2. amps-preamps
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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.

dyl71
ddafoe
260 posts
 

I owned a Hegel P20 and Pass XP-10 at the same time to compare with my Pass X250.8 amp.   I preferred the sound of my system with the P20.  I felt it was more resolving and exciting compared to the XP-10, at least with the Pass amplifier.

relaxasaurus
18 posts
 

Thanks both. Shame that you don't hear more about Hegel preamps. Their integrated models seem to overshadow their separates.

subtiltycypress
1 posts
 

Just got a used Hegel P20 and its astonishing. So much detail and much bigger wider and deeper soundstage. Highly recommended. Used with Rogue M180 monoblocks with Klipsch Cornwall IVs 

dbb
215 posts
 

I experimented with using Hegel p20s and later with p30s in two separate systems both employing McIntosh power amplifiers. The power amplifiers were, and still are, an MC402 and an MC152. The preamp  I was using with both amps was a McIntosh C47. I love the smooth mac sound, but was looking to get a more defined and dynamic sound from the power amps. It worked beautifully. I was able to push the mac amplifiers to a more "live" sound (air, improved sound stage depth, detail, and dynamics) without loosing the beautiful listenability of the macs. 

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