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

@vette5451 

Congratulations on the new preamp. And TBH when it comes to amp and preamp combination - our system matched almost to the T before I upgraded from a Parasound A21 to the Accuphase A-48S. You will be pleasantly surprised by how much the Rhumba responds to tube rolling.

I recently upgraded to an Accuphase amplifier, from the Parasound A21, and this is a huge upgrade in my system. What I am surprised was that - even after I moved from a 250 Watts Parasound to a 50 Watts Accuphase, the "clarift", "harmonics", "drive" and "sense of ease" with the Accuphase is unreal. I keep wondering how can the bass sound so strong with this lower powered amp compared to the previous amp. The Parasound is a fantastic amplifier for the money; but the Accuphase "brings out the realism" and creates "touch me" sound images. 

My Accuphase might not work with your speakers as they are lower sensitivity. But there is a used Accuphase on US Audiomart that will pair very well with your Rhumba and will provide you with a nice upgrade.

Accuphase P-4500

I you want to understand more on the Accuphase amplifiers, please go through the thread I started -  Accuphase amplifier choice.

Good luck and I hope you find and love whatever route you choose - from one Rhumba owner to another!!

There’s a good deal on a pair of Van Alstine DVA M225 monoblocks. Any thoughts on these?

I would consider a current model Bryston power amplifier. Bryston amps perform well with tube preamps. As previously mentioned I would contact Backert Labs for the technical information.

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