From what I've read the Billie headphone amp is not very good. The amp also has hiss. I have not auditioned one though. The Musical Fidelity amps are dead quiet, sound very good and the build quality is excellent. I have an M6si and it's great for the price but as you know it does not have a headphone amp.
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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And there it is. audiotroy3,716 posts Op we specialize in integrated amplifiers we carry Coda, Krell, Atoll, Synthesis, Rega, Naim, Nad, Parasound and Unison Research. please feel free to reach out for a discussion about which product will work for you
Dave and Troy Audio intellect NJ
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A lot of this is going to depend on what speakers you have and what you expect out of them. I suppose you've already seen Steve Gutenberg's review of the Billie which is very positive (he keeps going crazy over the knobs!) but does much address the sound, which seems to be somewhat warm like a tube amp without being overly so. You can also play with tube switching for fun. Still, he says those looking for a more analytical sound might look elsewhere. Also, if you're a vinyl guy, the phono stage would be a consideration, which seems ok. Some question the headphone amp. Adequate power too, good warranty, and under $2000. That last thing is impressive. You're talking about the Spectral integrated at PSAudio which is like $3400. I got their prior model, refurbed, for $1745, no doubt when its former owner traded it in to get the new one which has a phono stage (I already had their old NPC phono, so a good deal for me). Now that combo runs a little more analytical. I think I would give the Billie a try were I doing it over again, especially if I didn't have the phono converter. There are a bunch of good integrated out there. Mainly find a good match for your speakers and be careful of that phono stage if that's your thing and the DAC if that is. |
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