Anyone hear the Van Alstine CA1 Control Amplifier or NP1 amp demoed?

@seanheis1 that's a big difference I guess. But then Hegel must think that they have to give something for costing twice. Norwegianness?

Sometimes when people pay more they think they get more...

@gano true. If you're gonna cost twice and still be made in China (Hegel)...that gives me pause. 

Well, in perspective, the Hegel retailed for $3500 at the time the Set 120 was probably $1000.  The Hegel, mine anyhow had more connectivity with its dac, pre outs and XLR, has 3X the power.  And it had to come to the US through customs, a distributor and the retail showrooms.  The Hegel cost more than the comparable Parasound Int. at the time too and those two amps were comparable although I preferred the SQ of the Hegel by a margin.

There are alot of other amps of various design that were and still are much more in price.  At the time I saw the Hegel as a high performance and reliable product at a still affordable price in a more high end audio product which I believe it was and probably still is.  Not a budget product by any means but a good one and competitive among its peers.

The VA I purchased knowing its limitations was solely due to its SQ as reported by users, and given its positive long history in business.  And at a slightly used discounted price helped.

When the owner, who isn't a only a one person operation passes, that may be the end of V/A as we know them.  Just like Croft over in England did.  Parasound was bought out.  Hegel will probably pass hands too. 

But that happens with audio companies. Buy a good product whether the Company  is there or not in a few years as its meant to be enjoyed, for as long as possible.

I still think Hegel is a good product and within reach. Used prices are decent for buyers, I know its relative. 

The truly high end and far less accessible products even discounted are outside the reach of many. How much more that gives you, I don't know. Maybe a more you are there performance at louder SPLs, but I don;t want that either.  

Lots of good products that satisfy at various prices under or over a grand, which is good for all of us.

Also on the Hegel pricing: used ones sell at a similar price of used AVAs, maybe 20% more. Which is very telling. The used market has a lot of $500 to a $1000 integrateds. It looks like Creek is really the winner there.

Btw Leak has very similar construction than Hegel, but looks profoundly different. It’s a money pit :)

Lots of good used integrated amps and if the price is right, both buyer and seller will benefit.  Hegel has alot of used but has sold alot too.  Typically a good amp. Just buy right.