I moved from separates to an integrated about 4 years ago. Began with a McIntosh MA???? for a short time then the Accuphase E470 and now an E650. As I’ve gotten older I appreciate the simplicity and don’t feel like I’m sacrificing any sound quality. Although some of that might be that my hearing is not what it used to be.
Do you use an integrated in your main system?
- Thread starter joeinid
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Everest Audio
Member
I'm currently using the Bel Canto Black EX integrated and it is easily the best integrated amp I've lived with long-term. The only one I have experience with that I've liked better is the Bel Canto ACI 600, but it retails for $10K USD more than the Black EX. Lots of companies producing fantastic integrated amps these days. I'm definitely seeing a growing tendency of customers leaning towards a high-end integrated vs separates.
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I received my MA9000 about a month ago--love it! The clarity and details are superb, and I don't notice much of a lack of warmth compared to my former PrimaLuna (which I sold)...except when I touch the Mc--it's barely lukewarm even after hours of use!!
hifinutt
New member
wow thats interesting , pass labs have such a high resolution. must get to hear one of these primaluna , one of my friends has used them for years
As you see from my recent post, I don't have either one! I prefer the Mc to both the Pass and the PL.
RDSChicago
Member
Still using a Rogue Cronus Magnum to drive Quads. I enjoy it as much as or more than my Pass XP20 preamp and Pass power amps.
Mr Peabody
Well-known member
I got to test drive the Hegel H590 in my system, a dynamic amp driving dynamic speakers. It's an impressive unit and has me thinking about getting one. So I'd have to sell off my separates to go integrated.
It is a bit to think about all in one box as tech improves. Looks like the 590 can receive firmware upgrades though.
It is a bit to think about all in one box as tech improves. Looks like the 590 can receive firmware upgrades though.
I've read only good things about the H590.
The DAC it has also receives the highest praise.
Mr Peabody
Well-known member
The 590 DAC is much better than the 360, as is everything else with the 590. The 590 has great resolution, it's more open than the 360 and not quite as dark, high end is more extended, incredibly powerful bass. The soundstage is extremely taut and controlled which provides an exciting presentation of any type of music from Classical to Rock. It is not forgiving of a bad recording. If some of the traits of the 590 trickle down Hegel will become even more of a force to be dealt with.
With all that said, the 590 is neutral and honest, not the amp for those wanting warm and fuzzy. The type of amp for delivering top notch dynamics and transients, with the bass you can feel. Vocals are highly intelligible and have an in the room feel but due to transparency, lack a bit of that warmth for flesh, as can be said for a lot of more neutral solid state. Still easy enough for me personally to listen to.
In short, the only thing in common between the 360 and 590 is name and looks. I probably shouldn't say this, but, in same price range and configuration the 590 is in another league from the Levinson 585. I haven't been this impressed with a hi fi product since the ARC 160M's nearly jolted me out of my chair at Axpona.
Consider as well this is with my JBL which I consider to be flat and dynamic speakers. Even with my friend's Revel 228B where he first had a 360 I could tell the 590 was a big step up and cut from different cloth.
With all that said, the 590 is neutral and honest, not the amp for those wanting warm and fuzzy. The type of amp for delivering top notch dynamics and transients, with the bass you can feel. Vocals are highly intelligible and have an in the room feel but due to transparency, lack a bit of that warmth for flesh, as can be said for a lot of more neutral solid state. Still easy enough for me personally to listen to.
In short, the only thing in common between the 360 and 590 is name and looks. I probably shouldn't say this, but, in same price range and configuration the 590 is in another league from the Levinson 585. I haven't been this impressed with a hi fi product since the ARC 160M's nearly jolted me out of my chair at Axpona.
Consider as well this is with my JBL which I consider to be flat and dynamic speakers. Even with my friend's Revel 228B where he first had a 360 I could tell the 590 was a big step up and cut from different cloth.
Thanks - that's definitely a glowing review... I have not heard/read much real-world feedback about the 590. I do know that Hegel themselves have told me that the DAC in the HD30 is superior to the DAC in the 360, but I was curious about the HD30 (standalone DAC) versus the DAC in the 590 integrated.
I own a Luxman 509X integrated and I'm curious about how the performance of the 509X paired with the Hegel HD30 DAC would stack up against the standalone Hegel 590. I'm very happy with the Luxman integrated. I also have a Luxman DA-06 DAC and I'm still on the fence about whether or not I prefer it to my HD30.
I own a Luxman 509X integrated and I'm curious about how the performance of the 509X paired with the Hegel HD30 DAC would stack up against the standalone Hegel 590. I'm very happy with the Luxman integrated. I also have a Luxman DA-06 DAC and I'm still on the fence about whether or not I prefer it to my HD30.
Mr Peabody
Well-known member
I have a HD30, the DAC in the 590 is better. The 590 DAC is more open, Highs are more extended and forward in the mix, more importantly the 590 DAC is more resolving. I also feel the 590 DAC is slightly more smooth.
I haven't heard a Luxman. The HD30 is amazingly quiet, it's a good DAC, the 590 DAC is just a step forward for Hegel and adds more value to the 590. I was exploring what I might get if I sold some of my gear to get a 590.
I haven't heard a Luxman. The HD30 is amazingly quiet, it's a good DAC, the 590 DAC is just a step forward for Hegel and adds more value to the 590. I was exploring what I might get if I sold some of my gear to get a 590.
This is what I read also: the H590 DAC is better than the HD30.
For 9,999€ here, I find the Hegel an attractive offer: top DAC, pre and power in one cable-saving device!
I am at a crossroads with my system. I have been contemplating selling my separates and going with an integrated for the past year. I am intrigued by this thread and have been looking at a Mac MA8000. I have seen a few used that are in my wheel house as far as cost. Anyone have any thoughts on this Mac?
Alternatively, I am considering buying a Don Sachs SP-14 tube preamp to see how it compares to my BAT VK-51se. And then I would probably sell my Pass X250 and buy a used X250.5. Or upgrade my DAC.
Call me confused!
Alternatively, I am considering buying a Don Sachs SP-14 tube preamp to see how it compares to my BAT VK-51se. And then I would probably sell my Pass X250 and buy a used X250.5. Or upgrade my DAC.
Call me confused!
PierreB
Member
Hi Sean, sorry for my late reply. As you can see, I don’t come here very often. I can’t post photos of my system but I have a Moon Evolution 600i v2, a Moon Néo 260D cd player, a Moon 310LP and 320 S phono, a Rega Planar 8 with Apheta2 and a pair of Elac Adante AF-61(in white). All the cables are from Bis Audio.
Have a nice week.
Or, could you be content with “just” an integrated?
my audio journey began over forty years ago with an integrated and as the speculation of downsizing draws near I see myself returning. Having listened to this unit I too am optimistic as to what is available out there .........
http://www.rogueaudio.com/Products_Pharaoh.htm
Paul
Senior Member
After years with separates with mono blocks. Now I’m only interested in Integrated amp it just makes life easier without losing anything. Currently on a Kondo and Accuphase int amp.
kzhtoo
Active member
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Agree. After Pass, Ayre, Bryston and Electrocompanient separates over the years, I now use Gryphon Diablo 300 and have no desire to go back.