|
You can do much better than Hegel, even at a comparable or lower price point, I do understand that a lot of mid-fi gear is difficult to demo but make an effort instead of relying on paid print/video media or fanboys!
|
|
Used 390’s can be had for about 3000
in a parallel universe
Also, anyone pays attention to poster's room size?
|
Used 390’s can be had for about 3000. If it were me I’d try to stretch.
|
From reading online it appears the digital section of the H120 and H190 are identical. I think basically it comes down to are u going to hear a difference with 75 wpc vs 150 wpc driving your speakers when listening at 80 dB ? I think you will hear more of an improvement with an H120 and better speakers than an H190 with current speakers.
|
along the lines of previous suggestions: buy a bee farm. It has nothing to do with your question just like many of the comments here
|
Take this with a grain of salt as I dont know what kind of music you listen to, but a quick search on USAM turned up a pair of Harbeth C7ES and a Hegel h190 for around $4600 (separate ads) which are thought to have good synergy.
I based your budget on a new h190 listing at $4200.
|
quiet clean power it has will just sound better at lower listening volumes
I seriously doubt that
|
It's a bit of a shame you've ruled out the H390. Now that the H400 is replacing it, I fortunate enough to pick up one in a new/open box condition very recently for $4,500 and a new H190 is I think something like $4,200. Thinking ahead, if you can find a new or used H390 in that range, the relatively small extra dollar stretch is definitely worth it. It will drive whatever speakers you get in the future admirably and the gobs of quiet clean power it has will just sound better at lower listening volumes with your current speakers. On the other hand, stereo gear is just like bikes. There is always something better for just a little bit more money. My bottom line is go with the most power in their lineup you can swing. I really like the sound Hegel amps produce and no matter where you end up in their lineup, I predict you will be a happy camper.
|
@boozendormi
I think you should buy the H120. Even the H90 would be fine, but the H120 would be a no brainer.
I tried 7 integrated amps in two months in search of my next best amp. What I found was that they matter the least. The source and the speaker make a much bigger difference.
Don’t buy the speakers first. You need to match the speakers TO THE AMP, not the other way. In your room size, the Hegel will do everything you need. Any 2-3K bookshelf speaker from Dynaudio or Wharfedale or alike would be a huge upgrade to the B&Ws
|
The advice on figuring out your potential speaker upgrade, what your preferences are and picking a new amp based on how it meets the potential new speakers needs along with synergy is key. How an amp sounds paired with speakers is heavily impacted by the synergy between the two. Even if you aren’t streaming currently, might be a good idea to buy an amp that offers the capability, opens up an entirely new world of accessibility. Hegel is highly regarded and specifically for their integrated units, you won’t go wrong with them. They also should be able to drive most speakers. I’d lean into the 190 or 360 used, Hegel has a great reputation for their integrated amps digital streaming / DAC capabilities, you’ll get a slightly better amp / pre and gain the all in one package needed to stream should you ever get the itch. Bang for buck, Music Fidelity makes some great integrated amps, used some models should fall within your price range, same with Peach Tree Audio. I think PS audio also makes a Class D integrated that can be found at a good value used. Schitt has built their brand off of delivering high performance and reasonable prices, would look at their gear, integrated units as well.
Good Luck,
|
Thanks everyone for your recommendations!
I'm not planning to move anytime soon - so power should be enough with either amps for now. I'm more concerned about the overall sound quality of the two amps, for now given the fact that a future speaker upgrade could reveal more sound qualities than the CM1 are doing now.
So the H190 is overkill for the room and maybe the H120 is too but what about their sound? I can't find any significant information about a design change from one amp to the other that could "objectify" a step forward in SQ.
I know that listening by oneself is the rule of thumb but after several tests I'm beginning to be a little confused so other people opinions could help.
The H190 sounds a little better to me with some tracks but it may as well be placebo effect...
Or maybe the way to go is to upgrade the speakers first, then find the right amp!
|
The H190 is overkill for the room - but if you ever plan to move the system to a larger space it would be the smarter purchase. Looking at a couple of sites - the used H190 sells for $600 to $1000 more than the H120. There are many more H190s available. I would spend an extra $6 to $700 to get the H190 now. I wouldn't spend $1000 more, however. Put that towards your CM1 replacements. If you want a small room system now, I'd get the H95 or H120 and a pair of used canton reference 9k, dynaudio specials or even larger fyne F502's I saw online for sale. Good luck !
|
Try the Hegel H360 used
no, it would make zero sense
|
@gkelly +1 To avoid the rabbit hole make sure your new amp, whichever one you pick, will play nicely with your future choice of speakers.
|
If you can find a H190, then go for it. Great bang for the buck!
All the best.
|
Just depends on how much power you want. I have the 190 and love it with the Dynaudio Heritage speakers. I use it mainly for streaming. My main listening is a tube integrated.
|
|
If you are going to upgrade your speakers in a couple years. What might those speakers be? Research what amp that might be most synergistic with your new speakers. 🔊. I find there are a lot of switchbacks on this journey we take.
|
I had a H190 and got rid of it, was very dull flat, sterile to be honest. I ended up buying a Kinki Studio EX-M1 way more musical of an amp. 250WPC if that matters, more than enough power to drive most speakers out there.
|
I have been looking buying the Hegel H90 and H120 but both are outside my budget. I believe they are very reliable and great sounding amps. So, recommending something else would be a bit of a tangent. (Plus, when you ask for a recommendation here of whatever amp, you will get a lot of "you must have what I have, regardless of budget, synergy, etc.)
I have tried a lot of amps and I feel I arrived back at the conclusion that the source and the speakers are way more important.
I would stick with the H120, they will drive any speaker for you room. My favorite source for recommendation and synergy is the British Audiophile
|
Thanks!
So you would recommend another amp, maybe less powerful but of better design?
I'm considering a speaker upgrade indeed but I first need an amp: the previous one failed and the repair is too expansive. So I'm ampless for now :)
|
Agree with Grisly, the CM1 is a good speaker but rather disproportionate to what you are spending on the amp. If the speakers are staying for the 2 years but the lower priced amp and upgrade it all when the time comes.
|
if you think the H190 is better, I don't see how you will ever be happy with the H120. You will always think you are missing something. However you room is so small, I don't think this is the best way to spend your money, nor that the difference is significant. (Small in the amplifier need sense, not in any experience limiting sense) 75wpc Class A/B is twice of what you need easily.
I would save that money (the difference) for a speaker upgrade. That's your weak link and best bang for the buck.
|
Thanks for your answer.
My preferred source is my CD drive (Cambridge 651C) or my TT (Clearaudio Emotion with Furutech / ADL GT40 Alpha phoo pre-amp). I might use the USB DAC entry but I won't do streaming.
I'm afraid that for now, H390 is out of my budget, even used.
|
You never specified your preferred source. In the case that you're streaming, I'd take a hard look for a used H390. Since the new H400 is out there should be some 390s around at a good price.
|
