I have the Rhythm 1.4 and can say that the sound is to my liking. The midrange is very intelligible with vocals and the bass is solid with no muddy reverberation. I have it connected to Sopra Focal 2’s , Aqua Acoustics LaScala DAC, Lumin U1 streamer with upgraded power supply, and McIntosh MC 462 amp. The Backert Labs preamp is worth an audition. Give Andy Tebbe a call and try one out.
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?