Speaker or amplifer


I have to choose between a Sonus faber sonetto v g2 or a Hegel h400. I have listened to both of them and came away very impressed.My system consists of a Sonus faber iii and Cronus magnum iii. I like the speakers that I have would the hegel h400 be the best upgrade for my system.

bigmac1963

If you try the Hegel and you find you still prefer the overall sound of the Rogue the best thing to do would be to get two subwoofers that will improve bass, dynamics, as well as imaging and 3D soundstage.  Best of luck. 

I am a big Sonus Faber fan. But, the speaker upgrade would not be a huge change. The system you have today, both components are slanted towards natural sounding music. An alternative rendition of sound are the highly detailed, transparent systems with lots of slam. These are on the opposite end of the spectrum.

The Hegel will definitely provide more slam. But be careful, you would be  changing flavors and loosing midrange bloom and some naturalness in the sound. Tube gear like Rogue (and speakers like Sonus Faber) work to reproduce the natural warm sound of real music, and realistic bass... nuanced and articulate. Solid state amps provide more transparent, fast an lean sound. The slam is somewhat artificial, in solid state can instantaneously hit you will a wall of bass, but is it generally somewhat short-lived and inarticulate. The midrange will not be as meaty and real sounding.

So, having said this. The Hegle will do what you want. I would recommend listening to one and make sure this is the direction you want to go. I very well may be.

If you already like your speakers, then get the amp. Speakers always make a bigger difference than an amp.

Hegel is  for sure a "more bang for your bucks" amp.  I use an older model H360 that I am happy with. But, it does not sound like a tube amp but will power less sensitive speakers very well.  Give and take, if you ask me.

Demo the Hegel in your current system and you’ll know if it’s worth it.  Then do the same changing put just the new speakers.  You might decide you want one or the other, both or no upgrade.  Trust your ears.