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Modding Hafler Amps?

Hi all. I've been away from the boards here for about a year, but I've got the audio bug...again.

The power switch on my Hafler DH-500 broke last month, giving me the lame excuse I needed to fork out the bucks to have it modded. An internet search found not only John Hillig (Musical Concepts), who I already knew about, but also Van Alstine. Has anyone compared the mods to recommend which company I should use to mod the amp? I'm not looking for all the exotic stuff- I just want the most bang for my buck.

Then the next problem: I also have a McCormack .5 amp (Rev A) that I love with my McCormack RLD-1. I could do a number of things - bi amp using both amps (Hafler for bass and McCormack for mid/high), toss the .5 (which I'd hate to do) and use either the Hafler by itself or purchase another used Hafler 500 and have it modded as well for biamping.

I can't really assess power needs right now, as I won't upgrade to speakers that really need the Hafler's power for another year, and I have no idea what speakers I'll buy. I'm thinking if I have more power than I need, no problem. Some day I'll probably want/need all that power, even if not in the near future.

Sorry this is so long, but thanks in advance for your advice!

aggielaw

Showing 1 response by konky

konky
10 posts
 
Hi guys,
I am new to this site, but I wanted to comment on Hafler products modded by John Hillig at Musical Concepts in St Louis.
I am a "Golden Age" audio dinosar that goes way back to the Eicos, Pilots and Dynaco.I have had a lot of "hi end" stuff over the years such as Dynaco,GAS,ARC,Mac and I thought I have heard it all, until I purchased a Hafler 500 modded by John Hillig.I am hearing things that I have NEVER heard before and I didn't have to spend a fortune.The depth, width and detail of the soundstage is so much more than I expected.I am extremely impressed, especially considering the investment.Well worth it!

Yes, there are more exotic, and expensive amps out there that may sound better but look at what you have to pay.
I read somewhere that Hillig had been an engineer for the Hafler co. but not sure if it is true.
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