2. amps-preamps
  3. 134421-109946

Integrated amp with HT bypass for Focal Electra 1008 Be

Hi!

This is my first post here, so,, hello everyone ! :D

I recently acquired a pair of Focal Electra 1008 be bookshelf speakers. These are going to be used as Fronts of a 5.1 surround setup. I currently have them hooked up to a NAD 326bee. NAD's power amp input is connected to Denon X3400H AVR's pre outputs. AVR is driving the center and surround channels, sub is active (Dali IKON sub MK2). This setup is not very optimal, since I cannot take AVR out of equation, and I really don't trust AVR's DAC or pre amp section very much. I want to be able to use my home theater via AVR easily, while being able to use the Focal Electras for a good stereo music experience.

I read about integrated amps or preamps with HT Bypass feature, I believe one of those would fit my requirements very well. Current models I have in mind are:

1- Hegel H360, H300 or H160
2- Parasound Halo Integrated
3- Atoll IN300 or Atoll IN200SE
4- Cambridge Audio 851A or 840A
5- Marantz PM8005 or PM14S1

Cheapest items in that list are Marantz PM8005 and Atoll IN200SE. I was wondering if one of those would just work for me, or if I should go for Hegel H360? Any opinions of these amplifiers and how they would match with Focal Electra line, especially given that it has the beryllium tweeter units, would be highly appreciated! :D

I was initially quite excited about the Atoll IN200SE, since it has a true dual mono architecture. However, then I got to know that only way to shut it down is to flip the on/off switch on it's back. Turns out when device is on stand by, it is still using around 19 watts of power.

Parasound's sub management features are quite attractive as well. I guess I can have the same with others integrated amps that have pre out (my sub has separate LFE and L/R inputs).

Any suggestions or thoughts would be highly appreciated!
denizpiri
denizpiri OP
43 posts
 
@mr_m Well, as I said, Jazz sounds truly magical. Or live orchestra recordings, pure magic.. And that pure magic is kept at low volumes as well.

But as I understand, amp doesn't attack quick enough or decay quick enough. So when the music has too much energy. Such as distorted guitar sound, it somehow sounds smooth and musical, not giving me goose bumps. Yeah that is the thing, amp never gave me a single goose bump yet, regardless of volume. Gave me many moments of "god damn that sounds delicious" though.
I am a guitar player myself, using Kemper KPA currently and used many other equipment in the past, so I know how guitar should sound like and can sound like. However, here it just doesn't sound right.

Just got a new idea, connect Kemper KPA to Hegel and play guitar trough it ! :D

Anyway, will be returning Hegel tomorrow. I will try few other amps I think before making a decision. I definitely want to try a Class D amp though, I guess I am just looking for something more analytical, a bit less musical. Will see...
mdelrossi1
79 posts
 
Don’t know if tubes are out, but, I’ve got the Focal 1008be2’s powered by Primaluna Dialogue Premium integrated, sound phenomenal. It has a HT pass through. 
I’ve always wanted to hear a Hegel. 

Good luck
mdr
denizpiri OP
43 posts
 
@mdelrossi1 What speaker cables are you using ? And what genre you listen to mostly with them ? The amp should be easy to turn on/off by my girlfriend as well, not sure if I can convince her for the idea of power on, wait for warm up, take it out of standby,, and same in reverse for powering it down everytime she would like to watch netflix :D

Connected Kemper KPA via spdif to Hegel H360. My guitar sounded as if there was chorus effect on it. I made sure that Kemper KPA was only running amp sim and cab sim and no reverb/delay/space sim was applied, pure digital output afterwards. Then tried to play the same thing via Kemper connected to my guitar amp, no chorus feel, everything feels sharp and not blurred and edgy..

Will be listening to some Steve Vai, Joe Satriani, Guthrie Govan etc... To understand if there is something that makes distorted guitar sounds sound unnatural. Or I should say, makes it sound too natural where as it should sound unnatural :D
denizpiri OP
43 posts
 
Found a review that somewhat verifies my thoughts of the Hegel sound. http://www.enjoythemusic.com/magazine/equipment/0915/Hegel_H160_Review.htm
It is a review of Hegel H160. But overall it mentions how hegel is soft. I guess I just don't like the fact that amp is too easy to listen to. I actually love it for jazz music etc,, but not when I want to listen to "Welcome to the Jungle".
denizpiri OP
43 posts
 
Returned the Hegel H360 to dealer. Told him my views of it, he agrees mostly. I wanted to take Atoll IN300 for demo, he heavily recommended Audio Analogue Puccini Anniversary. Love it's looks. So, took it home. Listening to them right now.

After listening to Audio Analogue, I know for a fact that I will not be having Hegel. Not my cup of tea. I don't want any device in the chain smoothing the music out. Smooth sounds should come out smooth, but sound of glass shattering should give me goose bumps. Audio Analogue seems to be doing it so far, without sounding bright.

Also in terms of usability, it is amazing. I can remotely turn it on/off. No more having to place your hand under the device to turn it on. Visually it looks superb, never seen any better and more classy looking amp before. No crappy blue LED like in Hegel.

Anyway, I can understand that some people like Hegel. Night time jazz listening was great with it. However, definitely was blurring out every other genre of music. Just not for me.

I will keep Audio Analogue until Wednesday. Will write my views of it here.
More to discover