I first met Bob and Gary Backert when I dropped off my JMA Peach 2 off for repair. it was then that I first heard the Rhumba 1.2 . I had brought a few of my favorite tracks with me to try out. I was very impressed by the quick paced, rhythmic sound. I looked at what he was using for components and realized that it was the preamp that I was really hearing.
Over the next month Bob fixed the Peach and some other items that he felt would affect long term reliability so I had him take care of those. I had already decided to audition a Rhumba and wanted the best out of the Peach 2. During that month I had done my research and found that he made 3 different preamps, the Rhumba 1.2 at $3500.00, the Rhumba 1.2 Extreme at $5500.00 and the top of the line Rhythm at $7500.00 . All 3 are of the same basic design. The Rhumba 1.2 does not include the auto bias tube circuit while the other 2 do. All three contain Bob's patented "Green Force" power supply but with 3 different quality levels of film caps. The Extreme is basically a slightly toned down Rhythm in the less complex and therefore less expensive Rhumba chassis.
When I picked the Peach 2 up I advised Bob that I wanted to audition the Rhumba 1.2 but had a list of things from the Extreme that I wanted to incorporate either now or later, Bob advised me it would be more cost effective and less invasive to audition an Extreme, I agreed. I spent the next month running in the Peach and accumulating 3 pair of NOS tubes for the Extreme. I already had 3 different power cords. I wanted this to be a level playing field. In the end I needn't have bothered as it was never much of contest.
I picked up the Extreme on 5/17 intent on spending the next week breaking in the 3 pair of tubes and voicing the 3 power cords.I don't change equipment very much and on top of that if I did make the change it would be the most that I had ever spent on any one component, I wanted to be sure while I was in my 14 day money back window. I had which PC and which tubes figured out by the end of that weekend. I listened to the Extreme all week and the more I listened the more I knew that I would not be returning it. Friday of memorial day weekend rolled around and I had the next 5 days off to listen. The Peach went back in Thurs. night and played all night as it hadn't been used in a week. I played it all day Friday, then the Extreme went back in on Sat. The Peach went back in on Sunday and made it for about 4 hours and DONE. Even with the least favorite PC and tubes the Extreme clearly bested the Peach by a lot, with the preferred PC and tubes it just walked all over it in every aspect plain and simple.
The last bit of top end sparkle and detail that I had been chasing for years is finally mine. Crystal clear and detailed without a hint of grain or brightness. The mids are rich and meaty, beautifully textured and layered. It was the bottom end which really surprised me. It is DEEEEP!!!!! No mush or gray area, think razor sharp, black and white. The sound stage is wide and deep. Performers and instruments are located and placed properly with space around them. The stage extends well outside of the speakers and makes them just disappear . The attack is quick like a shot while the decay is gradual, not the on/off that I was accustomed to. This presents a BIG sound and really makes you feel that you are listening live. The music doesn't sound reproduced it is conveyed. The sound is rhythmic and quick and with wonderful impact. It is ruler flat with no bloat or bloom.
I spent a lot of money on this and feel like I made out like a bandit for the added amount of enjoyment and pleasure that it has afforded me.
I was going to highlight some of the differences between the Rhumba and the Rhumba Extreme but this is already much longer than I had intended and I felt compelled to write it. I can do a follow up post if anyone wishes on what separates the two. For those of you who made it this far I thank you for your time in reading my commentary. Happy listening, Woody
I love the Psvane 12au7. I was determined to try and find a NOS tube I enjoyed more, but the psvane was the only one to give me the level of resolution I was after. My second favorite is the Brimar 12au7 1962 Tall plates. The Brimar Short plates aren't as good but they are close. I also tried Conn RCA cleartops which are great. I rolled a lot of other 12au7 tubes with the Primaluna like Cifte, Tungsram, Telefunken smooth and ribbed plates, many NOS Mullards including F92 Long plates ( my favorite). The Brimar however always seemed to get the most attention.
That was until Andy Tebbe from Backert recommended the Psvane 12au7 and it continues to impress me. I do roll the Brimar and RCA cleartops in from time to time, but nothing has the resolution of the Psvane MK2 12au7.
@kddusing Thank you for sharing your impressions of the Rhumba 1.2 and the Rhumba Extreme. Great to hear how good you are finding it! Keep us posted on any ongoing findings.
I purchased a Backert Rhumba 1.2 the same day I was also fortunte enough to hear the Rhuma Extreme, last September. Combining the Rhumba 1.2 in my system with various amps over the course of the past 5 months, this unit never ceases to amaze me. About this time last year, I was using a Primaluna HP integrated, and soon after decided to give separates another shot. I paired the Backert originally with Merrill Thor Mono blocks, using a Melco N1a server/ Exogal Comet plus dac, and VPI PRIME with Dynavector xx2 mk2 with Paradox Pulse70 Phono. This setup gave me far superior Musicality/ Resolution/ Dynamics and micro detail accuracy vs the Primaluna. A few months later I bought some Paradox amps and compared them head to head with the Merrill Thors, the Backert did an amazing job being transparent while giving me great insight to the differences of these amps. I tried other preamps during this time and they all seemed to color the sound in their own way, especially my prior reference preamp, the Primaluna Dialogue premium.
I do wish to upgrade to the Rhumba Extreme one day, but the base 1.2 never leaves me wanting, unlike the Primaluna. When I heard them side by side, I could obviously hear the giant inside the Extreme, it gives me something to look forward to once the rest of my system is up to the task.
I do recommend people look past the major tube brands and give Backert a serious audition, I know personally I wish I found out about them sooner. The primaluna gear is fantastic but Backert is clearly in another league for refinement and resolution to say the least. This is a sleeping giant of a company for those who are looking for a clear window into the music.
Woody we thank you for the kind words. Your knowledge of our Rhumba 1.2 and the Rhumba 1.2 Extreme - impressive!! One thing: the power supply capacitors for both models are polypropylene. Thank you for your support, -Andy
Thank you, Woody. I may be going this route also. I had considered the Rhumba 1.2 Extreme, but held off since there wasn't any feedback on it by owners or reviewers. Backert came highly recommended. Keep us updated on your impressions and thoughts.
Dave, I did not compare head to head. I can say that when I first heard the base Rhumba 1.2 in Bob's workshop system I was very impressed and that is what got me going on this. I only auditioned the Extreme in my system as by the time I added the "auto bias" circuit, upgraded caps in the "green force" and outputs, and the Edensound terracones to the price of the base model it just made sense to spring for the Extreme. Woody
While repairing and modding tube equipment for years, Bob has developed two mods/circuits, one that he incorporates into all three preamps and the second which is included in the top two versions. The first is the "Green Force" power supply which uses a series of film caps in place of a large group of electrolytic caps, this is patented. I initially had reservations about how it would do on the bottom end, after hearing it I can't believe how much more of a deep and focused bass I have. The second is the "Auto Bias" tube circuit which does what its name implies whether your tubes measure at NOS levels, getting near minimum or anywhere in between. Now to the differences. Rhumba 1.2 MSRP $3500.00 usd #1 - Polystyrene caps in the "Green Force" #2 - REL PPT Theta output caps #3 - J/J 12AU7 tubes #4 - "Auto Bias" circuit NOT included #5 - Polypropylene caps in "Green Force" regulator circuit #6 - Rubber feet #7 - Sound dampening applied inside of top cover and sides as well as the outside of the "Tube Gondola", more on that below. Rhumba 1.2 Extreme MSRP $5500.00 usd #1 - Upgraded polystyrene and Mundorfs in the "Green Force" #2 - Mundorf 2015 MCap Supreme EVO Silver, Gold, Oil outputs #3 - Psvane 12AU7 tubes #4 - "Auto Bias" circuit IS included #5 - Upgraded polypropylene caps in "Green Force" regulator #6 - Four, Edensound "Terracone" footers #7 - Premium Dynamat applied in same manner as #7 above A few final thoughts: #1 - The "Tube Gondola" is accessible via a clear plexiglass cover on the topcover secured with two thumb screws. It is a gondola shaped well with raised sides so none of the innards are visible except the two ceramic sockets and the axle connecting the front mounted input selector knob to the actual switch which is toward the rear which passes through it between the sockets. The Furutech goldplated IEC with integral fuseholder (both models) is on the back panel so any adjustments or changes can be done externally - well thought out and implemented. #2 - Apparently some of the Rhumba 1.1's were slightly noisy and this is no longer an issue as circuits were tweaked, dampening was added as well as strategically placed gasketing (Terracone feet on the Extreme). With the volume turned all the way up and tapping anywhere on the case you hear NOTHING out of the speakers, it is completely quiet. #3 - This is a tube preamp so it's going to be at least warm if not hot right? WRONG, in my 72 f room with my Snap On infrared thermometer it measures 82 f while my Wadia 15i measures 80.5 f and my Genesis Digital Lens is 84.3 f #4 - After spending 2 months with the Extreme I'm completely satisfied with the added performance and enjoyment that it has afforded me. Too often in this hobby you spend a lot to get a little. I spent a lot, got a lot and I'd do it again in a heartbeat. Happy listening, Woody
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I was going to highlight some of the differences between the Rhumba and the Rhumba Extreme but this is already much longer than I had intended and I felt compelled to write it. I can do a follow up post if anyone wishes on what separates the two."
Woody, can you share more about the differences between the base 1.2 and the Extreme?
Woody, I don't know this from experience, but from research, you may prefer a later Amperex 7316 or 12au7. My understanding is that the D getters are more laid back and the later Amperexes have a more lively or vivid sound.
You are welcome as it was a pleasure to write about my experience with Backert Labs and their products, both of which I consider superior in every aspect.
As for the tubes I have 4 different pairs and another on the way. All tested at NOS levels. #1 - 1955 RCA 3 mica black plate D getter 5814A, way too lush. May be good in a bright system but not my thing. #2 - 1959 RFT long plate halo getter mil spec12AU7, it is basically a Phillips/Amperex made in France and sounds like it. Nice tube, does everything well but doesn't distinguish itself. I'm on the fence with this one. #3 - 1952 Raytheon 2 mica, short black plate, D getter, 5814 , This is "The Bomb". Great extension top and bottom. The mids are rich and meaty. Extremely detailed and focused throughout. My only criticism is when driven extremely hard the top end gets a bit grainy but we are talking very, very loud, not where I listen. I liked these so much That I bought another pair from the same batch while I could. #4 - 1958 CBS/Hytron short black plate, 2 mica, D getter 5814. I can see why these are well thought of. A bit more polite than the Raytheons. Better on a bad recording, not as good on a good recording. They are an easier listen but ultimately not as satisfying to me. A definite keeper to me. #5 - ON THE WAY, 1958 Amperex marked Beckman 7316 long plate, D foil getter CT0 ^8L. We will see if all the hype is deserved. Look up Mike Bower on Ebay, extremely knowledgeable and honest on 12AU7, 5814, 6189's
Thank you so much for your write up of the Rhumba 1.2 Extreme. I've always been curious about these preamps. I may have to hear one in my own system. :)
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