The Best HiFi Amplifiers
Vložit
- čas přidán 31. 05. 2024
- #Audiophiles #BestHiFi #Amplifiers
SUBSCRIBE TO PATREON to support Honest & Credible and well produced HiFi reviews and for ;
-Ad Free Videos
-Added Video Review content for each product
-Music Playlists
-Opinion and commentary pieces
-Advice Articles
-Ongoing personal and private chats about the products I review to ensure you buy the best products for your needs (not the ones that underperform), saving you money
SEE : www.patreon.com/user?u=20783218
** First Tier priced only at £5$/£4 a month
Visit my website here for loads more articles and reviews : www.13thnote.net/
If you have questions please support my site by making donations via PayPal Me here to try and keep it independent - www.paypal.com/paypalme/Simon... (it doesn't make lots of money on YT and I don't currently seek advertising income from brands)
Video Segments;
0:00 Intro and way conducted
1:05 - Amp 10?
1:46 - Amp 9?
2:22 - Amp 8?
3:08 - Amp 7?
4:06 - Amp 6?
4:59 - Amp 5?
5:53 - Amp 4?
7:00 - Amp 3?
7:50 - Amp 2?
8:51 - Amp NUMERO UNO - 3D Graphics by Me
9:30 - Amp NUMERO UNO - why it is number 1.
11:36 - Summary of Best Amps Index (so far)
Why do Hegel Amplifiers Sound so Good? (on Darko Audio) - A presentation by Hegel's Bent Holter - • Why do Hegel amplifier...
Music Played (Epidemic Sound - in order of title clips & mostly Brendon Moeller)
1) Opening Title - Ruby's Rhythm - Brendon Moeller
2) Urban Lighting - Brendon Moeller
3) A Gentle Pulse - Imprismed
4) Blue Lights - Brendon Moeller
5) Night Glo - Molife
6) The Light Side of Blue - Brendon Moeller
7) Sweet Stuff - Brendon Moeller
8) Ascending - Brendon Moeller
9) Vila - Strom
10) Easy Walker - Brendon Moeller
11) Linda Low - Lucention
11) Ending Title - Ruby's Rhythm - Brendon Moeller
**Please don't ask me how a product compares to another which I haven't reviewed, as it isn't possible to comment on such products I haven't tested. Check out my website for reviews of products I have completed instead (hit the review tag, and separate tags)
**2 If you are asking me how does X product compare to Y that I HAVE reviewed, or how does something sound beyond comment in videos, or system advice, I’m asking my viewers to donate to my project. The sum isn’t really too important at the moment, it is more the principle, since it shows viewers value my independence and if viewers want opinions and advice where you benefit from this, I think it is fair to ask for contributions where my time is taken away from reviews. Also I can't answer all questions on YT anyway. I am happy to engage and answer other product related questions on CZcams where appropriate and of course, engage with my audience.
Note that three of the reviews were conducted as written reviews - hence card links to my website in the video (please click on these to see reviews). One I'm so familiar with I've included as well, and where I've used third party video (where I didn't video review these products myself - not everything can be video) I've credited the owner of the video.
Credit : Andrew Robinson (pictures of Musical Fidelity M5si)
Obviously the M5si is an Integrated, not power amp - sorry for the mistake in my graphic. - Věda a technologie
This was fantastic. Just when I think your production values have peaked you pull something out of the bag that goes the extra mile. The Hegel 3D rendering was next-level. Great commentary, too.
I think it won't be long until we're all congratulating you on 10k subs. "Nuff said."
Thanks very much Anton. That did take some time. I’m gonna animate the new node in 3D for a video im gonna do soon. Doing a normal non 3D vid on Denafrips ares 2 first.
2nd what Anton said, top production and excellent video! 👍
@@SmallRoomAudio thanks very much David. 😀 We should definitely do a collaboration video sometime. Maybe discussing the fact hifi reviews have to be negative sometimes. Or maybe I bring up a topic I’m passionate about like that, and then you do one, so each of us can kind of listen to the others point, then chip in.
@@13thnotehifireviews7 Sir do you thing that Hegel is better than the best older Krell power amps?
Been an Audiophile for the last 52 years and had quite a few systems during that time that sounded great if matched with the right speakers. Eventually, you come to a stage of your life when enough is enough and you looking for a future-proof product that you can upgrade with Modules when needed. As we all have a budget and after some research, I decided to go with the NAD C-388. It has plenty of power to drive my Dynaudio speakers that need power, to shine, Roon ready, DAC and BluOS (streaming)which is handy when you like to listen to your Roon library which is on your Desktop Apple computer that is in your home office and your audio equipment is in your leaving room.
Besides that, it is a very efficient amp (90%) that runs cool.NAD is working on more Modules (at the present they have 3 ) and as we know technology running fast. I was looking at Hegel as well and I'm sure they sound great but the Module option worked for me and it will be my last amp. The list is great and all amps presented have their merits however speaker selection is one factor and room treatment will help to let shine your Audio equipment.
I agree it gets too much after a while. There is a place to stop.
hi , which class a will advice on
thanks,... interesting review..... I have a sony ta-1120a 1967 recapped and biased to original spec, the topology of the amp is simply outstanding, film capacitors all the way in the preamp and eq board !! values are still spot on, discrete components, no IC kretscards..... 55 yrs later people are still amazed with the sound quality.
Great to see Nord on the list. I have a Nord amp albeit with twin purifi modules paired with a Moon 390 and Dali Epicon 2's. Absolutely loving that combination.
You’re very confident in your ability to pic out differences in audio products and deliver those differences. I’m diggin the channel bro
Yet another brilliant production! The best in the business! Thank you Simon!
Thank you so much, ❤️ as much as it is enjoyable and hard work to make these - the 3d clips of the Hegel took absolutely ages, it hopefully gets people buzzing about HiFi who watch videos they wouldn’t normally.
Love Hegel! I only have a H120 but for me its easily the best amplifier i have ever owned ,
I tried the H190 and its great but couldn't justify having it as i didn't need the extra power.
It’s a great amp. Cheers.
I recently got the little Lyngdorf TDAI 1120. It's fantastic with my Tannoy XT6F. I love that it doesn't dictate what you hear. You dictate the sound with the ability to finely tweak the voice settings, and with room correction enabled, you'll never have to complain about lack of mid range, or too much, etc. And I no longer need the Schiit Mani phono amp, as the built in MM stage is more than a match.
I’ve been trying to get that one for some time.
That was excellent! One quality I appreciate is that you gave us “enough” information; so that we can possibly focus on one amp, or another, based upon sound, price, and features; (and looks! …yes, I am one of those!). 🍺 Cheers! 🍻
Great video, thanks. I’ve only heard Hegel once on a pair of Magnepan speakers and didn’t care for it due to the lack of imaging and detail. I’m really glad to see so many people are happy with the amps in their application.
Thank you very much
Magnepans should have a decent amp to really shine. If it doesn't match , that's the crap you get from it
Couldn't have been happier to see this video post! I just ordered a pair of Dynaudio Evoke 20 as the basis of a new 2 channel build. In the next couple of months I'll be on the search for amplification. I'm very much leaning towards class D this time. Thank you Simon! Beautiful video as always!
Hi Joseph. Thank you very much. I always really like the Special 40 Dynaudio speakers at shows etc, particularly in that Red Rosewood Finish. The Sound is terrific. Would love to try these at home. Never heard the Evoke's but I think the Special 40's are a little more expensive and defo worth trying against the Evoke's if you can (or later), which I think might be a little cheaper. BW Simon
@@13thnotehifireviews7 I have no dynaudio dealers near me, but I became really interested in the brand after reading reviews on them. The Special 40's are 3500 here in the US, and the Evoke 20's are 2200. I picked up the Evoke's for 1499 used from an online dealer with a 14 day return period. That's the reason I decided to pull the trigger. Low cost of entry to hopefully hear their house sound. If I like them, great. If not, I will try the S40's next.
@@JosephTongret Sorry I read your comment quick and replied without noting you had bought, then changed my reply. I rate this brand a lot, and that's a great price!
@@13thnotehifireviews7 oh, no worries, lol. I'm sure if I like them I'll be moving up in the line at a later date! I'm really interested in the mytek brooklyn amp. They show up in the used market fairly frequently here in the US, so if an opportunity presents itself, I'll pick one up and give it a whirl.
As you mentioned the right speakers are important in choosing an amp, other variables such as vinyl and digital sources and recordings come into it. It would be handy as we cannot listen to how speakers and amp matchings sound on certain records to have a ready reckoner matching chart to help us or recommend which speakers go with which amp.
Great job on the production. Probably a lot harder than actually reviewing the products.
While I am not as big a fan of the Hegel range, I do think your reviews and videos are excellent and will keep watching them. Subscribed and thumbs up.
Thank you v much. 3D graphics are a big learning curve definitely and all the rest takes lots of time
Good vid. Thanks for giving the Bryston BP-17/3 a nod.
Great as always - both visually and musically :)
Thank you 😊
Simon, this is a great vid…to the point and those Hegels are awesome. Unfortunately, I’m no longer a Hegelian but still miss their modern sound…if I ever get back into their sound I will shoot for the H590 or the next.
Thank you very much. Enjoy where you’ve gone and I’m sure that 590 is a beast 😀
Good to see AVM, Cyrus and Bryston in your list. I had a Cyrus 8 intergrated in the past and it was super dynamic (I'm just not fan of their speakers binding post, the should use the same as on the Stereo 200). Tube on preamp is no brainer (unlike on power amp) and I've head once a AVM pre and found it great. Bryston is built to last and I like this.
Very pleasant video, different than guys talking in front of their gear :-)
Thank you very much 😀
I like the top 10s. I picked up the Cyrus Stereo 200 and am very happy with it.
I think it’s a terrific amp. Enjoy.
I'm not saying i know this better but i needed a second amp beside my new audio frontiers 300b supreme special edition tube amp for a pair of 86db sensitive speakers. Compared a few ans i bought the Trigon audio exxceed amplifier. Prefered it above the Hegel H-390.
With this quality of production and amount of effort, you deserve at 10x more subscribers. So much better than the bs channels that have hundred thousands of subscribers.
Thanks very much. I need support via PayPal and patreon to make it sustainable
I recently purchased the 190, and in so many ways it was certainly one of the best pieces of Audio I've ever owned, and I've owned a lot, like so many of you. I'm going for the 390, which is supposed to be here in a couple of weeks-can't wait! I love your presentations! You're not as funny or witty as myself, but you're still pretty good! Thank You!
Hi Ken, Let us know how you get on with it and thanks for your vote of confidence. Maybe you could write some suggestions for humour I can use 😄
Great list Simon!
Love the information you gave us and your reasoned and straightforward recommendations. A+
I am just Curious where the Naim - Supernait III might have landed on this list .......or not?
To my ears it sounds neutral and powerful.
Thank you Kevin, didn’t get to test that one unfortunately.
Absolutely love your presentations simon , Hegel really looks the holy grail price wise for me, maybe when i do save enough i will have to go for the Hegel 190 , by the way simon, i got the RME ADI-2 DAC in the end , bloody Nora its excellent , sound is so so good 👍
Thanks very much Gaza . That’s a great DAC - doing one on Denafrips ares 2 v RME v Chord Qutest atm.
I always like you stuff. Just a suggestion and I am not saying this convening but curious. I got the Rega Aethos, I had to say its is among the best sounding and will drive anything. Due to it being all Analog its doesn't get much credit. One would be mistaking.... It is a best and sounds fantastic. Its nothing like is lower siblings nothing at all.
Your previous touting of the RME DAC as a killer was warranted. I bought and love it, so in my next upgrade will take a look at the Hegel H190..How do you think they will pair with Focal 936 speakers?
Good Dac . Enjoy. See my description for other point.
Love the reviews - thank you!!! Have you tested Bryston b-135 cubed integrated? How does it compare to H390? Presumably it would have sound signature similar to BP-17 cubed? Adding a stereo amp to my system (have Rotel 1560, Chord Qutest DAC and Totem Tribe III on wall + a sub; can't have floor standing speakers due to space limitations) and seriously considering Bryston, Hegel H390 or even adding Chord Ultima 6 and later a stereo preamp. If you can spare any advice, it would be much appreciated!!!
Thanks very much. Tbh I haven’t tried that integrated
@@13thnotehifireviews7 Thank you!
i have full range mark audio which class A should i consider , i have a streamer n cd player
As much as I love my Parasound 2125v2 amp (150 wpc, 35 amps peak/channel), I want to upgrade (to take further advantage of my new Cardas Parsec RCA cables) to hear anything better that's
Very useful video..Thank you Simon
Thank you too Rajesh.
Nice line-up and good to see a Canadian company up there. I just completed my first 2 channel setup ( hopefully the last lol). I actually went with the UK though, Exposure stack the 3010 pre/monos with Totems.
Thank you. Exposure is in Lancing, Sussex UK, and near me. Nearer is Harbeth, about half a mile a way. Enjoy!
Oh man. Exposure stack with Totems. That's one awesome setup!
@@keithhorton4990 It's pretty good, though I wish there was more upper mid bass. Maybe I'm just used to them boosted.
I think my choice go for the hegel h120,for the construction but above all for its musicality which rhymes with good value for money. the musical fidelity in second choice for its contribution in power and a price under 2000 euros
to put a higher price I prefer to go directly to the accuphase or a yamaha as3000
Interesting selection especially including the Nord amp. When will Hegel secure Roon end point, its taking ages....?
Thankyou. You can still airplay to Hegel integrated’s over Roon atm and Hegel is recognised in Roon by direct usb and network connection.
Great video. I would be very interested in where the Arcam SA30 rates ? Or your opinion on it ?
Thanks very much . See description
Waiting with baited breath for delivery of gato 150 to replace roksan caspian m2, using proac d20r speakers. Got loan of elecroplanet eci d80 atm, not fan, but i don't mess with d, gotta be at least a/b
How is the gato. What does it sound Like?
Great production value in this video 👏
Thankyou 😀❤️
Cheers, thank you and thank you again Simon,, 🍻😎👍!
Thank you Irene as ever ! Enjoy your evening! 😁
@@13thnotehifireviews7 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Another masterclass .... Thanks
Thank you so much. 😁👍❤️
Great reviews. Would you say the nord would be well paired with a brighter speaker like the tannoys xt8f. If not could you recommend me an amp please.
Thank you.. i do that on patreon now or anyone who supports me.
I don’t really understand your reply pal - It don’t make any sense. Never mind!
I have a Gryphon callisto 2200..I think i will keep it.Don’t think i will improve much with these….
Lovely video. Of course, my gears are whirling, so thanks!
Thanks very much Catherine ❤️
Wonderful thanks!
Thank you too.
Hegel H390 owner here and absolutely love it! Thinking of adding a dedicated DAC / streamer to upgrade the setup - any recommendations of DACs that are better than the DAC in the Hegel?
Beyond the 2-3k price point in pounds or dollars is my advice, ie double the spend of a dac like a Denafrips Ares 2 or chord qutest is what the Hegel competes at, see the one I did on Denafrips Venus 2, then chord hugo tt2, Dave on website.
Usually you should double the spend to get an upgrade IMO. If you can get one new still I recommend the Hegel Mohican CD player, and thinking of cd instead a good way to get very good sound. Its converter is a hell of a lot better than the 390. Sadly they stopped making the Mohican.
@@13thnotehifireviews7 thank you! I’ve been looking at the Lumin T2, Auralic Vega 2.1, or the PS Audio Direcstream. Any recommendations between the 3? PS I’m running ATC SCM 19v2s
Thanks see description comments.
I have an H390 with Dynaudio Heritage Specials and stream mostly Tidal via Roon and Airplay from a dedicated Mac Mini. I would recommend giving Airplay in the H390 some solid attention before spending more money. Also, with this level of performance moving speakers around in the room, centimeters at a time, can yield dramatic results. Best wishes.
@@ericr385 really good call.
I owned the Musical Fidelity M5si for a short time. My requirement was for lots of detail at low volume ( like I'm used to ) , but this amp does not really get going till you turn up to a volume level where the neighbours can possibly hear it. At that point, it really comes to life, but that was useless for me, so off it went to a new owner.
Does Hegel have a ‘house sound’ and if so, what is it? I think you have/had Cyrus amplification? How does Hegel compare?
See the h390 video which best describes my thoughts 😀
Another great production
Much appreciated, thank you
And as a big fan of Fritz! routers I'm happy to see AVM here.
But tbh quite often i can see big amp boxes with small 2-3 pcb inside and a lot of empty space :/
You think how advance tech is inside - it was so expensive....
Just to give another spec on your #1, the Hegel 390, it puts out a mahoosive 420w at 4 ohms (to accompany the 250w @ 8 you stated). I am lucky enough to have experienced it and the 301 w at 8, Hegel 590 at home. The latter is an absolute beast (with even higher level of build) and is stupendous (as you can imagine) but the 390 is still magnificent as you heard yourself. :0)
I’d really like the idea of a stereo Hegel power amp of the ilk of the h390 power with their, reputedly, tremendous pre amps. I agree the H590 is a beast. I just wish reviewers would compare things properly because Hegel takes the p out of lots of hifi that is similar price. Naim and Cyrus in the U.K. are two brands it takes apart when you compare the same price. It frustrates me a lot when I see reviews say or imply things I just know not to be true, re Hegel. In this internet sharing age you’ve just got to be true otherwise you get sussed out reviewing hifi.
@@13thnotehifireviews7 The problem with their current pre/powers are they were designed way before their latest integrateds, most of which are now evolutions themselves (eg h300 to 320 to current 390). This means their tech is way more current. Just look at their damping factor specs vs anything from the h190 upwards. Wish they would refresh these to their latest tech but they get expensive, though do have some real rack presence. The 590 is all the amp you would ever need really. Hegel lets the music sing.
@@alext2933 I think for my own needs Alex the 390 drives my smallish floor standing speakers really well so I wouldn’t need the 590, but if I had some bigger ones that demanded more power the H590 would very likely be a choice I’d go for.
@@13thnotehifireviews7 Let's be honest the 390 can drive just about anything. Enjoy.
Man. I bet they sound great. But, the aesthetic of all of these just... don't excite me. I don't feel like I actually WANT to interact with the device. I applaud Yamaha and Technics for going back to what made amps a pleasure to both look and listen to with their recent lineups. And, I get it. chassis work is one of -- if not the -- most expensive parts of developing an amp for retail. So, it's even more difficult for the smaller guys. But, hey, Schiit has done a great job with their aesthetic, while keeping costs down, imo.
Hegel have got it right, minimalist with big box. But tbh trying to design any hifi case is a challenge to make it unique within the constrains of cooling holes, volume dials, toroidal transformers, dimensions and so on. I always say to people if you don’t like the look of hifi but you are spending all this money on sound quality - which is probably 90% of being an audiophile, just buy a really nice Chinese chest or contemporary bit of furniture to go with it, and hide them away. It’s not a reason on looks to say yup I don’t want that one or that one, otherwise you’ll never pick the best sound. 😀
Who ARE you man?! Fantastic reviews, straight to the point AND you do your own 3D renders??
Thank you very much, means a lot to get such praise. Yes did the 3D Hegel renders, animated the light positions etc, then put them into After effects to do the lens flare effect. Also did the blue dot waving pattern in after effects and the grid 3d title sequences of all the amps, plus the starting sequence with the way it collapses with sound effect. I’m doing a 3D graphic of the new Bluesound Node at the moment for an upcoming video. Still learning 3d in blender mind but when you complete it, it is very satisfying. Hopefully this becomes a big part of what I do as these are all new skills over the last year really. A big part of hifi is the entertainment business. 😀
Would like to see a review on Canton speakers
Very interesting. What do You think about Rotel Michi X3?
Thanks but Never tried it
NAIM and McIntosh? I know there are just so many brands and options, but maybe these two seem conspicuous in their absence? Great video, great work, thank you!
No Exposure hmmm, great amps though .
I’m surprised you rate the h390 better than a nac202 nap 200dr combo, I have these and was looking to upgrade, my local dealer stocks h390 so I brought one home to try on my twenty5 24i speakers, I found the vocals artificial, I will say the soundstage was wider and higher, instrument separation was easier to pick out but it to sounded less cohesive. Source was a rega p6 and a nd5 xs2 (tried both dacs internal and the streamers), it’s a shame for me as a 1 box amp is really appealing but it didn’t work for me sadly
I found the naim duo was a bit underwhelming with resolution and a bit meh. The power is way down on the Hegel h390 , so to is damping factor, and PMC speakers, particularly the twenty5i range like power. I’m trying 25-21i atm and own 25-23. It may be that you prefer a sound where everything is a bit more joined up but that’s a preference thing and undeniably I think the Hegel will drive those pmcs better, so soundstage , bass dynamics and depth, overall speed and control of drivers suiting classical / electronic. If you listen to slow music you might not notice too the additional capabilities that are brought. The Hegel sound is leaner and nothing but the music with very low distortion and that amp combo a bit more smoothed but a faster, more dynamic, gutsier, bigger sounding and resolving amp is always going to win out on a slower, tonally thicker, less dynamic, lesser soundstage type. Really low distortion and an open sound in an amp is then about matching to the speakers to get best possible sound imo.
Off topic for a second, Simon I hope you review of the new operating system for innuos-It’s pretty impressive. And it’s free if you own a unit
Thanks Paul, I’m aware of that but haven’t checked it out but thanks for saying. Good idea, maybe a roon v innuos comparison. Are you using one on a mark 3 unit? Not sure mark 2 performance if any issue? but as you say it should be common to all. Doing a vid now on the Ares 2 from Denafrips versus the chord Qutest versus rme, so hopefully that one is popular. I do love a dac. 😀
@@13thnotehifireviews7 I am using the zen mk 2
Great work
Thank you very much
really like this video much better than that Thomas crap CZcams keeps forcing down my throat. but have you ever tried any proffesional power amps ? you generally get massive power and amazing quality for the money and a lot of the new ones have dsp included .I'd recommend mc2 and lab gruppen for a start thanks
I like Thomas because I like his relaxed manner and he presents really well. He also says it how it is sometimes. I like darkos cool way of presenting and the videos creativity in camera and music, but he won’t tell it to you straight, if downsides, ever. It’s a safe bet but oddly people think his reviews are trustworthy. Eg the one he did on the Ares 2 from Denafrips there are no downsides (when there are) and the one he did on the Brooklyn amp and bridge against the Hegel h390 being comparable in a video there is not word as better?. That was ridiculously. I’m sorry but the Brooklyn amp is a great one but it’s not as accomplished as the sound of the Hegel h390 in terms of dynamics, analogue ability and balanced nature.
Haven’t tried those but hopefully will at some stage. Thanks for recommending.
Thomas is good.
Hi Simon
Great video as usual
Strangely Kinki Studio Ex M1+ integrated Amplifier didn’t make it to the top 10 inspite of your high praise for the amp.
Haven’t you considered it for the shoot out or you think it didn’t found a place in your top 10 list of amplifiers.
Thanks a lot for your sincere and unbiased efforts in bringing top quality stuff to the audiophile world.
Will be waiting for your reply.
❤❤❤
Thanks very much. Best to check the dates of vids as the Kinki didn’t come in until Aug 22. 😀
Simon have you had a listen to any of the Benchmark products? Would be interested in your thoughts on the power amp AHB2 in particular. Their products have basically state of the art measurements but would be good to hear subjective opinions. Keep up the good work 👍
Thank you. I did hear a benchmark DAC a while back but no long enough to do a review. Unfortunately there is so many to do and with my production values….I’m thinking how I take this as I could try and do more reviews. Tbh though Im spending so much time on this channel for little reward and I’m not sure it’s sustainable and am thinking about giving it up.
@@13thnotehifireviews7 Your reviews are brilliant and in-depth and I think over time you'll develop a bigger following if you are able to market the channel more. I certainly think it's alot more informative and with better production quality than alot of the other more famous hifi youtubers out there! Thanks for responding so quickly too.
Thank you so much. Sadly that doesn’t mean it’s a success, the problem is they do so many more videos than me hitting the subscriber numbers eg new record day but they spend a lot less time on videos, which tbh I find boring to watch. I’d get bored of being required to just shill products in a ok production. And anyway I don’t do reviews that aren’t critical if their is criticism to give. Just doing the review of the Denafrips Ares 2 atm, and it lacks a bit of detail in mids, but very few CZcams videos say this.
One of the best power amplifiers i have ever heard is the Rotel RB-1582MK11. It has a slightly "warm" sound which i prefer. It is a class AB 200 watts per channel into 8 ohms, When used with the Audiolab 8200Q Pre-amplifier the result is simply stunning.
You obviously haven't heard any of the best amplifiers.
Please support your opinion more than this…..
Do you have an opinion on Peachtree audio or Nuprime Audio? I really feel they fly under the radar and should be looked into by hifi reviewers(so fans watching can get a great bang for your buck item). In my opinion they offer outstanding sonics for the money and look beautiful, slick too.
Never tried
Compared the Hegel 390 with Naim SN3 at home. Hegel is Great bur went with the Naim as it had more soul to my ears.
Thanks for comments. How come out of interest. I've sometimes heard people say a similar thing with the SN models.
What speakers are you using
@@ufarkingicehole Dynaudio Heritage Special
If you liked the SN3 better, I have my serious doubts believing the NAC202+NAP200DR is inferior. On the Naim hierarchy the 202/200 has always been marginally superior to the SN especially if powered by the HiCap and NAPSC.
Try the Hegel and let us know. Hegel call it the Robin Hood - taking from rich to give to the poor (relatively) and I think its performance shows same.
Hegel H390 in the top spot? I'm shocked. 😄 Some may think it's because you're a fan. In reality, it really is that good!
Oh, and you got a laugh, out of me, for the Roon Ready in the pipeline brackets open and closed comment.
It’s not doing anything that really is unfavourable though Mark, so even if I liked a thicker tone in hifi , which could be perceived as a preference disadvantage of the H390 (playing devils advocate) you’d have to give it to the Hegel as number one because it ticks the boxes of detail, soundstaging, imaging, drive, and that analogue quality I talk about, all of which some other higher priced amps cannot achieve , at higher prices too. Hegel has been criticised by some like Alan Sircom of HiFi plus for its tone, but he likes hifi that is slightly tonally coloured with bass (as many of the traditionalists do) and one thing people should be really cautious about in hifi reviews is people rating hifi because they prefer the tonal character of the hifi. A case in point - the Hegel Mohican is a richer sound to the H390 in character , which I really liked, but it’s far from just about the tone there too, and I prefer generally neutral hifi but it doesn’t mean I don’t rate the Mohican. I think it’s just about the wowness factor you get and thinking about the product overall that what it does in all areas of the sound and features and price!
@@13thnotehifireviews7 You know there is no need to convince me. I don't have the H390 in my audio rack just because it looks fantastic...it's a friggin amazing amp.
I can’t believe it’s had nearly 5000 hits in under 24 hours too. Crazy.
Audio Music R-T2. One of the best preamps ever made. I got one for £5000
Compliment ottima selezione di prodotti bel lavoro
Grazie mille
Great vídeo. Right around my target list with some minor exceptions. 390 really looks like a real bargain for what it is, but sadly, way out of my league.
Thank you, the H190 is maybe the sweet spot in the range from what the people at Hegel tell me, and others too on forums etc. 😀
I'm surprised the Naim is not in the list, what do u thinking about the Roksan too?
I explained it’s based not on everything but my experiences as would be natural 😀.
hegel H4A .... such a cool amp ...
Man I look at my Pioneer SX 1250 case and look at the Hegel and think “ you don’t get much for your money these days in looks”
The Kinki Studio gets close I guess.
The SX 1250 new was about 3800 dollars in todays money.
You forgot the Technics SU R1000 😉 wonderful Machine
Impossible to do all as I said….unfortunately.
I love Hegel
Great brand
Musical fidelity nuvista M3 is the best model made by MF till the date
Great list and terrific production values - as is becoming the norm for this channel. Would love to see your reaction to the Leema power amps. How it would slot into this list. Very happy with my Hydra II anniversary fed by Chord Mscaler/Hugo TT2 into open baffle speakers. Thanks again with greetings to you and yours.
Thank you so much. I get on well with the distributor who does Leema in the UK and I did ask about the Tucana and I wanted to know the same too - how it gets on against my H390. Not sure if specifically the case with Leema, but difficulty getting stock at the best of times with all the chip shortages and all that is made is being sold (not reviewed). I'm trying to buy a new PC to do even better video....Readies ready but worldwide shortage of the better Nvidia graphics cards. Oh well, I'll have to be patient! 😁
Did you consider NVA amps, the quality is mythical/legendary? How do they fare with this list...dare say they can beat most here for a lot less.
Who says they can beat others ?
The best integrated amp i have listened to is the Gryphon Diablo 120
Interesting. Thanks for saying. where are they from .better than other brands and why out of interest?
@@13thnotehifireviews7 Gryphon audio is a Danish brand. The reason i chose this amplifier is because of it's slightly warm and "musical" sound with color and texture.
Anyone tried Abrahamsen V2.0 UP? Basically Electrocompaniet but a quarter of the price designed by the man himself. Not easy to come by, communication with company is nigh on hopeless - ask iqspeakers/Nord who distributed for them - but for sub £1000 you get an amp that should cost 5 times as much - makes me smile every time I hear it. Doesn't sound loud initially, because there's no distortion, even at full volume - but several blocks up the road you can still 'feel' let alone hear it. Needs good speakers.
Awesome review ! but you forgot Sugden :P
Reputedly good, but as said only based on experiences to date.
@@13thnotehifireviews7 I know It would be impossible to review every single amp out there !
M5si is an integrated, not power amp. But I'm sure you know that. Well done presentation!
Thanks very much- a mistake somewhere?
@@13thnotehifireviews7
At 1:05 the graphic says power amp. Not integrated. You seem to be a perfectionist.. so just letting you know . Very impressive that you did all the graphics… this is my first time seeing your vids.. will definitely check out some more. I use a peachtree nova300. Class D .. very powerful.. decent dac. Inputs galore. Always wanted to check out a class A or AB. Cheers!
Oh I see thanks for saying, I watched that back countless times in the edit and can’t believe I missed that. I’ll update the description of the mistake. Sometimes happens.
Absolutely love these shootout videos. Could you do them for certain speaker price ranges? I.e £2000, £5000, £10,000
Thank you. Good idea re price brands. When I have more products under my belt I can do that
super
Thank you
like to see how a Decware zma compares to this list
I am a fan of Nelson Pass' works.. No First Watt amp mentioned.
Please see intro
Now I'm sure I have to save for the Hegel 390
A review is for a shortlist.
Would be nice to see the Cambridge audio edge a against the Hegel h 390.
Nice review , 👍
I doubt it would be even close but I'm not sure.
@@13thnotehifireviews7 in which way
Design of the circuit doesn’t look anywhere as involved or unique as to what Hegel have done there. I might be wrong
@@13thnotehifireviews7 the edge is sublime. Just try it .
the hagel 's internals looked quality but , i'd rather buy vintage class A mono blocks and pre-amp then get them serviced, older gear seems better than newer stuff.
Class a is a difficult one as it doesn’t always suit everyone’s tastes. Each to their own though.
How about sugden A21 SE signature?
Please see intro
@@13thnotehifireviews7 I know, but as an English guy not having sugden on your list? 😕
@@Mrhifitunes there are so many, and it’s not always easy to get hifi you must remember. I also don’t do hundreds of reviews. I prefer taking my time and producing them well, even though most people who watch this wouldn’t comment on it - it’s what I get out of doing this.
You're entitled to your opinion, as is everybody else.
True, but nobody can have an opinion if they don’t say what those opinions are and what other components they have tried…….???? once that’s done it’s for others to then take a view if that judgement is valid or not.
The title might be the best amplifiers of the NORTH!
?
@@13thnotehifireviews7 Do you know that some country produce hifi ouside of UK, north america, and scandinavia?
wow....HEGEL....
should produce and sell more to tag better prices
I agree that should be an aim of the HiFi industry.
Great, except,...since the 80's multiple blind tests have been conducted. It started with a $1000 vs $30000 amp, a receiver vs a $30,000. amp and continues in NYC through the 90's. NO ONE. could discern the more expensive amp, and especially not amp topology.
Most of them aren’t proper scientific tests and it’s a bit like trying to tell someone that there isn’t much a change between two Indian restaurants as you can’t easily measure the taste differences between the two, but yet everyone flocks to the better one and they know the score like most sensible audiophiles. I just did a test with my sister on my latest smsl video and she could hear the most expensive headphones convincingly. Amp topology is pretty easy, if you get one brand who make an ab and the same brand who make a class d. Eg Cyrus in this video.
The best hifi amplifiers are Pass Labs amplifiers.
Why do you say that?
I find it disconcerting that most people who comment and reply on all these audio equipment videos are not truly audiophiles. They are just individuals who listen to audio systems.
That’s all an audiophile is. If you listen to and appreciate high quality audio, you are an audiophile! Doesn’t need to be an exclusive group! 😊
This should called Best HiFi Amplifiers from UK
I think it’s a fair spread and certainly not just picking British. Musical Fidelity - limey land, Cyrus - pommey kingdom, NAD is part of Lenbrook a Canadian firm that owns Bluesound too, Nord is British but uses Japanese cases and Dutch hypex modules, Mytek - American/polish, Hegel - Norwegian, AVM - Germany, Cyrus again - Britmanland, Bryston - Canadia lol, Hegel again - Viking Kingdom. So we have only 4/10 are from Angleterre so how do you get to that?
@@13thnotehifireviews7 I own a Audio Refinement Complete that I am sure that sounds better than the Musical Fidelity, I repaired A couple of months ago a excellent sounding integrated that I consider one of the best top 5 in sound and is the Unison Research UNICO PRIMO
Tend to disagree on Bryston, their amps are great, while preamps got pretty poor performance - coloring sound & not industry best SNR.
Bryston are very good indeed for distortion technically
@@13thnotehifireviews7 ive had a few bryston pre-amps, bp20 for few years, it wasn dead quite, swapped for bp26 it was a lil bit better, but still not a dead quite. Occasionally got Benchmark HPA4 and was blown away by silence & uncolored detailed sound of my Bryston power amp. Sold bryston pre and never looked back.
The BP17 cubed I tried is very nice.
Why class D are added in this list.
They sound hollow and highs sounds kind of synthesized.
Your Preference
@@13thnotehifireviews7 I burnt my hand on NAD. Replaced with Denon and I am satisfied now.
But thanks for your hard work.
Simon, do you have a chance to try Japanese high end audio products? If you talk about, say, top ten luxury cars, you will be stupid if you do not mention some Japanese cars.
I’d love too. I need to be shown the way on the best brands and I’ve concentrated on ones I know, maybe wrongly, because I think the Japanese and Chinese often have the economies of scale over the British and yank brands, and if there all for being the improver, people should know.
I ain't got 5k to blow on a Hegel. 1k max, preferably 2nd hand I can justify.
A look at a power busting used home cinema amp might be a good idea.
Atoll NS200 MAYBE.FRENCHE IS MEEN
Nad always remind me of Gonads…as in the great testicular debate. Let’s knock them together for your reviews! Cheers and thanks for the slapping brew!
You are Boris Johnson 😁😁😁
Bo-Jo, how come. lol? 😂
It was just the short clip of bo jo thought you would make a good likeness
@@Lovelacewatkins139 cool, although I’d have to get the peroxide out. Lol. 👱🏻😂
Ha yeah , keep the good work up
Simon's a good guy. Boris' a piece of shit.