Backert Rhumba 1.2 vs Cary SLP-98

first off, I'm not an audiophile, but a hi-fi enthusiast ... here's my experience

I've had the SLP-98 Cary for a few years and I am totally happy with her, with the single exception of zero XLR connections. When a local offer of a Rhumba 1.2 came available, I couldn't resist the temptation. This offer was about 6 weeks ago, LONG AFTER the CP demo of the first iteration, which I somehow missed.

The Rhumba 1.2 (Not the Extreme) sports these updates over the original version.
From Backert:
- Enhanced “all GreenForce” power supply – increases access to pure AC from the wall outlet, giving the Rhumba 1.2 even more rhythm and dynamics
- Improved power supply regulator
- Premium Jensen transformers
- More massive front plate
- Additional chassis damping throughout
- New Silk II circuit in gain stage and regulator for better dynamics, more sweet and open sound
- Ceramic tube sockets
- Phase correct
- Enhanced gold IEC inlet from Furutech
- Enhanced circuit board: double the copper

- Red/blue cover options, $100

Mine arrived in basic black

This pre is solid and competes respectably with the Cary. However, Cary dominates wrt musicality and rhythm, as I kind of expected it to.
Don't get me wrong, the Rhumba is musical, with rhythm, it's just that Cary has more of it. Which I like a lot.
The Cary rules in the lower frequencies, too. That, I was't anticipating.

I received the Rhumba with late model Telefunkens and sounded ok, but dry
The only tubes rolled into the Rhumba (so far) are late 1950's GE JG 5814A grey plates
and 1960s Tung Sol 12AU7 grey plates.

Both are good pre amps. But for comparable used US dollars spent (minus the cost of tubes), the nod goes to the "sweet little pre" (i.e. SLP)

Time will tell. But, for now, Cary stays . . .

AC Regenerator PS Audio PerfectWave Power Plant 10
Source Lumin U1 Mini into Lampi Baltic 4
Pre Cary SLP-05
Power Rogue M180 Dark monos
Mains Salk HT2-TL
Rythmik F12
«1

Comments

  • erniejade
    erniejade Posts: 6,288
    Nice writeup. Im glad you got to tube roll it also before making a decision. Why the big urge for XLR? A lot of arguments for both sides (rca vs xlr) are out there.
    Musical Fidelity Tri-Vista 300, Audioquest Thunderbird Zero Speaker Cable, Tyler Highland H2, Audioquest Thunderbird Interconnect, Innuos Zen MK3 W4S recovery, Revolution Audio Labs USB & Ethernet, Border Patrol SE-I, Audioquest Niagara 5000 & Thunder, Cullen Crossover II PC's.
  • GlennDog
    GlennDog Posts: 3,084
    No logical reason… Just got itching to try it!
    AC Regenerator PS Audio PerfectWave Power Plant 10
    Source Lumin U1 Mini into Lampi Baltic 4
    Pre Cary SLP-05
    Power Rogue M180 Dark monos
    Mains Salk HT2-TL
    Rythmik F12
  • mikeyb128
    mikeyb128 Posts: 2,885
    I was in a similar boat as you. I had a Cary SLP03 and had a major itch. I contemplated the Rhumba due to its stellar reviews. BUT! For the same money I could grab an SLP05 instead (used of course). I ended up grabbing one in fabulous condition for about 3200 USD with shipping. And I’m really glad I did, this preamp is stunning to say the least. For the money I don’t think anything would beat it.
    2 channel:
    Bryston 4B3, Bryston BDA3, Cary SLP05, Shanling CDT1000SE with parts conneXion level 2 mods, Nottingham analogue ace space 294, soundsmith Carmen MKii, Zu DL103 MKii, Ortofon MC 20 MKii, Dynavector XX2 MKii, Rogue Audio Ares, Core power technologies balanced power conditioner, Akiko Corelli power conditioner with Akiko Audio HQ power cable, Nordost heimdall 2, Frey 2, interconnects, speaker and power cables, Focal Electra 1028 BE 2, Auralic Aries Femto, Black diamond racing cones, ingress audio level 1 roller blocks, JL Audio E110 with Auralic subdude, Primacoustics room treatments.
    Theater:
    Focal Aria 926,905,CC900, SVS PB ultra x2. Pioneer Elite SC85, Oppo BDP93, Panamax M5400PM, Minix neox6, Nordost Blue heaven LS power cables.

  • erniejade
    erniejade Posts: 6,288
    Strange question, did you listen to the Rhumba via xlr or rca?
    Musical Fidelity Tri-Vista 300, Audioquest Thunderbird Zero Speaker Cable, Tyler Highland H2, Audioquest Thunderbird Interconnect, Innuos Zen MK3 W4S recovery, Revolution Audio Labs USB & Ethernet, Border Patrol SE-I, Audioquest Niagara 5000 & Thunder, Cullen Crossover II PC's.
  • stangman67
    stangman67 Posts: 2,179
    edited April 2018
    I happen to absolutely love my rhumba 1.1. Can’t compare to Cary but I’m not sure I ever will need anything else
    2 Channel in my home attic/bar/man cave

    2 Channel Focal Kanta 3 I Modwright SWL9.0 Anniversary Pre I Modwright PH9.0X I Modwright KWA-150SE I VPI Prime Signature w/ Soundsmith Zephyr MIMC I Lumin U2 Mini I North Star Designs Intenso DAC I Audience OHNO ICs/Audience Furutech FP-S55N and FP-S032N Power Cables/Acoustic Zen Satori I Isotek Sirius
  • Joey_V
    Joey_V Posts: 8,505
    Excellent write up.

    Amazing little pre that SLP98.

    I had a couple of versions (regular then F1) in teh past, but once I got a hold of the Cary 05, I never really wanted more.

    You may want to try the 05 someday
    Magico, JL, Emm, ARC Ref 10 line, ARC Ref 10 phono, VPI, Lyra, Boulder, AQ Wel, SRA Scuttle Rack, Bluesound
  • tonyb
    tonyb Posts: 32,902
    Maybe you just haven't found the right tubes for your tastes in that Rhumba. Tube rolling certainly makes a difference in anything tubed. I might try a few other combinations before parting ways.

    The Cary is no slouch on it's own merits. I could live with either pre. To me, both these pre's are somewhat of a sideways comparison. If looking to better the 98, you'd have to step up the game plan.
    HT SYSTEM-
    Sony 850c 4k
    Pioneer elite vhx 21
    Sony 4k BRP
    SVS SB-2000
    Polk Sig. 20's
    Polk FX500 surrounds

    Cables-
    Acoustic zen Satori speaker cables
    Acoustic zen Matrix 2 IC's
    Wireworld eclipse 7 ic's
    Audio metallurgy ga-o digital cable

    Kitchen

    Sonos zp90
    Grant Fidelity tube dac
    B&k 1420
    lsi 9's
  • GlennDog
    GlennDog Posts: 3,084
    erniejade wrote: »
    Strange question, did you listen to the Rhumba via xlr or rca?

    RCAs, but I'm looking at balanced cables and may get a chance to try that soon ...
    tonyb wrote: »
    Maybe you just haven't found the right tubes for your tastes in that Rhumba. I might try a few other combinations before parting ways.

    If looking to better the 98, you'd have to step up the game plan.

    I'll be trying a couple of variants that I just acquired from Andy at Vintage Tube Svcs. I never really was wanting to change-up the pre (with the exception of me thinking I need XLR connections)
    AC Regenerator PS Audio PerfectWave Power Plant 10
    Source Lumin U1 Mini into Lampi Baltic 4
    Pre Cary SLP-05
    Power Rogue M180 Dark monos
    Mains Salk HT2-TL
    Rythmik F12
  • mikeyb128
    mikeyb128 Posts: 2,885
    I’m not totally convinced Balanced connections are required. I played around this weekend and was swapping in XLR vs RCA and the only thing I could detect was a change in gain, and maybe a lower noise floor? But could have been my imagination. I think a properly designed RCA will sound just as good as XLR connections, with the exception of long runs. I’ve also noticed a lot of high end preamps have only unbalanced connections.
    2 channel:
    Bryston 4B3, Bryston BDA3, Cary SLP05, Shanling CDT1000SE with parts conneXion level 2 mods, Nottingham analogue ace space 294, soundsmith Carmen MKii, Zu DL103 MKii, Ortofon MC 20 MKii, Dynavector XX2 MKii, Rogue Audio Ares, Core power technologies balanced power conditioner, Akiko Corelli power conditioner with Akiko Audio HQ power cable, Nordost heimdall 2, Frey 2, interconnects, speaker and power cables, Focal Electra 1028 BE 2, Auralic Aries Femto, Black diamond racing cones, ingress audio level 1 roller blocks, JL Audio E110 with Auralic subdude, Primacoustics room treatments.
    Theater:
    Focal Aria 926,905,CC900, SVS PB ultra x2. Pioneer Elite SC85, Oppo BDP93, Panamax M5400PM, Minix neox6, Nordost Blue heaven LS power cables.

  • JuanR
    JuanR Posts: 715
    Wonder how the Joule Electra stacks up against the Cary or Rhumba...
  • erniejade
    erniejade Posts: 6,288
    The joule has a bit more bloom over the Rhumba but the Rhumba was tighter and a hair more on top. Both were darm good.
    Musical Fidelity Tri-Vista 300, Audioquest Thunderbird Zero Speaker Cable, Tyler Highland H2, Audioquest Thunderbird Interconnect, Innuos Zen MK3 W4S recovery, Revolution Audio Labs USB & Ethernet, Border Patrol SE-I, Audioquest Niagara 5000 & Thunder, Cullen Crossover II PC's.
  • heiney9
    heiney9 Posts: 25,053
    edited April 2018
    It's hard comparing tube components if you aren't using the same tube compliment. Tubes can have a profound effect on the final sound. I can make my pre sound ordinary or extraordinary just by tube rolling.

    Comparing 6SN7; 12AU7; 5751 and 6350 tubes vary widely. It's not an apples to apples comparison if the pieces compared are using widely different tubes.

    That's always something to keep in mind when reading comparisons of tube components.

    But if you are familiar with all units and know what tube compliment you like best for each component and then comparing your single favorite iteration of each. Maybe that would be helpful.

    I've never really compared my tube components directly. Just found what works best and I've been lucky that each step up I've made has been an improvement. That's not always the case and in many cases it can be directly related to tube choice.

    Just my .02c and food for thought.

    H9

    P.s. Tube rectified vs. non-tube rectified is another very big difference in sound.
    "Appreciation of audio is a completely subjective human experience. Measurements can provide a measure of insight, but are no substitute for human judgment. Why are we looking to reduce a subjective experience to objective criteria anyway? The subtleties of music and audio reproduction are for those who appreciate it. Differentiation by numbers is for those who do not".--Nelson Pass Pass Labs XA25 | EE Avant Pre | EE Mini Max Supreme DAC | MIT Shotgun S1 | Pangea AC14SE MKII | Legend L600 | BlueSound Node 3 - Tubes add soul!
  • MrBuhl
    MrBuhl Posts: 2,419
    Regardless of the outcome of the test ^^THAT^^ is great customer service you don't see much anymore. Good on you Andy & Backert.
    VA HT HK AVR20II, Sony S9000ES CD/DVD/SACD, Polk Audio RC80i / Polk Audio CSi3, 60" Panasonic Plasma, Nordost / Signal Cable A2 / Wireworld / Pangea / Magic Power
    VA 2 Channel Focal Electra 926 speakers, Pass Labs X150.5 Amp, Eastern Electric MiniMax Preamp (Tutay mods), Eastern Electric Minimax CDP (Scott Nixon mods), Music Hall mmf 5.1 Turntable, Parks Audio Budgie Phono Pre , Audioengine B1 streamer, MIT S3 IC's / MIT Shotgun S3 Speaker Cables / PS Audio power cables
    Noggin Schiit Valhalla, Pangea, Phillips Fidelio X1, Polk UF8000

    Polk SDA1c modded
    Polk CRS+ 4.1TL modded (need veneer)
    Polk SDA2BTL (fully modded)
    A/L 1000VA Dreadnought Canare 4s11 SDA cable
    SACD Marantz DV8300
    Sony S9000ES CD/DVD/SACD
    Yamaha YP-D6
    Soundcraftsmen PCR800
    Audible Illusions L1 Preamp
    Vincent MFA based Cocci Tube Preamp
    Pho-700 Phono Pre
    Signal Cable Silver Resolution IC's






  • erniejade
    erniejade Posts: 6,288
    @GlennDog That is amazing customer service!
    Musical Fidelity Tri-Vista 300, Audioquest Thunderbird Zero Speaker Cable, Tyler Highland H2, Audioquest Thunderbird Interconnect, Innuos Zen MK3 W4S recovery, Revolution Audio Labs USB & Ethernet, Border Patrol SE-I, Audioquest Niagara 5000 & Thunder, Cullen Crossover II PC's.
  • GlennDog
    GlennDog Posts: 3,084
    it sounds like your unit may have taken some hits and should be looked at. We'd like to bring it into the shop for a once over. Would that be OK?
    -Andy

    Absolutely! I'll take you up on that ... Thanks!
    erniejade wrote: »
    @GlennDog That is amazing customer service!

    Sho-nuff, Brian! Unsolicited service request. Outstanding offer . . .

    A little more back-story . . .
    This unit was manufactured in April 2017. I bought it locally on the 'Gon in February 2018.
    The seller was a nice guy and knew his stuff. The impression I got, was that he rotates pieces like a revolving door. So that explains his short time with the Rhumba.
    It turns out I'm the 3rd owner in less than a year. Seems high to me, but a non-issue.

    The unit works well and looks clean, sans for a bent toggle switch. The bent toggle is probably a common thing bc the plastic shipping wrapping on the pre specifically states "Use care when removing bag past knobs and switches."
    Dare I say, men don't read instructions?!?! lol
    I was able to gently bend the toggle closer to it's original position.

    I'll update as things progress.

    Thanks again Bob & Andy!
    AC Regenerator PS Audio PerfectWave Power Plant 10
    Source Lumin U1 Mini into Lampi Baltic 4
    Pre Cary SLP-05
    Power Rogue M180 Dark monos
    Mains Salk HT2-TL
    Rythmik F12
  • heiney9
    heiney9 Posts: 25,053
    Awesome!
    "Appreciation of audio is a completely subjective human experience. Measurements can provide a measure of insight, but are no substitute for human judgment. Why are we looking to reduce a subjective experience to objective criteria anyway? The subtleties of music and audio reproduction are for those who appreciate it. Differentiation by numbers is for those who do not".--Nelson Pass Pass Labs XA25 | EE Avant Pre | EE Mini Max Supreme DAC | MIT Shotgun S1 | Pangea AC14SE MKII | Legend L600 | BlueSound Node 3 - Tubes add soul!
  • stangman67
    stangman67 Posts: 2,179
    And this explains exactly why I purchased from Backert! American made and fantastic support!
    2 Channel in my home attic/bar/man cave

    2 Channel Focal Kanta 3 I Modwright SWL9.0 Anniversary Pre I Modwright PH9.0X I Modwright KWA-150SE I VPI Prime Signature w/ Soundsmith Zephyr MIMC I Lumin U2 Mini I North Star Designs Intenso DAC I Audience OHNO ICs/Audience Furutech FP-S55N and FP-S032N Power Cables/Acoustic Zen Satori I Isotek Sirius
  • GlennDog
    GlennDog Posts: 3,084
    Quick update.
    Communication with Andy at Backert Labs has been top notch, always Johnny On The Spot.
    I hesitated to put any $$ into this pre, but I've decided to, so I've upgraded to the Mundorfs and other cap upgrades

    From BL site:
    "The Mundorf caps give the unit more resolution in the midrange. Just a more clear light shining on those key mid frequencies.

    Better caps throughout gives the unit more clear and deeper sound. Maybe a little more bass but mostly clarity and depth."


    I've also decided to replace the black front apron with silver . . . and the black chassis with the "red" offering

    Here's a sneak peak as to what she'll look like . . . I Like red. Redheads, too!

    https://www.audiogon.com/listings/lis8ihb0-backert-labs-rhumba-1-2-tube-preamp-preamplifier-tube

    ETA to my door is next weekend, give or take.

    Thoughts to follow after she's broken-in

    G
    AC Regenerator PS Audio PerfectWave Power Plant 10
    Source Lumin U1 Mini into Lampi Baltic 4
    Pre Cary SLP-05
    Power Rogue M180 Dark monos
    Mains Salk HT2-TL
    Rythmik F12
  • txcoastal1
    txcoastal1 Posts: 13,124
    Looking forward to it!!!

    g03z7zllscvu.jpg
    2-channel: Modwright KWI-200 Integrated, Dynaudio C1-II Signatures
    Desktop rig: LSi7, Polk 110sub, Dayens Ampino amp, W4S DAC/pre, Sonos, JRiver
    Gear on standby: Melody 101 tube pre, Unison Research Simply Italy Integrated
    Gone to new homes: (Matt Polk's)Threshold Stasis SA12e monoblocks, Pass XA30.5 amp, Usher MD2 speakers, Dynaudio C4 platinum speakers, Modwright LS100 (voltz), Simaudio 780D DAC

    erat interfectorem cesar et **** dictatorem dicere a
  • Joey_V
    Joey_V Posts: 8,505
    Even out the playing field and send out the cary for upgrade
    Magico, JL, Emm, ARC Ref 10 line, ARC Ref 10 phono, VPI, Lyra, Boulder, AQ Wel, SRA Scuttle Rack, Bluesound
  • GlennDog
    GlennDog Posts: 3,084
    Joey_V wrote: »
    Even out the playing field and send out the cary for upgrade

    In full disclosure, I failed to include in my initial "non-audiophile review" that the SLP-98 had been sent to Cary for hot rodding. My bad :(
    IIRC; hexfreds, HT by-pass and direct coupled
    AC Regenerator PS Audio PerfectWave Power Plant 10
    Source Lumin U1 Mini into Lampi Baltic 4
    Pre Cary SLP-05
    Power Rogue M180 Dark monos
    Mains Salk HT2-TL
    Rythmik F12
  • Joey_V
    Joey_V Posts: 8,505
    I think they have mundorf upgrades available

    I am contemplating sending my 05 for the ultimate upgrade

    Maybe when I have extra play money
    Magico, JL, Emm, ARC Ref 10 line, ARC Ref 10 phono, VPI, Lyra, Boulder, AQ Wel, SRA Scuttle Rack, Bluesound
  • tonyb
    tonyb Posts: 32,902
    GlennDog wrote: »
    it sounds like your unit may have taken some hits and should be looked at. We'd like to bring it into the shop for a once over. Would that be OK?
    -Andy

    Absolutely! I'll take you up on that ... Thanks!
    erniejade wrote: »
    @GlennDog That is amazing customer service!

    Sho-nuff, Brian! Unsolicited service request. Outstanding offer . . .

    A little more back-story . . .
    This unit was manufactured in April 2017. I bought it locally on the 'Gon in February 2018.
    The seller was a nice guy and knew his stuff. The impression I got, was that he rotates pieces like a revolving door. So that explains his short time with the Rhumba.
    It turns out I'm the 3rd owner in less than a year. Seems high to me, but a non-issue.

    The unit works well and looks clean, sans for a bent toggle switch. The bent toggle is probably a common thing bc the plastic shipping wrapping on the pre specifically states "Use care when removing bag past knobs and switches."
    Dare I say, men don't read instructions?!?! lol
    I was able to gently bend the toggle closer to it's original position.

    I'll update as things progress.

    Thanks again Bob & Andy!

    This is why I will always recommend BL as the people down there, as well as behind the scenes, are customer based in their thoughts. This is the type of company we all wish others would be, a blast from the past when customer service was a top priority .

    Take Andy up on his offer, they take great pride in their products and you being happy with them.
    HT SYSTEM-
    Sony 850c 4k
    Pioneer elite vhx 21
    Sony 4k BRP
    SVS SB-2000
    Polk Sig. 20's
    Polk FX500 surrounds

    Cables-
    Acoustic zen Satori speaker cables
    Acoustic zen Matrix 2 IC's
    Wireworld eclipse 7 ic's
    Audio metallurgy ga-o digital cable

    Kitchen

    Sonos zp90
    Grant Fidelity tube dac
    B&k 1420
    lsi 9's
  • GlennDog
    GlennDog Posts: 3,084
    Joey_V wrote: »
    I think they have mundorf upgrades available

    I am contemplating sending my 05 for the ultimate upgrade

    Maybe when I have extra play money

    Dude, that’s nonnegotiable… Just do it!
    AC Regenerator PS Audio PerfectWave Power Plant 10
    Source Lumin U1 Mini into Lampi Baltic 4
    Pre Cary SLP-05
    Power Rogue M180 Dark monos
    Mains Salk HT2-TL
    Rythmik F12
  • Joey_V
    Joey_V Posts: 8,505
    GlennDog wrote: »
    Joey_V wrote: »
    I think they have mundorf upgrades available

    I am contemplating sending my 05 for the ultimate upgrade

    Maybe when I have extra play money

    Dude, that’s nonnegotiable… Just do it!

    Oh buddy it’s always negotiable here hahaha
    Magico, JL, Emm, ARC Ref 10 line, ARC Ref 10 phono, VPI, Lyra, Boulder, AQ Wel, SRA Scuttle Rack, Bluesound
  • GlennDog
    GlennDog Posts: 3,084
    tonyb wrote: »

    This is why I will always recommend BL as the people down there, as well as behind the scenes, are customer based in their thoughts. This is the type of company we all wish others would be, a blast from the past when customer service was a top priority

    Folks at BL genuinely seem to want to get it right . . .
    Between the requested upgrades and tweeks, there's been an in-house break-in process.
    I've got a warm fuzzy feeling. Great CS!
    The pre is being shipped in the AM.
    I'm looking forward to the new look and the new and improved SQ . . .
    AC Regenerator PS Audio PerfectWave Power Plant 10
    Source Lumin U1 Mini into Lampi Baltic 4
    Pre Cary SLP-05
    Power Rogue M180 Dark monos
    Mains Salk HT2-TL
    Rythmik F12
  • tonyb
    tonyb Posts: 32,902
    Cool man, post up your thoughts once it hits your ears. Great bunch over at BL.
    HT SYSTEM-
    Sony 850c 4k
    Pioneer elite vhx 21
    Sony 4k BRP
    SVS SB-2000
    Polk Sig. 20's
    Polk FX500 surrounds

    Cables-
    Acoustic zen Satori speaker cables
    Acoustic zen Matrix 2 IC's
    Wireworld eclipse 7 ic's
    Audio metallurgy ga-o digital cable

    Kitchen

    Sonos zp90
    Grant Fidelity tube dac
    B&k 1420
    lsi 9's
  • GlennDog
    GlennDog Posts: 3,084
    edited June 2018
    I won’t get a chance to hook it up till late this weekend ...
    but here’s a sneak peek
    First thing that comes to mind is “2 brothers from other mothers!”

    Just to be clear, coloring is heavily dependent on lighting

    bfiryrgmhakb.jpeg
    cur4fta3sl6s.jpeg
    AC Regenerator PS Audio PerfectWave Power Plant 10
    Source Lumin U1 Mini into Lampi Baltic 4
    Pre Cary SLP-05
    Power Rogue M180 Dark monos
    Mains Salk HT2-TL
    Rythmik F12
  • tonyb
    tonyb Posts: 32,902
    Sweet system there man....let that bad boy burn in some before making any judgements. Love the color too.
    HT SYSTEM-
    Sony 850c 4k
    Pioneer elite vhx 21
    Sony 4k BRP
    SVS SB-2000
    Polk Sig. 20's
    Polk FX500 surrounds

    Cables-
    Acoustic zen Satori speaker cables
    Acoustic zen Matrix 2 IC's
    Wireworld eclipse 7 ic's
    Audio metallurgy ga-o digital cable

    Kitchen

    Sonos zp90
    Grant Fidelity tube dac
    B&k 1420
    lsi 9's