I am a big fan of the No. 512 spinner - firefightingrob
I say, keep an all Levinson set-up. Staying tuned.
Happy Listening!
I say, keep an all Levinson set-up. Staying tuned.
Happy Listening!
Hegel H30 or Bryston 7B3 monos
Looking for system synergy and absolute control of my Magico S5 Mk1. Currently using a Vinnie Rossi Lio Preamp (avc tubestage) and Levinson 512 cd/Sacd player. The S5 seem to enjoy power and I want 3d sound with depth, wide soundstage and detail. Currently have Levinson 436 monoblocks that are very good-clean sound, but I bought it when I was using a Levinson 326s preamp which I no longer have and I lost some of the magic they had together. I like my Vinnie Rossi and have no plans of changing preamps. I know Hegel is used at audio shows with Magicos and Hegel uses Magicos in their listening room, but I prefer Monoblocks and the Brystons are less expensive at this time (and Canadian made, and 20 warranty, and 600w each). If I go the Hegel route I would have to buy one H30 now (use as stereo) and then save for a second H30. Any help?
- ...
- 19 posts total
Thanks Jafant, I am VERY happy with the 512. It is the piece I continue to build around. The 436 are excellent as well, but they are getting a little older and I am curious if newer designs will have a better sound-same articulation, more depth, weightier dynamics. The 436 are transparent to source and preamp and measure as good as most amps made today. I am curious about the power reserve in the Hegel 270 000uF capacitors vs 50 000uF in the 436. It seems it could get a real nice grip on the 2 10" woofers in the Magico S5's sealed design. Although, further research shows that when used as a monoblocks the H30 loses soundstage and width. Not what I'm looking for. The Bryston 7B3 measures as well as the Levinson 436 (http://www.avhub.com.au/product-reviews/hi-fi/bryston-14b179-power-amplifier-review-test-431015) but has more power- and a 20 year warranty. But how does it sound? Haven't heard it yet. |
Soix, I felt the Levinson gear had very good synergy. I found the 512, 326s and 436 have excellent detail, and transparency, but ultimately lacked some soundstage, depth, drive and musical presentation. I went with Vinnie Rossi's LIO as a preamp and recovered some tube warmth and 3d I was missing. I changed speakers from Wilson W.P. 8 to Magico S5 (both excellent speakers). But the S5 has a different sound, not as forward or hyper-real as the WP8s, so I am looking to add more of the slam and dynamics that I hear from the big rigs at the auto shows, while maintaining that transparency that is equally addicting. An amp that is similar to the 436 but with more power seems to be a logical step. Also-trying to keep all my gear black, cant do bright meters because of Home theater use, and probably staying ss for the amps. |
- 19 posts total