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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
joekapahulu
240 posts
 
Have Marantz pm8005. Very good sound for $1k new especially in direct mode bypassing tone controls. Used with Kef R300s and Marantz ND8006. Integrated fine for HEOS, various streaming sites. Setup  wired Ethernet and wireless.
kren0006 OP
1,859 posts
 
Joekapshulu:
Do you know whether the sub output is active when running in direct mode?

Reason I ask is I have a 2ch Integra receiver that I think sounds better in its direct mode for music except doing so kills the sub output and I use bookshelves and need a sub in that system so can’t use the direct mode with that amp 
joekapahulu
240 posts
 
I don't know for a fact it is active in direct mode. However, I know that with DM tone and balance controls are bypassed but the 2 speaker switches still work. I would expect output to sub to remain. Travel g right now so can't check manual. Btw, probably use preamp 50% of time as tone control include bass, midrange and treble and lots of old cds benefit from eq.
kren0006 OP
1,859 posts
 
Thanks, joe.
As to the Hegel wireless question, I guess would have to use Bluetooth or Airplay if those are supported, which I’m not sure because I don’t need to go there, as I’ll be able to run direct Ethernet cable.
Well I missed the LS 50 sale so now I am leaning towards instead migrating my current second system speakers, Spendor SA1 bookshelves, to this system. I doubt that’ll materially affect Hegel v Marantz choice (or denon) but it gives me little more time to get this right.
What I really need to see in person is how the Hegel Tidal interface works. I’m not clear on that issue from Hegel documentation and reviews
milpai's avatar
milpai
2,323 posts
 
We reached out to Hegel and they recommend using Airplay. Android is possible with UnPNP softwares.
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