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All-in-one: $1k Marantz or $2k Hegel?

Considering upgrading from Bluesound Powernode 2 for office system. Looking for better sound quality from one-box amplified digital streamer box. Only Tidal streaming will be used for this system.
Intrigued by marantz pm7000n at $1k, and also considering Hegel h90 at $2k. Both 60 Wpc and I believe both use AK4490EQ as dac chip (though hard to confirm for Hegel - but h190 is reported to use 4490 and I think I read h90 uses same, wish I knew for sure).
I know Heos stream interface for marantz is solid because I have a marantz AVR in my main HT system and streaming works well there. Little unsure about the Hegel stream interface.
Anyone heard both units and can compare and contrast?

speakers not purchased yet but likely Kef LS50 with Kef kube 10b sub. I understand Kef and Hegel pair well and each uses other at shows. 

I am going to try to audition both first before deciding just seeking advance opinions
kren0006
kren0006 OP
1,859 posts
 
The Naim Uniti is $3k+, outside of my budget for this system. Similarly for NAD M10 at 2.75ish. 

In reality, at twice the cost the SQ of Hegel will have to be much better than the marantz for me to justify the extra cost, but if it is then it’ll be worth it. 

A UK mag that reviewed the marantz stated it was much better on several levels than the Bluesound Powernode 2i, so that’s positive. For whatever mag reviews are worth ....
Both the Hegel and marantz are class AB.
tpreaves's avatar
tpreaves
2,686 posts
 
In reality, at twice the cost the SQ of Hegel will have to be much better than the marantz for me to justify the extra cost, but if it is then it’ll be worth it.

Only you can determine that.
kren0006 OP
1,859 posts
 
For sure. The cool part for me is dealer has all three brands (Kef, marantz, Hegel) so if I get lucky and they stock those amps in the showroom I should get to A/B them
rwortman's avatar
rwortman
41 posts
 
The Powernode sounds "small" driving what?  How big is this office?  How loud do you want music to be playing while you work.  Too loud for me and I can't think about things other than the music.  I assume an office has a computer.  If I was doing an office system, I would use a pro usb audio interface connected to my computer and as good a pair of powered monitors as I could afford.
kren0006 OP
1,859 posts
 
Powernode was driving NHT-C1 bookshelves. Office is 14x11ish.
I don’t really have room for floorstanders or stands. Speakers have to sit on a table 2ft from wall. I know not ideal. 

I just haven’t been that satisfied with the fullness of the Powernode/NHT combo I guess. Maybe I’m not describing it correctly but I feel like there are a lot of layers or fullness missing.
Normal office and environment so not loud playing.
Just looking for upgrade
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