The
Rhythm 1.2 is completely quiet, highly resolving, explosively dynamic, and
sounds freakin’ amazing. I suppose you could say that I’m a fan.” –
Part Time Audiophile

The Ultimate Line Stage 

new in box -- full warranty 

The Rhythm 1.2 is a single-ended line stage preamp that provides a new
level of audio enjoyment by employing radically new technology.

Features

Designed, machined and assembled in Pennsylvania, the Rhythm 1.2
utilizes two 12au7 tubes in its gain stage. In addition to its remote volume
control, the Rhythm 1.2 has a balance control, mute switch, mono switch, five
sets of RCA inputs and two sets of RCA output jacks in addition to a Record
Out. Its handy tube access door allows tube changes with no tools, just the
touch of a finger. And the pleasing glow of the volume knob’s LED indicator
points out where volume is set.

Sound
at a Glance

Acquire the Rhythm 1.2 if you want your music to come alive, if you
want toe-tapping rhythm like you’ve never heard before – especially from a tubed
unit – and if you want your music to have all the
clarity, accuracy, and beauty that is present on your source
material.

More on sound quality

Technology
At A Glance

The Rhythm 1.2 uses an amplification circuit (“gain stage”) unlike any
other. The way it amplifies is extremely easy on your tubes, running at a
constant current and a remarkably low voltage (150 volts) for the blackest
backgrounds possible.

Its internal parts are of the highest quality, including the best
capacitors ever built into a power supply (V-Cap™ capacitors),
a first in audio made possible by Bob Backert’s patented GreenForce™ power
supply. Although every other active preamp in the world uses them, the Rhythm
1.2. uses no aluminum electrolytic capacitors in the power supply or anywhere
else.

Very low output impedance (<200 ohms) means that the Rhythm 1.2
combines beautifully with any power amplifier. The transformer is toroidal.
The IEC connector allows you to experiment with various power cords. And the
premium RCA jacks are so sturdy and widely spaced, the Rhythm 1.2 can handle
whatever interconnects you may select.

The Rhythm 1.2 tubed preamplifier provides exceptional sound quality,
in several key areas.

Rhythm. So
often ignored by audio manufacturers, it is rare to see rhythm even mentioned in
product literature. At Backert Labs, we believe that accurate rhythm, the
precise timing of your music, is essential to experiencing a live performance in
your living room. With accurate rhythm, music becomes more compelling. More
“right now”. And of course, with many kinds of music, more fun and
toe-tapping.

Dynamics.
With its radical gain stage and the advanced capacitors in its power supply, we
believe the Rhythm 1.2 presents the most accurate dynamics of any stereo
component you can buy.

Speed
and attack. It sounds a bit odd to say that an amplifier is “fast”.
No, the Rhythm 1.2 will not speed up your music. But it will provide
lightning-fast response. This applies to the very front edge of each sound, and
to the immediate cessation at the end of each sound. From powerful drum hits,
to a sudden wall of emotion from a fortissimo chorus, the Rhythm 1.2 starts, and
stops, on a dime. Its speed and attack are due to the Rhythm 1.2's gain stage,
the technology driving its GreenForce power supply, and the V-Cap™ capacitors in
its power supply.

Tone.
While many preamplifiers can present a beautiful tone, the Rhythm 1.2 digs
deeper, and shows you the inner tone
of an instrument or voice — the slightest wavering of a trumpet, the woody
details of that particular bass violin, the quiet sigh of a female vocalist. We
think the Rhythm 1.2 will convey more about the tone of your favorite music than
you have heard before.

Soundstage. The
design of Bob Backert’s GreenForce power supply lifts the accurate presentation
of a massive soundstage to a new level.

Clarity. With
its point-to-point circuit connections and absolutely *no* aluminum electrolytic
capacitors, one of the first things you will notice about the Rhythm 1.2 is its
striking clarity, its open, “right there”, true-to-life presentation of your
favorite music.

Our Technology

In addition to its rather impressive specifications,
the Rhythm 1.2 preamplifier has several unique technical features.

Audio
“Firsts” In the Rhythm 1.2

The first power supply that can use all V-Caps capacitors.
GreenForce™, patented by Bob Backert.

The first active preamplifier with no aluminum electrolytic capacitors
inside. Better sound, and better for the environment.

The first preamplifier that adjusts tube bias automatically and
continuously.

Our gain stage

The section of a preamplifier that amplifies your music is called the
gain stage.

Sound

When people hear our gain stage for the first time, they tend to focus
immediately on the music. It’s not about better treble, or better bass. Our
approach is so new, such a complete overhaul of the typical tubed amplification
circuit, that audiophile phrases become less important, and what matters is the
performance happening right now, in front of you.

Life-like dynamics. Spaciousness. Real-life clarity. No sweeteners,
no thickeners, no “warmed up” midbass. Our gain stage delivers music as it
really sounds.

Tech
Talk

Our gain stage has several technical features:

Constant
Current: Backert Labs chose to keep the current on your tubes constant
at all times. This is easier on them, allowing your tubes to last longer.
Constant current also results in more linear amplification, or put simply, more
accurate sound. Not many manufacturers utilize constant current
circuits.

Automatic
Bias Correction: Unlike any other preamplifier, your Rhythm 1.2 will
automatically adjust the bias of your tubes, continuously.

• Just bought a new pair of NOS tubes? Once you put them in, the bias is
  immediately adjusted specifically for them. In fact every pair you insert will
  again receive a specific bias, customized just for them. Automatically.
  
• Using the same tubes for 10 years? Bias will need adjustment to a
  small degree as they age, and to a larger degree toward the end of their life.
  Bob Backert’s gain stage does that.
  
• Playing music? In other preamps, the bias will be changing constantly, in
  real time, due to the music signal itself. The Rhythm 1.2 and negates this
  effect, allowing your tubes to run at a constant, smooth and correct
  bias.

No
Cathode Follower: Many tubed preamps use an extra tubed circuit after
the gain stage, called a cathode follower. This circuit is intended to lower
the preamp’s output impedance. Because a cathode follower can impair the
accuracy of a preamp’s dynamics, the Rhythm 1.1 does not use a cathode
follower. It doesn’t need to, because our gain stage is naturally very low in
output impedance.

Specifications

The Rhythm 1.2 preamplifier, from Backert Labs

Line stage tubed preamp, single-ended
5 inputs, 2 outputs, 1 “Rec
Out”, all RCA
Balance control, mute switch, mono switch, remote volume
control
Tube complement: 2 X 12au7, accessible via tube access door on top
panel
Phase: phase inverting

THD+N: 0.032%
Gain: 9dB (we can adjust this to suit your specific
system)
Frequence response: 1.5Hz to 320kHz
S/N ratio: 98dB (90dB
referenced to a 1V output)
Input impedance: 55,000Ω
Output impedance:
150Ω
Crosstalk: 78dB
Power consumption, idle: 23W
Power consumption,
maximum output: 24W
Dimensions: 17 x 12 x 4 inches
Weight: 23 lbs
shipping 30 lbs