Analog Gear News

The optiks — er, sorry, the optics are always good whenever we get to see some new gear from preamp specialists Backert Labs. To that end, the Delaware-based company have just introduced their new Optik Phono 1.1 phono preamp/EQ for DS Audio optical cartridges.

The Optik Phono 1.1 has been designed and hand-built in Pennsylvania by the long-respected amp designer Bob Backert and his son Gary. Bob Backert, who has been designing gear since the 1960s, is rightfully lauded for having added a top-panel tube door to each preamp model in the line — and that’s something we most heartily approve of, since we like getting “inside the gondola” (#iykyk) without any hassles anytime tubes need to be changed or adjusted.

More specs now. The Optik Phono 1.1 utilizes two 12AU7 tubes, and it is said to be the first phono preamp for DS Audio cartridges to feature two tonearm inputs, enabling the option to switch between arms with the touch of a front-panel switch. This allows the use of a second DS Audio cart — such as one of the company’s newer mono designs, or a different stereo model — without the need for multiple EQs. More on those important switches in a moment, as we should also point out that the Optik is also compatible with tables/arms that sport just one DS Audio cart.

The number of switches on the front panel include high/low gain over on the right, and input 1/input 2, and mute on the left (as seen above). The gain stage is said to “incorporate four distinct features that extend tube life, making the Optik’s tubes essentially ‘forever’ devices.”

Other features and specs for the Optik Phono 1.1 preamp/EQ include two outputs — a fully balanced XLR out, and an unbalanced RCA out — and the unit will automatically deactivate the internal LED and decorative external illumination for the cart that is not currently being used. The Optik also comes with solid silver wire and IsoAcoustics Gaia footers.

Two of Backert’s patented GreenForce power supplies are in dual-mono configuration for the audio signal and driven by a PTFE capacitor. A separate Backert power supply is earmarked for the “photo-detector” — i.e., the analog device in DS Audio carts that translates light into an audio signal — and that power supply is driven with V-Caps premium oil-damped ODAM capacitors.

The Optik Phono 1.1 is presented with a heavy, silver-colored anodized aluminum front plate, as seen above while supporting a VPI Avenger turntable with stereo and mono tonearms in two, in a photo supplied by Backert that was taken in Now Listen Here’s room at last fall’s Capital Audio Fest. The unit’s bottom panel is machined from solid, deliberately unfinished brass that supports the circuit board.

Finally, the SRP for the Backert Labs Optik Phono 1.1 phono preamp/EQ is $11,500. Backert adds that the front face of the unit can be silver or black, a no-cost option. The chassis comes in black, but it could be powder-coated in red, blue, or another color of your choice for an additional $300.

For more about Backert Labs, go here.
To find an authorized Backert Labs dealer, go here.
To order directly from Backert Labs, go here.