New preamplifier - Backert Rhumba Extreme, Aesthetix Calypso Signature, Ayre KX5 Twenty


I’m planning to listen to a few preamplifiers in the coming weeks. I want to replace my Parasound P6 preamplifier and A23 power amplifier.  These are currently feeding my Vandersteen Quatro CTs.  I have a 16 by 26 listening room. Digital source is a Bluesound NodeX and my vinyl rig is a new Modwright PH 9.0XT.  Fed by a Technics 1210GR with Hana SL cartridge. Also have a VPI Prime Scout with Ortofon Black mm cartridge.  Home theater is a must in my system that currently servers double duty with home theater.

Has anybody compared these three preamplifiers?   I also plan to soon pick a companion amplifier as part of this major upgrade.   
 

I had a strong lean to the Backert without hearing.  Solely based on discussion and feedback.  Recently after discussing with a few dealers the Aesthetix system is a rising candidate.  (Calypso signature preamp with Atlas Signature or Atlas Eclipse Amplifier)

I was thinking of pairing the Backert Rhumba Extreme with the Ayre VX5-Twenty amplifier  

I listen to a wide variety of music from Jazz to Blues. Classical has been finding its way more into my rotation. 
 

Recent retired this is my end game system. No plan for upgrade cycle two years down the road.   I’ll tackle the turntable and digital next year Vega S1 and VPI Signature 21 candidates at this time. 

Has anybody compared  these components or have some thoughts on their sound signatures?  I want Stevie Ray in the room with me!

Thanks - David
 

 

dotto81

Showing 1 response by audiotroy

we have a  demo zesto leto that would be perfect for you 

 

https://www.stereophile.com/content/zesto-leto-ultra-ii-line-preamplifier

 

the leto is an amazing preamp with  incredible feature set:

fully balanced 

various grounding options 

innovative tone control

he "Presence Control" is another exclusive feature of the Leto Ultra II. Activated easily from the remote control or the front of the preamp, it will make magical adjustments to gently or dramatically eliminate high-frequency noise. It will also work like a loudness control at low volumes. I would rather have this Zesto control on a preamp than a 33-band active octave equalizer! The only preamp in the world that has this, it works anecdotally as follows: 

 In the zero position it is out of the circuit completely.

In the first position, it very, very gently rolls off the extreme highs, then, while still substantially in the high-band "shelves" the curve and stops its effects. It does not affect the bottom of the high band or the midrange. This gets rid of digital crispies or other very high-band recording anomalies without affecting the textural information or depth perspective. Fantastic!

In the second position, it very gently removes even more problematic high distortion but shelves or stops the curve at the bottom of the high band. It works brilliantly to remove digital noise and bad old Columbia sizzle. It does NOT affect the midrange, reduce depth or sound staging, imaging, or anything but high-frequency problems. The Stradivarius on the older Columbia sounds more clearly defined and images with greater richness than before. Again, fantastic!

In the third position, it gently rolls off the highs and just barely intrudes into the midrange before shelving. No more severe digital problems here and for LPs that are rolled off in the bass, it is a winner. What does not occur is the depth and imaging are untouched! It just makes a crappy recording sound like a very good one. Fantastic on mono LPs that are noisy and most all Toscanni recordings! A great but still gentle filter leaving the music intact.

In the fourth and fifth positions, you have in my opinion, a superb loudness control. The highs and upper midrange are rolled off leaving various levels of lower midrange so you may increase the overall volume and still maintain midrange and bass definition and impact. Best loudness control I have ever used. 

The presence control can be activated on the fly from the remote, so if something in the recording becomes annoying, push the button. This is the most repeatable, reliable high-band filter in the industry and moves the Leto Ultra II to the state-of-the-art in my book.

The Leto Ultra II, with the exclusive use of the 12DW7 tubes and other proprietary circuit changes, is the quietest, most noise-free tube preamp I have ever heard. Backgrounds are now jet black. Images pop in their space and the space between instruments is empty of any noise or grain. I have heard this effect on expensive high-end solid-state preamps, but never on tube units. I believe this is a ground-breaking accomplishment not one I expected in my lifetime.

 

https://positive-feedback.com/reviews/hardware-reviews/zesto-audio-leto-ultra-ii-preamplifier/

Dave and Troy

audio intellect NJ

zesto dealers