The Hegels are great. Give one a listen... you’ll probably buy it.
Integrated Amp Question for a Newbie to the Forum
Hello Audiogon Community!
First time posting to this forum. I’m somewhat of a novice when it comes to hifi audio gear. I’m looking to replace a busted McIntosh MX110 preamp and an outgoing MC225 amp and have been looking to consolidate and upgrade to an integrated amp. My current setup is:
• Jolida JD9 II phono preamp
• Pro-ject 2Xperience Classic Turntable
• Monitor Audio Silver RX6 Floor speakers
• CD player to buy soon
• Streaming player to buy soon
For the integrated amplifier, I’ve heard a lot of good things about -
Luxman L-509X and L-590AXII
Hegel H390 and H590
Mark Levinson 5805
McIntosh 7200
We play everything from rock to jazz to R&B, hip hop and everything in between. I’m looking to keep the integrated amp in the sub 10k range and will eventually add the streaming player (I hear good things about the Lumin T2 and the Lynn Selekt) and the CD player.
Do you all have any recos on what you think would sound good with the setup I have? We like a dynamic and warm sound. Appreciate any advice!
Cheers
Showing 5 responses by geof3
The thing is, you are in the price territory where most of the amps listed are excellent overall. The tough part is demo-ing, which really is required if at all possible. I realize that’s difficult. Listen Up is a Hegel dealer, not many online dealers for them. There is always the “used” round-about. If you can buy from a The Music Room type of place, they have a robust try it period. If you are in the 6-7k realm, don’t overlook a Pass Labs Int-25 or Int 60. I just went all in and sold my Hegel and stepped up to a Pass XA25 and XP12. Just awesome. Lost some goodies, but pure class A (pretty much). Take a look at Reno HiFi, they have all the Pass goods along with demo units and “used” as well. I think they are an exclusive, Pass only, shop. Just an idea in a sea of ideas. |
https://www.audioholics.com/audio-amplifier/amplifier-classes A Pass Labs setup was always a goal for me. Nelson Pass is an icon in the SS amplified circuit industry. But, I have space challenges so it took some time to figure out just what would work and gather the budget. A bit more expensive for what I have vs the Hegel but not by much. The Hegel is very hard to beat, but Pass is Pass. Some don’t like Pass, some don’t like Hegel, or put any other name in there. I’ve gone through quite a few setup changes in the last year and a half (not uncommon) getting here. Mostly just trying things out, thus the “used round-about” above. It’s fun. There may be other setups in my future, but they start to get into a whole other $$$ realm at this point, so for now, I’m good. |