803D4 - what integrated we thinking is a better match? Hegel? McIntosh? Other?


Hello fellow crazy people.

Running an 803D4, currently powered by a Cambridge Evo 150

Just set up a office pair of Genelec's 8330A's with a 7350A, used the Genelec SMA calibrator.... and love the sound.   They sound better than the BW's, which means the Evo is at a limit.

Bound by "real life" constraints of not being able to convert the system into a whole room dedicated with separates and cables etc etc so.... looking at integrated amps.

Anyone have any experience with Hegel H400 vs H600?
Of course considering the MA9500 

What else should be on the radar?

Thank you!

pritchettsclosets

Have you considered the Primaluna EVO 300 Floyd integrated amp. I’m using is with an earlier B&W 803 diamond speaker and it’s great. It has plenty of grunt that the speaker needs and a tube preamp section. It’s really a fantastic amp. 
 

Good luck in your search. 

I was under the olde school belief that separates are always better... that tide has turned. Several great one box solutions out now. For my desktop I have a Hegel 190, in my main the McIntosh MA 12000. They both do what they are designed to do - and exceptionally well. Even on the digital path - the Wadax Studio player (one box) has great reviews....out of my price point; but when you consider separates: power cords, interconnects, a DAC, CD/SACD player, and streamer in one package...the Wadax price is more approachable.

With the McIntosh MA series – you will have more paths/interconnects than you will ever need/use & the tube front end with the SS back – is exceptional. Many have mentioned good synergy with McIntosh with B&W speakers…I would always want a first-hand  demo or listening session first for this type of purchase…

MA9500

Pass Int250 I ran a pair of N803s with pass X250.5 and it was a great combo. This integrated should do just fine

Boulder 866


I love B&W sound. It’s a polarizing brand but the 800 series are awesome speakers. There will be those who prefer other speakers and those who never owned a pair of B&Ws but love to hate the brand. 

https://forum.audiogon.com/posts/2910992

I have the 803 Nautilus, so a bit of a predecessor but still lovely speakers and why I still have them.  I have been with the Hegel 390 for quite some time and I have really loved it.  Still do.  That said, I was given the opportunity to attractively acquire a new Musical Fidelity M8xi for a nice closeout discount and have been thoroughly impressed.  I wasn't really in the market, but upon bringing it home for an in-home demo, I'm making the switch.  IMO, the music just comes to life with more of everything.  That extra current (550 wpc into 8 ohms) makes a difference when the B&Ws dip into the 3 ohm world.   If you were to go Hegel, you won't be disappointed.  Really, really good products.  But if you haven't really considered the M8xi, then I'd suggest giving it a look.  The one caveat is that if you don't have a good streamer and/or stand-alone DAC and you need/want the DAC, Tidal Connect/Qobuz Connect features of the Hegel, then the MX8i isn't your choice.  It is about power and sound.  It has a DAC, but I haven't even bothered to listen to it.  And it doesn't have all of the"connect" features.  Good luck on your search.