Similar to "twoleftears" above, I'm surprised that you find the Hegel sound "bright". I'm not in your listening room, nor do I have the listening experience with all your components as a group. You may want to research other issues first such room acoustics, dacs, even cables. But saying that, I prefer a tube sound. I had a Luxman R117 Receiver which has always been well reviewed and industry accepted. However, I swapped to the Rogue Audio Sphinx, then upgraded to the Rogue Cronus Magnum II, and now finally, to the new Rogue Pharaoh II. I love the tube sound. I love the ability to alter the sound with "tube rolling". Now with SS power, and a tube preamp, I'm very happy. Should you want to venture into tubes, the Rogue Audio folks can't be beat for answers and service. Find a close Rogue dealer and listen for yourself. Better yet if you can audition a Rogue Amp in your home. Ask. Very probable that can happen. Good luck and happy listening!
WILL IT MAKE A DIFFERENCE?
My system consists of the following
Integrated Amp. - Hegel H160
Speakers – Fritz Carbon 7
Dac – Denafrips Venus II
Server- Innous Zenith MK3
Turntable – Rega RP8
Cartridge- Hana ML
Phono Pre – Icon Audio PS1 MKII
Power Conditioner – Puritan PSM156
I stream most of my music, listen to everything from 60’s rock to blues and Jazz. My system as it currently exists sounds pretty good. My wife thinks it sound great. My main complaint with the existing system is it is still a little bright and I do experience some listener fatigue.
I am considering another upgrade. I have always had solid state integrated amplifiers. I am considering tube integrated amplifiers. My budget is 7 to 10K. If you have gone from SS to Tube, what did you buy? What was the most striking difference out of the box and 300 hours in? Did you keep the speakers you had?
I am not completely sure that a tube amp. is what my system needs. I thought speakers could also make a difference. So, I am considering adding Joseph Audio Pulsar 2 Graphene to my current system. If anyone would like to give me their impression of them I would greatly appreciate it. I have read that they pair well with Hegel Amps.
I have had the Carbon7’s since 2013. I like them a lot. I had also purchased Fritz’s Carrera 7Be. I sold them because I did not like beryllium tweeters, I thought I would, but I did not. BTW Fritz is a class act.