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

Narrowing down my tube preamp search as follows:

1. Conrad Johnson-ET-6 SE:  This line stage has no balance control and is not balanced. The retail price is $5900.00. 

2. Backart Labs 1.4 Rhumba Extreme: Has a balance control and is fully balanced. The retail price is $8500.00 

My preferences: Seeking a fully balanced system.  My seating works best when I can control the balance as I do not sit in the "sweet spot". I am looking for an accurate but tube like sound that is lush romantic, especially in the midrange. Has anybody had the opportunity to compare these two line stages? Any advice with regard to which line stage might be preferable.  Thank you. My entire system is listed in my prior thread entitled seeking a tubed preamplifier. My dealer who is truly excellent recommends these 2 line stages. Seeking some guidance as to the pros and cons of each.  

    

 

kjl1065
soix
10,181 posts
 

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. 

kjl1065's avatar
kjl1065 OP
58 posts
 

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.  

sls883
725 posts
 

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

ghdprentice
7,792 posts
 

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. 
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