Integrated Amps
I'm debating whether to upgrade my Marantz integrated with a better performing and higher powered integrated or simply add a separate amp and use the Marantz as a pre-amp. I've looked at stepping up to the Marantz model 30 or 40n, PS Audio Stellar Strata, Music Fidelity M5si/M6si. But then the Heaven 11 Billie caught my eye.
Has anyone had any experience with the Heaven 11 Billie integrated amp? It's a hybrid class D amp w/ a tubed pre-amp. The reviews I've watched seem to give the unit high marks for sound quality, presentation, sound stage, and because of the tubed pre-amp, an analog warmth to the otherwise "cold" sound of a class D amp.
https://heaven11audio.com/billie2-amp-features-specs/?v=7516fd43adaa
Dear @vuch : " I upgraded to the A3’s in regards to what it would take to bring the sonic level of my rig up to what I heard in the demo. "
You said that upgraded almost all what you owned and in other thread I read that a friend of you is offering to listen a SS phono in your room/system. I wonder and I would ask if you can share your today system ( other than the TA Zeus. ) surrounded those very good A3’s. Could you? Thank’s in advance.
Regards and enjoy the MUSIC NOT DISTORTIONS, R. |
@rauliruegas Yes, I have upgraded my entire rig except for the CD player, which I really don’t use anymore but keep it in the rack for nostalgia purposes. The rest of my rig: NAT Audio Symmetrical Balanced Line Stage, NAT Audio Magma M mono blocks, Herron VTPH-2A phono stage, Verastarr power cords on the mono blocks, Triangle Art Maestro TT with Horus 12" tonearm, Verastarr speaker cables, Cardas Clear cable from the phono pre to preamp. Audioquest Cobalt Dragonfly DAC and cable, Audioquest Dragon power cord from preamp to Transparent Powerbank 6 power conditioner. My buddy has a 6k SS phono stage that he wants me to try. I love my Herron but now I’m open to trying it just to see how it sounds. |
I took a demo Billie MK II home from my local dealer to try with some Harbeth P3ESR after reading some fantastic reviews. After 2hrs of listening at home I called them and ordered a new one in gold finish no less, lol. I swapped out the JJ ECC99s for some NOS Sylvania 12BH7s and the amp is now as great as anything I've owned at 2x the price. Interesting side note, the guys I got it from are the US distributor for Heaven11 and have #3 in their loft showroom. They are maybe a tad overly enthusiastic about the amp but I gotta say, the proof was in the demo with a set of LS50s. It was amazing in their showroom and even better at home with better speakers. The Billie could be $2500 and still be a great value. Just my experience |
@bgross wife: "go live with her! Here is your suitcase" |
