Can an integrated amp be used as a power amp

looking at an image of the unit with the bottom open and looking at the number of tubes in and that it has no phono section, it appears to be a power amplifier with a passive volume pot in the front of the power amplifier input.  (I'm perfectly willing to be wrong about this so caveat emptor. I seriously doubt any problem would erupt either way, though)

which is called a ’integrated’ these days, at times. all due to not needing phono equalization circuits in most integrateds.

in the old days, this was simply a power amplifier with a level control for the inputs. these days, add a switch for a few extra inputs and they call it an ’integrated.’

this is what your amp appears to be. a power amp with a switch and level control.

so it could be fine as a power amplifier, as that is what it is.

@atorres53,

The Hegel has a pre out, so yes it can be used as a preamplifier. I also confirmed with Hegel.

I looked at a photo of the H390 tonight and saw the Line Level Outputs for use as preamp and DAC. Too bad there isn't an Analog Out in addition to the Digital Out, to allow the H390 to be used as a source component.

You did your due diligence and now moving on to new adventures. Good luck and hope you enjoy the process along the way.

One final thought. You mentioned buying a tube power amp to use with the H390.
Another option is a tube integrated with HT bypass or other method of using it as a power amp, to provide the flexibility to remove the H390 in the future, if desired.

Thank you all again.