Considering a Hegel preamp
My current gear is all SS, Marantz SA 8005, McCormack RLD-1, McCormack DNA-1 Ultra Platinum (2018). I have asked here before about preamps, but have stayed put with my stock RLD-1. I didn’t however consider a Hegel P4A preamp.
I would like to stay under $2K but aiming for under $1500 if poss. I have debated sending the RLD-1 to SMC for an upgrade, but considering other options. Only issue I have with the P4 is lack of HT bypass. With that being said, would the Hegel P20 be the one to look at unless they both offer similiar performance...if so, I can get by without the HT bypass but would be nice to have it.
The RLD-1 is getting old but still performs very well, I just believe for around my budget there is likely better options.
Very curious to hear opinions from members who have used Hegel preamps.
All input appreciated.
@zlone did you ever snag a Hegel pre? I am about to pull the trigger on a P20. Using the preouts on my H190 integrated was very illuminating how good Hegel's preamps are. Compared with two tube preamps and a cheap WiiM Ultra but I kept coming back to the Hegel as it gave me such a full & rich, yet detailed presentation at the same time. Soundstage was immaculate for a SS pre as well. Really hit the sweet spot for me. |
@relaxasaurus In the end bought a Pass XP-12 and I was quite happy with that. I did recently replace the Pass with an Audionet PRE G2 that I found a deal on, and it was a significant upgrade, though a very different sound, over the Pass. |
