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Integrated with built-in accessible DAC bad move?

A friend of mine asked me advice on buying a HEGEL 300 integrated with Dac, wondering what I might think of this purchase.

Basically, I feel those amps with Dacs will be quickly obsolete as digital technology is moving too fast.

Why buy an expensive amp with a "computer" inside when there are dozens of dacs out there - and improving fast. How about resale value?

Case in point, Naim dropped the Dac in its Supernait II....
sonicbeauty
mesch
3,529 posts
 
What types of digital inputs does the Hegel 300 have? I believe the USB interface is changing faster than DAC technology.
jl35
4,142 posts
 
Hegel claims that the digital components in the 300 are upgradeable...
mapman's avatar
mapman
22,631 posts
 
You are right about how fast digital technology changes.

One reason to not buy an expensive integrated with dac. But there may be other good reasons to buy one as well. Just one useful factor to consider when buying. In my case I would tend to shy away from expensive digital integrates but would go with many more modest ones that already sound great if needed.
soix
9,983 posts
 
Personally I'd be more concerned about if the H300 as an integrated has the sonic characteristics your friend is looking for. If the DAC's pretty good too, bonus. Buy used -- there's one for sale here now -- and you won't have to sweat resale too much. I'd spend more time worrying about if Sim Audio, Rogue, Pass Labs, etc. make an integrated that sounds better to your friend. Best of luck.
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