The Cary will run HOT and has a LOT of tubes. It's something you might need to experience for yourself. My Conrad Johnson GAT only has 2 little tubes and sounds glorious with the H30. I know the Cary will require more care and maintenance. A less expensive Conrad Johnson tube preamp or even passive might be an easier pairing.
Hegel H30 - Preamp help!
- Thread starter Justin
- Start date
See if you can score a Renaissance unit or something like this: http://www.canuckaudiomart.com/details/649203466-vac-tube-power-amp-and-pre-amplifier/
It's in Canadian funds and you get the awesome sounding PA100/100 amp to boot!
It's in Canadian funds and you get the awesome sounding PA100/100 amp to boot!
Just make sure the preamp listed has balanced inputs. I don't know if it's a balanced design.
Jack
Active member
Mike
I've never heard that Cary, just trying to think of fully balanced models to the CJ side of the fence. My Modwright model uses just two 6SN7's and so rolling is not that big of deal to try different flavors, but is has XLR inputs and outputs that are wired SE. It is slightly to that side of the fence. The fully balanced model uses the "Super Tube" so I would think it might be more in the ARC, BAT camp. CJ has the model underneath the GAT but it may be SE only. There is in fact an ET-5 on AudioCircle now for $4200.
I've never heard that Cary, just trying to think of fully balanced models to the CJ side of the fence. My Modwright model uses just two 6SN7's and so rolling is not that big of deal to try different flavors, but is has XLR inputs and outputs that are wired SE. It is slightly to that side of the fence. The fully balanced model uses the "Super Tube" so I would think it might be more in the ARC, BAT camp. CJ has the model underneath the GAT but it may be SE only. There is in fact an ET-5 on AudioCircle now for $4200.
I liked that SLP-05 with the Cary amps. But when I tried it with other amps...uh...not so much.
You now, that new McIntosh preamp would be pretty sweet with the Hegel I bet - but it's two boxes and the OP doesn't seem too keen on that.
VAC...BAT....MC...all good.
I thought about Allnic too, but I don't know enough about their preamps. Are they quiet? Good value?
Maybe the Zesto Leto preamp too?
For solid state, there are numerous options.
Jack
Active member
Mike
How about VTL, I have never tried any of Luke's gear but the reviewers seemed to love it for a time. Something like the TL-5.5 is balanced, one box and minimum number of tubes from the 12A* family so shouldn't run hot. I have never seen one used though.
How about VTL, I have never tried any of Luke's gear but the reviewers seemed to love it for a time. Something like the TL-5.5 is balanced, one box and minimum number of tubes from the 12A* family so shouldn't run hot. I have never seen one used though.
junglern
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Jack. I am using the Hegel P20 that no-one seems to care for and it bested my Luxman 590 AX integrated.
It seems to let the music get trough effortless.
Wondering how much better the P30 could be.?
I want to go with a pre-amp I see myself happy for a,few years.
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Jack
Active member
I think Mike and Mark both tried that combo and didn't care for it. I have always preferred a tube preamp ahead of a SS amp, but that is just me. When I bring out the tube amps in cooler weather many times I will switch the preamp to the W4S STP-SE, which is neutral and fully balanced. The Classe SS preamps though are warmer and seem to be a good fit. Are you looking for fully balanced like the OP or does it not matter?
junglern
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The P20 put no coloration in the music at all. It feels as I mentioned the music get trough flawlessly.
The H30 it is an amazing amplifier.
My first day and can't say enough good things!
What finish is your H30?
Regards
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junglern
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Joe, I would like to see if I get to know anyone in the NYC area with a,different pre-amp I can try with the H30.
Maybe a dealer.
I can't buy anymore without trying first.
Thank you for your,advice.
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I unfortunately don't have my H30 anymore, but it was silver. And, YES!, it is an amazing amplifier. My friend Bruce uses it with a McIntosh C500T and I absolutely love that combo.
Do you prefer a neutral sound or a warmer sound?
MDP
Behavior Moderator (be nice police!)
i recently tried a very good VAC preamp with my H30, it was pretty damn good. But the Classe is still a better match IMHO. And I've decided to stop trying to find something better, I'm totally satisfied!
I totally understand that the Classe has no snob appeal, all it does is make beautiful music when combined with the H30.
I totally understand that the Classe has no snob appeal, all it does is make beautiful music when combined with the H30.
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junglern
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Mark, I like your point of stop trying Pres's. Yesterday was my first,day with the H30/P20.
I am very happy. If I try another pre-amp might be the classe based on your experience. But I want just enjoy the music now.
This amp pit my setup at a,different reference level I only knew from audio shows.
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I know the US distributor of Hegel swears by the H30 & Concert Fidelity CF-80 combo. And I have to agree with him, so I bought a Concert Fidelity CF-080LSX. It is the best preamp I have heard in my system and at Precision A/V in Moorpark, Ca. Last year I bought a mint used H30, but the seller did not come thru, so I got another amp, which for the time being I am very happy with. If possible, please try out a Concert Fidelity pre. You will be very pleasantly surprised.
Looks good!
- Thread Author
- #59
Sounds like I need to try this match.
The dealer who I demo'd a few preamps with thought I would not like the McIntosh sound based on my reaction to Luxman and others. But I am now convinced I need to find a way to try McIntosh with H30. I haven't heard a bad thing yet about the match.
Could someone who has heard this combo describe the qualities McIntosh imparts with the Hegel?
Much more open to 2 boxes than to a unit that runs very hot, or has tons of tubes with potential maintenance issues.
I will admit that as a relatively new audiophile, on some level I am still discovering the sound that I want. I think I am searching for some of that tube magic - and ease of listening - but without blurry images and mushy bass. I want a sound that takes me to the live venue - and has some of the presence of the Ref5SE - but with a complete non-fatiguing ease. The stability and power of the H30, with a pre that brings out a tone... the word "musical" seems overused, but I want the end product to be as musical as possible, not worried about bass slam, or perfect transparency. At the same time, want a sound that is totally alive and gets me off my ass. But without hard edges.
I have to say, based on how much I liked the little Rogue RP-5, I am very much looking forward to seeing how the Hera II matches.
I won't let this project continue forever, because I must say my system is severely missing out on it's potential right now with the P20 in it. Want my new pre in the system by year end at the latest!
- Thread Author
- #60
Hi there - from many listening sessions that I have had with these at my dealer, I think the P30 is a big step up from the P20. Just my .02. But I've owned P20 for a few years and I have heard the P30 many, many times with the H30. I would say that if you like the P20 sound, the P30 is a very clear step up.