Safe to buy 2nd hand?

[Andrewjvt]

I think if you want a BIG upgrade, you need to spend accordingly. That's not taking anything away from the either the Creek Destiny or Naim XS, both probably better in some ways than what you have now (which already seems a good amplifier).

I just read a very interesting article on amplifier design, power (and how it is delivered) ie. ultra rigid supply vs. sagging supplies albeith with high dynamic headroom and it really is a bees nest on what is actually more desirable. Simply doubling  power will not sound much louder (Destiny or something like a Devialet 120 vs. Evo 50) but there are most likely other factors in the designs which give them the upper hand over the 50. There is only so much Mike Creek can do for the budget.

Aaanyways, if I was you I'd save up and look to spend a few thousand. Plenty to choose from, not least Valves.

Lucky ******. I wouldn't know where to start and by the time you're ready to commit that choice will only have grown.

Phew! And i thought the Hegel name would rear its *boring* head.

IMO, I would save and save for a Luxman and Wilson Benesch. Not dem'd the combo but that sounds tasty to me.

Seems you keep bringing it up yourself, what is so boring about hegel?