Results 1 to 13 of 13
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October 31, 2019, 10:27 PM #1
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- Dec 2018
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Hegel H590, Gryphon Diablo 120 or McIntosh MA9000
My current speakers are Tannoy Kensington GR. The amps I used so far: McIntosh MA6700, Accuphase E-480, Rogue Cronus Magnum 3. The amps I auditioned on the Ken GRs were: Accuphase E-650, Luxman L590AXII, Cary 300.2D. I'm looking forward to buy another set of speakers in the near future and they could be B&W, Magico, Wilson Audio, Harbeth or Dynaudio. Among the integrated amps I haven't been able to audition so far are Hegel H590 ($5990), Diablo 120 ($7800) and McIntosh MA9000 ($8490), which would be great for my current Tannoy Kensington GRs? and for my listed speaker brands I'm going to purchase? Thank you.
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November 1, 2019, 07:38 AM #2
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- Mar 2017
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- North Carolina
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Re: Hegel H590, Gryphon Diablo 120 or McIntosh MA9000
IMO you should choose your speaker first, then make your amp choice. What kind(s) of music do you favor?
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November 1, 2019, 11:03 AM #3
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November 1, 2019, 12:16 PM #4
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- Southeast Iowa
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Re: Hegel H590, Gryphon Diablo 120 or McIntosh MA9000
There was a time when the general rule of thumb was to purchase your speakers first then your amp. However, within the last few years there have been so many changes to the design of amplifiers that it is sometimes more advisable to purchase your amp first.
Also, it used to be that when you wanted to change the sound of your home audio system you almost always started with the speakers. Not so true anymore. Many amps on the market today do not sound alike at all and each design can affect your sound significantly. Just as much as speakers. There are so many "flavors of sound," one amp may not necessarily sound "better" than another, just different. Sometimes very different. It all just depends on the individual application. Whether to change speakers or your amp is a decision only you can make. These days either can affect your sound in a big way.
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November 1, 2019, 12:45 PM #5Jim
D'Agostino Momentum M-400's MxV’s & HD Pre-amp
Wilson Alexandria X2 Series 2 speakers
Digital: dCS Vivaldi APEX DAC, Clock & Upsampler
Analog: SME 20/3 with Esoteric E-03 Phono
Transparent Opus Speaker Cable & Interconnects & Opus Power Cords
Power Cords on Digital: Shunyata
Power Conditioner - Shunyata Everest
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November 1, 2019, 02:15 PM #6
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- Mar 2017
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- North Carolina
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- 808
Re: Hegel H590, Gryphon Diablo 120 or McIntosh MA9000
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November 1, 2019, 05:27 PM #7
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- Southeast Iowa
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Re: Hegel H590, Gryphon Diablo 120 or McIntosh MA9000
I will agree that speakers will indeed in many cases, perhaps even most cases, have the biggest impact on the sound of a given system. But it's been my observation that it's too easy to blame speakers and jump to the conclusion that it's the speakers that are the problem. And I think that's especially true with nowadays with amps that sound so different from one another as to affect sound as much as speakers. I'm not sure I'm ready to completely let go of the notion that, in general, speakers have the most influence on the sound of an audio system.
I'm in the process of purchasing a high end audio system. I did purchase my speakers first. But in the process of my research I auditioned several amps. I was really taken aback by how different the amps sounded. They all had very different sonic personalities.
All I'm saying is it seems to be more common today that many amplifiers have very dissimilar personalities and are therefore having much more influence on the sound of audio systems. It seems to me there are many times when a person sees their speakers as the source of their problems when it could just as likely be their amplification. And, I think it was perhaps less likely just a few years ago.
I would recommend that a person purchasing a new system today would do well to at least pay as much attention to amplification as they do speaker choice and research each accordingly. There have been many recent cases on the forums of audiophiles actually building their systems around the amp. Don't ask me to cite one of those examples as I can't. But in my research for my own system I had read cases of people building their systems around their amp/s. Just the same as you, I would in most cases be inclined to start with speakers. I'm certainly not saying one should begin building their systems by starting with their amps. But I think, right or wrong, we're starting to see this more often.
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November 1, 2019, 05:29 PM #8
Re: Hegel H590, Gryphon Diablo 120 or McIntosh MA9000
The H590 I believe lists just under $10k, 300 wpc and a high damping factor. Might as well add the ML 585 to the list.
KEF Blade, Mc-611's, C49 rega jupiter, roon nucleus, revox tuner. Meridian dsp8000 se upgrade, meridian 218 zone controller VA Beethoven's, Hegel h360.
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January 26, 2020, 12:03 AM #9
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- Dec 2019
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- San Diego
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- 183
Re: Hegel H590, Gryphon Diablo 120 or McIntosh MA9000
Any update to the OP’s decision? Those are awesome options to have to consider!
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Main Room: Fleetwood Sound Co. Deville SQ < Bakoon AMP-51R | < Mola Mola Tambaqui < Grimm Audio MU1
>>>BACCH-SP adio
Loft: Apple HomePod Mini
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May 17, 2021, 07:13 PM #10
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- Dec 2019
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- San Diego
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- 183
Re: Hegel H590, Gryphon Diablo 120 or McIntosh MA9000
So…I too, was once thinking where I should go from a Hegel H390 and the H590 and Gryphon Diablo (300) were always options.
Decided on a Diablo 120(!) w/DAC - A downgrade in “watts” but WOW it does not sound nor perform that way! I can’t believe how good the Diablo 120 has been as a transformation in amplification and in the overall SQ side of things._______________
Main Room: Fleetwood Sound Co. Deville SQ < Bakoon AMP-51R | < Mola Mola Tambaqui < Grimm Audio MU1
>>>BACCH-SP adio
Loft: Apple HomePod Mini
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May 17, 2021, 08:39 PM #11
Re: Hegel H590, Gryphon Diablo 120 or McIntosh MA9000
I pine for the Hegel h30 separate amp should I ever bore of my integrated.
KEF Blade, Mc-611's, C49 rega jupiter, roon nucleus, revox tuner. Meridian dsp8000 se upgrade, meridian 218 zone controller VA Beethoven's, Hegel h360.
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May 17, 2021, 09:38 PM #12
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- Dec 2019
- Location
- San Diego
- Posts
- 183
Re: Hegel H590, Gryphon Diablo 120 or McIntosh MA9000
That’s a good option too ! 👍🏼
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Main Room: Fleetwood Sound Co. Deville SQ < Bakoon AMP-51R | < Mola Mola Tambaqui < Grimm Audio MU1
>>>BACCH-SP adio
Loft: Apple HomePod Mini
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May 17, 2021, 10:57 PM #13
Re: Hegel H590, Gryphon Diablo 120 or McIntosh MA9000
‘Coarse I ever win lotto gryphon will be on my list
KEF Blade, Mc-611's, C49 rega jupiter, roon nucleus, revox tuner. Meridian dsp8000 se upgrade, meridian 218 zone controller VA Beethoven's, Hegel h360.
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AudioShark forum is a leading forum site for High End Audio Discussion, Stereo System Discussion, Home Theater System Discussion, Best Home Stereo System Discussion, Home Theater Installation Discussion etc.
The AudioShark forum was created for sharing the passion of high-end Audio. We have Audiophiles from all over the world participating and sharing their knowledge. From novice to experts, you will find a friendly environment for discussing about High End Audio, Stereo System, Home Theater System, Home Stereo System, Home Theater Installation, Amplifiers, Speakers, Subwoofers, Integrated System, Acoustic treatments & Digital Room Corrections and many more.
At AudioShark, we also have incorporated an exciting Marketplace where members can peruse terrific buys on used gear, as well as meet dealers and discuss the purchase of new gear.
We are as crazy about this hobby as you are! So come on in and join us! Audioshark.org the Friendliest Audio Forum!
Industry Participation Disclosure : The owner and administrator of Audioshark is the owner of Suncoast Audio LLC in Sarasota Florida. Suncoast Audio has a full brick and mortar presence in Sarasota with several great show rooms with many world class brands. More information can be found at http://www.suncoastaudio.com
Audioshark is a community of like minded individuals. Audioshark welcomes participation from all manufacturers and owners of all brands and products. It is our belief that online forums provide a community of like minded audiophiles and music lovers to encourage the growth of this wonderful hobby.
Sincerely,
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Thank you for making me feel less tech challenged.:whew: FYI, The 866 works great as a straight, no nonsense integrated with DAC.
Boulder 866 app