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Plinius Hiato vs MA9000 vs Hegel H360 (powerful integrated amps under 10k with 200 watts)

Looking for an integrated amp under $10K, that can pump at least 200-250watts into 8 ohms. I listen to digital music only (Tidal premium and tidal mostly). I did like McIntosh integrated sound, but didn’t get a chance to compare that to Hiato. I have PMC Twenty5.26, Hiato seems to be good match based on some online forums but no one compared it with other two above. I believe I like a bit warm sounding amp, with heavy weight on the base and bit sound stage (as live as possible in presentation). Amp should sound good at low listening volume levels.

These are low sensitive speakers at 86db, I have noticed that they can use power. On another note, the new Luxman L-509x integrated is getting awesome reviews, but it’s only 120 watts at 8 ohms, wonder if it can give me what I want or whether it is still underpowered... Btw, I currently own a Moon 340i integrated, it is a little underpowered for these PMC’s. And yes, don’t want to spend on that Diablo 300 or the pass labs 250 yet...not that kind of money...not yet.. I live in NZ and Plinius gives us a lot more value for money here (if that makes sense). Here MA9000 is twice more expensive than Hiato. Just trying to compare value vs performance with MA9000. Hegel H360 vs Hiato are in the same price bracket, I am assuming Hiato easily beats H360, I am not sure though.

Any valuable input (on these options or other alternative better options) will be appreciated.

cad13
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yyzsantabarbara
4,877 posts
 
Also researching integrateds myself the lowest priced one that I have on my watch list is the Hegel H590. It is coming out in the fall and is 301 watts @ 8 with improved DAC. Prior Hegel DACs were already good.

https://darko.audio/2018/05/statement-made-hegel-debut-h590-with-kef-blade/



respected_ent
189 posts
 
I've had a Plinius Hautonga before and now the Hegel H360.  Hegel definitely sounds better in my system.  The Hegel also has a high quality internal dac.
stereo5's avatar
stereo5
6,405 posts
 
I have an older McIntosh MA6600 Integrated with 200wpc and the famous output transformers. My GE Triton Ones really sing with this amp.   It bested a Rogue Cronus Magnum and Parasound Halo Integrated. 
nonoise's avatar
nonoise
10,882 posts
 
Check out the Kinki Studio EX-M1. It's rated at 215W/channel into 8 ohms and doubles into 4 ohms. The amp's designer modeled it after some of the best Swiss amps out there and you can have it for around $2200.00. 

I wrote a review of it here and there's one at 6moons.com  and Terry London (teajay here at A'gon) will have a review of it soon at his site, hometheaterreview.com.  i'm told it stands it's ground against $20K worth of gear.

All the best,
Nonoise
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