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Peachtree or Hegel Integrated?

I have a secondary two-channel system in my bedroom. It comprises a Marantz NR1403 HT receiver and Wharfedale Dentons connected to Samsung HDTV, cable box and a Sonos connect. The room measures 16x13 and the speakers are in open bookshelves (7-8" from the wall). I like the overall sound quality, finding the system musical and non-fatiguing. The only negative is it does not have the air and clarity in the upper-end like my LR system. I am not sure I should mess with it, though, since I like the overall sound. I should also note the system will remain with just two main speakers. A sub may be added at some point, but I actually like the Dentons without a sub.

My thought is to change the Marantz receiver (50 watts) in hope of elevating the Dentons. I enjoy their musical nature, but it would nice if there was a bit more transparency and air on the upper-end. It’s most notable on female voices which seem slightly veiled, but still sharper than my older B&Ws. My choices would be either a Peachtree Audio Nova65s or Hegel H-80. The Peachtree is about half the costs of the Hegel, while the Hegel seems to garner more consistent positive reviews. The 3rd option is getting a higher-end Marantz such as the SR7007 which would offer more power and room correction. It also adds bass management in case I decided to add a sub at some point.

The second aspect is possibly replacing the Wharfedales at some point with the Kef LS50s. The Kefs seem to get such praise for their transparency and musical nature. I think I would want to try them at some point and would want any replacement to be able to driving less efficient speakers. I have heard so may mixed comments on the Kefs' power needs I probably need to form my own opinion, albeit there are no local dealers. On that front, I have a local Peachtree dealer. There is also a Hegel dealer, but they don’t have a H-80 on display.

Given the above, can I expect…..
1) Is it reasonable to think a higher quality and more powerful amp will enhance the Dentons?
2) Would you expect the Hegel to outperform the Peachtree? If so, in what way? Would the Peachtree provide a warmer presentation?
3) Would your recommendation change if the speakers were the Kef LS50s instead of the Dentons?

Any thoughts would be appreciated.

Peachtree Nova65se
+ well reviewed with comments on being slight warm sounding
+ attractive physical design
+ comments about good service
+ efficiency of Class D design
- comments about noise floor issues
- they seem to change/upgrade models frequently

Hegel H-80
+ well reviewed with favorable comments on power & transparency
+ robust design according to reviews
+ low noise floor
- don’t seem widely known with smaller dealer network
- limited options to find dealer who stocks it
- not sure remote has discrete codes

Marantz SR7007
+ familiar with Marantz products
+ room correction & bass management
+ more power
- improvement might not be noticeable
macct
macct OP
55 posts
 
I was able to see and hear the Hegel H80 this weekend. The demo, however, wasn't great. I heard it briefly with large floorstanding speakers instead of monitor. Some questions went unanswered. Are the discrete codes for inputs to program remote (Harmony)? Does the "Eco" mode serve as stand-by mode, turning screen off and reducing power? Overall, I walked away without knowing much, but I can home demo at some point?

For those who have heard the h160 or h300 how does the h80 compare? The Peachtree would be easier to demo and with a dealer who I have a rapport with, but the Hegel interests me more.
devilboy
1,175 posts
 
I've owned the Peachtree and Hegel 80 and to me, the Hegel clearly outperformed the Peachtree and gave me more pleasure. It was quieter, warmer, richer, had tighter, faster, more controlled bass and I could listen for longer periods. With the exception of the finicky volume control, it was a wonderful piece that I would include in my system for a long time.
Until............
On a whim, I tried the Clones Audio 25i integrated. At a retail price of around $890 I figured, what the hell?
Basically, the Clones integrated made the Hegel sound like HiFi, while the Clones sounded more natural and lifelike.
In fact, this little $890 black box sounded more natural and organic than my $1,400 Bent Autoformer passive preamp with my $1,500 Job 225 amplifier. Better than my $7,000 E.A.R. 890 amp and $5,000 (or whatever Tim is charging now), 834 integrated. Better than Kora, Dynaco and Wyred amps I've had.
I am in no way affiliated with the sales or distribution of Clones products in any way.
Funjoe has opened my ears to what I've been missing since I started this madness almost 30 years ago.

Someone above mentioned the Creek integrated. Don't waste your time chasing low-fi. Do yourself a favor Macct. Try the Clones. I'm not saying it's all things to all people. You may try it and hate it.......to each his own. I'm just saying I haven't been this enthusiastic about a product for a very long time.

.........$890
zd542
5,339 posts
 
I tried the Clones. That thing was a piece of crap. Whatever they're trying to clone, they're not doing a very good job. Don't you have something to do with the company? You're required to disclose that type of info on AG.
devilboy
1,175 posts
 
Hey Z, like I said, I have no connection or affiliation with Clones at all. Like I also said, it may not be all things to all people and some may hate it. A staggering amount of equipment has passed through my system over the years that has received GLOWING reviews from magazines and people online. To describe those that have as a "piece of crap", would have been too kind. It's quit sad actually.
The Clones has mad me the most content I have ever been. I wish I had it years ago.
Good luck in your search Macct.
macct OP
55 posts
 
I appreciate the responses. I did look up the Clones site. It appears they are like many integrated units with only analog inputs. My intent is to have an integrated with digital inputs, preferably with 2 optical inputs. Thanks again.
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