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

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.