2. amps-preamps
  3. 180651-138743

LTA microZOTL or Backert Labs Rhumba Extreme 1.3?

Hi everyone,

It’s that time..where I got the baaad itch to upgrade. Currently using EAR Yoshino 868PL into Pass Labs XA30.8 amp.

I love the EAR preamp..absolutely nothing wrong with it. Just wondering about the LTA or the Backert Labs preamp and how they are, if anyone has experience with both (long shot, thought I’ll ask)?

Should I somehow let go of the itch and stick with my EAR preamp? Not looking to change my Pass Labs amp.

 

Thanks in advance.

sim_audio_nerd
pdreher's avatar
pdreher
1,185 posts
 

I agree with @jasonbourne52.  The EAR 868 is well regarded.  The preamps you listed are likely a lateral move.  If you want to take it up a notch, consider Audio Research REF 5SE... supposedly ARC pre's pair well with PASS amps. 

lancelock
1,085 posts
 

I own the Micro ZOTL preamp and the Backert Rhythm 1.3. I do prefer the LTA Pre over the Rhumba but the Rhythm crushes them both. The LTA is very good, but if you've got the coin go for the Rhythm.

soix
8,681 posts
 

I agree with @jasonbourne52.  The EAR 868 is well regarded.  The preamps you listed are likely a lateral move. 

No, they’re absolutely not a lateral move.  They’re a “different” move, but whether that’s better or worse depends on what the OP is looking for sonically.  That’s the absolute key. 

david_ten
5,480 posts
 

+1  @lancelock 

 

I do prefer the LTA Pre over the Rhumba but the Rhythm crushes them both. The LTA is very good, but if you've got the coin go for the Rhythm.

 

dbb
155 posts
 

You can do the two week trial with the Microzotl. I did and found it was not a good match with my power amp.

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