New preamplifier - Backert Rhumba Extreme, Aesthetix Calypso Signature, Ayre KX5 Twenty

if I recall correctly if you make any volume adjustments while watching a “movie”  the entire system does not stay “in sync”.

@dotto81 IIRC the volume of the home theater processor is controlled by a remote. It feeds that signal to the preamp. If you have a home theater bypass, that is simply a preset volume setting which is usually unity gain in the preamp, thus allowing the remote to have full control. So that's no different if you were to simply use a known volume control setting on the preamp- its literally the same thing. 

Based on your personal listening preferences or style of music you like or listen to most frequently, you may choose to go with a sonic signature that provides the sound you prefer. 

Hopefully the preamp isn't coloring the sound! But the things that make a preamp good for rock will also make it good for classical or jazz, since the same bandwidth is required. Quite literally there's never been an electronic device ever built that favors one music genre over another!

I went from a Rogue RP-7 to a PS Audio BHK Signature to a Backert Rhumba Extreme and the Extreme was excellent, outclassing the others.  I have no experience with the other preamps you are comparing to, and agree that a digital readout of volume would be helpful.  The Extreme has a blue LED on the volume dial that indicates the position, easily visible from across the room; something better than nothing…  You are also dealing with a small, boutique shop and they are readily accessible to answer questions.

Robert

My system is used more for home theatre than stereo listening, and a HT bypass is critical for my preamp.  The Backert's HT bypass works with the power OFF.  The others I had required the power on, slowly eating away at tube life.

Robert

I have the quarto CT’s and just purchased an aesthetix atlas amp and the rogue rp7. What a combo. Makes the speakers all I knew they could be. So I like Rogue and Aesthetix in the mix.  

I have an all Ayre system....VPI....Winfield Cart.....  Vandersteens.  .smiles