Recently spent some time with a couple “Advance Paris” integrateds that sounded impressive. Tube pre section and many options from built in phono, DAC, CD player, blue tooth, USB stick, ect that can be opted for depending on the model. Cost was super competitive.
Integrated Amps
I'm debating whether to upgrade my Marantz integrated with a better performing and higher powered integrated or simply add a separate amp and use the Marantz as a pre-amp. I've looked at stepping up to the Marantz model 30 or 40n, PS Audio Stellar Strata, Music Fidelity M5si/M6si. But then the Heaven 11 Billie caught my eye.
Has anyone had any experience with the Heaven 11 Billie integrated amp? It's a hybrid class D amp w/ a tubed pre-amp. The reviews I've watched seem to give the unit high marks for sound quality, presentation, sound stage, and because of the tubed pre-amp, an analog warmth to the otherwise "cold" sound of a class D amp.
https://heaven11audio.com/billie2-amp-features-specs/?v=7516fd43adaa
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There is a whole world of great sound quality out there to explore. It can be intimidating and pretty easy to make a wrong first moves.
First the landscape. Moving out of Marantz is a great first step. There are a couple long term reliable… built to sound great budget brands: NAD and Rotel. These are a step out of consumer offering. Reliable, good sounding, and built like tanks, lots of reviews, long histories. Then there is Schiit… yes really. This is a great budget “high end” entry brand. Also, highly reviewed and excellent value for the money. Alternatively there are many many boutique brands like the one you are looking at. They can be great value for the money. There is risks of good performance of some characteristics and not so much in others, the brand might not be there in a few years, reliability could be an issue. I am not saying any of these are true with Heaven, I don’t know. Any way consider NAD, Rotel, and Schiit, as a first step into higher end electronics. On the other hand Heaven could be a great choice. |
@grislybutter It was the British Audophile review that peaked my interest in the Heaven 11. But it's newness gives me a bit of pause but considering they're offering a 5yr warranty at least they're standing behind the product. Considering the Mk2 is sold out, I suspect they'll be releasing a Mk3 but who knows when that might be. The pause I have on Music Fidelity is that neither of the models I"m looking at have a headphone amp. I consider that to be a basic feature and I'm not really interested in buying a separate headphone amp and bypass just to listen to my cans at night. The Rogue seems intriguing. I'm leaning towards the PS Audio but I'm not pulling the trigger on anything until after the first of the year so I have time to do a little more research. |
@soix I'm looking for more power than the 50W the Marantz has, as I plan to upgrade my speakers later this Fall. Key features for me are a good integrated phono stage, headphone amp, digital inputs, 100wpc, good sound quality, and a touch of warmth. |
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