wrote: »
    Of course, the night I had the idea to find out how loud the Magicos would play wasn't the best idea. :)
    That is awesome.

    Yes. It was also expensive. :)

    However, it was awesome. As the volume increased I was literally being pounded by the sound. I was just sitting there absolutely amazed that they could sound so good yet be so incredibly freaking loud.

    Actually, I blame the problem on the preamp volume calibration. For whatever reason, Pass calibrated the XP-20 to go between 0-83, while I was expecting 0-100. I thought I still had reserve power left when in fact I was putting 1200 watts into the S5s. They held up well for a while, but eventually broke.

    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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  • BackertLabs
    BackertLabs Posts: 117
    I freaking love the Magico S series.
    The preamp specialists. http://BackertLabs.com
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  • BlueFox
    BlueFox Posts: 15,251
    I was invited to Magico to hear the new S7 and compare it to the S5. They have Soulution 701 amps and MIT cables for their custom demo room. Well, the S7 is better in every way than the S5, but they aren't twice as good. However, I would certainly like to have a pair.

    While Alon was demoing the S5, I remarked, "This sounds like my stereo". He replied, "That's the idea.", but it gave me a good idea as to the level of my stereo.
    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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  • teekay0007
    teekay0007 Posts: 2,289
    BlueFox wrote: »
    Actually, I blame the problem on the preamp volume calibration.

    You wouldn't have had that problem with a Backert Labs Rhumba! ;)

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  • BackertLabs
    BackertLabs Posts: 117
    Gents,
    We continue to receive warm accolades and gushing praise for our choice of Rhumba 1.1 to name our new preamp. Why, just today, we found from gudnoyez,
    "While I'm sure it's a great sounding and clean sounding pre, the name Rhumba makes me think Riki Ricardo, Salsa music, limbo anyone? ... I just can't believe there weren't a couple dozen better suggestions."
    OK some are gushing more than others. As we've said, we decided this from our gut, and it feels right. As for other suggestions, for your viewing enjoyment here are some of the names that we did not select - some are funny while some are just "????" - please imagine if we actually announced any of these as the winner....

    Joker 1.1

    Black Death 1.1

    Fred 1.1

    Back-pack 1.1

    Thumper 1.1

    Rita 1.1

    Kwtvrl 1.1

    Fatback 1.1

    DeathStar 1.1

    Noxon 1.1

    Spoiled PRaT 1.1

    Ancram 1.1

    Kim 1.1

    Thing with nobs 1.1

    CheeseSteak 1.1

    Taog 1.1

    Tubacca 1.1

    Kundalini 1.1

    Aural Visual Thang 1.1

    Razzamatazzatosis 1000

    Spectra Command TP1

    Lab Rat 1.1

    The M-Boosticator 1.1

    Cash In Advance 1.1

    Big Horse 1.1

    Boss Hawg 1.1

    Orbit-Gate 1.1

    Medusa 1.1

    Roostaboosta 1.1

    Tubooster 1.1

    Swag 1.1
    The preamp specialists. http://BackertLabs.com
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  • tonyb
    tonyb Posts: 32,962
    You mean "cleavage" didn't work out for you guys ? lol Who doesn't like that ?

    Cello was my pick, short,sweet, and implies musicality.

    Lab rat ?? Who wants the word "Rat" on anything ? lmao !!
    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
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • marvda1
    marvda1 Posts: 4,901
    what are some of the runner up suggestions?
    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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  • jeremymarcinko
    jeremymarcinko Posts: 3,785
    Good stuff, reminds me of the American idol outtakes.
    Oh, Listen here mister. We got no way of understandin' this world. But we got as much sense of this bird flyin in the sky. Now there is a lot that bird don't know, but it don't change the fact that the world is happening to him all the same. What I am tryin to say is, is that the course of your life, well its changing, and you don't even see it- Forest Bondurant
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  • motorhead43026
    motorhead43026 Posts: 3,897
    Thing with nobs........lol.
    The best way to predict the future is to invent it.

    It is imperative that we recognize that an opinion is not a fact.
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • megasat16
    megasat16 Posts: 3,521
    BlueFox wrote: »
    I was putting 1200 watts into the S5s. They held up well for a while, but eventually broke.

    Video or it didn't happen! :smiley:
    Trying out Different Audio Cables is a Religious Affair. You don't discuss it with anyone. :redface::biggrin:
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  • BlueFox
    BlueFox Posts: 15,251
    megasat16 wrote: »
    BlueFox wrote: »
    I was putting 1200 watts into the S5s. They held up well for a while, but eventually broke.

    Video or it didn't happen! :smiley:

    Why would I make a video of a speaker playing? :)


    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.
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter