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

 

bipod72

@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.

the British Audiophile is one of three channels I watch, he is very honest and lacks any BS-ing skills, luckily

If you’re planning to upgrade your speakers. I would do that first, then go shopping for an amp to support it. This will allow you to know the strengths and weaknesses of your system with the speakers… perhaps try some amps with your system. Best thing is to start upgrade cycle with new speakers.

I’ll offer my two cents on the Billie amp. I had the Mark II version for a couple of weeks to try it out. I was very impressed with the build quality, the design and the functionality of the user interface. I can’t comment on the built-in DAC or the Bluetooth as I did not use either of those functions. 
The sound quality I thought was very muscular with a clean mid range and good high-end extension. The bass was strong, but clean and very well-controlled. Overall, I was very impressed. However it wasn’t a good match with my high-efficiency speakers. I imagine that it would be a very good match for speakers that require a lot of drive such as panel speakers or those which with large heavy drivers that need a lot of control. 
The manufacturer took the return with no hassles and they were very easy to work with. I believe there’s a 30 or 60 day return. So it might be worth a shot.