Tube Rolling Advice for the Backert Labs Rhumba Extreme?

Call Andy at Vintage Tube Services and tell him your gear and what sort of sound you are looking for and see what he says. Something as simple and reasonable as a pair of RCA Cleartops or Raytheon Black Plates like the ones used by Baldwin and Conn might get you where you want to go without spending a fortune.  But I wouldn't do anything until you get about 150 hours on it.  

@jsqt

I find most tube gear is soft on the bottom end before running in ~80 hrs.  At that point the bass tends to tighten up in my experience.

I've noticed it's a little "soft" sounding - not syrupy or bloated or muffled, just a little polite, particularly on the bottom end.

 +1 @jackd 
Total agreement.

Thanks everyone... so it seems like there is a fair amount of burn in time required for these caps then. This could explain why I was a little surprised by what I was hearing with the "softness" in the bass, versus so many of the online reviews and marketing material that say if anything the bass is a standout feature of these preamps.

Hi jsqt,
I upgraded from the Rhumba 1.2 to the 1.3 Extreme a few months back and happier I could not be. With both of these units I saw a marked improvement in sound after just 30 or so hours with the stock tubes. Andy Tebbe at Backert mentioned it would continue to improve (and I believe it has) but around the 30 hour mark is where I saw the most dramatic change. In regards to the bass, tubes can definitely influence that but I would be patient and let it play out. My 1.3 Extreme had plenty out of the box with the stock Mullards. In terms of tubes, I have tried a bunch, most NOS including Raytheon, RCA, CBS, Mazda, Tesla, Mullards, Amperex and I am sure there are a few others. All of these were rolled in my 1.2. As @jackd mentioned, the Raytheons and RCAs are fine tubes if you happen upon some good ones and they can be had at very reasonable prices. I ran a pair of Raytheon triple mica's before I splurged on a set of early 60's Bugle Boys which were my favorites until I tried a pair of late 50's Amperex 7316s which are the bomb in my setup. Personally I would heed the advice given earlier, take your time and enjoy the ride. Everyone's system, room and preferences are different so what works for one person may not work for another. I think finding a good source for tubes is key....you can try ebay but that is a real crapshoot and you need to read the fine print. Personally I have had great luck with Brent Jesse and I am sure other dealers mentioned are also very good. Congratulations on the new acquisition and good luck on your journey!