Integrated for Magico A1


Looking for an integrated for my new acquired Magico A1 and Cardas Persec speakers cables.

Been offered these ones:

Mark Levinson 5805

Krell K-300i

Copland CSA-150

McIntosh MSA 5500

Ideally one of those with DAC and Phono Stage due to save boxes, cabling and wife approval! 

Thanks in advance.

superelmar

Hegel is not up to the level of refinement to be a synergistic match with any Magico loudspeaker. 

The Magico A5 is an exemplary audiophile speaker exhibiting clarity, detail, tight bass, transient speed, and excellent micro and macro dynamics.  It deserves an integrated amp that can dance elegantly with the speakers; an integrated amp that  will complement and reinforce the speakers attributes.  Your list is notable and any of them will work adequately, but in my experience the list falls short of the goal to dance to the artistic and athletic ability of the speakers are capable of.  To that end, I will list my favorites of those I have auditioned, in order of my preference.  A budget is not listed.  My list is costly, but most can be taken for 50% pre-owned.  Each have their own sound pallet.  So you must audition with the speakers.  

  1. Audionet Humbolt: Best I have heard.  Above my means.  No streamer/DAC module.  
  2. Burmester 232:  New model so not available on the pre-owned market.  I love the Burmester house sound.  I have the previous model without a streamer/DAC module.  Refinement, tube like sweetness and imaging.  My speakers efficiency is 86dB and there is no problem driving them.  The A5s efficiency is 88dB so it should not be an issue unless you have a very large room.  
  3. Boulder 866: a little more warmth than above.  
  4. Solution 300:  More cool and technical to my ears. 
  5. D’Agostino Momentum:  More dark to my ears.

Good luck.

 



 

 

Hegel is not up to the level of refinement to be a synergistic match with any Magico loudspeaker. 

I had a long conversation with Alon Wolf during which he expressed an admiration for Hegel amps and said it’s one of the amps he uses in voicing his speakers.