First HiFi Setup

[JusDiG]

After months of research, several home demos, and spending a bit more than I initially budgeted, my first hifi (at least to my ears!) system is in place! I realize to many, this is a very modest setup but to me this was a serious investment and sonic upgrade to anything I've used in the past. If anyone has any questions about my experiences thus far with the gear, feel free to ask. I'm not only thoroughly enjoying my listening experience lately but also the process of research, learning and discussion.

Dynaudio Evoke 20
2x SVS SB-1000
Hegel H90
Bluesound Node 2i
Project Debut Carbon + Phono Box S2
Audioquest Evergreen RCA's
Austere V Series Optical
SVS SoundPath Ultra Cables

...and if anyone cares about the video portion

65" LG C9 OLED
LG UBK90 4k Ultra HD Blu-ray Player (hidden)
Audioquest Pearl HDMI cables

 

[Deleted member 108165]

Very nice 👍

 

[Gray]

You're modest, not that system.
Enjoy the music and stay content - that's the key.

Assuming you tried the H90 with different speakers, not with PMC by any chance?
Wondered how you would characterise the amp's sound?
(I read a glowing review of the 120, but someone here had one on home loan and described it as a bit dull).

 

[JusDiG]

You're modest, not that system.
Enjoy the music and stay content - that's the key.

Assuming you tried the H90 with different speakers, not with PMC by any chance?
Wondered how you would characterise the amp's sound?
(I read a glowing review of the 120, but someone here had one on home loan and described it as a bit dull).

Thanks for the reply! I auditioned the H90, Cambridge CXA81, and Moon 240i at home but with my old speakers, B&W 685 S2's. I thought the Moon and Hegel were similar. Smooth, punchy, natural. Not coloring the music at all. Definitely more neutral compared to the Cambridge which to my ears was a bit bright in the top end and overall more forward sounding and excitable. Maybe compared to amps like the Cambridge and for folks that prefer that type of sound signature, some would find the Hegel sound "dull", but to my ears it was just right. Obviously I went with the Hegel. For me it produced better dynamics at lower listening volumes vs. the Moon. Then of course when I got the Evoke's in, I liked it even better.

 

[Gray]

Thanks for the reply! I auditioned the H90, Cambridge CXA81, and Moon 240i at home but with my old speakers, B&W 685 S2's. I thought the Moon and Hegel were similar. Smooth, punchy, natural. Not coloring the music at all. Definitely more neutral compared to the Cambridge which to my ears was a bit bright in the top end and overall more forward sounding and excitable. Maybe compared to amps like the Cambridge and for folks that prefer that type of sound signature, some would find the Hegel sound "dull", but to my ears it was just right. Obviously I went with the Hegel. For me it produced better dynamics at lower listening volumes vs. the Moon. Then of course when I got the Evoke's in, I liked it even better.

Thanks for that. Your observations match those I've read in reviews.
(In fairness, he did suspect his speakers were partly responsible for his 'slightly dull' verdict).
I actually auditioned 3 amps at home before my last purchase. It's certainly not the easy way of doing things, but like you, I'm glad I did.
There doesn't seem to be a Hegel dealer in my county (Essex). I saw online that a distributor offers a home loan service....for £300 😱 Whether or not that gets deducted from the price, no way would I ever go for that (not if I were a millionaire).
Thanks again, I value your opinions.
Enjoy your stuff. As it becomes more about the music, that's when you know you're there 👍

 

[newlash09]

After months of research, several home demos, and spending a bit more than I initially budgeted, my first hifi (at least to my ears!) system is in place! I realize to many, this is a very modest setup but to me this was a serious investment and sonic upgrade to anything I've used in the past. If anyone has any questions about my experiences thus far with the gear, feel free to ask. I'm not only thoroughly enjoying my listening experience lately but also the process of research, learning and discussion.

Dynaudio Evoke 20
2x SVS SB-1000
Hegel H90
Bluesound Node 2i
Project Debut Carbon + Phono Box S2
Audioquest Evergreen RCA's
Austere V Series Optical
SVS SoundPath Ultra Cables

...and if anyone cares about the video portion

65" LG C9 OLED
LG UBK90 4k Ultra HD Blu-ray Player (hidden)
Audioquest Pearl HDMI cables


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Wow....looking lovely sir 🙂

 

[Sliced Bread]

Lovely tidy setup

 

[Tannoy866]

Hide those cables going up the tv

 

[NorthEastVinyl]

Cracking set up.

 

[Si O' the Times]

Wow, prettyincredible first system.
Kind of puts my late 90's first system (Yamaha CDX-493, Rotel RA 921 & Tannoy Mercury M1's) to shame!

P.S. Your Evoke 20's are giving me serious upgrade urges...

 

[Gray]

Hide those cables going up the tv

😆
Otherwise it's OK though?