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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
yyzsantabarbara
4,902 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
6,407 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
10,891 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
denon1
345 posts
 

I had Hiato, Hegel 360, Pass int-250, Diablo 300. Currently own Luxman 509x and very happy with that. Plinius is powerful , but not refined, lacks the air and has a glare at highs. Not easy to resell. Pass int-250 is very good but in my system lacked some dynamics in compare with diablo and luxman. Granted I had different speaker when I had pass, so system synergy will be important with pass. Diablo 300 is great - close to live sound, but I had to sell it to finance other projects. Plus shipping diablo can be possible by freight only, since its coming in a wooden box that supported by plastic staples. The hegel 360 ihas a good bass, but build quality is not on the same level as passs, gryphon or luxman. The sound was to analytical for me. The Luxman 509x in spite of its 120w at 8 ohm drives my speakers (canton reference 3k) with ease and good dynamics and airy, refined sound that is not fatigued at any volume.

I firmly believe that power ratings never tell the whole story. Its all about implementation and parts quality that result in refinement and proper current delivery.

Never had Mac so cannot comment.

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