2. amps-preamps
  3. 137750-95945

Hegel H360 or H590 or Constellation Inspiration Integrated 1.0 for Magico A3

I recently heard the Magico A3s and really liked them. The dealer said they are often combined with the Constellation Inspiration Integrated 1.0 at shows. After a lot of searching on Google, I can't find any pictures or reference to this combination. However, I did find a number of references to the A3s being combined with Hegel amps, including by Alon Wolf who said it would be a very good combination and led the author of the article to speculate that the A3s may have been "voiced" by Magici using the Hegel H360. I have not yet been able to listen to the A3s with either the Hegel H360 or H590 or the Constellation amp. I would be interested in everyone's thoughts as to the best integrated amplifier for the A3s for $13,500 (the price of the Constellation amp) or less.
iar
iar OP
21 posts
 
I have the time to wait to hear the Hegel 590. The dealer said the Magico A3s are backordered and will take 3 or more months to be available.

Thanks, denon1. You expressed my concerns about the Vitus. The dealer also suggested the Luxman 509x. However, I don't think it's in the same league as the Hegel or Constellation and may also suffer as to resale value.

I heard the 3As with the T+A integrated. It's an excellent combination, but exceeds my budget. 

denon1
331 posts
 
Iar, thank for the info. The thing with hegel  that worries me is the build quality. I had their integrated and second from the H30 amplifier and they both had loud transformer bass and smell. The Hegel build is not in the same league as Luxman 509x or Gryphon or even Pass.  I actually like the sound of Luxman 509x, its very refined and natural, but I think its a little underpowered to make my canton reference 3k fully open and sing at a higher volume levels.
soix
8,967 posts
 
There is no "best."  Best is relative to your tastes, music, system, and room.  I'd think the A3 is a fairly neutral sounding speaker, so you need to pick an integrated that is aligned with your situation and sonic preferences.  If you share your preferences and what aspects of sound reproduction are most important to you, you'll get much better and more meaningful recommendations here. 

respected_ent
189 posts
 
I've had several Hegel integrated amps before. No problem with the build quality even though the front panel has a very simple design. I've since upgraded to a Luxman L-590AXII, which is in a different league in terms of build and sound quality. I had always wanted to get Gryphon but after I got my Lux, I no longer have that desire any more. I've heard the Gryphon Diablo 300 with the YG speakers and the A3 with the T+A PA 3100 HV at an audio show earlier this year.  I am also familiar with the Vitus sound because my friend had a Vitus RI-100.  These are all very good amps.  
iar OP
21 posts
 
Thanks, soix and respected. As to SQ, I want a very clear mid-range, not "warm" or "relaxed" which may be euphemisms for less than tight and clear. However, not so "bright" or "analytical" which often leads quickly to listening fatigue. The A3s sounded about right to me and had a very good bottom end, much better than the Harbeth 40.1s that I heard immediately before the A3s (also with the T+A amp). I am hoping to find an amp that complements the A3s in my price range of under $13,500.
More to discover