@gano true. If you're gonna cost twice and still be made in China (Hegel)...that gives me pause.
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- 41 posts total
- 41 posts total
@gano true. If you're gonna cost twice and still be made in China (Hegel)...that gives me pause. |
Well, in perspective, the Hegel retailed for $3500 at the time the Set 120 was probably $1000. The Hegel, mine anyhow had more connectivity with its dac, pre outs and XLR, has 3X the power. And it had to come to the US through customs, a distributor and the retail showrooms. The Hegel cost more than the comparable Parasound Int. at the time too and those two amps were comparable although I preferred the SQ of the Hegel by a margin. There are alot of other amps of various design that were and still are much more in price. At the time I saw the Hegel as a high performance and reliable product at a still affordable price in a more high end audio product which I believe it was and probably still is. Not a budget product by any means but a good one and competitive among its peers. The VA I purchased knowing its limitations was solely due to its SQ as reported by users, and given its positive long history in business. And at a slightly used discounted price helped. When the owner, who isn't a only a one person operation passes, that may be the end of V/A as we know them. Just like Croft over in England did. Parasound was bought out. Hegel will probably pass hands too. But that happens with audio companies. Buy a good product whether the Company is there or not in a few years as its meant to be enjoyed, for as long as possible. I still think Hegel is a good product and within reach. Used prices are decent for buyers, I know its relative. The truly high end and far less accessible products even discounted are outside the reach of many. How much more that gives you, I don't know. Maybe a more you are there performance at louder SPLs, but I don;t want that either. Lots of good products that satisfy at various prices under or over a grand, which is good for all of us. |
Also on the Hegel pricing: used ones sell at a similar price of used AVAs, maybe 20% more. Which is very telling. The used market has a lot of $500 to a $1000 integrateds. It looks like Creek is really the winner there. Btw Leak has very similar construction than Hegel, but looks profoundly different. It’s a money pit :) |