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Backert Labs preamp, now a New Power Amp

I posted several weeks back that I was deciding between a new preamp or go integrated. I decided on a used Backert Labs Rhumba 1.3 and it arrived last week. The preamp came with Conn 12au7 tubes, and I have to say the improvement in overall sound quality was a huge step up to the Vincent SA-32 pre. I plan to start tube rolling but also have an itch to upgrade my power amp.

 

With all all positive feedback on Hegel, paired with Dynaudio, I’m considering a Hegel H20 power amp. Any other power amps that will provide a good match with Dynaudio Contour 20i I should consider? I like a wide/deep soundstage with clarity (but not clinical), and dynamic headroom. Budget is around $6k new or used
 

Considerations beyond Hegel H20:

- PERREAUX 350

- Simaudio W8

- LTA ZOTL40

- McIntosh MC152

Current equipment:

- Parasound A21+

-Backert Labs Rhumba 1.3

- Lumin D3

- VPI Prime 

- Dynaudio Contour 20i

Looking forward to suggestions and appreciate everyone’s feedback.

vette5451
tomic601's avatar
tomic601
13,743 posts
 

I would reach out to Mr. Backert…. By many accounts a great person !

vette5451's avatar
vette5451 OP
78 posts
 

I did speak with Andy and he recommended either the Hegel or Odyssey amps. While I’m familiar with Hegel, the Odyssey brand is lesser known to me and I always like to get feedback from this group on their experiences on equipment.

parkergetdean
1,086 posts
 

I too am on the market for a power amp and wondering about Odyssey

thecarpathian's avatar
thecarpathian
6,167 posts
 

I have two Odyssey amps, a turbo charged Khartago and a Stratos that I had 88k more micro farads (or whatever they’re called) capacitance added to it. Odyssey is really good quality for the price. I’d look to the Kismet amp given the quality of your Backert. Not that there’s anything wrong with any of them, but Kismet is their flag ship and a killer deal used, as they all are if you want to go that route.

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