Amp recommendation for 804D

[Andrewjvt]

Vladimir i forgot
I think they did test the p30
Ill have a look
Imo its still a very good power amp as was my old h360 for sound quality.

I stand corrected but they said it sounded better as stereo and not mono

 

[Vladimir]

But did you have issues with overheating?

 

[Andrewjvt]

But did you have issues with overheating? 

I never ran it that loud as i only had him for a month before swapping to the h360

Hegels dont get that hot on normal running and overheating was never a problem for me.
The h360 is engineered better regards the heatsinks anyway.

Only problem.i had was dropouts playing on usb.
Every now and then the sound would just stop.

I tried new usb cables but no fix. I put it down to the loose fitting con ection on the amo side. Very loose in comparrison to the benchmark all the connections are very tight and rigid- much better

 

[Andrewjvt]

But did you have issues with overheating? 

I never ran it that loud as i only had him for a month before swapping to the h360

Hegels dont get that hot on normal running and overheating was never a problem for me.
The h360 is engineered better regards the heatsinks anyway.

Only problem.i had was dropouts playing on usb.
Every now and then the sound would just stop.

I tried new usb cables but no fix. I put it down to the loose fitting con ection on the amo side. Very loose in comparrison to the benchmark all the connections are very tight and rigid- much better

 

[MUSICRAFT]

Hi hidehide

Something that slipped my mind yesterday is that a few weeks ago i was extremely imprresed at hearing Monitor Audio's Platinum PL300's being driven by Auralic's Polaris amplifier. Based on this i would recommend that you should also try to look at and hear the Polaris as for a realtively small amp its got some serious zip.

All the best

Rick @ Musicraft

Is that a Set-top box? *sad*

Its tiny power supply is the size suitable for preamps, streamers and CDPs.

Hi Vladimir

The Polaris is relatively small however based on what i've heard it can punch above its size and weight. For almost two hours of listening the Polaris remained unfazed by the Platinum PL300's.

All the best

Rick @ Musicraft

It's just a meaningles platitude we all use on all small amps. It is what it is, be it Jesus in Rio statue or a garden gnome.

Hi Vladimir

I see your point however i am relaying what i've seen and heard

All the best

Rick @ Musicraft

 

[MUSICRAFT]

I was more struck by the 100 amp claim. I don't think I've ever seen anyone claim that before,

Hi nopiano

Some others - Plinius SA Reference 100A peak, Hegel H4SE > 100A and Hegel H30 > 120A.

All the best

Rick @ Musicraft

Thanks, Rick. Gulp! I tend to not look for too long at the kilowatt amps as I'd never be able to afford them!

Hi nopiano

You're welcome.

The H30 (1100w) is monster and Hegel say that with its SoundEngine technology it almost doubles all the way down to 1 ohm. Scary but nice *biggrin*

If you're ever in my part of country you are more than welcome to visit us and hear the H30 in action. curved SCM40's sound with sublime with the H30

All the best

Rick @ Musicraft

 

[Andrewjvt]

The Plinius SA-100 Mk.II battleship doesn't measure as good as Electrocompaniet Nemo in Stereophile tests. Any tests available of the Hegel H30?

@Andrewjvt

Found this on Stereophile regarding the H160:

Its digital/analog circuitry is workmanlike rather than the state of the art, but a standalone digital processor offering better performance than this is going to cost as least as much as the Hegel's $3500.—John Atkinson

vis-a-vis your comments about the internal DAC.

 

Another point you may find interesting regards the internal dac on the hegel

They use a non asynchronous usb dac as hegel believe it causes less jitter.

Under normal working conditions it works fine but when my laptop was performing an update or something similar the sound quality would be affected as a result. Not a serious problem as far as i was concerned but once the playback speed was really fast and sounded like a 33 record on speed 45 and other times was jittering.
Apart from that (and the odd drop outs) worked ok.

As a test i started updating my laptop while i played music on the benchmark and it was not affected by it at all.

 

[Al ears]

Allegedly the Lee's Tucana 2 Anniversary is an excellent match for these speakers.

 

[Vladimir]

The Plinius SA-100 Mk.II battleship doesn't measure as good as Electrocompaniet Nemo in Stereophile tests. Any tests available of the Hegel H30?

@Andrewjvt

Found this on Stereophile regarding the H160:

Its digital/analog circuitry is workmanlike rather than the state of the art, but a standalone digital processor offering better performance than this is going to cost as least as much as the Hegel's $3500.—John Atkinson

vis-a-vis your comments about the internal DAC.

Another point you may find interesting regards the internal dac on the hegel

They use a non asynchronous usb dac as hegel believe it causes less jitter.

Under normal working conditions it works fine but when my laptop was performing an update or something similar the sound quality would be affected as a result. Not a serious problem as far as i was concerned but once the playback speed was really fast and sounded like a 33 record on speed 45 and other times was jittering. Apart from that (and the odd drop outs) worked ok.

As a test i started updating my laptop while i played music on the benchmark and it was not affected by it at all.

If the DAC is isochronous that would explain why you had occasional dropouts.

I thought asynchronous DACs had less jitter. *unknw*

 

[hidehide]

I was more struck by the 100 amp claim. I don't think I've ever seen anyone claim that before,

Hi nopiano

Some others - Plinius SA Reference 100A peak, Hegel H4SE > 100A and Hegel H30 > 120A.

All the best

Rick @ Musicraft

Thanks, Rick. Gulp! I tend to not look for too long at the kilowatt amps as I'd never be able to afford them!

Hi nopiano

You're welcome.

The H30 (1100w) is monster and Hegel say that with its SoundEngine technology it almost doubles all the way down to 1 ohm. Scary but nice *biggrin*

If you're ever in my part of country you are more than welcome to visit us and hear the H30 in action. curved SCM40's sound with sublime with the H30

All the best

Rick @ Musicraft

I heard the 804d2 will dip down to 2-3Ohms. I wonder does the H360 able to go down stably as the spec only listed the W output at 4 and 8 Ohms? Do you have any information on this?

On a side note, is the DAC just a single AKM4490? While I see lots of competitors have dual dac chip. Wonder big the differences are..

 

[Diamond Joe]

A pair of mono blocks 180M On ebay. One owner since new - use this as a guide for any other amps anf compare the specs to see if they live up to these

Output Impedance (20 Hz - 20 kHz) < 0,008 ohm RCA (single) input impedance 220 kohm XLR (balanced) input impedance 110 kohm Input sensivity for rated output 1 V Max. peak current > 100 A THD (measured at 1 kHz half power, 8 W) < 0,001 % THD (measured at 1 kHz -1 dB, 8 W) < 0,001 % Noise (measured with both inputs shorted) 400 Hz - 30 kHz : 90 µV 10 Hz - 30 kHz : 100 µV

Rated output power

8 ohms 250 W 4 ohms 380 W 2 ohms 625 W

Power consumption (no load or signal) 115 W

Dimensions Width 215 mm / 8.5 inches Depth 470 mm / 18.5 inches Height 288 mm / 11.3 inches Weight 22 kg. / 48.4 lbs.

The pair on ebay are quite old but are a rare special edition with granite front panels.

If I had a spare £2500 at the moment I would buy them just for the granite fronts alone, they are a piece of HiFi history.

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/262946484333?_trksid=p2060353.m1438.l2649&ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT

Although a form of granitic rock they are fronted by what is known as Larvikite. Quite appropriate considering where they are made.

Yours,

A geologist....

Cool!

Still hideous...

How can you say that ! *shok*

They are absolutely beautiful in a primeval way, those stunning Larvkite fronts will still be around in 100 million years although the amp itself might need a service and recap by then. *biggrin*

Ok, there is a slight chance that I fell out of bed on the wrong side that day, and maybe 'hideous' was a bit strong, but I still don't think sticking rock onto the front of a mono block is particularly stylish, underneath maybe, but not on the front... bet they sound awesome though *dance4*

 

[Al ears]

A pair of mono blocks 180M On ebay. One owner since new - use this as a guide for any other amps anf compare the specs to see if they live up to these

Output Impedance (20 Hz - 20 kHz) < 0,008 ohm RCA (single) input impedance 220 kohm XLR (balanced) input impedance 110 kohm Input sensivity for rated output 1 V Max. peak current > 100 A THD (measured at 1 kHz half power, 8 W) < 0,001 % THD (measured at 1 kHz -1 dB, 8 W) < 0,001 % Noise (measured with both inputs shorted) 400 Hz - 30 kHz : 90 µV 10 Hz - 30 kHz : 100 µV

Rated output power

8 ohms 250 W 4 ohms 380 W 2 ohms 625 W

Power consumption (no load or signal) 115 W

Dimensions Width 215 mm / 8.5 inches Depth 470 mm / 18.5 inches Height 288 mm / 11.3 inches Weight 22 kg. / 48.4 lbs.

The pair on ebay are quite old but are a rare special edition with granite front panels.

If I had a spare £2500 at the moment I would buy them just for the granite fronts alone, they are a piece of HiFi history.

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/262946484333?_trksid=p2060353.m1438.l2649&ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT

Although a form of granitic rock they are fronted by what is known as Larvikite. Quite appropriate considering where they are made.

Yours,

A geologist....

Cool!

Still hideous...

How can you say that ! *shok*

They are absolutely beautiful in a primeval way, those stunning Larvkite fronts will still be around in 100 million years although the amp itself might need a service and recap by then. *biggrin*

Ok, there is a slight chance that I fell out of bed on the wrong side that day, and maybe 'hideous' was a bit strong, but I still don't think sticking rock onto the front of a mono block is particularly stylish, underneath maybe, but not on the front... bet they sound awesome though *dance4*

It's Norwegian rock and probably cheaper than aluminium....... not sure of its damping properties.... ;-)

 

[Electro]

A pair of mono blocks 180M On ebay. One owner since new - use this as a guide for any other amps anf compare the specs to see if they live up to these

Output Impedance (20 Hz - 20 kHz) < 0,008 ohm RCA (single) input impedance 220 kohm XLR (balanced) input impedance 110 kohm Input sensivity for rated output 1 V Max. peak current > 100 A THD (measured at 1 kHz half power, 8 W) < 0,001 % THD (measured at 1 kHz -1 dB, 8 W) < 0,001 % Noise (measured with both inputs shorted) 400 Hz - 30 kHz : 90 µV 10 Hz - 30 kHz : 100 µV

Rated output power

8 ohms 250 W 4 ohms 380 W 2 ohms 625 W

Power consumption (no load or signal) 115 W

Dimensions Width 215 mm / 8.5 inches Depth 470 mm / 18.5 inches Height 288 mm / 11.3 inches Weight 22 kg. / 48.4 lbs.

The pair on ebay are quite old but are a rare special edition with granite front panels.

If I had a spare £2500 at the moment I would buy them just for the granite fronts alone, they are a piece of HiFi history.

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/262946484333?_trksid=p2060353.m1438.l2649&ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT

Although a form of granitic rock they are fronted by what is known as Larvikite. Quite appropriate considering where they are made.

Yours,

A geologist....

Cool!

Still hideous...

How can you say that ! *shok*

They are absolutely beautiful in a primeval way, those stunning Larvkite fronts will still be around in 100 million years although the amp itself might need a service and recap by then. *biggrin*

Ok, there is a slight chance that I fell out of bed on the wrong side that day, and maybe 'hideous' was a bit strong, but I still don't think sticking rock onto the front of a mono block is particularly stylish, underneath maybe, but not on the front... bet they sound awesome though *dance4*

It's Norwegian rock and probably cheaper than aluminum....... not sure of its damping properties.... ;-)

It has very good damping properties and is very resistant to algae, I would say it is similar in price to machined aluminium at between £70 - £100 per m2.

http://www.stonespecialist.com/news/market-intelligence/scandinavia-land-larvikite

It also has many other very useful properties apparently!
Larvikite Healing Properties

♥ Grounding ♥ Protective ♥ Patience

Larvikite is a member of the Feldspar family. The name originates from the Larvik Fjord region in Norway, where this type of igneous rock is found. It is sometimes called "Black Moonstone" and even "Labradorite", more likely because they are all Feldspar minerals.

Chakras - Base Chakra
Zodiac - Aquarius
Element - Water
Typical colours - dark grey, dark blue to black with a blue or steely coloured flash

Larvikite is a protective and grounding stone. It is cleansing to the subtle bodies and facilitates a strong connection with the energies of Earth, helping to connect with the spirits of Nature. Larvikite stimulates inner visions and enhances our psychic abilities. It allows us to see the past, providing clarity to visions of past life recall. Larvikite can neutralise and cancel spells that are no longer wanted. It repels negative energy. Larvikite increases our security in the strength of our own intellect, stimulates creativity and the exchange of wisdom. Larvikite helps us to see ourselves through the eyes of our higher self. Larvikite teaches patience, and can support when completion and closure to a goal is required. It also helps us to understand and resolve complicated facts and to make decisions that are rational and sober and not based upon our emotions.

Larvikite assists the brain to take in new information more easily. It creates new pathways for knowledge to travel and can open new doors for us. Larvikite can help to make us more adaptable to situations.

Larvikite can help with learning disabilities. It can be used to treat skin disorders and enhances vitality and youthfulness. Larvikite aids in the recovery of strokes and helps brain function. It cleanses and purifies body tissue, harmonises the metabolism and helps with muscular detoxification. Larvikite calms the nerves and will cool and reduce blood pressure.

I bet aluminium can't do any of this stuff ! *biggrin*

 

[Vladimir]

How does Zappa sound on Larvikite rocks?

 

[Andrewjvt]

A pair of mono blocks 180M On ebay. One owner since new - use this as a guide for any other amps anf compare the specs to see if they live up to these

Output Impedance (20 Hz - 20 kHz) < 0,008 ohm RCA (single) input impedance 220 kohm XLR (balanced) input impedance 110 kohm Input sensivity for rated output 1 V Max. peak current > 100 A THD (measured at 1 kHz half power, 8 W) < 0,001 % THD (measured at 1 kHz -1 dB, 8 W) < 0,001 % Noise (measured with both inputs shorted) 400 Hz - 30 kHz : 90 µV 10 Hz - 30 kHz : 100 µV

Rated output power

8 ohms 250 W 4 ohms 380 W 2 ohms 625 W

Power consumption (no load or signal) 115 W

Dimensions Width 215 mm / 8.5 inches Depth 470 mm / 18.5 inches Height 288 mm / 11.3 inches Weight 22 kg. / 48.4 lbs.

The pair on ebay are quite old but are a rare special edition with granite front panels.

If I had a spare £2500 at the moment I would buy them just for the granite fronts alone, they are a piece of HiFi history.

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/262946484333?_trksid=p2060353.m1438.l2649&ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT

Although a form of granitic rock they are fronted by what is known as Larvikite. Quite appropriate considering where they are made.

Yours,

A geologist....

Cool!

Still hideous... 

How can you say that ! *shok*

They are absolutely beautiful in a primeval way, those stunning Larvkite fronts will still be around in 100 million years although the amp itself might need a service and recap by then. *biggrin*

Ok, there is a slight chance that I fell out of bed on the wrong side that day, and maybe 'hideous' was a bit strong, but I still don't think sticking rock onto the front of a mono block is particularly stylish, underneath maybe, but not on the front... bet they sound awesome though *dance4*

It's Norwegian rock and probably cheaper than aluminum....... not sure of its damping properties....   ;-)

It has very good damping properties and is very resistant to algae, I would say it is similar in price to machined aluminium at between £70 - £100 per m2.

http://www.stonespecialist.com/news/market-intelligence/scandinavia-land-larvikite

It also has many other very useful properties apparently!

Larvikite Healing Properties

♥ Grounding ♥ Protective ♥ Patience

 

Larvikite is a member of the Feldspar family.  The name originates from the Larvik Fjord region in Norway, where this type of igneous rock is found.  It is sometimes called "Black Moonstone" and even "Labradorite", more likely because they are all Feldspar minerals.

Chakras - Base ChakraZodiac - AquariusElement - WaterTypical colours - dark grey, dark blue to black with a blue or steely coloured flash

Larvikite is a protective and grounding stone.  It is cleansing to the subtle bodies and facilitates a strong connection with the energies of Earth, helping to connect with the spirits of Nature.  Larvikite stimulates inner visions and enhances our psychic abilities.  It allows us to see the past, providing clarity to visions of past life recall.  Larvikite can neutralise and cancel spells that are no longer wanted.  It repels negative energy.  Larvikite increases our security in the strength of our own intellect, stimulates creativity and the exchange of wisdom.  Larvikite helps us to see ourselves through the eyes of our higher self.  Larvikite teaches patience, and can support when completion and closure to a goal is required.  It also helps us to understand and resolve complicated facts and to make decisions that are rational and sober and not based upon our emotions.

Larvikite assists the brain to take in new information more easily.  It creates new pathways for knowledge to travel and can open new doors for us.  Larvikite can help to make us more adaptable to situations.

Larvikite can help with learning disabilities.  It can be used to treat skin disorders and enhances vitality and youthfulness.  Larvikite aids in the recovery of strokes and helps brain function.  It cleanses and purifies body tissue, harmonises the metabolism and helps with muscular detoxification.  Larvikite calms the nerves and will cool and reduce blood pressure.

I bet aluminium can't do any of this stuff ! *biggrin*

 

Very good

 

[MUSICRAFT]

I was more struck by the 100 amp claim. I don't think I've ever seen anyone claim that before,

Hi nopiano

Some others - Plinius SA Reference 100A peak, Hegel H4SE > 100A and Hegel H30 > 120A.

All the best

Rick @ Musicraft

Thanks, Rick. Gulp! I tend to not look for too long at the kilowatt amps as I'd never be able to afford them!

Hi nopiano

You're welcome.

The H30 (1100w) is monster and Hegel say that with its SoundEngine technology it almost doubles all the way down to 1 ohm. Scary but nice *biggrin*

If you're ever in my part of country you are more than welcome to visit us and hear the H30 in action. curved SCM40's sound with sublime with the H30

All the best

Rick @ Musicraft

I heard the 804d2 will dip down to 2-3Ohms. I wonder does the H360 able to go down stably as the spec only listed the W output at 4 and 8 Ohms? Do you have any information on this?

On a side note, is the DAC just a single AKM4490? While I see lots of competitors have dual dac chip. Wonder big the differences are..

Hi hidehide

If the H360 can drive 802's then in comparison the smaller and less demading load of 804's are a walk in the park.

As to the DAC its been implemented perfectly to match the quality of the rest of the amplifier. Fwiw, as with other Hegel amp/DAC's models some our clients have sudsituted their stand alone DAC's (some of which are very highly rated and expensive) as they prefer the performance of the DAC within the H360

If possible please try the H360 with your 804's.

All the best

Rick @ Musicraft

 

[hidehide]

I was more struck by the 100 amp claim. I don't think I've ever seen anyone claim that before,

Hi nopiano

Some others - Plinius SA Reference 100A peak, Hegel H4SE > 100A and Hegel H30 > 120A.

All the best

Rick @ Musicraft

Thanks, Rick. Gulp! I tend to not look for too long at the kilowatt amps as I'd never be able to afford them!

Hi nopiano

You're welcome.

The H30 (1100w) is monster and Hegel say that with its SoundEngine technology it almost doubles all the way down to 1 ohm. Scary but nice *biggrin*

If you're ever in my part of country you are more than welcome to visit us and hear the H30 in action. curved SCM40's sound with sublime with the H30

All the best

Rick @ Musicraft

I heard the 804d2 will dip down to 2-3Ohms. I wonder does the H360 able to go down stably as the spec only listed the W output at 4 and 8 Ohms? Do you have any information on this?

On a side note, is the DAC just a single AKM4490? While I see lots of competitors have dual dac chip. Wonder big the differences are..

Hi hidehide

If the H360 can drive 802's then in comparison the smaller and less demading load of 804's are a walk in the park.

As to the DAC its been implemented perfectly to match the quality of the rest of the amplifier. Fwiw, as with other Hegel amp/DAC's models some our clients have sudsituted their stand alone DAC's (some of which are very highly rated and expensive) as they prefer the performance of the DAC within the H360

If possible please try the H360 with your 804's.

All the best

Rick @ Musicraft

Hi Rick,

Thanks for the information. I wouldn't be able to test the H360 with the 804d2 as the dealer doesn't have B&W speakers.. But hearing your sharing helps a bit. =)

 

[MUSICRAFT]

I was more struck by the 100 amp claim. I don't think I've ever seen anyone claim that before,

Hi nopiano

Some others - Plinius SA Reference 100A peak, Hegel H4SE > 100A and Hegel H30 > 120A.

All the best

Rick @ Musicraft

Thanks, Rick. Gulp! I tend to not look for too long at the kilowatt amps as I'd never be able to afford them!

Hi nopiano

You're welcome.

The H30 (1100w) is monster and Hegel say that with its SoundEngine technology it almost doubles all the way down to 1 ohm. Scary but nice *biggrin*

If you're ever in my part of country you are more than welcome to visit us and hear the H30 in action. curved SCM40's sound with sublime with the H30

All the best

Rick @ Musicraft

I heard the 804d2 will dip down to 2-3Ohms. I wonder does the H360 able to go down stably as the spec only listed the W output at 4 and 8 Ohms? Do you have any information on this?

On a side note, is the DAC just a single AKM4490? While I see lots of competitors have dual dac chip. Wonder big the differences are..

Hi hidehide

If the H360 can drive 802's then in comparison the smaller and less demading load of 804's are a walk in the park.

As to the DAC its been implemented perfectly to match the quality of the rest of the amplifier. Fwiw, as with other Hegel amp/DAC's models some our clients have sudsituted their stand alone DAC's (some of which are very highly rated and expensive) as they prefer the performance of the DAC within the H360

If possible please try the H360 with your 804's.

All the best

Rick @ Musicraft

Hi Rick,

Thanks for the information. I wouldn't be able to test the H360 with the 804d2 as the dealer doesn't have B&W speakers.. But hearing your sharing helps a bit. =)

Hi hidehide

You're welcome.

Try and hear the H360 at home then. Out of interest where are you based please?

All the best

Rick @ Musicraft