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

Stevie probably doesn't smell very good. Just a guess.

Your speakers and phono stage are your best components. The Backert Rhumba Extreme 1.4 is easily their equal, if not better. (I have one in a  very tricked out system.) Tweaking your turntable and upgrading your streamer (if you use it a lot) will bring great gains, as will cables, power conditioner, etc. The Backert not needing to be on when running HT is a big plus. I've become used to the blue LED on the volume control (vs a digital read-out, but the transparency, resolution and dynamics of the Backert are hard to fault. You will be well on your way to the next level. Have fun!

Ayre would be my first choice, as Vandy's seem to work well with them.

The other course would be to look at the new Vandersteen preamp. It has been in the works for a while, but Mr. V. swears it is near completion. From my friend (ctsooner), it should be worth the wait, and I take his opinions seriously as he seems to share the same interpretations of sound reproduction.

As a Vandy owner, you are entitled to join the forum. Just go to the website.

Bob

I visited a few dealers last week and auditioned some of the kit on my wish list.  
 

First, I want to say I enjoyed the time I spent at each dealer. We all know the challenges these businesses face to keep the doors open.  Each dealer I visited truly had a customer focused attitude and were extremely accommodating to my visit. 

I listened to the Ayre VX5-20 against an Aesthetix Atlas Signature with some Canton speakers and an Orpheus preamplifier.   I preferred the Atlas over the KX5-20 in this system   The Atlas really gripped the music.  It pushed the sound at me   Especially on a few of the blues tracks I played.   The Ayre amp did draw me into the music.   I just preferred the Atlas.   I did not have the chance to listen to the matching Calypso preamp or the Ayre KX5-20 preamp.

Next up was the Aesthetix Mimas integrated with the Vandersteen Quatro CTs. I liked this system but was not blown away.   It would be the economical and dare I say the sensible winner.   In the future I would like to check out the Aesthetix Pallene and Dione.  Thinking about the Mimas after audition I would rather go the separates route than make the sensible choice on this integrated. Provides more flexibility, IMHO.  

The third session consisted of the Ayre VX5-20 amplifier with the Quatro CTs. This session matched the Ayre KX5-20 preamplifier against the Backert Labs Rythm preamplifier.   The Ayre combination brought a smile to my face and the music just hung in the “air”.  I could easily live with that combination. But….after swapping in the Backert and running back through the playlist I preferred the Backert Rythm.  Yes, the Ayre was magical, but to me the Backert and Ayre combo sounded more natural.  It’s hair splitting and personal preference at this level.  

A Backert Rhumba Extreme was not available for audition.

A few takeaways from these sessions.   I was thrilled I could pick out the changes each of these pieces brought to the overall system.  It’s been a number of years since I did listening like this.  Audio shows do not provide this clarity. My sessions were all digital based using streamers and DACs currently out of my price range. A few months ago I had no intention of considering gear in the price range of the components above, but here I am.  When auditioning gear you need to mirror your system as much as possible.  I my case I’m going upstream since I have the Quatro CTs.  And my sonic preference would be soft of neutral.   The Ayre combo just seemed to have as I read in a review after my listening almost a “halo” effect on the sound.   I have fear of growing tired of that. 

I do want to hear some of the gear that may not have been available on this round.  The Aesthetix Atlas and Calypso, Atlas with the Pallene,  Backert and Ayre preamplifiers with the Vandersteen mono blocks.  

Enjoy the music!