All-in-one: $1k Marantz or $2k Hegel?


Considering upgrading from Bluesound Powernode 2 for office system. Looking for better sound quality from one-box amplified digital streamer box. Only Tidal streaming will be used for this system.
Intrigued by marantz pm7000n at $1k, and also considering Hegel h90 at $2k. Both 60 Wpc and I believe both use AK4490EQ as dac chip (though hard to confirm for Hegel - but h190 is reported to use 4490 and I think I read h90 uses same, wish I knew for sure).
I know Heos stream interface for marantz is solid because I have a marantz AVR in my main HT system and streaming works well there. Little unsure about the Hegel stream interface.
Anyone heard both units and can compare and contrast?

speakers not purchased yet but likely Kef LS50 with Kef kube 10b sub. I understand Kef and Hegel pair well and each uses other at shows. 

I am going to try to audition both first before deciding just seeking advance opinions
kren0006

Showing 2 responses by joekapahulu

Have Marantz pm8005. Very good sound for $1k new especially in direct mode bypassing tone controls. Used with Kef R300s and Marantz ND8006. Integrated fine for HEOS, various streaming sites. Setup  wired Ethernet and wireless.
I don't know for a fact it is active in direct mode. However, I know that with DM tone and balance controls are bypassed but the 2 speaker switches still work. I would expect output to sub to remain. Travel g right now so can't check manual. Btw, probably use preamp 50% of time as tone control include bass, midrange and treble and lots of old cds benefit from eq.