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All-in-one: $1k Marantz or $2k Hegel?

Considering upgrading from Bluesound Powernode 2 for office system. Looking for better sound quality from one-box amplified digital streamer box. Only Tidal streaming will be used for this system.
Intrigued by marantz pm7000n at $1k, and also considering Hegel h90 at $2k. Both 60 Wpc and I believe both use AK4490EQ as dac chip (though hard to confirm for Hegel - but h190 is reported to use 4490 and I think I read h90 uses same, wish I knew for sure).
I know Heos stream interface for marantz is solid because I have a marantz AVR in my main HT system and streaming works well there. Little unsure about the Hegel stream interface.
Anyone heard both units and can compare and contrast?

speakers not purchased yet but likely Kef LS50 with Kef kube 10b sub. I understand Kef and Hegel pair well and each uses other at shows. 

I am going to try to audition both first before deciding just seeking advance opinions
kren0006
kren0006 OP
1,859 posts
 
Powernode was driving NHT-C1 bookshelves. Office is 14x11ish.
I don’t really have room for floorstanders or stands. Speakers have to sit on a table 2ft from wall. I know not ideal. 

I just haven’t been that satisfied with the fullness of the Powernode/NHT combo I guess. Maybe I’m not describing it correctly but I feel like there are a lot of layers or fullness missing.
Normal office and environment so not loud playing.
Just looking for upgrade
wrenth
26 posts
 
If you are looking for some all in one up to 2 grams you should point to Yamaha or Denon also MarantzYou will get pretty decent devices for this money.
Audio vendors get crazy past decade and dictate pretty high prices to the quality. This is why the mass players are better than small manufactures especially if all-in-one segment when production costs are lower. So try AVC-X6500H or Marantz AV8802A or Yamaha MusicCast RX-A3080.
The other way is to go with second hand with 5.1 systems from Naim or Krell. Personally it will be my pick even if more risky. The Atmos application is very demanded in therms of number of loudspeakers and listening room and well.. not so game changer as it is claimed.

gestalt's avatar
gestalt
190 posts
 
Hi-Fi Choice compared some of the models you mentioned (Hegel, NAD, Arcam, Denon, Yamaha, Technics) in this price category and they liked the Denon PMA-1600NE. You may want to add it to your audition list.
kren0006 OP
1,859 posts
 
Thanks for link and Denon suggestion. Wasn’t aware of either
milpai's avatar
milpai
2,427 posts
 
Question to anyone who is using Hegel integrated amplifiers. What is the best way to play Tidal/Spotify wirelessly to the integrated amplifier? The Hegel integrated amplifier has an Ethernet connection, but no wireless antennas. My friend wants to use either his Android phone or tablet to play music via the amplifier to the loudspeakers.
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