Hegel H590

Hugh,

I wouldn't just order one, we were Hegel dealers years ago, and their products are excellent, the real question will be how will the 590 stack up to any of the zillion other reference integrated amplifiers on the market, then how will it pair with your Kef's?

As mentioned on another post you have high end intergratreds from Bel Canto, there is the less expensive but also mindblowing Micromega M150 which adds room correction to the mix, then you have the Luxman products, T+A products, etc.

So if I were you I would wait and then borrow one and see how you like it and obviously compare it to the any of the other market contenders.

The Hegel sound is fast, clean, with a big soundstage, however,the Hegel sound tends to have less midrange bloom then a Naim or Micromega product. 

Dave and Troy
Audio Doctor NJ

Op you may want to consider a few of the newer preamp/dac + amp options that may be similarily priced:

We have the Anthem STR amp and preamp which is an outstanding 400 watt per channel amp plus the new STR preamp state of the art dac + preamp with room correction both pieces are $10k no built in streamer though this package is $10k and it is really fantastic sounding one of the best sounding packages we have seen under $20k

There is the new Krell K300i at $8k this totally new Krell Ibias 150watt integrated was one of the highlights at Rocky Mountain where one of the reviewers Mike Trei said it was the best sound at the show, don't know haven't heard the piece yet but the buzz is very strong that this little integrated is pretty amazing.

You also have the new Mark Levinson 5000 series which are getting good buzz they have a new integrated at $7k.

The T+A gear is amazing they have one integrated amp the 2500R at $11k challenges way more expensive amps, very open, transparent, great soundstage but no built in dac. 

The take away is that there are a lot of great packages you can put together. We are waiting to hear the 590 as well, as we might be brining in Hegel again.

Long story short there is a lot of great gear on the market right now that repesents stunning sound and good pricing.

Dave and Troy
Audio Doctor NJ Krell, T+A, Anthem, Coda dealers