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Backert Labs Rhumba preamp

Hello,
I am thinking of going to an active line stage for sometime now. I have a separate thread for that and people have suggested some good choices. The reason for this thread if that, while I have all along said that  don't want tubes in the system, a few have convinced me that I should try tubes in the system, especially with ProAcs.
With that said, I researched a few tube preamps, that have XLR out and the Backert Labs Rhumba is the one that has only 2 tubes, which makes me comfortable to "deal in tubes".

I would like to hear from Backert Labs Rhumba owners who moved from Solid State preamplification to this preamp. What are the differences you heard? Any improvements?

I read a review on the Stevehoffman forum and the user mentioned that there is a "hum" in this preamp. This bothers me and hence I decided to check on this forum, if anyone has experienced this with the Rhumba in their system. One poster on this forum also confirmed the "hiss":
https://forum.audiogon.com/discussions/backert-preamps-any-users

So I was wondering, if there are any users who have recently purchased this preamp and what is their experience with the hum/hiss issue.

BTW, I blame Ralph of Atma-Sphere, Almarg  and my dealer for making me consider tube amps :-) Can't believe I am creating this thread.

Thanks!
128x128milpai

Showing 3 responses by hifiman5

hifiman5's avatar
hifiman5
1,823 posts
 
I know the Backerts having had the good fortune to visit their home a few times to have my gear modified.  All proprietary designs as Bob worked on cj preamps for many years and developed his own board to open up the sound and enhance the dynamic response of the stock unit.  Like all of the finest designers of audio gear, his work emphasized maximizing the design of the power supply circuitry.  He holds patents on his power supply designs prior to launching Backert Labs.

Bob is one of the finest people I have ever associated with in my 40+ years in audio. 

Sorry I can't relate personal experience with the Rhumba but I can unconditionally attest to the character and talents of the designer.
hifiman5's avatar
hifiman5
1,823 posts
 
@philipwu   How would you characterize the sonic difference between the two Backert line stages?
hifiman5's avatar
hifiman5
1,823 posts
 
And how does one acquire an immunity to interconnect cables?  Is it from a consistent exposure to same that you build up a natural resistance to them?  Sheeeesh!🤔😝
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