{"product_id":"backert-labs-rhumba-1-4a-audiophile-stereo-tube-preamp","title":"Backert Labs Rhumba 1.4a Audiophile Stereo Tube Preamp","description":"\u003c!-- ======================================================\n     Backert Labs Rhumba 1.4a Preamp — AL (bh-*) HTML\n     Two-Column Layout (Overview left \/ Specifications right)\n     Long-tail keyword used 5×: “Backert Labs Rhumba 1.4a Preamp”\n     ====================================================== --\u003e\n\u003cstyle\u003e\n  .bh-wrap{max-width:1100px;margin:0 auto;padding:1rem 1.25rem;line-height:1.6}\n  .bh-title{font-size:3rem;margin:.25rem 0 1rem}\n  .bh-sub{font-style:italic;margin:0 0 1.25rem}\n  .bh-grid{display:grid;gap:1.25rem}\n  @media(min-width:900px){.bh-grid{grid-template-columns:1.3fr .7fr;align-items:start}}\n  .bh-section{margin:2rem 0}\n  .bh-section h2{margin-top:0}\n  .bh-bullets{list-style:disc;padding-left:1.25rem;margin:.5rem 0 0}\n  .bh-specs{width:100%;border-collapse:collapse}\n  .bh-specs th,.bh-specs td{border:1px solid #e5e7eb;padding:.65rem;vertical-align:top}\n  .bh-specs th{width:42%;background:#f8fafc;text-align:left}\n  .bh-badge{display:inline-block;border:1px solid #e5e7eb;border-radius:999px;padding:.2rem .6rem;margin:.15rem .3rem 0 0;font-size:.85rem}\n  .bh-badges{margin-top:.5rem}\n  .bh-faq details{border:1px solid #e5e7eb;border-radius:.5rem;padding:.75rem 1rem;margin:.5rem 0;background:#fafafa}\n  .bh-faq summary{font-weight:600;cursor:pointer}\n  .bh-note{font-size:.95rem;opacity:.9}\n  .bh-condition{display:inline-block;border:1px solid #e5e7eb;border-radius:999px;padding:.3rem .75rem;margin:.5rem 0 0;font-size:.85rem}\n\u003c\/style\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"bh-wrap\" itemscope=\"\" itemtype=\"https:\/\/schema.org\/Product\"\u003e\n\u003ch1 class=\"bh-title\" itemprop=\"name\"\u003eBackert Labs Rhumba 1.4a Preamp\u003c\/h1\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"bh-sub\"\u003eReference 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\u003c\/p\u003e\nThe \u003cstrong\u003eBackert Labs Rhumba 1.4a Preamp\u003c\/strong\u003e 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.\n\u003cdiv class=\"bh-grid\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003csection id=\"features-and-tech\" class=\"bh-section\"\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eKey Features \u0026amp; Innovations\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cul class=\"bh-bullets\"\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003ePatented GreenForce™ Power Supply Topology\u003c\/strong\u003e — the \u003cstrong\u003eBackert Labs Rhumba 1.4a Preamp\u003c\/strong\u003e 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.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eDual 12AU7 \/ ECC82 Pure Triode Line Stage\u003c\/strong\u003e — 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.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eTool-Free Easy-Access Top Tube Door\u003c\/strong\u003e — 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.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eFully Balanced XLR \u0026amp; Single-Ended Architecture\u003c\/strong\u003e — 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.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eMotorized Alps Attenuation \u0026amp; Home Theater Bypass\u003c\/strong\u003e — 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.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003c\/section\u003e\n\u003csection id=\"faq\" class=\"bh-section bh-faq\"\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eFAQ — Backert Labs Rhumba 1.4a\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cdetails\u003e\n\u003csummary\u003eWhat makes the GreenForce power supply in the Backert Labs Rhumba 1.4a Preamp unique?\u003c\/summary\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eUnlike standard preamplifiers that rely on slow-releasing electrolytic filter capacitors, the \u003cstrong\u003eBackert Labs Rhumba 1.4a Preamp\u003c\/strong\u003e 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/details\u003e\n\u003cdetails\u003e\n\u003csummary\u003eDoes the Rhumba 1.4a have a built-in phono stage?\u003c\/summary\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNo. 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/details\u003e\n\u003cdetails\u003e\n\u003csummary\u003eCan I roll different vacuum tube types in this preamplifier?\u003c\/summary\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eYes. 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/details\u003e\n\u003cdetails\u003e\n\u003csummary\u003eHow well does it mate with solid-state power amplifiers?\u003c\/summary\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eExceptionally 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/details\u003e\n\u003c\/section\u003e\n\u003csection id=\"why-buy\" class=\"bh-section\"\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eWhy Buy From Us\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cul class=\"bh-bullets\"\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eAuthorized Backert Labs reference dealer offering 100% factory-authentic electronics with full manufacturer warranty protection\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eExperienced tube audio specialists available to guide amplifier synergy, tube-rolling options, and cable matching\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eDedicated post-purchase technical support for bias monitoring, system burn-in, and home theater bypass setup\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePrompt, fully insured priority shipping in heavy-duty reinforced packaging on every order\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003c\/section\u003e\n\u003csection id=\"related\" class=\"bh-section\"\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eRelated \u0026amp; System Matches\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cul class=\"bh-bullets\"\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eParasound Halo JC 5 or Parasound JCM250 high-current power amplifiers\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eRogue Audio stereo and monoblock vacuum tube power amplifiers\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eBenchmark DAC3 L and HiFi Rose RS130 reference digital audio transports\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eAudioQuest balanced XLR interconnects and high-purity AC power cables\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003c\/section\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c!-- RIGHT COLUMN --\u003e\n\u003caside\u003e\n\u003csection id=\"specs\" class=\"bh-section\"\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eRhumba 1.4a Specs\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003ctable class=\"bh-specs\"\u003e\n\u003ctbody\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eProduct Type\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eVacuum Tube Line-Stage Preamplifier\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eTube Complement\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e2x 12AU7 \/ ECC82 Dual Triodes (Factory Tested \u0026amp; Matched)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003ePower Supply Design\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003ePatented GreenForce™ Power Supply with PTFE Teflon® Capacitors\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eFrequency Response\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e1.5 Hz – 320,000 Hz (+0 dB, -3 dB)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eGain\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e9 dB or 11 dB (Internally Configurable)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eTotal Harmonic Distortion (THD)\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u0026lt; 0.05% at 2V Output\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eSignal-to-Noise Ratio\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u0026gt; 98 dB (A-weighted, ref. 2V out)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eOutput Impedance\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eApprox. 75 Ohms (Balanced XLR and Unbalanced RCA)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eAnalog Inputs\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e3x Line RCA, 1x Balanced XLR, 1x Home Theater Bypass (RCA)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eAnalog Outputs\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e2x Line RCA Pre-Out, 1x Balanced XLR Pre-Out\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eVolume Attenuator\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eMotorized Precision Alps Analog Potentiometer\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eChassis Top Door\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eSlotted Magnetic Easy-Access Tube Access Hatch\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eFinish Options\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eBrushed Black Anodized Faceplate or Natural Silver Aluminum\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eDimensions (W x H x D)\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e17.0\" x 4.5\" x 12.0\" (432 x 114 x 305 mm) including knobs \u0026amp; jacks\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eNet Weight\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e17.0 lbs (7.7 kg)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/tbody\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"bh-note\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/section\u003e\n\u003csection id=\"whats-in-the-box\" class=\"bh-section\"\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eWhat’s in the Box\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cul class=\"bh-bullets\"\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eBackert Labs Rhumba 1.4a Preamp chassis\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eFactory-tested, matched pair of 12AU7 vacuum tubes\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSolid aluminum handheld infrared remote control\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eHeavy-duty detachable IEC AC power cord\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eOwner's manual and factory warranty certificate\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003c\/section\u003e\n\u003c!-- No purchase\/CTA section --\u003e\u003c\/aside\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cmeta itemprop=\"brand\" content=\"Backert Labs\"\u003e \u003cmeta itemprop=\"category\" content=\"Preamplifiers, Tube Preamplifiers, Line Stage Preamps, High-End Audio Electronics\"\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Backert Labs","offers":[{"title":"Silver \/ Black","offer_id":54662519456110,"sku":"BACRHUMBA14aSLVBLK","price":5800.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"Silver \/ Red","offer_id":54662519488878,"sku":"BACRHUMBA14aSLVRED","price":6100.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"Silver \/ Blue","offer_id":54662519521646,"sku":"BACRHUMBA14aSLVBLU","price":6100.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"Black \/ Black","offer_id":54662519554414,"sku":"BACRHUMBA14aBLKBLK","price":5800.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"Black \/ Red","offer_id":54662519587182,"sku":"BACRHUMBA14aBLKRED","price":6100.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"Black \/ Blue","offer_id":54662519619950,"sku":"BACRHUMBA14aBLKBLU","price":6100.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0583\/1537\/4703\/files\/backert-labs-rhumba-1-4-preamp7.webp?v=1784915208","url":"https:\/\/audiolab.com\/products\/backert-labs-rhumba-1-4a-audiophile-stereo-tube-preamp","provider":"Audiolab","version":"1.0","type":"link"}