Hi all...I started the year with a audiolab 8200Cdq and a 8200a running a valve power amp and a pair of Proac super tabs. In the summer I decided I wanted more bass and I purchased a pair of immaculate Spendor A5s. I wasn't totally happy with the sound and discovers the valve power was taking out some detail so that was sold...still not getting on with the spendor I bought a pair of 8200p along with a 8200q and also the same week a pair of mint Proac Response D15...I preferred the D15s over the Spendors by far do the Spendors went to a new home. I was wondering if the Proacs needed better application so bought a pair of Bel Canto mono blocks and yes I thought that would be my final purchase. I loved the detail, soundstage and controlled Bass but a curve ball was thrown in when i had the chance to buy a New Hegel H160 for a great price. To cut a long story short with only 1 hour playing and nowhere near run in it is a phenomenal improvement. The sound is detailed, spacious, punchy but with a really nice warmth without it being numb....I think my search is over......have you of you had any upgraditus or do you own a Hegel too....its been a busy last few months in my house lol....cheers and Happy New year!
2017 upgraditus
- Thread starter Galty
- Start date
Del monaco
Del Monaco
I moved away from upgrading when I sold my Naim. It’s like a feverish disease.I’ve been very happy with my second hand Japanese based system for over a year now. Only thing I have added is a home grown streaming machine which has been cheap as chips.
Yes a very expensive feverish disease hahaha.....I'm having a clear out soon!
Yes demos are rare but then again only home demos are really the answer but even then you dont get chance for your hearing to adjust properly I suspect...I think all you can go on is the immediate impact and the Hegel has done that with only an hour or two out of the box!
drummerman
pfm Member
Just started a thread on the new H90 which I have had a few days. Good amp.
Hopefully getting a 190.
Hopefully getting a 190.
drummerman
pfm Member
I believe they all have similar sound but obviously with different power ratings. The latest line apparently sounding a little fuller with even higher damping capability.
I am sure the Rost will handle even expensive and/or difficult to drive speakers.
I am sure the Rost will handle even expensive and/or difficult to drive speakers.
anotherdom
pfm Member
Good review on the H190 in Jan 18 Hi-Fi News
Did you get yours from Rick at Musicraft? I did....I would now having this H160 I'd definitely get a H190 if I got the chance.
drummerman
pfm Member
Yes. I am sure your 160 is very nice too.
Drummerman I'm well pleased ...it has bags of power and so precise...at 150 per channel it should have and that's why I didn't go with the H90 because I've been running 100w and lately 150w pc....they're not the best lookers tho with the bold display but I just switch it off..... it
drummerman
pfm Member
Agree. Looks are nothing to shout about.
I really don't know why there is not more interest in the UK over Hegel in general...maybe it' because of pricing and discounting but I guess in reality most hifi is vastly ovepriced?
drummerman
pfm Member
Worth pointing out Hegel products are not normally discounted and if they are, not by much.
Most brands that do not have a broad dealer base are somewhat boutique. Normal. Folks will not pay lots of money and buy blind. Many will want to listen first.
Not unique to foreign brands either. I am sure there are a few British brands that are not household names to the average punter.
Most brands that do not have a broad dealer base are somewhat boutique. Normal. Folks will not pay lots of money and buy blind. Many will want to listen first.
Not unique to foreign brands either. I am sure there are a few British brands that are not household names to the average punter.
I stand corrected....my ears like most probably yours are are enjoying our bargains!....by the way what sources are you using and what speakers?
I started the year with a pair of Harbeth 30.1’s and Croft 25R/7 Pre/Power. Had a Rega P3 and Auralic Aries. I thought this was me finished on the Hi-Fi merry go round.
Then upgraditis struck.
The first to go was the Harbeths - sold those and bought a pair of Proac SM100’s. Amazing speakers - to my ears better by some margin than the Harbeth’s and a few months on still surprise me with how they produce music.
Whilst he Croft amps worked well with the Proacs I was itching to try a Sugden Amp with them. I bought a used A21a Series 2. Not looked back. The Sugden and Proac combination is stunning.
Bought an ex dem Project Classic - wife loved the look of it and so it stayed. I’m still not sure whether I like the sound of it yet but it is inoffensive and so will stay until something better tempts me that has a decent WAF.
Oh and I sold my Rega Fono stage and got a Graham Slee Revelation M. Very impressed.
Finally, I almost got a Hegel from Rick at Musicraft. Whilst I was waiting for one to come available I bought the Sugden - unless I move up higher up the Sugden line it’s not going anywhere.
Then upgraditis struck.
The first to go was the Harbeths - sold those and bought a pair of Proac SM100’s. Amazing speakers - to my ears better by some margin than the Harbeth’s and a few months on still surprise me with how they produce music.
Whilst he Croft amps worked well with the Proacs I was itching to try a Sugden Amp with them. I bought a used A21a Series 2. Not looked back. The Sugden and Proac combination is stunning.
Bought an ex dem Project Classic - wife loved the look of it and so it stayed. I’m still not sure whether I like the sound of it yet but it is inoffensive and so will stay until something better tempts me that has a decent WAF.
Oh and I sold my Rega Fono stage and got a Graham Slee Revelation M. Very impressed.
Finally, I almost got a Hegel from Rick at Musicraft. Whilst I was waiting for one to come available I bought the Sugden - unless I move up higher up the Sugden line it’s not going anywhere.
drummerman
pfm Member
The Sugden looks good in its latest iteration. Never heard one. It seems super expensive for what it is and somehow totally out of date but considering this is still handmade inhouse in the UK (including the casing) it suddenly looks reasonable and I like things that buck a trend (You have to as a Cyrus owner).
Certainly easier to repair as it's mostly/all through-hole. Something to consider for long term ownership which probably a given. Being an established small business I can imagine customer service would be second to none too.
I must try and hear one at some stage. My only experience in Solid State Class A was with Magnum and that was many years ago. Sugden ownership comments seem to be overwhelming positive.
Certainly easier to repair as it's mostly/all through-hole. Something to consider for long term ownership which probably a given. Being an established small business I can imagine customer service would be second to none too.
I must try and hear one at some stage. My only experience in Solid State Class A was with Magnum and that was many years ago. Sugden ownership comments seem to be overwhelming positive.
I have owned many amps in the last 25 years but never a Sugden. I have been totally blown away by how good it is into the Proacs.
drummerman
pfm Member
That is what it is all about. I am very happy for you. Many years of ownership I hope.