Hegel or Pathos?


Hey all,

Another subjective question here, but even tho I'm perfectly happy with my Pathos Classic Mk 3, I'm wondering whether I should return to a Hegel, specifically a Hegel 160 or 360? 

Both have balanced inputs, which is a must for me. The Hegel it's more powerful, and I feel like my Spatials could do with more wattage. The Pathos delivers 140 watts into 4 ohms, and my LFD SE phono stage offers ample gain.

Could anyone with experience in both of these (admittedly a tall order) offer any advice? I had the Hegel 160 and I really can't remember why I got rid of it, though I know it was for the pathos.

Many thanks.
128x128simao
Don't have experience with Hegel, but you will want to seriously consider getting another MkIII and using them as integrated monos. See my discussion of this in my reviews of the Classic One versions at Dagogo.com 

The mono operation of the Classic One (no matter which version) is far superior to the stereo operation. 

Simple question: If you do not regret moving to the Pathos, then you likely will be most pleased with mono operation of two units. 
The presentation is going to be different.  Stick with the Pathos, and if possible, get another one.
I've not heard your Classic Mk 3, but a T.T., an Inpol Mk 1 and a Logos.  All of them really, really nice amplifiers.  I found them to sound much like many of the reviews claimed: a kind of hybrid between tubes and solid state.  Not as sweet as many of the former persuasion, but with a more "romantic soul" than many of the latter and with a particularly divine mid-range.

As far as Hegel goes I've some experience with a good number of them, from the very first products up to the H160 and H360 that you mention.  Still haven't heard anything from the new Hx90 series.
The early Hegel products were not at all to my taste: they were cold, sterile and had to be matched with great care in order to sound good.  These days, however, Hegel makes some of the very best solid state amps I've ever laid ear to and the H160 and H360 are (or were, given they've now been superseded) among the very best in their class.  The overly chilled presentation is long gone and they sound very smooth, very neutral, very detailed and just very, very good all-round.  They also have oodles of power, higher damping factors than just about anything else and will wring every ounce of performance from the speakers they're mated with.  Especially in the down-low.

I'm entirely unable to declare one brand better or worse than the other, as both are truly excellent.  I found the Pathos amps ever so slightly warm, just as I like it, so that's what I'd choose for myself.  However, if I wanted a neutral-sounding amp (as in truly neutral, rather than clinical, cold or sterile) I can't think of a better choice than a Hegel.  Nothing I've heard so far anyway.
the pathos logos mk-2 is a excellent 
sounding integrated.if you are going to buy the Hegel 360 , the pathos logos-2
is more naturally warm and having vacuum tubes in the preamp section 
buying a pair of NOS Vintage tubes 
really raises the bar for flexibility in tuning its sonics ,but sheer musicality
give it a good power cord and upgrade fuse a fantastic piece of Italian art ,build quality and musicality. You will not see a lot of reviews ,but I sold them and know their build quality very good upgraded parts vs the completion in their price catagory.
Thank you all for your resounding responses. I've already upgraded my existing Pathos' tubes, so I'd imagine I'd have to get similar tubes if I bi-amped with a second Pathos.

Or I can save up and replace my ancient and creaking tonearm...
Dill, I suspect that this tube would also work with the classic MK II which I still own.

I wonder how the Pathos Logos would compare to a pair of Classic IIIs used as Monoblocks?
I think they're different tools for different jobs. I wouldn't want the pathos for my VA speakers, but with the persona's they make an excellent match.
I agree with steve59, it appears Hegel is an excellent choice for my KEFs but the Pathos would be a poor fit with them.
I own a Classic MK3. I used to own a HEGEL . I problem with HEGEL is low volume listening. Too much damping on the woofer. No bass heard at low level. Also the amp is a little dry sounding.
@stereodynamics Thanks for the feedback. I don't remember that particular trait with the Hegel, but that was a while ago. I tend not to do a lot of low volume listening, so that might be a non-issue. Do you find your Pathos more warm than the Hegel