There's a Backert Labs Rhumba Extreme right now on audiomart and you already have 12AU7 tubes. I doubt that it will be available very long. That's what I have. If you ever wanted to upgrade to a higher level, you could upgrade the caps to VH Audio V-caps and get really close to the Backert Labs Rhythm.
Seeking a Tube preamplifier
I currently have the following system:
- 1. Martin Logan 11A Impression Loudspeakers (hybrid electrostatic)
- 2. Bryston 4B3 Cubed power amplifier 300 into 8 and 500 into 4
- 3. Bryston Bp-19 preamp recently purchased
- 4. Rogue Audio RP-1 tubed preamp backup for BP-19 preamp
- 5. Weiss Dac 204 with Modwright Linear Power Supply
- 6. Lumin U2 mini streamer with S Booster linear power supply
- 7. SVS Pair of SB-4000 subs.
I like the Bp-19 preamp. The sound is refined, detailed and clear but it is missing some of what a tubed preamp delivers. I switched to my backup preamp which is a tubed Rogue Audio RP-1 entry level and noticed that is wasn't as resolving or crystal clear as the Bryston BP-19, but I noticed that a vocalist projected air, depth and a richness that I did not find on my solid state preamp. On a track with a guitar there was a bloom and decay that I didn't notice on the solid state. Now I was thinking what about a tubed preamp that delivers both the positives of a solid state and tubed preamp? My maximum budget new only is $7500.00. Only need a linestage as phono is not required. In any case, I started looking at the entry level Conrad Johnson ET6SE, but confirmed with manufacturer this morning that there is no way to control the balance on their entry level product. I am disappointed, but my seating requires the ability to control the balance. I was also looking at the Rogue Audio RP-9, but their product uses a 6H30 tube which may be difficult to obtain in the future. Any suggestions or thoughts would be appreciated. Thank you.
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Without even a second thought having 4 decades in audio the Linear Tube Audio Micro Z-OTL latest version 3 preamplifier is exceptional on many levels giving you upto 4 Vacuum tube options ,3 separate gain settings , 1% resistor ladder relay volume with adjustments down to .5 db up to 100 top quality parts throughout $5800- $6610 well worth checking out and made in U.S.A 30 day audition and 3 year transferrable warranty ! |
Over the course of 55+ years I have tried many tube preamps but curiously enough not ARC, which has a long time stellar reputation. However within my budget my current VTL 550i is the best I have owned. I upgraded from the VTL 2.5i, which if you have a more limited budget gets you to about 90% of the performance of the 5.5i at a much lower cost and both have balance controls. In terms of bang for buck the 2.5i is the value buy. |
Sounds like you wanna keep the detail of the Bryston but just want a little more meat on the bones and maybe a little tube magic? For that in your price range I’d look at the Atmasphere MP3, LTA MicroZOTL, and Backert Labs Rhumba. All are nicely detailed for tube preamps, have balance control, and all but the LTA are fully balanced if that’s a concern. Just some ideas, and best of luck. |
Yes , I’d upgrade too. Going from the RP-1 will be a big step up in performance. The higher quality pre’s with balanced in/out will put you on an entirely different level. As far as tubes it’s personal taste. FWIT Rogue has always recommended Mullards. I’ve tried Mullard , RCA, and Telefunkens plus a half dozen in between. My RP-1 has moved to my second system. You are definitely on the right path. Whatever you choose I’m sure will be nice. It’s unfortunate if you’re like me and live in an area that lacks stores. The gentleman above ( Ralph ) is an absolute master in this arena, and you definitely want to consider his gear. |
@kjl1065 Since your amp has balanced inputs you might consider a preamp that has balanced outputs. The advantage of going that route is, if the balanced line standard (known as AES48) is supported by the preamp (many high end audio balanced preamps do not, FWIW) then you get less artifact from the interconnect cables. If you've ever auditioned cables side by side and heard a difference, that's what I'm talking about. So if you're inquiring about such a preamp its a good idea to ask the manufacturer about this. There are balanced tube line stage preamps available well within your budget. |
You have gear that is above your RP-1, so that’s an issue. I am curious as I have an RP-1, have you changed the two 12AU7’s ? A nice pair of Tekefunkens will make a huge improvement. I also recently acquired a mint condition Hera. The Russian Super Tube’s are pretty much unobtainable, but EH gold pin and Sovtek are easy to source. Look up @mulveling on this site, he’s very knowledgeable on Rogue and gives very sound advise. Rogue’s support is first rate as I just had my amps upgraded to Dark status during a repair. My friend has better gear and more money than I and he progressed from Rogue, to Bryston , and now McIntosh. If I had the Cubed like you, I’d consider the Hera , Cary , and definitely the Zesto. Upscale has the Leto 1.5 on sale for $6K , give them a ring. Happy Hunting, Mike B. |
First question, a preamplifier or line stage? If no vinyl inputs then I'm guessing a line stage is all you need. I've gone through a fair list of both preamps and line stages and settled on a Sachs Model 2. But Don no longer builds those so now available with upgrades from Spatial Audio with their Raven model. I think it would be a mistake not to check that out. |