2. amps-preamps
  3. 187503-186453

NAD M-33 or Hegel H190

I love the convenience of my NAD M-33; it is the Swiss Army Knife of integrated amps. But ignoring the convenience for a moment, I feel I'm missing something in the music. Sound stage and imaging to be exact. The NAD is technically amazing, but the music somehow sounds "grey". I'm told the Hegel H190 will provide what I'm looking for but there is no way for me to preview the Hegel at this time. Should I trade my NAD M-33 for the Hegel? The complication in trading means I must buy a streamer for Tidal and the I/O on the Hegel is very minimal when compared to the NAD. For instance, I have two sets of speakers and the Hegel has only one set of speaker connections which means I must find some way to split the signal... Any thoughts on these issues would be appreciated. 

aldermine
grislybutter
2,373 posts
 

I honestly don’t think the amp will give you the imaging and sound stage, The speakers will do that. (I believe)
You have other threads about other amp questions so you seem to want a different amp for sure.
The Hegels for what they do are overpriced. Maybe they are superb, and bring out sounds and details you haven’t heard - with expensive cables and speakers, I would love to have one but they are definitely a step up from the NAD.

You can order a Hegel online for 30-60 day trials easily paying for a measly $20 shipping.

If you are to stick with your speakers, my feeling is that the raw power and hardware inside your NAD doesn’t work with your speakers well. It’s not the most musical sound. I would look for synergy, read a lot of reviews. Your budget affords you great choices.

stuartk
2,429 posts
 

@aldermine

I tend to agree with @grislybutter -- soundstaging and imaging with the H390 don’t disappoint me in my system (keeping in mind that I have stand-mounts) but I’ve yet to read or watch a review of the H390 (and I’ve checked out a lot of them) that lists these factors as particular strengths.

Maybe look here for some ideas?

https://www.stereophile.com/content/recommended-components-2023-edition-integrated-amplifiers-receivers

 

mofojo
2,185 posts
 

Are you just tied to the Hegel specifically? Lots of stuff in that price range. I’ve heard the Hegel can be kinda sterile as well so maybe look for something more “robust” sounding. Tubes? Also didn’t say your speakers. 

mofojo
2,185 posts
 

Curious, have you tried the Dirac Room correction with the M33? If not that’s absolutely the 1st thing I’d do. Room correction in my room makes waaay more a difference than small amplifier differences in my room with my Lyngdorf. 

stuartk
2,429 posts
 

@mofojo

I’ve heard the Hegel can be kinda sterile as well so maybe look for something more “robust” sounding.

While the Hegel is not lushly romantic, I definitely don’t find it "sterile".

I don’t know what you mean about lacking in "robustness" -- that it’s "thin" , "dry", "wimpy" "lacking in authoritativeness" ??? Certainly not.

 

@aldermine 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E2obzyH1F94

 

 

 

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