Backert Labs preamp

I'm a reviewer for hometheaterreview.com and just recently had the Backert Labs Rhythm 1.1 preamplifier in for review.

It is a superlative linestage across the board: 1) Very high build quality and parts 2) Overall innovative design 3) And most importantly one of the finest tube based linestages, regardless of price, regarding dynamics-soundstaging-transparency/micro-details and just beautiful tonality/timbres offered in a musical relaxing way. My favorite tube that I used in my process of reviewing were RCA NOS 5814 Black plate triple mica. My review will come out in the next couple of months with much more details regarding this excellent performer

I also have the Backert Rhythm 1.1 in for review (and am buying it!!). You may have read that their gainw as so high that folks like Srajan could not turn it up past say 7 o'clock (with 6 o'clock as lowest). Well, they listened and re-did the gain and now it waorks perfectly with most any amp combination (with great sound loud levels at, say, 11am to noon).

As Teajay points out, this tube-based (ss rectified) preamp is as dynamic a pre as I've ever had in my system. And that goes for micro-detail and micro-dynamics as well. And when music gets complex and "crowded' in the soundstage it does not congest, as some tube preamps might.

I found a simple set of Mazda 6189s did the trick for me. They were the most dynamic without adding too much sizzle or faux air to the system. But yes, the triple mica RCA 5814s were nice too, especially for smokey jazz.

Great job Bob and company.
Ted_B

I also have the Backert Rhythm 1.1 in for review (and am buying it!!). You may have read that their gainw as so high that folks like Srajan could not turn it up past say 7 o'clock (with 6 o'clock as lowest). Well, they listened and re-did the gain and now it waorks perfectly with most any amp combination (with great sound loud levels at, say, 11am to noon).

As Teajay points out, this tube-based (ss rectified) preamp is as dynamic a pre as I've ever had in my system. And that goes for micro-detail and micro-dynamics as well. And when music gets complex and "crowded' in the soundstage it does not congest, as some tube preamps might.

I found a simple set of Mazda 6189s did the trick for me. They were the most dynamic without adding too much sizzle or faux air to the system. But yes, the triple mica RCA 5814s were nice too, especially for smokey jazz.

Great job Bob and company.
Ted_B

Just to throw in another positive comment, HW has used the Rhythm 1.1 in his big system with the KEF Blades and they really made the system sing! Nice warm, full sound and really help make Ella Fitzgerald reanimate herself right in the room! We were disappointment when they had to take the unit back to use at the New York Show!

I've owned a Rhythm 1.1 since early 2014, and I think it is outstanding. It has great authority and great clarity/transparency. Especially surprising clarity in the bass. Music has real energy with this preamp, makes it exciting to listen to music again. I listen to all genres. With this Pre in the mix I had to get a (DO NOT DISTURB)door tag!!! Looking forward to Teajays review.I hope he's digging it as much as I am. Rolling tubes is easy & fun, knowing your getting the most from your tubes at all times is great. If your looking for a Preamp, check it out This company was friendly to deal with , count me as a satisfied customer
Mackave

Hi,
If a review is helpful, Michael Wechsberg of Positive Feedback recently posted this:

http://www.positive-feedback.com/Issue76/backert_linestage.htm

There's now a "rave" review on Positive Feedback. The reviewer, however, concludes that there's stiff competition in the price range from other line stages, that he apparently hasn't heard, as well as his own EAR 868. The latter is actually considerably less expensive than the 1.1 without its' phono stage. He doesn't actually compare the sonics of the units, nor does he say which he prefers. Has anyone compared the 1.1 to other "top flight" preamps? Srajen compared the sonics of the Nagra Jazz to the 1.1 in his review. I've heard that HW put the 1.1 on the level of the CJ GAT....Mat?

Anybody do a direct comparison with other "top flight" preamps?

Lula,
For Teajay's upcoming review in HomeTheaterReview.com, he is comparing the Rhythm 1.1 directly against various top-flight tubed preamplifiers. The results should be out soon. Of course, we have also conducted comparisons but you are probably looking for a more neutral source of information. :O)

Teajay's review is found here: http://hometheaterreview.com/backert-labs-rhythm-11-stereo-preamplifier-reviewed/