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From our PA Showroom
From our PA Showroom
Built To Order: Expected to Ship In 2-3 Weeks
Built To Order / Special Order: Expected to Ship In 2-3 Weeks
Built To Order / Special Order: Expected to Ship In 2-3 Weeks
Built To Order: Expected to Ship In 2-3 Weeks
Built To Order / Special Order: Expected to Ship In 2-3 Weeks
Built To Order / Special Order: Expected to Ship In 2-3 Weeks
Class A Tube Linestage • New 1.4a Pure Silver Wiring • New Chassis Ground Technology • Revised Circuit Board Layouts • Patented GreenForce Power Supply • Fully Balanced XLR Connectivity • Two 12AU7-Family Tubes • Zero Negative Feedback • Hand-Built in Pennsylvania
The Backert Labs Rhumba 1.4a Preamp is the newest evolution of Backert Labs' acclaimed Rhumba linestage, combining the company's patented GreenForce power supply with a pure Class A, zero-negative-feedback tube signal path. Building on the Rhumba 1.4 platform, the new 1.4a introduces pure silver wire in select areas, revised chassis-ground technology and redesigned circuit-board layouts intended to further improve clarity, texture and stereo imaging.
Two 12AU7-family tubes provide the gain, while fully balanced XLR and single-ended RCA connections make the Rhumba 1.4a easy to integrate with a wide range of high-end source components and power amplifiers. Home Theater Bypass, REC OUT, balance control, mono/stereo operation, remote volume and mute, a top-mounted acrylic tube-access door and a custom toroidal transformer make it a highly versatile linestage without compromising Backert Labs' focus on simple, high-performance analog circuitry.
The 1.4a Evolution — The Backert Labs Rhumba 1.4a Preamp retains the core architecture of the Rhumba 1.4 while adding three specific revisions: pure silver wire in selected areas, new chassis-ground technology and new circuit-board layouts. Backert Labs developed these changes to improve clarity, texture and imaging rather than fundamentally change the Rhumba's established circuit philosophy.
GreenForce Power Supply — Backert Labs' patented GreenForce design actively delivers power to the amplification circuit and allows the use of premium polypropylene capacitors in the supply. The design is intended to respond rapidly to changes in musical demand and preserve timing, dynamics and transient accuracy.
Class A Dynamic Linearity Gain Stage — Two 12AU7 or equivalent tubes operate in Backert Labs' proprietary Class A gain circuit with no global or local negative feedback. The circuit is designed for low distortion, strong dynamic expression and low output impedance, allowing the Rhumba to partner effectively with tube or solid-state power amplifiers.
Automatic Tube Bias & Easy Tube Access — Backert Labs automatically and continuously adjusts tube bias, simplifying long-term ownership and helping compatible replacement tubes operate under appropriate conditions. The removable acrylic top door provides direct access to both tubes without removing the chassis cover.
The 1.4a adds pure silver wire in select areas for improved clarity and texture, new chassis-ground technology, and redesigned circuit-board layouts intended to improve imaging.
Yes. This Backert Labs Rhumba 1.4a Preamp is built to order. Typical lead time is approximately 10–14 business days before shipment.
The Rhumba 1.4a uses two 12AU7 or equivalent tubes. Backert Labs' automatic bias system helps maintain the proper operating conditions for the installed tubes.
Yes. Its dedicated RCA Home Theater Bypass input can pass the front-channel signal from a compatible surround processor or A/V receiver without requiring the Rhumba to be powered on.
Power amplifier, source components, interconnect cables, loudspeakers and other system components are sold separately.
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