Recent content by Vortex

Those who are questioning the need to change may be right. The Hegel H600 is an outstanding sounding amplifier and if I’m not careful I have the risk of going backwards in terms of sound quality / system synergy. Currently it sounds fantastic so I may need to pause and think this through. I have...

Did make me laugh 😆 If you’re right we are all in trouble.

Sounds good, I’ll look to go along for a listen. Sometimes you set out to buy one thing and end up with something else. I’ll try and avoid their downstairs system as I can well imagine it will be exceptionally good with a price tag to match!

Good point, I’ve heard a number of comments about them heating up rooms with their higher levels of heat generation.

Sounds interesting and worth a listening test. I’m slightly hesitant as I see them listed through Aliexpress when do a search for the brand. Makes me question where they are made and build quality, I’m very conscious about build quality in high current draw equipment in the house as I don’t want...

Appreciate the insight on sound quality / potential differences. Hadn’t thought about looking at the H30A Hegel etc. it looks like the measurement on the depth of the H30A is 25 inches deep which seems ridiculous (or wrong in their specs - the Pass Labs is 21.25 inches deep which is unusually...

I was hoping the Hegel wasn’t made in China considering the price! Pass Labs has some legendary customer service behind them which is one of the attractions. Thanks for the other suggestions.

Thanks, looked at the integrated version a couple of years back. I’ve got the space for the preamp so that isn’t an issue. The integrated amplifier and the X250.8 power amplifier are the same size and I imagine at some point in the future I’ll try other preamps with it. My current set up has the...

Hi, I’ve been looking at possibly upgrading my Hegel H600 amplifier with a Pass Labs X250.8 and a Pass Labs one box Preamp like a XP-12 (or a used XP-10). I’ve been very happy with the Hegel H600 and it was everything I expected after owning the H590 before upgrading to the H600. I started with...

I’m using a Marantz SA-10 CD player but will consider some streaming options at some point. I was aware of a synergy with Hegel and the higher end KEF speakers, I’ve not been disappointed with the Hegel’s performance and it’s been in the system a couple of years. The new Hegel H600 now seems to...

Quick update, I’ve been reading up on some reviews of another 2 contenders Chord Ultima 5 with Ultima 3 Pre-amp - the reviews are outstanding with one reviewer deciding to buy the exact set-up for himself from a retailer (also said he was someone who very rarely made changes to his set up - ie...

I’d also listen to the Kef R3 Meta as well. Seem to be getting excellent reviews. I sound like im an advert for Kef but I have just owned a number of their speakers. I’ve still got a pair I purchased in 92 (C95’s) which are in my drum room and still sound great. My main system has Kef Reference...

Someone has suggested the Kef R700 which I’d second as worth considering, they are now called the KEF R7 (think they’ve been called this for 4 years or so). If you audition them it would be ideal to have a similar level amplifier in the chain to your budget (it’s not realistic demo if they are...

Hi, after admiring Nelson Pass’s ideas on amplifiers for some years I’m thinking of changing my Hegel H590 for a Pass Labs INT250. The reviews seem to be excellent and one reviewer said its performance was as good if not better than amps costing multiples of the INT250’s selling price (albeit...

Thanks for all the replies. Not planning to use a turntable any time soon (at the moment anyway) so it seems everyone is leaning towards the Roksan. Did have a Rotel RA1570 amplifier in this system previously. Source is going to be mainly CD but may add a streamer later. I like the idea of being...