I have a Hegel H-30, and was running with VAC older Phi Beta, modded to permit tube rolling, and it sounded great. Recently switched to Veloce Battery powered tube preamp, agree with above; it works a tad better when using the
balanced IC's. Love my Hegel...it has gobs of power, yet sounds refined and detailed. I leave it powered on all the time, and its been very reliable.
Have not like it when paired with the Hegel pre...if you want a solid state pre, I've heard it with Constellation inspiration line, and it also was a good match. Best match was the DartZeel, but can't afford it. Love it with a good tubed pre....better than solid state pre.