Considering a Backert Rhythm 1.4, talk me out of it

Well, as I’m sure you know the Rhumba Extreme gets you a lot of the Rhythm’s performance for $8500.  Another one to consider would be the Atmasphere MP-1 that’s around $10k w/o phono stage.  VAC may also be worth a look, and on the solid state side Constellation gets very favorable reviews but not sure what’s in your price range.  Happy hunting!

I own a Rhythm 1.3.  There is nothing to talk you out of :-)  I'm using mine with a McGary amp and Fleetwood Deville SQs, so a conical horn design.

+1 BACKERT LABS Rhythm 1.3 linestage tube, which I was targeting as my first tube preamp, but recently discovered Mola Mola Makua preamp which has great reviews also and has quality phono stage and DAC options.

My SS pre is Constellation Inspiration.

Get an Aric Audio Motherlode XL preamp for half the cost and enjoy a state of the art preamplifier for literally peanuts. That’s sure as hell what I am doing.

Don't do it!!

I think Backert gives you a 14 day return option.  Check with them to be sure.  Rising prices are killing everybody, so you know what to do about it in the fall.

Go for the new Rhythm 1.4. Get some NOS Mazdas and be mesmerized. Have fun!

Another shout out for MM Makua w onboard Tambaqui.  Maybe more money.

I really appreciate all the input.

The Mola Mola does looks pretty interesting, seems it has also gone up in price by as much as the Rhythm.

I hope to make a final choice in the near future.

-Josh

If you don't mind used, you could put the Backert Rhythm on a watch list at hifishark as they do occasionally come up for sale.  As mentioned previously, the Rhumba Extreme gets very close to the Rhythm performance, and one is currently available used.  If you're handy, you can do as I have done and upgrade the capacitors to V-Caps as used in the Rhythm at half the cost of new, and you're even closer to the Rhythm performance.

I have owned a Rhumba Extreme 1.3 for the past three years and truly enjoy it. That said, based on my experience the op may wish to consider a solid state line stage simply based on the choice of music (and subsequently quality of recording productions). The Backert is very much a "straight line with gain" and will reveal everything good and bad about a recording.

I have the BACKERT LABS Rhythm 1.3 linestage  and recently compared it to a Shindo Partager and preferred the clarity and dynamics of the Rhythm. I also like so much about its design: balanced and SE ins and outs, balance control, HT pass, mono switch. Swiss Army knife!  I just sent it to Backert to have it upgraded towards the 1.4.  They did a lot. On their recommendation, I chose not to update the bottom plate with brass.. They were SO reasonable and accommodating with the upgrade.  Just $600. Where do you find that kind of reasonableness in the audio industry?  Andy was a pleasure to work with.  I recommend that route. I’d say you’ve got nothing to lose!

I ended up ordering a Mark Levinson 523 off the 'Gon. It should be here by the 17th :)

I paid about the same price as the Rhythm 1.3 cost before the price hikes. It was a tough choice, but I feel pretty good about it. Not only did I get what is probably a "better" preamp, I have enough left over to buy a decent TIG welder :)

Thank you all for the input. Even though this did not come up in the discussion, other suggestions led me to this. 

-Josh

Backert is awesome, great support great product, can't ask for much more..I own a ARC preamp and love it but if I ever made a change it would be to the Backert or CJ.

I own a Backert Rhythm 1.4 . It is a perfect fit with my Lumin U1 streamer and Aqua Acoustics LaScala DAC. I believe that they have an audition period where you can listen to one in your home. Give Andy a call and give one a listen.