Rhumba 1.1

About the Rhumba 1.1

The Backert Labs Rhumba 1.1 is a U.S.-built, single-ended stereo line-stage preamplifier using two 12AU7 tubes in its gain stage. It features Backert Labs’ patented GreenForce power supply and polypropylene capacitors rather than electrolytics. The circuit has no cathode-follower stage and therefore inverts phase. The Rhumba 1.1 provides RCA and XLR connections, remote volume control, balance adjustment, mute, and home-theater bypass. Published specifications include approximately 9 dB of gain, a 55 kΩ input impedance, a 150-ohm output impedance, and frequency response extending from 3 Hz to 320 kHz (−3 dB). It has been superseded by later Rhumba models and is no longer presented as the manufacturer’s current Rhumba model.