Backart Labs Rhumba Extreme version 1.4 Linestage Tubed Preamplifier

Looks like a well thought out design.  Two quick things, 1) you have to like the 12au7 tube sound and 2) the toroidal transformer does not always equal the best sound but they are very good indeed.

We manufacturer a 6SN7 preamp for around the same price as the extreme but we use the best parts that we have heard (our opinion & experience) and we are point-to-point wired.

For those who recommended the Quickie - it is very good for the price but does not compare if you are looking for the best sonics.

Happy Listening. 

@traubr , I went through two years of major annoyance switching components to get rid of brightness/harshness, then on a lark, I replaced my 30 year-old power conditioner and mish mash of power cords with modern stuff (Kubala-Sosna in my case.)

I realized it had never been my components at all, just dirty power.  I can put a cheap 25 year old Sony receiver in my system now and it sounds sweet and musical.

Get off the component change train.  It never ends because components usually are not the problem, IMHO.

@njcardave , sent you a PM re: your setup. Thanks,

Robert

@dougthebiker , didn't want to hijack the preamp discussion so sent you a PM on the clean power issue you commented on.

Robert

I’ve actually been hesitating between a Rhythm Extreme 1.4 and an Aric Motherlode XL. I have a Passlabs amp. Has anyone hsd the chance to compare those two preamps?