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 am a Backert Rhumba 1.3 owner also and am using a pair of Psvane 12au7 tubes that really make this preamp sing. Next on the docket will be a pair of Toshiba 5693's that I am buying from Andy at Backert Labs. FYI, I am selling my original Backert Labs Rhumba 1.3 solid metal remote as I need a remote that has a mute function on it. Anyone interested please contact me? |
I have a pair Odyssey monobloc power amps, essentially Kismets in Khartago cases to keep cost down, and I love them. I upgraded from a respected tube power amps in early 2024, and—with my Rogue Audio RP-7 tube preamp and Fyne F-702 speakers— the Odyssey amps yield superb imaging, great tonal qualities for instruments and voices, and fine resolution with seeming not at all … antiseptic or clinical. Klaus can customize as you wish. Be sure to specify input(s). Mine arrived with only RCA input, and I considered trading for some other amps, but they do such a superb job of music reproduction that I am sticking with them. The only downside of which I am aware is that, as they are handmade by Klaus and his small team in Indiana, it probably will take several months from order to receipt. BUT, they are most definitely worth the wait. Most highly recommended. ( I have no association with Odyssey other than being a very satisfied customer.) |
An amp that gets slept on a lot and I'd pit against your considerations as well as the suggests in the responses is the Anthem STR Power Amp. I used mine to power various speakers in my system and others including 8" single driver full range to Aurum Cantus V7Fs and the sound was always amazing. There's enough power to drive any speaker, very well reviewed (including bench testing more power than listed), built very well and the display can be turned off if you don't like the VU meters. Bass is very well controlled, deep sound stage and a clear top end without being bright. You can get these used in the $4k range or new it's just a touch above your budget, although I'm sure a dealer would work with you in that regard.
https://www.anthemav.com/products-current/type=amplifier/model=str-power-amplifier/page=overview |
Andy at Backert uses my ArgentPur Monoblocs, and Bob Backert is possibly introducing my Ag internal wiring as he likes the improvements. If you need a LOT of power (250/8 and 500/4) the Monos are %5900/pr, or as an identical single chassis stereo DUO Ultra at only $5300. I'm currently releasing a lower-powered (150w/ch/8) stereo DUO BEBE version for using one large shared SMPS for only $2975...fully Ag-wired and probably with the same Mundorf SGO Ag digital filter. I state all this because the synergy between the Backert Pre's and these GaN-FET amps is very real. Cheers. ErnieM |
You may want to seriously consider the ModWright KMA99 monoblocs. I'm looking at them right now for possible purchase. Great reviews with them and they use Exicon lateral MosFet's which are considered to be great sounding MosFets for audio. Dan Wright is also easy to talk to and can help you with your questions. They're made right here in the USA also. Good luck on your amp-quest ! |
