Probably speaks volumes about Klaus.. he is such a wonderful enigmatic music lover / builder and rep for great gear.
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.
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- 33 posts total
Hi @vette5451 . A year ago, I was in a very similar position as you and with similar equipment. I had an LTA Microzotl pre, Hegel H390 amp and Dynaudio Heritage Special speakers and was looking to try a new amp. I believe the H390 and H20 are quite similar. I ended up with an Audionet Amp1 V2 and I am extremely pleased with it and think it outperforms the H390. I got mine lightly used for a good price, but new, the Audionet might be more than you want to spend. Other amps I was considering were: Pass XA25 and Coda S5.5. Accuphase and Van Alstine also sound like good recommendations that I have always wanted to hear. In terms of Class D, the Mola Mola Perca seems quite interesting to me and could pair well with a tube pre and Dynaudio. |
I’d say the McIntosh MC152 since I have extended experience with McIntosh amplification and other components in their sphere. I’d use it with a C49 though, which has an awesome phono stage, has the option single ended or balanced as well as any kind of input you’d ever need and a future proof DAC as standard or can be upgraded at initial purchase. Completely end game, awesome sound with the Mc152 and a practical investment compared to much of what else you have listed above!
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"There’s a good deal on a pair of Van Alstine DVA M225 monoblocks. Any thoughts on these?" My friend uses the Van Alstine DVA SET 500 with his Harbeths and it sounds great! Van Alstine is a bargain since it is sold factory direct! https://avahifi.com/collections/power-amplifiers/products/dva-set-500-stereo-power-amplifier |
- 33 posts total