Old Hegel H80 w balanced inputs vs newer H95?


TLDR: Should I keep my Hegel H80 w balanced inputs or upgrade to H95 with only single ended inputs but higher damping factor?

I bought the H80 amp second hand and it is mint (and largely unused since I bought it). I’m thinking I could partially fund an H95 on the used market for around 1500 (getting 900-1000 for the H90). The H95 unfortunately doesn’t have balanced inputs but it does have a damping factor of 2000 (with H80’s damping of 1000)

I know the H80 and H95 have built -in DACs but I’m pretty set on by-passing them w the Pontus II. Thoughts? I don’t want to side-grade here and will largely listen to hires streaming and possibly add a vinyl source later….

blippio

if you are not using the internal dac just stay with the h80

it has more power than the h95 and the sound engine 1 is fine, se2 is a very very marginal improvement

Thanks for the sane answer! i.e. keeping me sane and from acting on upgrade-itis :)