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 The solution is very simple. Find out what volume control setting satisfies the home theater setup. Use that setting when using the home theater processor as an input to the preamp. |
@atmasphere Using your HT Bypass workaround is a bandaid but if I recall correctly if you make any volume adjustments while watching a “movie” the entire system does not stay “in sync”. I’ll do some research to verify. thanks for tip. Regarding equipment based on music. The equipment does not care what it is producing, but it does give the music being played its sonic signature. Based on your personal listening preferences or style of music you like or listen to most frequently, you may choose to go with a sonic signature that provides the sound you prefer. I auditioned a few amplifier candidates today. Not with my Vandersteen’s but with a speaker that has similar characteristics based on the dealer comments. After a half dozen songs played on both pieces, I could give each amplifier a sonic signature. Amp 1, to my ears had more grip and clarity. With a raspy male blues voice I could taste the cigarette he smoked on break. The second amp, to my ears, excelled with Allison Krause and Union Station. The amp pulled me into the performance. I don’t think a right or wrong, or better or worse. Now it’s up to me to decide what I want to hear everyday. We are splitting hairs at this level. After hearing amp 2 demo, I thought that was the choice. While driving to my hotel I thought but what about those nights I want to “feel the blues”. That is amp 1. Tomorrow I am planning a similar listening session at a dealer that has Quatro CTs. |
if I recall correctly if you make any volume adjustments while watching a “movie” the entire system does not stay “in sync”. @dotto81 IIRC the volume of the home theater processor is controlled by a remote. It feeds that signal to the preamp. If you have a home theater bypass, that is simply a preset volume setting which is usually unity gain in the preamp, thus allowing the remote to have full control. So that's no different if you were to simply use a known volume control setting on the preamp- its literally the same thing.
Hopefully the preamp isn't coloring the sound! But the things that make a preamp good for rock will also make it good for classical or jazz, since the same bandwidth is required. Quite literally there's never been an electronic device ever built that favors one music genre over another!
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