Backert Labs Rhumba Extreme tube preamp CLOSEOUT SALE

"The Rhumba Extreme arrived and I am enjoying it as I write. It is the most musical preamplifier I’ve ever heard. It is better in every way that matters to me than the __________, three ___________'s, fine preamps as they are, and even better than my ____________, an outstanding preamp that was quite a bit more expensive. If I knew then what I know now I would have skipped all the others and bought a Rhythm, a Rhumba Extreme, and maybe a Rhumba for my 3 main systems." ML, Texas * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * The Rhumba 1.2 Extreme preamp from Backert Labs. Factory new. Made in Pennsylvania. Retail price: $5,500. Now: $4,500. These are the last units remaining of this compelling, live-sounding phase correct tube preamplifier. XLR input and output are fully balanced and utilize the unstoppable Neutrik connectors. This line stage uses radically new technology designed by amplification veteran Bob Backert. Two 12au7 tubes, a beautiful remote volume control, and just 75 ohms output impedance makes the Rhumba Extreme mate perfectly with any power amp. The Extreme is essentially our $8,995 Rhythm 1.2 preamp placed into the less expensive chassis of the Rhumba 1.2. The Rhumba Extreme is an upgrade over the incredible Rhumba 1.2 in several ways: 1. The Extreme includes our proprietary automatic and continuous tube biasing, a pioneering technology developed by Backert Labs -- makes every tube you use in the Rhumba Extreme sound its very best 2. Premium Mullard tubes, for maximum spaciousness (see comment below) even smoother highs and just a touch of beautiful warmth 3. Premium TerraCone feet, from edenSound (retail for $95 per foot) 4. "Best of the best" output capacitors from Mundorf - their latest and most advanced 5. Upgraded polypropylene capacitors driving the power supply From a recent Audiogon thread called "What preamp creates the largest soundstage?" -- "I just added the $6,000 Backert Labs Rhumba 1.3 Extreme to my system. And I have to say it is the most profound change I have heard in the last 10 years with any new component in my system.... The sound is not just detailed but immersive with texture that is hard to find outside of a live performance. From the bass attack to the the texture in the mid range. I have not felt this passionate about a component in a really long time It is simply the best preamp I have heard under $25,000." The Rhumba Extreme features a silver front plate and black body color. For $200 more we offer stunning red and blue body color options. As with the standard Rhumba, the Rhumba Extreme propels dynamic, rhythmic, huge, clean and beautiful tubed sound from your speakers. Sound quality far above its price. The primary improvement in sound quality that you will experience with the Rhumba Extreme over the Rhumba is additional resolution and scale in the midrange frequencies. The Extreme's tube access door gives you instant access for changing tubes, no tools required. Under the door, the protective enclosure around the tubes prevents young fingers from accessing the circuit board. -Phase correct -Remote volume control - a stunning, heavy, beautiful handset -IN: Three RCA inputs, one fully-balanced XLR input -OUT: Two RCA outputs, one fully-balanced XLR output -REC OUT for connecting to headphone amps or CD burners -Home Theater bypass -Mute switch -Balance control -75 ohms output impedance allows mating with any power amp Full refund of your purchase price if you are not satisfied within 14 days. Questions? You can just write to us here. You'll hear back from our President, Andy Tebbe. We are very proud of what we have achieved with the the Rhumba Extreme. We can't wait for you to hear what it does for your system.