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Hegel H360 or H590 or Constellation Inspiration Integrated 1.0 for Magico A3

I recently heard the Magico A3s and really liked them. The dealer said they are often combined with the Constellation Inspiration Integrated 1.0 at shows. After a lot of searching on Google, I can't find any pictures or reference to this combination. However, I did find a number of references to the A3s being combined with Hegel amps, including by Alon Wolf who said it would be a very good combination and led the author of the article to speculate that the A3s may have been "voiced" by Magici using the Hegel H360. I have not yet been able to listen to the A3s with either the Hegel H360 or H590 or the Constellation amp. I would be interested in everyone's thoughts as to the best integrated amplifier for the A3s for $13,500 (the price of the Constellation amp) or less.
iar
respected_ent
190 posts
 
I was also there at the Lonestar Audio Show, and the T+A and A3 combo sounded pretty good.  The A3 wasn't fully broken in at that time I think.  Here are my youtube clips (taken with my cell phone)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KUQqBYl7Y5k
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QOPSwuKMFTU
melbguyone
294 posts
 
@soix Even if the OP starts out with a used T&A amp (if that’s what he ends up doing), I think he’ll end up with something like a Vitus RI-101 as that integrated has uncanny synergy with the A3’s, and is absolutely effortless. Buy yes I recognize that is a circa $15k amp vs $9.8k speakers, hence I guess why Magico have demo’d the speakers with Hegel at shows. The Vitus however could be considered a high end bargain when you factor in the properly worked out optional dac/streamer and phono modules.
ricred1
2,053 posts
 
I'm sorry, but I don't really care what the reviews say. If I hear something, only my ears count. As much money as this stuff cost, I would have to be a serious fool to purchase something based on a review. I had another Audiogon member(Calvin) with me at Lonestar and I hope he posts his thoughts on the T+A/ A3 combination.
iar OP
21 posts
 
@ricred1 . I could not agree more. I did have an opportunity to hear the T+A 3100 with the A3s and I liked what I heard. I am sure that the dealer's listening room was a much better environment to hear the setup than any audio show. However, it's frustrating that I am making significant financial decisions based on the few combinations that are available at the same dealer(s).
iar OP
21 posts
 
Oh no! I need to backtrack. I spoke to the dealer, who insists that I also listen to the Gryphon Diablo 300 (which he says has an even better bottom end than the T+A 3100) and the Luxman 509 before I decide. He also carries Ayre, Bryston and Pass, but does not have them available for a demo. He did not suggest these other amps - I am just trying to get an excellent amp for the A3s in my price range. I will not be available to hear the amps for almost a month because of travel plans. However, I ordered the A3s because there is a backlog and Magico is estimating delivery in Q1 2019 based on orders submitted now. I don't want to wait any longer for my new system!
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