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.
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 |
I had the Rhumba Extreme paired with a McIntosh MC152, and was very happy. I have since moved on a few times from that gear, but that pairing worked very well. I also encourage you to try different tubes (sent you a PM), as tube rolling with the Backert is easy and can have a noticeable impact. Good luck, Robert |
the hegel h390 differs sonically from the h20 power amp in that the h390 has a more rolled off high end and slightly less defined upper midrange, whereas the h20 is noticeably more open and revealing in those areas -- the h390 is a bit of an anomaly in their integrated line, it is the one unit exhibiting somewhat softened/rounded upper registers -- very useful if one’s source or speakers are a little ’hot’ up top and can use some calming down for more ’musicality’ some of the older van alstine power amps (like the synergy series), as wonderful values as they can be, do have a slight bit of solid state sizzle but the more recent more expensive ones such as their ’set’ series are very very clean sounding, if a touch less grippy down below than the upper hegels all the above comments from my actually owning the amps mentioned, driving big proacs, vandersteens, harbeths and magnepans over time |
I decided to go with a pair of Van Alstine DVA M225 monoblocks. They will be in my setup by this weekend and I’m anxious to experience my first Monoblock amps. Based on my research, I believe they will pair well with the Backert Labs pre and my Dynaudio Contour 20i’s. I plan to send an update on the match and observations. It’s funny how the little things in life, like music exploration, can make you feel like a kid again! Thanks for everyone’s input, this forum is awesome! |
