Backert Labs Rhumba vs Linear Tube Audio MicroZOTL

Terry London reviewed both a while back and slightly preferred the LTA but it was close, but those have both been upgraded multiple times since then so not really relevant now I think.  One major difference is the later versions of the Rhumba are fully balanced if that matters to you, but the LTA also happens to be an excellent headphone amp so there’s that.  Both tend toward the neutral end of the tube preamp spectrum so probably sound more alike than different.  At the $6k price range I’d be taking a hard look at the Spatial Audio Raven or one of the Aric Audio preamps both of which I’d guess might just be a tad warmer than the Rhumba or LTA, but that’s just a guess.  Hope this helps, and best of luck. 

I can recommend only something I hear at my place with my own electronics, so the Luxman cl-38uC IMO is a great piece, with plenty of useful features that other mentioned preamp's lack. It's a Japanese piece and built like a tank. Soundwise it's unbelievable considering it's price.