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Backert Labs Rhumba preamp

Hello,
I am thinking of going to an active line stage for sometime now. I have a separate thread for that and people have suggested some good choices. The reason for this thread if that, while I have all along said that  don't want tubes in the system, a few have convinced me that I should try tubes in the system, especially with ProAcs.
With that said, I researched a few tube preamps, that have XLR out and the Backert Labs Rhumba is the one that has only 2 tubes, which makes me comfortable to "deal in tubes".

I would like to hear from Backert Labs Rhumba owners who moved from Solid State preamplification to this preamp. What are the differences you heard? Any improvements?

I read a review on the Stevehoffman forum and the user mentioned that there is a "hum" in this preamp. This bothers me and hence I decided to check on this forum, if anyone has experienced this with the Rhumba in their system. One poster on this forum also confirmed the "hiss":
https://forum.audiogon.com/discussions/backert-preamps-any-users

So I was wondering, if there are any users who have recently purchased this preamp and what is their experience with the hum/hiss issue.

BTW, I blame Ralph of Atma-Sphere, Almarg  and my dealer for making me consider tube amps :-) Can't believe I am creating this thread.

Thanks!
128x128milpai

Showing 5 responses by philipwu

philipwu
214 posts
 
@milpai  
hi, 
as a Backert Labs Rhythm user myself, i can highly recommend their fantastic linestage. i upgraded from Rhumba to Rhythm . From experience, the simpler the design the less problem you encounter from it, and the more easier to solve if any. It also doesn't necessarily mean a balanced connection or a fully balanced design circuit (i.e MP-3) will give you lower noise or have any advantage over single ended design. Fully balance design circuit will also susceptible to hum problems too.
 i'm being a BL user for 2.5 years and quite familiar with their pre. so if you need any advice about Backert Labs pre, feel free to ask .
-philip 
philipwu
214 posts
 
@milpai  @hifiman5   
the version i upgraded from isn't all that important, simply because v1.2 is better than v1.1  
If you are asking ,for example whether Rhythm v1.1 is better than its cheaper and latest Rhumba Extreme v1.2, that i have no answer as i didn't A/B audition it before. 
What i hear is an overall enhancement by about 10-20% in every sonic attributes, going from Rhumba to Rhythm. i.e sound stage, clarity, dynamics, palpability, airyness, details, transparency and speed too. i'm not good in describing the sonics but it's definitely noticeable improvement.  
Another good thing is Backert Labs preamp are responsive to tube rolling, even though i don't like the addition cost involve with NOS tubes $$$
you may wish to discuss more in depth with Andy about new enhancement in the later versions. 
thanks all
-phil 
philipwu
214 posts
 
@atmasphere ,
with due respect and i do mean it as your preamps are a true technological marvel, not to mention its excellent sonic that many people are enjoying the transparency and speed out of tubes in your pre.
however, my encounter with preamp MP-1 is otherwise. In exactly the same setting, all variables are fixed and nothing changed (ie. interconnects, power etc..), i get hum from MP-1 , but i don’t experience hum after i swap to single ended pre. At a friend place, the same MP-1 preamp function just as great. 
i understand it could be something faulty (i’m unable to find the cause of it) at my place but i didn’t experience the benefit of balanced design preamp as compare to single ended pre at my place. so i came to understand that balanced equipment doesn’t guarantee a better sound, irregardless if the improvement in sonic is audible or not.
i don’t wish to risk a debate here and i’m only expressing my opinion with balanced designed vs single ended audio gear.
all the best,
-p
philipwu
214 posts
 
hi, 
have anyone upgrade from a Rhythm 1.2 to Rhythm 1.3 ? may i ask what are the main difference you heard? Thanks, 
-Ph
philipwu
214 posts
 
@chilehed 
hi, yes. i would appreciate your help if you like to share your experience with your new 1.3 Extreme. What are the new improvements that you notice? how long have you been burning in this new preamp ? Thank you for any info. 
regards,
-ph
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