Results 1 to 23 of 23
Thread: Hegel P30 Preamp
-
June 29, 2014, 07:51 PM #1
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.
-
June 29, 2014, 07:56 PM #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
Design Audio Video is a dealer for:
Electronics:
Accuphase, Constellation, Pass Labs, McIntosh, Krell, Bryston, Devialet, Mark Levinson, EAR, T+A, Octave
Speakers:
Raidho, Focal, Revel, Dynaudio, JBL, Sonus Faber
Cables:
Tara Labs, Shunyata, Nordost, Straightwire, Ansuz, Transparent
Accessories:
Stillpoints, Quadraspire, Shelter, Transrotor
-
June 29, 2014, 08:10 PM #3
-
June 29, 2014, 08:13 PM #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).
-
June 29, 2014, 08:23 PM #5
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.
Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk HDMy Systems: http://www.audioshark.org/showthread...481#post158481
"We can hear everything we measure, but we can't measure everything we hear. Let your ears be your guide."
Dealer for: Aqua Hi-Fi, Aurender, AudioQuest Cables & Power Products, Berkeley Audio, Block Audio (distributor), Boulder Amplifiers, Bowers & Wilkins (B&W), Bryston, Clarisys Audio Loudspeakers (distributor), Classe’ Audio, Degritter Record Cleaning Machines, Esoteric, Finite Elemente, FirstWatt, Focal Loudspeakers and Headphones, GigaFoil, Harbeth Loudspeakers, Hegel, HiFi Man, Innuos, ISO Acoustics, Keces Power Supplies, Kharma Loudspeakers and Electronics, Kuzma Turntables, Lumin, Luxman, Magico Loudspeakers, MBL Speakers & Electronics, MSB Technologies, MySonicLabs Phono Cartridges, Nordost Cables, Ortofon, Pass Labs, Quadraspire, Rega Turntables and Electronics, Shunyata Research, STAX, Stein Music Products, Stillpoints, Soulution, VAC, Vicoustics, Viva Audio, VPI Industries, WireWorld Cables.
https://suncoastaudio.com/
Phone: 941-932-0282
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Suncoast-Au...1105178279194/
-
June 29, 2014, 09:02 PM #6
-
June 29, 2014, 09:30 PM #7
-
June 29, 2014, 10:27 PM #8
-
June 29, 2014, 11:57 PM #9
-
June 30, 2014, 09:17 AM #10
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.
Mark
Kharma DB9 Signature
Pass Labs XP32......incoming
Pass Labs X350.8
Esoteric N-05XD
VPI Avenger with Magnetic Drive
Manley Chinook Phono Pre
Ortofon Cadenza Black cartridge
Kharma Elegance speaker cables
Kharma Elegance interconnects
REL Subs
-
June 30, 2014, 09:36 AM #11
-
June 30, 2014, 10:53 AM #12
-
June 30, 2014, 11:27 AM #13
Re: Hegel P30 Preamp
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.
-
June 30, 2014, 12:29 PM #14
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.Jock
If you have integrity, nothing else matters. If you don't have integrity, nothing else matters.
---------
House: Naim ND555/2PS, Naim 552, Naim 500, Studer A80/Doshi V3, Magico M2s, 2 Magico Q-Sub 15s, Lumina IC/SC, Shunyata Everest and Omega PCs.
Workshop: Naim ND555/2 PS, VAC Master Pre, VAC Sig 200iQ, Border Patrol pre/power, Avant Garde Duo Mezzo XD, 2 Magico Q-Sub 15s, Shunyata IC/SC, Shunyata Typhon QR/Triton V3/Sigma PCs.
-
June 30, 2014, 01:05 PM #15
-
June 30, 2014, 01:16 PM #16
- Join Date
- Jan 2014
- Location
- Los Angeles
- Posts
- 1,775
-
June 30, 2014, 05:15 PM #17
Re: Hegel P30 Preamp
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.Mark
Kharma DB9 Signature
Pass Labs XP32......incoming
Pass Labs X350.8
Esoteric N-05XD
VPI Avenger with Magnetic Drive
Manley Chinook Phono Pre
Ortofon Cadenza Black cartridge
Kharma Elegance speaker cables
Kharma Elegance interconnects
REL Subs
-
June 30, 2014, 06:21 PM #18
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.
Sent from my iPhone using TapatalkMy Systems: http://www.audioshark.org/showthread...481#post158481
"We can hear everything we measure, but we can't measure everything we hear. Let your ears be your guide."
Dealer for: Aqua Hi-Fi, Aurender, AudioQuest Cables & Power Products, Berkeley Audio, Block Audio (distributor), Boulder Amplifiers, Bowers & Wilkins (B&W), Bryston, Clarisys Audio Loudspeakers (distributor), Classe’ Audio, Degritter Record Cleaning Machines, Esoteric, Finite Elemente, FirstWatt, Focal Loudspeakers and Headphones, GigaFoil, Harbeth Loudspeakers, Hegel, HiFi Man, Innuos, ISO Acoustics, Keces Power Supplies, Kharma Loudspeakers and Electronics, Kuzma Turntables, Lumin, Luxman, Magico Loudspeakers, MBL Speakers & Electronics, MSB Technologies, MySonicLabs Phono Cartridges, Nordost Cables, Ortofon, Pass Labs, Quadraspire, Rega Turntables and Electronics, Shunyata Research, STAX, Stein Music Products, Stillpoints, Soulution, VAC, Vicoustics, Viva Audio, VPI Industries, WireWorld Cables.
https://suncoastaudio.com/
Phone: 941-932-0282
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Suncoast-Au...1105178279194/
-
June 30, 2014, 07:21 PM #19
-
June 30, 2014, 10:09 PM #20
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.
Mark
Kharma DB9 Signature
Pass Labs XP32......incoming
Pass Labs X350.8
Esoteric N-05XD
VPI Avenger with Magnetic Drive
Manley Chinook Phono Pre
Ortofon Cadenza Black cartridge
Kharma Elegance speaker cables
Kharma Elegance interconnects
REL Subs
-
June 30, 2014, 10:17 PM #21
Re: Hegel P30 Preamp
Guys - Terrific exchange of impressions and opinions. This is good stuff!
_______________
Mike
Amplification: MBL 6010D, MBL 9008A Monos
Analog: Kuzma R, Kuzma 4Point (11”), MSL Ultra Eminent EX
Phono Pre: Pass XP-27
Digital: Esoteric N01XD Esoteric K05
Speakers: MBL 101E MKII
Subwoofers: REL Carbon Specials
Conditioner: Shunyata Triton 3
Power Cables: Shunyata Sigma 1 & 2, Alpha 2, Delta and Venom
ICs and SCs: Wireworld Platinum 8
Rack: Artesania Exoteryc
-
June 30, 2014, 10:36 PM #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
-
July 1, 2014, 09:27 PM #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
AudioShark - The Best High End Audio Discussion forum.
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,
The Audioshark.org Team
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,
The Audioshark.org Team
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