Hegel or Cambridge audio

[Shillocks]

Hi all

I'm after some opinions from more experienced ears. I have been looking to upgrade my current entry level setup. I'm quite keen on getting a streamer/amp and have done a fair bit of research. I have been looking at the Hegel H95 and wondered which would be the better option compared to the combination of the Cambridge Audio cxn V2 and cxa61? Both setups cost roughly the same. They would be powering some Kef r3's.

Many thanks for your inputs.

 

[Al ears]

I would go with the Hegel if it provides everything you require but the only way is to audition yourself.
Seperates give you easier upgrade potential if that is important.

 

[batonwielder]

Hi all

I'm after some opinions from more experienced ears. I have been looking to upgrade my current entry level setup. I'm quite keen on getting a streamer/amp and have done a fair bit of research. I have been looking at the Hegel H95 and wondered which would be the better option compared to the combination of the Cambridge Audio cxn V2 and cxa61? Both setups cost roughly the same. They would be powering some Kef r3's.

Many thanks for your inputs.

I'm always inclined to separate digital aspect from the rest of the package. It's not about sound, but the digital front end is constantly evolving. They are not necessarily getting better, but always changing according to lifestyle. The Hegel piece should be fine, as long as you plan to keep it for awhile and commit to its way of doing things. But for me, the Cambridge set would be ideal. Actually, ideal would be the CXN and an amplifier of another make, but staying in-house is much easier on the eye.

 

[Al ears]

I'm always inclined to separate digital aspect from the rest of the package. It's not about sound, but the digital front end is constantly evolving. They are not necessarily getting better, but always changing according to lifestyle. The Hegel piece should be fine, as long as you plan to keep it for awhile and commit to its way of doing things. But for me, the Cambridge set would be ideal. Actually, ideal would be the CXN and an amplifier of another make, but staying in-house is much easier on the eye.

The only issue I'd have with this is if your buying a streamer with twin DACs why the heck would you want to pay for yet another in the amplifier?
I would agree an amplifier that is simply that makes more sense.

 

[Shillocks]

Thanks for the advice. Would there be a particular amp pairing that you would recommend I look in to? One in roughly the same budget as the Cambridge?

 

[rainsoothe]

Thanks for the advice. Would there be a particular amp pairing that you would recommend I look in to? One in roughly the same budget as the Cambridge?

Used Naim Nait 5si. But in all fairness, the CXA61 might not be a bad match for the R3 - only your ears can tell you that.

 

[batonwielder]

The Naim Nait 5si suggestion is a sound one, but that one in particular, I feel, is underpowered. Exposure 2010S2, to me, always sounds better than its Naim or Rega equivalent.

 

[matthewpiano]

Don't overlook the NAD C368 or C388. These are highly capable amplifiers, and NAD's MDC modular construction enables you to add BluOS streaming to the amp if and when required.

 

[rainsoothe]

The Naim Nait 5si suggestion is a sound one, but that one in particular, I feel, is underpowered. Exposure 2010S2, to me, always sounds better than its Naim or Rega equivalent.

I don't think the 5si is underpowered at all, unless you wanna drive ATC kind of stuff, of course. But the Exposure is also a great suggestion - unfortunately, very hard to find on the used market (I know 'cause I looked around for a friend 🙂 ).

 

[djh1697]

The Naim Nait 5si suggestion is a sound one, but that one in particular, I feel, is underpowered. Exposure 2010S2, to me, always sounds better than its Naim or Rega equivalent.

Speak to a dealer in the Leicestershire countryside that stocks Naim, Rega, and Exposure amongst other brands.

 

[Sliced Bread]

If it helps your decision, Hegel often use Kef in their demos . They wouldn’t do this unless the pairing was good.

 

[Deleted member 160668]

Just to throw it in the mix, but if you do decide to go amp plus cambridge streamer, look on ebay at Cambridge 'refurbs' for the big brother to the CXN, the 851N. It's a huge step up and they are regularly £900 from Cambridge directly.

The difference for the couple hundred extra (vs new CXN price) is enormous... My 851N 'refurb' was minty new condition, with cellophane etc, plus warranty and I wouldn't be surprised if was new as no overheads. This was a massive leap ahead of the CXN in SQ, which I upgraded from. Plus I rated the CXN very highly - a truly awesome bit of kit. Hope that helps.