Better match for Wharfedale Dovedale: Hegel H400 vs. NAD C 658 + M23?

[GeorgiyP]

Hi everyone,

I'm looking to pair my Wharfedale Dovedale speakers with a new amplifier/streamer and I'm considering two options:

- Hegel H400 integrated amplifier
- NAD C 658 preamp paired with the M23 power amplifier

Unfortunately, I don't have the opportunity to listen to these combinations in person, so this will be a blind decision. If anyone has experience with either pairing on the Dovedales, I'd love to hear impressions on synergy, power, and overall sound quality.

If you think there are better alternatives, please keep in mind a maximum budget of 5000 EUR for the amplification/streamer. Any experiences or insights would be greatly appreciated!

Thanks!

 

[Integralista]

Hi, wellcome to this forum. I recommend to consider also an "analogue" integrated amp with "best possible" streamer of your choice and sound preference. Something like Rega Aethos or Audia Flight FLS9 Amp and Lumin streamer. You can better tune this solution to your desired sound signature. Hegel H400 is a class leader. Just streaming part and partly DAC will be after some 5 years "to be upgraded". But this is common disadvantage of such complex integrated amplifiers. From my experience Electrocompanient ECI 6 DX mk2 is also truly ourstanding integrated amp/streamer/dac. This amp sounds like very good valve amp with musicality, spark, 3D stage and adding power of polar bear. My friend has big Dynaudio Contour 60i columns in some 40m² with this amp and it just fits like a glove on hand. Electrocompanient products are also better value on used market. They keep better value than Hegel, Nad...Electrocompanient under new owner is really shining, producing in Norway, has very high quality of production etc. And no, I am not a dealer of any of those brands, just enthusiast. And yes we are here to serve you with some help.😆