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  1. #1
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    Hegel P30 Preamp

    Looking for any direct experience or thoughts you can share about the performance of the Hegel P30 preamp. It's their top of the line, a technically advanced fully balanced solid state design that has received very favorable reviews. Some dealers claim that in many respects it betters competitive models at two to three times the price ($7,500 US). Thanks in advance for your time, I would welcome any comments either from dealers or individual Sharks that have experience with it.

  2. #2

    Hegel P30 Preamp

    I have one but haven't compared it or even played it much. Not sure if it needs burn in time or not. They say the amps don't. Getting it back from Mark tomorrow. Don't think it was his favorite. I'll compare with Virgo II and Soulution 520
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  3. #3
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    Re: Hegel P30 Preamp

    Quote Originally Posted by Design Audio Video View Post
    I have one but haven't compared it or even played it much. Not sure if it needs burn in time or not. They say the amps don't. Getting it back from Mark tomorrow. Don't think it was his favorite. I'll compare with Virgo II and Soulution 520
    That would be great, thanks!

  4. #4

    Re: Hegel P30 Preamp

    I had one in my system and did a preamp shoot out. It beat my VAC renaissance preamp, my CJ GAT preamp, and was only bettered by (my now reference) ARC ref 40 preamp. The P30 and H30 are insanely good values. I have since purchased an air tight atc-2 and it is even closer in performance to my ARC ref 40...so if you like tubes and can find a used Air Tight ATC 2 preamp that is also an insanely good deal (at used prices).

  5. #5
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    Re: Hegel P30 Preamp

    Darrin, how many hours did you have on the P30? Mark's findings were very different - but I will let him fill in the details.


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  6. #6
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    Re: Hegel P30 Preamp

    Quote Originally Posted by Dpod4 View Post
    I had one in my system and did a preamp shoot out. It beat my VAC renaissance preamp, my CJ GAT preamp, and was only bettered by (my now reference) ARC ref 40 preamp. The P30 and H30 are insanely good values. I have since purchased an air tight atc-2 and it is even closer in performance to my ARC ref 40...so if you like tubes and can find a used Air Tight ATC 2 preamp that is also an insanely good deal (at used prices).
    Very interesting comments and comparisons, exactly what I'm looking for. Thanks!

  7. #7

    Re: Hegel P30 Preamp

    Quote Originally Posted by Mike View Post
    Darrin, how many hours did you have on the P30? Mark's findings were very different - but I will let him fill in the details.


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    A dealer sent me one fully broken in. Then I bought a new one that I never opened because I got the ARC REF40 and didn't build out my second system like I thought I would (p30 and H30).


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  8. #8

    Re: Hegel P30 Preamp

    Quote Originally Posted by Design Audio Video View Post
    I have one but haven't compared it or even played it much. Not sure if it needs burn in time or not. They say the amps don't. Getting it back from Mark tomorrow. Don't think it was his favorite. I'll compare with Virgo II and Soulution 520
    David, I look forward to your comparo.


    Allen



  9. #9

    Re: Hegel P30 Preamp

    Quote Originally Posted by socfan12 View Post
    David, I look forward to your comparo.
    I auditioned Virgo II - like the ref 40 it is in a different league.


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  10. #10
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    Re: Hegel P30 Preamp

    I had the P30 in my system for a couple of days, together with my newly purchased Hegel H30. I thought it was very nice sounding.
    But compared to the Classe' CP 800, it just didn't measure up. The CP 800 allowed the H30 to really sing. With the Classe', the soundstage was bigger, more 3D, greater clarity, better imaging.
    The music had a much more open sound, much greater air. I couldn't find one thing the P30 did better than the CP 800. The P30's volume control was not very good to use with the remote, the volume jumped in bigger increments than than I like, and very,very fast.

    I know I may sound a little harsh, but I'm not bashing the P30, I'm comparing it.

    For people that have had one in their system, you already know what I'm talking about.
    For everybody else, let me tell you something. I've paired the Classe' preamp with Constellation,Solution, D'Agostino,EAR,VAC,Classe', and a few more.
    If you really want to know the truth about how your amp sounds , pair it with the Classe', then you will understand what I mean.

    Of the preamps I've tried, the CP 800 has the least affect on an amps sonic signature.
    Last edited by joeinid; June 30, 2014 at 11:32 AM.
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  11. #11
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    Re: Hegel P30 Preamp

    Quote Originally Posted by MDP View Post
    I had the P30 in my system for a couple of days, together with my newly purchased Hegel H30. I fought it was very nice sounding.
    But compared to the Classe' CP 800, it just didn't measure up. The CP 800 allowed the H30 to really sing. With the Classe', the soundstage was bigger, more 3D, greater clarity, better imaging.
    The music had a much more open sound, much greater air. I couldn't find one thing the P30 did better than the CP 800. The P30's volume control was not very good to use with the remote, the volume jumped in bigger increments than than I like, and very,very fast.

    I know I may sound a little harsh, but I'm not bashing the P30, I'm comparing it.

    For people that have had one in their system, you already know what I'm talking about.
    For everybody else, let me tell you something. I've paired the Classe' preamp with Constellation,Solution, D'Agostino,EAR,VAC,Classe', and a few more.
    If you really want to know the truth about how your amp sounds , pair it with the Classe', then you will understand what I mean.

    Of the preamps I've tried, the CP 800 has the least affect on an amps sonic signature.
    Thanks very much for your input Mark! I appreciate having your perspective and value it greatly, I wasn't just looking for rave reviews on the P30.

  12. #12

    Re: Hegel P30 Preamp

    Quote Originally Posted by MDP View Post
    I had the P30 in my system for a couple of days, together with my newly purchased Hegel H30. I thought it was very nice sounding.
    But compared to the Classe' CP 800, it just didn't measure up. The CP 800 allowed the H30 to really sing. With the Classe', the soundstage was bigger, more 3D, greater clarity, better imaging.
    The music had a much more open sound, much greater air. I couldn't find one thing the P30 did better than the CP 800. The P30's volume control was not very good to use with the remote, the volume jumped in bigger increments than than I like, and very,very fast.

    I know I may sound a little harsh, but I'm not bashing the P30, I'm comparing it.

    For people that have had one in their system, you already know what I'm talking about.
    For everybody else, let me tell you something. I've paired the Classe' preamp with Constellation,Solution, D'Agostino,EAR,VAC,Classe', and a few more.
    If you really want to know the truth about how your amp sounds , pair it with the Classe', then you will understand what I mean.

    Of the preamps I've tried, the CP 800 has the least affect on an amps sonic signature.
    I haven't heard classe equipment but from what i have read it is SOTA at really reasonable prices.
    Last edited by joeinid; June 30, 2014 at 11:32 AM.

  13. #13
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    Re: Hegel P30 Preamp

    Quote Originally Posted by Dpod4 View Post
    I haven't heard classe equipment but from what i have read it is SOTA at really reasonable prices.
    I haven't heard the CP-800 myself, but from the reviews I've seen they always mention that it seems to lack the ultimate musicality or harmonic beauty of other highly rated gear. Apparently that is not Mark's experience, so I'd welcome further thoughts on that in this thread as well as what other preamps you've compared to the CP-800.

  14. #14
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    Re: Hegel P30 Preamp

    I heard the P30 in Mark's system with his H30 and it was almost like it was too much of a good thing, if that makes any sense. A little is great and too much just took away the enjoyment for me. The Classe preamp was a great match up with the H30.

    As I type this, I wonder how it would have sounded with the Classe power amps. Maybe in that senario, I would have liked the P30 better. But I didn't think to try that combo.
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  15. #15

    Hegel P30 Preamp

    Quote Originally Posted by the professor View Post
    I heard the P30 in Mark's system with his H30 and it was almost like it was too much of a good thing, if that makes any sense. A little is great and too much just took away the enjoyment for me. The Classe preamp was a great match up with the H30.

    As I type this, I wonder how it would have sounded with the Classe power amps. Maybe in that senario, I would have liked the P30 better. But I didn't think to try that combo.
    Great callout. The P30 sounded best with my VAC reference amp which was more tipped up and holographic than than the H30 which was more meaty and dynamic.
    Last edited by Dpod4; June 30, 2014 at 01:37 PM. Reason: mispelling

  16. #16
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    Re: Hegel P30 Preamp

    Quote Originally Posted by the professor View Post
    I heard the P30 in Mark's system with his H30 and it was almost like it was too much of a good thing, if that makes any sense. A little is great and too much just took away the enjoyment for me. The Classe preamp was a great match up with the H30.

    As I type this, I wonder how it would have sounded with the Classe power amps. Maybe in that senario, I would have liked the P30 better. But I didn't think to try that combo.
    I found something similar when auditioning the Ayre VX5 with matching KX5 preamplifier. It was just too clean/sterile sounding. The amp sounded much better through a VTL preamplifier (not very tubelike either)

  17. #17
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    Re: Hegel P30 Preamp

    Quote Originally Posted by audio.bill View Post
    I haven't heard the CP-800 myself, but from the reviews I've seen they always mention that it seems to lack the ultimate musicality or harmonic beauty of other highly rated gear. Apparently that is not Mark's experience, so I'd welcome further thoughts on that in this thread as well as what other preamps you've compared to the CP-800.
    Bill, that's what I was trying to say, the CP 800 does not add anything of its own to the sound. It is,what it is. If you want a preamp to add a little flavor,and there is nothing wrong with that , then the Classe' won't be for you.
    If you want a dead neutral preamp, the CP 800 fits the bill.
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  18. #18
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    Hegel P30 Preamp

    Compared to my VAC preamp, the CP800 is strictly neutral, clean and as Mark said, seemingly without sonic character - like a straight line from source to amp. Depending on your amp, that can be good or not so much. To me, my heavily modified VAC preamp is delightful and rich and 3D on the MC275 amps.

    I prefer my VAC preamp on my Mc275's and my CP800 over the VAC preamp on my VAC amps. Odd....but it is what it is.


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  19. #19
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    Re: Hegel P30 Preamp

    Quote Originally Posted by Mike View Post
    Compared to my VAC preamp, the CP800 is strictly neutral, clean and as Mark said, seemingly without sonic character - like a straight line from source to amp. Depending on your amp, that can be good or not so much. To me, my heavily modified VAC preamp is delightful and rich and 3D on the MC275 amps.

    I prefer my VAC preamp on my Mc275's and my CP800 over the VAC preamp on my VAC amps. Odd....but it is what it is.
    Mike - thanks for providing us with your perspective, I always value your input.

  20. #20
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    Re: Hegel P30 Preamp

    Mike's right, it is what it is. If you want to know the sound of just your amp, the CP 800 is a valuable commodity.
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  21. #21
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    Re: Hegel P30 Preamp

    Guys - Terrific exchange of impressions and opinions. This is good stuff!
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  22. #22

    Re: Hegel P30 Preamp

    +1!

    Now that I've got my amp and streamer locked in, I am now preparing for an analog setup, which means I need a pre. All very useful comments from ears I trust!


    Allen



  23. #23

    Re: Hegel P30 Preamp

    Ahhh, I would buy the air tight ate-2001 on audiogon - four turntable inputs (3 mc and 1 mm). Wowza

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