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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 4 responses by milpai

milpai's avatar
milpai
2,322 posts
 
I am helping a good friend of mine to setup a system and we are looking at the same amplifiers to power up a pair of Revel F36 loudspeakers. While we have not listened to either of the 2, it is the Marantz's wireless streaming convenience that seems very lucrative at the moment. Can we stream Spotify/Tidal/Amazon HD to the Hegel wirelessly? 
milpai's avatar
milpai
2,322 posts
 
Question to anyone who is using Hegel integrated amplifiers. What is the best way to play Tidal/Spotify wirelessly to the integrated amplifier? The Hegel integrated amplifier has an Ethernet connection, but no wireless antennas. My friend wants to use either his Android phone or tablet to play music via the amplifier to the loudspeakers.
milpai's avatar
milpai
2,322 posts
 
We reached out to Hegel and they recommend using Airplay. Android is possible with UnPNP softwares.
milpai's avatar
milpai
2,322 posts
 
Update:We put in the system for my friend. He went with the Hegel H90 and is completely thrilled. This is an amazing amplifier. Agreed, we did not compare with the Marantz integrated, but this amplifier drives the Revel F36 without any problem. We used AirPlay to play Spotify on this amp (wired ethernet) and it sounded awesome. The Hegel is heavy considering it's sleek looks. I was taken aback when I lifted it. Speaker wires are Audio Envy (recommended by @wig). The amp is detailed with slight warmth. The only problem is it is super revealing. As a quick test, we connected a cheap optical out from his TV to the amp and it sounded alright at best. This was for a regular YouTube album. Have not yet tried a Coaxial from a good source for the DAC input. My friend plans to get a good BluRay player to be used as a transport, which he will use rarely, now that he has experienced streaming :-) Lets see when this BluRay happens.

Currently using a generic CAT5 cable for ethernet. The Inakustik CAT7 cable is on order and expected in 2-3 weeks. My friend is eventually going to try Tidal and Amazon HD. All-in-all a simple system, but sounds really good for the money spent.
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