Narrowing line stage search Conrad Johnson ET-6 SE VS. Backart Labs 1.4 Rhuma Extreme

If I was you I’d do a trial of the Spatial Audio Raven that goes for $6395 and that’s fully balanced and I believe has a balance control (on the remote) but not 100% sure on that.  I’ve never read a review of a Backert pre that described it as lush in the mids, but it’s obviously an excellent preamp nonetheless.  My impression from reading reviews is the Raven will have warmer, fuller mids, which is why I’m recommending trying it, and that it’s over $2k cheaper is not insignificant.  Just another potential option FWIW, and best of luck. 

Appreciate your response but I have narrowed to 2 specific line stages. My rationale is that my dealer has always gone over and above to work with me. If there is an issue with a component he will be there to help as well as to personally ship it back to the manufacturer for repair. Unwilling to purchase from anybody but my current local dealer. You might be right, what you recommend may sound better. But my dealer takes into account the synergy between my components, and iin short he has earned my loyalty.  

You seem to have faith in your dealer. What do they recommend? 

These are two very different sounding units. I would unhesitatingly choose the Conrad Johnson. Musical sound is what I want... and that is what you get with Conrad Johnson. Details in proportion to real music with good midrange bloom. I would not worry about single ended vs balanced. I have used both extensively... it is the sound of the component that is critical, far more than the connection type. Also, single ended high end audio interconnects can be much cheaper... especially used. Here also,  the interconnect sound quality it generally more important than the connection type.

I ran an AI comparison. To me the description of the Backart is of a sparkly "high end" sounding, unmusical preamp. But it is your tastes that you must satisfy. 

The Conrad-Johnson ET-6 SE is known for its warm, tube-like sound signature with a hint of neutrality, while the Backert Labs 1.4 Rhumba Extreme is praised for its dynamic and punchy sound, with a focus on clarity and transparency. 

Here’s a more detailed comparison:

• Conrad-Johnson ET-6 SE:

  • Sound Signature: Warm, tube-like sound with a hint of neutrality. 
  • Tone Control: Features a cool tone control for system tuning. 
  • Soundstage: Holographic with great bass and dynamics. 
  • Overall: Known for its ability to create a natural and engaging listening experience. 

• Backert Labs 1.4 Rhumba Extreme:

  • Sound Signature: Dynamic and punchy with a focus on clarity and transparency. 
  • Dynamics: Known for its ability to reproduce a wide dynamic range. 
  • Overall: Favored for its ability to deliver a clean and detailed sound, with a strong emphasis on impact and precision. 

I haven’t heard the ET6 SE, but if I’m not mistaken, the current models don’t have the sound signature of the older c-j models.  It uses a single 6922 tube.  I’m not saying it’s bad, just different. 

Before my LTA preamp, I had a PV-14L and a Premier 17LS2. The 17LS2 had an issue and I opted to return it versus messing with getting it fixed. 

Attention @soix and others

" Has anybody had the opportunity to compare these two line stages? "

Read the question that the OP asked!

You really can’t go wrong with CJ. If you’re interested in specific information about the ET6SE, I would visit the conradjohnsonowners.com group. Obviously, this group is dedicated to CJ. There are a number of extremely knowledgeable people that will provide candid feedback and advice. 

" Has anybody had the opportunity to compare these two line stages? "Read the question that the OP asked!

@yogiboy  I absolutely did read the question.  The CJ doesn’t offer balanced connections nor a balance control both of which he said he wanted, and the Backert likely doesn’t provide the midrange characteristics the OP said he’s looking for (as others have also mentioned) so I recommended something I thought would provide everything he’s looking for.  OMG shoot me! 🙄  He initially did not explicitly say he wasn’t open to other suggestions so recommending something that could be a better all-around solution seemed perfectly appropriate, and the OP even mentioned he appreciated my recommendation and admitted it could be a better option.  If he said upfront he didn’t want any other recommendations I would not have recommended anything else, but regardless I answered the question with only the best of intentions and that may still prove to be helpful if the current options don’t work out, but all that aside I don’t think he needs you to be his mommy here anyway.

@soix

Have you compared those two line stage preamps that the OP is asking about? Like I said, read his post.

Gentlemen:

Why do I see individuals verbally fighting with each other. This site should not be contentious. If the OP asks a question, some answers are on point and others are not. So what, we all do the best we can. Remember, this hobby is supposed to be fun. I am thrilled there are other people that share the enjoyment of music and the equipment we desire to bring music into our homes.  I truly appreciate people taking the time to respond to me. I also read the forums as I learn from others about what works and doesn't work for them and why.  Again, I thank all the members that have provided their advice on this site. It has been fun and a learning experience. 

My buddy has  the Backert Rhumba. That is the reason I suggested Backert in your other post. It includes all the features that you are looking for. You are lucky to have a dealer that has both brands. Best of luck with your choice!

Have you compared those two line stage preamps that the OP is asking about?

@yogiboy  No, have you compared those two specific preamps?  Very few if any have and sounds like you’ve only heard the base Rhumba, which by your reasoning wouldn’t qualify you to chime in here either since you haven’t compared either of the preamps he’s asking about.  Regardless, I posted something I thought the OP would find helpful, which is what we do here and didn’t warrant your response in the least.  

@kjl1065 

I replaced a Benchmark LA4 preamp in January. As I was searching for a new preamp I heard the ET6 SE at a dealer, but was not impressed and eliminated it early in my search. I wanted more detail.

The 1.4 Rhumba Extreme was recommended, but I could not get to a location where I could listen to it. It seemed to have the detail I appreciated in the LA4 while providing an improved soundstage. I decided to go with the LTA MicroZOTL Level 2 which compares favorably with the Rhumba but at a much lower price. They just released the Level 3 upgrade at a similar price to the Level 2.

So much depends on the rest of your system. It sounds like you have a great relationship with your local dealer. Perhaps you could bring both home for a test drive in your system and keep the one you prefer?

It sounds like you have a great relationship with your local dealer. Perhaps you could bring both home for a test drive in your system and keep the one you prefer?

+1 on this recommendation, especially your dealer carries both these brands and can appreciate that these are not cheap components that you are going to invest in. The question though is - is the dealer local to you? If not, still he might be able to help, but you might have to pay the shipping charges?

@kjl1065 ,

I forgot to mention that from my personal experience (since 2018) and all the reviews I have read, the Rhumba does not sound tube-like, if that is what you are looking for. Hope this is another bit of information that helps you make a decision.

I have a Rhumba 1.3+ (internally upgraded by Beckert) and this is not your father's tube amp. It is a fabulous preamp but in no way is it lush or romantic as you desire. I can't image that if you went further up the Beckert line they would fundamental change their character.  Like you, I appreciate a balance control. You may want to expand your search.