+1 for the Backert Labs Rhythm 1.3 with NOS RCA 12SN7 GTA. Replaced my ARC Reference 6 SE with it and couldn’t be happier.
Help recommend a good tube preamp
I am looking for recommendations for a good, fully balanced tube preamp (< $4k - $12k) for my system:
DAC: Holo May
Power amp: Hegel H30 (input impedance (balanced / XLR) = 25k ohms)
Speakers: Focal Maestro Utopia III
Room: 20ft X 21ft
Music: mostly jazz / classical. Some classic rock.
Preamps tried before: McIntosh C2600, Hegel P30, Holo Serene, Rogue RP5
Constraints: output impedance should not be high (as my amplifier’s input impedance is quite low)
I tried C2600 (but with different amp / speakers).
Recently, I tried Rogue RP5 - sounded great but it does not have XLR out (H30’s unbalanced input impedance is a measly 9.6 kilo ohms). So, a natural recommendation would be the Rogue Audio RP7 - except that in the Stereophile review’s measurements section, John Atkinson recommends not using the pre with amps with less than 30k input impedance (affects low frequency response).
Thanks.
Showing 5 responses by markmuse
@reg19 The Backert Rhythm 1.3 is fully balanced, XLR in and out. That is what I use.
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@reg19 The 6SE was somewhat mechanical sounding - hard in the mids. The Backert is smooth! with a huge soundstage. Remarkable detail without getting in your face. Rich, large, detailed, smooth, emotional. It just sounds like music... That is with the RCA 12SN7 tubes which is what was recommended and supplied by the reseller I bought it from (Dr. Vinyl - Jose Ramirez - in MD). I have the stock tubes (Genelex 12AU7) but have not used them. I think the gain is a bit higher with the 12SN7 tubes and balanced output, but I don't know the values. But still less than the 6SE and much less than the Cary 05. |
@reg19 I also had a Rogue RP-7, which has balanced in and out, and it is a very nice preamp especially considering its price. But it's not in the same league as the Backert Rhythm. |
@reg19 I want to point out one more thing about the Backert: the name Rhythm is not arbitrary. It is indeed descriptive. |