Integrated Amp with HT bypass

[MUSICRAFT]

Yes but I think the Hegel H180 has HT bypass, the H80 doesn't.

Hi Leeps

H160, H360 have HT direct input and one of the H80's two analogue inputs can be configured to a HT direct input.

Btw, as of summer 2014 the H80 also incorporates pre amp output.

All the best

Rick @ Musicraft

Stand corrected Rick. Is there some kind of switch on the back that changes it from a standard input to a power amp only?

Hi Leeps

No worries. The H80 needs to be configured internally. This needs to be done by the dealer.

All the best

Rick @ Musicraft

 

[hybridauth_Facebook_100004211376004]

The naim nait xs has av bypass...a good used buy.

 

[ROB2009]

I'd prefer the amp to also have a Dac, so I can connect the Sonos Connect amp via digital. I know it's a big ask for my budget of approx £1k, but I'll keep looking...

 

[ROB2009]

Finally went with the Hegel H80...

Thanks to all for your input, Its great to be able to access these forums and tap into the knowledge and opinions of other enthusiasts.

The fact that the Hegel had an integrated Dac made my mind up. I'm sure some would have chosen differently but for my requirements, it's perfect.

The difference is amazing so far, control of the bass means I can remove the bungs from the speakers, imaging and sound stage are excellent....early days though. Also integration into my home cinema system has made a huge difference to the overall effect.

 

[MUSICRAFT]

Finally went with the Hegel H80...

Thanks to all for your input, Its great to be able to access these forums and tap into the knowledge and opinions of other enthusiasts.

The fact that the Hegel had an integrated Dac made my mind up. I'm sure some would have chosen differently but for my requirements, it's perfect.

The difference is amazing so far, control of the bass means I can remove the bungs from the speakers, imaging and sound stage are excellent....early days though. Also integration into my home cinema system has made a huge difference to the overall effect.

Hi Rob

Good to hear

All the best

Rick @ Musicraft

 

[ROB2009]

Hi, can I ask which speakers you went for to partner your Hegel, please?

I'm looking to upgrade my Neat Motive SX3's, but can't decide on my budget yet!

thanks....

 

[Andrewjvt]

Hi, can I ask which speakers you went for to partner your Hegel, please?

I'm looking to upgrade my Neat Motive SX3's, but can't decide on my budget yet!

thanks.... 

Ive also got h360 and atc scm11s
Very good match but in also building atc scm100 clones (wilmslow audio k100s) ive heard these with the h360 and its out of this world.

But as far as normal atcs id go with either scm19s or scm40s as main fronts as the 50s and 100 passives are very expensive

 

[ROB2009]

Thanks for that, limited to bookshelf speakers....guess it's demo time again

 

[Andrewjvt]

Thanks for that, limited to bookshelf speakers....guess it's demo time again 

19s to 11s

Id go for the 19s
Where are you in the world?

 

[ROB2009]

Leamington, Warwickshire

 

[ROB2009]

https://www.flickr.com/gp/62332045@N03/S4ex39

 

[Andrewjvt]

Leamington, Warwickshire 

To spend afternoon or evening at my house testing the atcS 11s. Just bring your laptop or source. Youll get a good feel how good they sound. You can bring your speakers also for direct test.
In you want too that is.

Im not far from you.

 

[ROB2009]

Thank you for the offer, it's greatly appreciated. Will get in touch nearer the time when I'm ready to demo again...cheers

 

[Andrewjvt]

Thank you for the offer, it's greatly appreciated. Will get in touch nearer the time when I'm ready to demo again...cheers

You started off with h80 but now you got h360.
Big jump. Hiw long have you had the h360 and how do you compare the 2 sound wise?

 

[ROB2009]

I really enjoyed the h80, a lovely neutral sound and a big step up as I was previously listening in 2 channel from my Marantz SR7010. I was interested in the h160 but got a cracking deal on the h360 so couldn't help myself. I know the Hegel styling splits opinions but I'm a fan of their looks.
The h360 just has a bigger sound, mid range is improved giving a much greater depth to the music, and the bass is awesome with more slam and punch. Vocals are crystal clear and so realistic, acoustic guitar strings reverberate like you're sat right in front of them. Whilst the Neat SX3's do sound good, can't help wondering if a speaker upgrade would show the full potential of the h360. But I'm limited to bookshelf speakers and don't want to go too large physically, probably around the size of the atc scm11's wound be the limit, scm19's would be too large I think. So I'll do my homework and see what I can demo...

 

[Andrewjvt]

I really enjoyed the h80, a lovely neutral sound and a big step up as I was previously listening in 2 channel from my Marantz SR7010. I was interested in the h160 but got a cracking deal on the h360 so couldn't help myself. I know the Hegel styling splits opinions but I'm a fan of their looks.

The h360 just has a bigger sound, mid range is improved giving a much greater depth to the music, and the bass is awesome with more slam and punch. Vocals are crystal clear and so realistic, acoustic guitar strings reverberate like you're sat right in front of them.
 
Whilst the Neat SX3's do sound good, can't help wondering if a speaker upgrade would show the full potential of the h360. But I'm limited to bookshelf speakers and don't want to go too large physically, probably around the size of the atc scm11's wound be the limit, scm19's would be too large I think. 
So I'll do my homework and see what I can demo...

Ive got h360 and scm11s
To put the performance of the scm11s into perspective.

They are small bookshelf type but i used to have kef r700s before and the scm11s blow them easy imo.

If i were you id still listen to the 19s and them compare to 11s as i think they will bring out the positives of the amp better.

Hegel and atc go well together.
You really need long listening session though as at first the low distortion need getting used to just like the hegel amp.

 

[MUSICRAFT]

I really enjoyed the h80, a lovely neutral sound and a big step up as I was previously listening in 2 channel from my Marantz SR7010. I was interested in the h160 but got a cracking deal on the h360 so couldn't help myself. I know the Hegel styling splits opinions but I'm a fan of their looks.

The h360 just has a bigger sound, mid range is improved giving a much greater depth to the music, and the bass is awesome with more slam and punch. Vocals are crystal clear and so realistic, acoustic guitar strings reverberate like you're sat right in front of them. Whilst the Neat SX3's do sound good, can't help wondering if a speaker upgrade would show the full potential of the h360. But I'm limited to bookshelf speakers and don't want to go too large physically, probably around the size of the atc scm11's wound be the limit, scm19's would be too large I think. So I'll do my homework and see what I can demo...

Hi Rob

Glad you're enjoying the performance of the H360. H360's are very popular indeed

Looking at where the speakers are going to be placed then i feel curved SCM11 passive monitors might be a little overwhelming whereas curved SCM7 passive monitors should be just about right.

All the best

Rick @ Musicraft

 

[ROB2009]

I managed to get a home demo of the scm11's, a lovely sound but as Rick said, they were too over blown for my room, don't have the space for them to breathe properly. So I took a punt and bought a pair of ex-demo scm7's.... Will let you know how I get on with them!