So I just bought a Hegel H390 and

100 hour update on the KEF Reference 5's.

The high end hasn't changed much and that's a good thing.

The upper midrange has settled down and that's a very good thing.

The bass has improved the most, Tight and clean. No need for a subwoofer here.

I'm definitely a happy listener.

JD

The Hegel 360 drove KEF Blade 2 to some decent levels. Not the best amp I have heard with the Blades but excellent for the price. THe 390 would work better on KEFs if it is a bit warmer than the 360. I would choose something from the KEF Reference line to stay under $10K. This does not match what the OP was asking for in terms of warm+warm but that is how I would go.

Oops, just saw the post above. Congrats, Great move.

yy,

 I was starting to think that I might have made a mistake with this pairing, but not any more! The H390 is a bit warmer than the H360 and maybe the Blades weren't broken in.  But either way, the system really has changed for the better in about six weeks.

All the best.

JD

@curiousjim My comment on the 360 and Blades was related to the 360 not being the best in Hegels then lineup and the Blades being near the top of KEF’s lineup.

My understanding is that the new 390 is essentially the same as the top dog 590.

KEF + Hegel are a super combo. A lot of great listening sessions in your future.

My understanding is that the new 390 is essentially the same as the top dog 590.

depends on how one defines ’essentially’ -- useful information on the differences (but bear in mind their findings are using the dac + amp sections of each unit)