@dotto81 A friend has a Rhumba Extreme 1.4. He swears by it. The 1.4 might be the most affordable component in his system. He swung by Sunday after visiting a couple of wineries. He knew the Level 3 was installed and he wanted to give a listen.
By the time he arrived I was very impressed with the results. While my system costs a fraction of his I believe it compares favorably. He has been encouraging me to step up to the Rhumba Extreme 1.4 saying that it would be the best investment in my system, even more than a streamer upgrade, which I am considering.
He joined me for a game of pool while we listened. About halfway through he asked me to play A Vivaldi Four Seasons SACD. He sat there for around twenty minutes and said the preamp made all the difference. He felt is was the equivalent of his 1.4. While I thought it was also I know better than to suggest it to him. Now he says the next upgrade I should focus on is a streamer. We agree. He loved the detail, the instrument separation, the improved pacing, and the pleasure of listening to it. While he is not a fan of electrostatic speakers he does like my set up with the dual subwoofers.
I doubt if he will switch over from the 1.4 to the Level 3. I actually think he will find a very expensive preamp to upgrade his system. That is the way he rolls. Otherwise, he is a decent guy.