I own a Rhumba Extreme 1.3 and ran it for a few years with a Pass XA30.8 which I still have. These fed into a pair of Audio Note AN-K spe speakers which some would argue are too small for 12x26 room. The room is sectioned with a sofa and I sit off center to the right. It had been a great combination but I wanted to try a tube amp without breaking the bank while still holding on to the Pass. So Aric and I went back and forth on a custom build for an EL-84 two channel amp which is configured as a single-ended pentode. What I was looking for, and what I found was more detail in the midrange at lower volume levels. I found levels would roll off more than I liked with the Pass. Based on my listening experiences, assuming you're keeping the Pass would be to go with Aric's preamp.
Backart Labs Rhumba Extreme version 1.4 Linestage Tubed Preamplifier
Looking to upgrade from my current solid state linestage. Many users have recommended the Backart Labs tubed linestage Extreme version. Does anybody currently own this product or have heard this product? The retail price is $8500.00. Would appreciate any comments that could help me make a purchasing decision. Thank you.