@panerai557 - I have the LTA preamp level 2 and love it. I have been recently become curious about how different tubes would influence its sound. Did you end up tube rolling the LTA at all? If so, mind sharing your results and recommendations?
Backert Labs Rhumba 1.3 vs Extreme
I am looking for a new preamp. I was curious about the preamp from Backert Labs. I saw some good reviews on them and they peaked my interest. My experience with tubes are limited, but I do have tube headphone amp- McIntosh MHA200. When listening to headphones, I always come back to MHA200 over SS amp. So I know I like tube sounds. Long ago I had Schiit Freya which was the only tube pre I had. I do not like veiled and thick sound sometimes I hear from tube gear. I prefer clarity / open / spacious sound with a hint of softness. I think the Rhumba can deliver the sound I am looking for, but just wondering if anyone has experienced the two models and share extra money on the extreme version is well justified. I will be hooking up the pre with Pass X250.8. Also I'd appreciate if you can comment on quietness of the preamp. Do you hear any noise when no music is playing?