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Hegel owners - what speakers are you using

I just bought a Hegel H-190 for a second system in the basement. It’s 15 x 30 and semi-finished with full carpet. I use a H-95 in the living room for music and 2.0 home theater. I’m looking for something to pair with the H-190 for $2k - 3k new or used. I’m looking for either a stout monitor or smallish floor stander, not interested in large, heavy speakers anymore.

My listening down there will be classical, jazz, female vocals, and to a lesser degree rock and pop. My listening never exceeds 80 dB and usually it’s in the 65 - 75 dB range, so speakers that sound lively at lower levels are a big plus.

I prefer neutral to slightly warm speakers with my H-95, so the same for H-190. Because I listen to a lot of symphonic music, I need something that renders acoustic instruments accurately with realistic tone. I dislike horn speakers and anything overly bright sounding. I’m hoping you Hegel or ex-Hegel owners can share your experiences.

dtapo
dawgbyte's avatar
dawgbyte
325 posts
 

They're supposed to be magical with Maggies.

soix
9,456 posts
 

I heard Joseph Audio Pulsars powered by Hegel at an audio show and the sound was mesmerizing.  Either used Pulsars or their Prism monitors would be great choices given what you’re looking for.  At their $1299 intro price the new LSA Signature 80 would also be excellent and save you $$$.  For smaller floorstanders Totem and Silverline speakers are two worth a good look.  Best of luck. 

mberry6
10 posts
 

Magnepan LRS with dual REL T/5i.

 

jeffseight's avatar
jeffseight
574 posts
 

RE the LSA 80. Rumor has it Walter is introducing an improved version

in the next month or so. 

Hard to find a Pulsar for $3k. If you did it would be my first choice.

Have not heard the Prism. 

The AZAVCLUB just had 17 standmounts under $3k for audition.

Audience favorite was Dennis Murphy's Philharmonic Monitor $1,900.

 

I too listen at 60-70dB.

There are many good choices. ATC 11, KEF R3, Triangle 40th Anniversary Comete

were also popular. The Buchardt S400 Mk2 sounds great in small rooms.

The small Totem Sky -$2k- does some really good things I have  not

experienced in other brands. It made me want to hear some of the next tier Totems.

Totems are a miniaturized speaker line. 

 

Make sure to have a trial period in your basement before you are committed.

 

 

 

 

heretobuy
129 posts
 

I use an H190 with Bowers & Wilkins 704 S2s. I'm not a great judge of comparative speakers, but they are compact floor standers. Perhaps if you bought them from someplace where there's a chance of taking them back if you don't like them that would serve you best. They're said to be good with female vocals, but are sometimes criticized as bright in the upper ranges, and there might be something to that. Worth a trial if you can give them a trial. 

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