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Reference line-stage vacuum tube preamplifier • GreenForce™ proprietary power supply with PTFE Teflon® capacitors • dual 12AU7 / ECC82 tube gain stage with easy-access top hatch • fully balanced XLR and single-ended RCA inputs and outputs • motorized remote volume control with home theater bypass • handcrafted in Pennsylvania, USA
The Backert Labs Rhumba 1.4a Preamp delivers breathtaking holographic soundstaging, lightning-fast transient dynamics, and organic midrange bloom in an all-analog reference tube line stage. Re-engineered with Backert Labs’ patented GreenForce power supply topology—which eschews electrolytic storage capacitors in favor of ultra-fast film and PTFE Teflon capacitors—this preamplifier addresses traditional tube sluggishness by supplying virtually instantaneous current to its dual 12AU7 dual-triode gain block. Offering both true balanced XLR and single-ended RCA connectivity, a convenient tool-less top-panel tube access door for effortless tube rolling, precision motorized volume attenuation, and an ultra-low output impedance, it integrates harmoniously with virtually any tube or solid-state power amplifier on the market.
Key Features & Innovations
Patented GreenForce™ Power Supply Topology — the Backert Labs Rhumba 1.4a Preamp eliminates conventional electrolytic reservoir capacitors entirely, substituting high-speed polypropylene and premium PTFE Teflon caps that recharge at microsecond speed to produce visceral, pitch-perfect bass transients and an ink-black background.
Dual 12AU7 / ECC82 Pure Triode Line Stage — employs a minimalist, low-distortion dual-triode amplification topology that imparts natural harmonic texture and three-dimensional stage depth without adding syrupy coloration or blurring micro-detail.
Tool-Free Easy-Access Top Tube Door — features a magnetically secured, slotted aluminum top hatch that allows listeners to change or audition new-old-stock (NOS) and premium vacuum tubes by hand in seconds without disassembling the chassis.
Fully Balanced XLR & Single-Ended Architecture — provides balanced XLR inputs and outputs alongside gold-plated RCA terminals, matched with an ultra-low output impedance (~75 ohms) that permits long interconnect cable runs without high-frequency rolloff.
Motorized Alps Attenuation & Home Theater Bypass — equipped with a smooth motorized analog volume control operated via the included solid aluminum remote, paired with a dedicated unity-gain HT bypass input for effortless integration into surround sound systems.
FAQ — Backert Labs Rhumba 1.4a
What makes the GreenForce power supply in the Backert Labs Rhumba 1.4a Preamp unique?
Unlike standard preamplifiers that rely on slow-releasing electrolytic filter capacitors, the Backert Labs Rhumba 1.4a Preamp utilizes the patented GreenForce active power supply with PTFE Teflon caps, enabling instantaneous power delivery that yields the rhythmic attack of top-tier solid state alongside the harmonic warmth of pure triodes.
Does the Rhumba 1.4a have a built-in phono stage?
No. The Rhumba 1.4a is a dedicated high-performance analog line-stage preamplifier; turntable sources connect via an external outboard phono preamplifier into any of its available RCA or XLR line-level inputs.
Can I roll different vacuum tube types in this preamplifier?
Yes. The circuit is optimized for 12AU7 / ECC82 tubes and compatible 12V dual-triode variants (such as 5814, 5963, and ECC802S), made exceptionally easy thanks to the tool-less top-panel access hatch.
How well does it mate with solid-state power amplifiers?
Exceptionally well. Thanks to an unusually low output impedance of approximately 75 ohms across the audio spectrum, the Rhumba 1.4a can drive solid-state amplifiers with difficult input impedances without bass attenuation or impedance-mismatch issues.
Why Buy From Us
Authorized Backert Labs reference dealer offering 100% factory-authentic electronics with full manufacturer warranty protection
Experienced tube audio specialists available to guide amplifier synergy, tube-rolling options, and cable matching
Dedicated post-purchase technical support for bias monitoring, system burn-in, and home theater bypass setup
Prompt, fully insured priority shipping in heavy-duty reinforced packaging on every order
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