The detail of the review, using tracks that are personal, with a background on the tracks, what so meaningful. Best I’ve ever heard. Thank you so much.
really enjoyed listening to your comparisons Adrian... there's a depth of complexity in the analysis of such things and as you say people hear things differently as well. many blessings to you all (and your daughters)
Hello Fellow Audiophiles And Music Lovers: Adrian thank you for your passionate analysis / review of these two beautiful amplifiers. Adrian the way you speak about each of these album cuts with such passion, grace, & class I personally find it mesmerizing. I have never heard such passion anywhere else in all my years as a music lover & a fine audio equipment junkie. Adrian you, your channel, and your crew never disappoints that's why I always keep comming back for more. God Bless, be safe, & stay well, TMP from N.J.
GTR is a scary machine for sure. I’m going to research Accuphase. I’ve been considering the Pathos Kratos, Norma REVO 140 and Luxman 590Z. Great review and comparison. Perfect beginning to 2024!
Excellent review! I have the H390 and it's really fantastic, but looking for a different experience for a different room... I was leaning towards the MA12000, but you've inspired me to listen to the Accuphase.
Absolutely wonderful comparison/ review Adrian! Superb! Speaking of the magnificent Mary Gauthier, if you have not yet heard, the song “Between the Daylight and the Dark” from an album of the same name…just exquisite, evocative, beautiful…again, thank you for such wonderful candor, your perspective and storytelling. Always a great treat to tune in and hear from you! Best to you and yours…
Thank you for sharing your domestic experience. For me it was the song ‘Cats in the cradle’. It got me off the couch, into the park to play with my son. Now he does the same and takes it to a higher level. However do not feel bad, you did what you had to do to provide a better life for your family. You da man!❤
Thank you Adrian for your reviews! I have owned McIntosh for many years now. I started with a c41 and an mc2300, then added a 2nd 2300. Long story short every time I purchased a newer component the background became darker and the features became better. I now own a c50 and an mc352, Klipsch La Scala, Magnepan LRS and a Carver tube amp and DIY class D monoblocks. I also use REL and NHT subs all in different combinations depending on what my mood is and when I become too comfortable or board with the same set up. I also have a better DAC, CD player, music Streamer, lots of components. My question is, would the ma12000 be an improvement over my c50 and mc352. I would like to simplify my life and setup, consolidate the amp,preamp,DAC into one unit. Right now my DAC is a Denefrips Ares12. Thanks for your detailed and informative reviews!
Thank you very much for your review. I’m not being clever clogs here, but seem to remember that the low end hum from the church recording in Trinity Sessions was actually produced by 2 big fans, as this recording was done on a very hot day. They obviously left everything in there for us to enjoy 😉 All the best and Happy and healthy New Year to you, Peter
I drive my notoriously inefficient Revel Salon 2 speakers with the world class sounding and very powerful Hegel H590 integrated amp. My listening room is not that large, so the Hegel H590 is all I need to drive my speakers to full effect. The Revel Salon 2 speakers and Hegel integrated are an incredible combination. Also, when I listen to my audio system via my Hegel H590, I most certainly do feel the emotion of the music, and I'm fully engaged in the music as well. For their combination of power, value, incredible sound quality, and all the other wonderful attributes the Hegel H590/600 bring to the table, they're awfully hard to beat. Happy listening!
Hold on. The whole point of H600 is that it is an all integrated box with streamer and a DAC. It IS eventually a value proposition. I understand that for purpose of comparison you put the MSB dac and Lumin P1 streamer, just to compare the amplification system and sound signature, but I really think the H600 buyers are precisely interested in the H600 integrated DAC and Streamer and the usual dilemma is probably rather - do I get smth like the H600 or maybe lets say Accuphase E280/E380/E4000 plus some semi-decent dac/streamer, whilst looking for the desired sound signature.
If you subtract the perceived cost of the DAC in the Hegel at about $1500, then the Accuphase is twice the price of the Hegel and expected to sound better on most things.
Nice insights, thank you Adrian. Although these prices are not for me, I had a H120, now the Atoll In300 but looking out for an Accuphase somewhere in the 300 or 400 range (used). Hope to get some of those topmodel characteristics at home then. Oh, now playing on the Lumina V's, also seen them first on your channel.
If the Hegel is the neutral one, it's sound like the Accuphase is «colored » in the mid ? So witch one will give you the more accurate «as the Artist recorded» presentation ? Also here is the importance of equipment matching. My Hegel is pair with Dynaudio Heritage Special that have exceptional mids energy and tonality so it's sound very balanced...I don't know how good is the match between Hegel and Wilson Audio. That will be relevant to try better speakers matching with the H600.
I pair an 80's Accuphase E-305 with a pair of ATC SCM40 MkI's and, hell, THAT midrange, sounds quite balanced to my ears as well, but as I haven't tried anything alse, I might not know at all.
I had a chance to borrow Dynaudio HS for 3 days with my H600. I really liked that combination. I did not compared with any other amp. So I think that combination was excellent.
I have Dynaudio Heritage Specials too, hooked up to a 12 year old Mimetism 15.2 Integrated (made in France/Switzerland) and the sound is crazy good :-) I think what we are hearing is due in major part to the excellence of the Dynaudio H S's ! As long as the amp does its job properly, we'll get excellent sound :-)
My friend currently has a Hegel 590, I have listened to it many times. It is very accurate, but there is a certain mechanicalness in its playing, something that means that, despite the high level of detail, it does not give the same realism as I have in my system (I have an amplifier I made, similar to Nelson Pass's amplifiers, but with current rather than voltage coupling).
Adrian - Awesome video! I sympathize with you, having your wife raise your kids, I was the same way, being a CPA working 80 hour weeks as they grew up. Luckily like you, they had the best mother in the world! Mary Gauthier is interesting, had no idea she is a country singer, sounds real good on my Chiaras! Would be interesting to compare the Accuphase to Maria - Maria "should" blow it away, at least in the bass!
I would go with Hegel, i have h390 only through, but that amp is all i need for many years, very musical and detailed, the bass is also very comtrolled and deep, the best amp i ever owned, and i dont think i have money to go futher
I know that is all about sound signature but I’m wondering if it’s a fair comparaison. H600 is a 15k streamer/Dac/pre amp/amp with Roon/wi-fi/Airplay 2 and E-5000 it’s a 20k pre amp/amp. So the pre-amp/amp section of the Hegel is maybe about 10-12k in value vs the 20K accuphase. Maybe the E-4000 is a more $ to $ fair comparaison….
I really like your honest reviews Adrian - and sharing your experiences. Having heard both Accuphase and Hegel amplifiers, I can relate to your analysis, although as an - amateur - violinist I would slightly object to a bow ‘scraping the string’ - it is more that the hairs with rosin applied provide friction when pushed against the string, when the friction lets go then the string moves -/it requires many years of practice to produce a beautiful sound as in the case of Joshua Bell:-)
When you got to Gauthier and Holly, I almost didn't care which amp was better. I just wanted to go get the two albums or singles. If those amps didn't convey the emotions of those songs, you sure did! Your channel would do just as well if you'd reviewed songs rather than amps. You're one heck of a reviewer, Adrian. (And did I say...you're a doppelgänger for the Financial Secretary of Hong Kong; the resemblance is uncanny!)
Would love to hear a comparison with the Mark Levinson 585.5. Same class as these ….haven’t heard the Accuphase, but purchased the 585.5 after hearing the Hegel for the same reason you commented to at the end. Bloom, body and texture in midrange. The Hegel is a little too clinical for me.
Adrian has said that generally speaking they don't review brands they don't sell (either new or used). Sometimes Adrian will comment on stuff he has personally owned previously but doesn't sell at his store.
Hello. Thank you for this amazing review. A separated preamp amp (monoblock or stereo) pairing from this brands, would be better than these integrated amps?
Accuphase is just fantastic and my hegels have been fine. But I’ve never heard each of these. I’ve heard the e650 and A48 power amp on my home setup and loved both. I have owned the Hegel h160 and h390. Both were solid amps and paired with many things nicely but not great. The Accuphase were fantastic with my Maggies, harbeth, and so not spatial audios I paired with it. I don’t own totl Wilson’s like this channel has so that likely is a point of distinction.
Adrian, I would suggest that you give the headphones output of the Accuphase preamp a try. I use the headphones output of my C275v daily it sounds wonderful and capable of driving a difficult load. It is definitely not an afterthought feature Accuphase threw in like many other brands. This hidden gem deserves more credit and recognition.
Another great review/comparison Adrian. Meant to ask you this when you did your initial Hegel H600 review, but do you actually prefer the previous H590 over the new model and where do you think the sweet spot is in the Hegel integrated amp lineup say the H390 or H190 (although I've got a feeling these two will soon be replaced with newer models too)? Thanks again for these reviews and keep them coming!
What a great comparison - Accuphase = emotion Hegel = exactitude . . . I'll take emotion any day :-) Any plans to include the Daniel Hertz Maria in this equation? Great stuff Adrian!
Disagree. The H600 is a more musical amp. Either this mans ears dont work, or its the speakers witch dont pair perfect with H600. On All Dali and B&W speakers the H600 crushes tha accuphase.
I heard an accuphase last week the emotional impact of the music was spot on was going to replace my speakers but ended up replacing the amp. Never. Even looked at accuphase before thought I was paying for the pretty case how wrong can one be
Dear Adrian, thank you very much for your wonderful videos, which I enjoy very much. Could the differences you describe (darkness and strong bass) be due to the fact that the HEGEL amplifier has such an extremely high damping factor? Kind regards Thomas
Hegels boasting of their high damping factor is so silly. Google “Benchmark damping factor”. Hegel’s darkness and boosted sound is through its internal SoundEngine circuit which is basically DSP. I have listened to several Hegel’s out of curiosity and I have yet to like any. Some of my audiophile buddies call Hegel’s SoundEngine, MSG (the Uncle Roger kind).
Don't know. Accuphase has a DF of 1,000 which is incredibly high. Any sonic difference between 1,000 and 4,000 is more than likely incremental, not linear
Nice review! I agree with everything you said and it’s a spot on description regarding both amps. Personally, I prefer accuphase to Hegel. Maybe, you should also throw McIntosh in the conversation, since you carry those as well.
I have had many systems during the years but I am now with the Wilson/DD system and just the baby, the Sabrina/DD Pro Integrated and I played the Cowboy Junkies and for the first time I heard it. I was like is that a streetcar. I have found that over the years my tastes tend to align with Adrians and so if he likes it the odds are that I will too.
Never heard the Accuphase but compared the Hegel with my Levinson 585.5. It was really close…..separation leaned to Hegel….but midrange to ML ….Kept my 585.5. I struggle with the uninspiring look of Hegel. The Accuphase is gorgeous. 😊
@mitchellburns92 Acciphase is more open in the top. More air...Hegel has better separation in the sound stage and is dead silent. And I also think Hegenl has better low frequenci controll
@deanfisher1656 both very god amps! Find the 585.5 a bit bright at hige vol levels. Where the H600 is smooth. H600 has way better total harmonic distortion, and is therfore more precise in soundstage separation. When it comes to looks, I like them bothe. Hegel more minimalistic. For some thea can be a minus.
@@matrix101redorblupill4 this is a great conversation…..speakers make the difference. I have KEF Ref 5s running with fast cables (Nordost). The KEFs are really smooth , so makes sense that I like the energy in the 585.5. Thanks for reply. Best.
Rotel Michi X3 / X5 have both dense mids and strong bass performance and therefore beat both Accuphase and Hegel imo, at a much more competitive price as well.
What about the comparison of the HK. Does the HK beat them? I asking cause I want to upgrade sometime for about the same money. Can’t think of the brand name for some reason but the amp was named after the guy that created the constellation, initials HK
The low-frequency "rumble' you hear on the Cowboy Junkies recording is from the traffic (large trucks driving by). A good system will delineate that clearly.
I have a feeling that a really good 'shotgun' mic out of frame on a boom stand will get you a better consistent audio for these segments. This mic sounds really muted - it works ..but it's not really good.
@@epi2045 - IF you're telling the truth and you have experience with mics ... Okay . BUT ... This one .. sounds terrible. (imo) Tell me with your great experience and need to comment ... is this acceptable or can there be an improvement?
I understand you don't carry them, but if I could have my choice, at this budget, I would rather look at the Gryphon Diablo 300 and the Pass Labs INT-250.
I owned 2 Gryphon 300 and had a few Pass Labs Int 250 traded in. I don't believe the Pass Labs is as good, but that's just my opinion. It was certainly very competent but I don't recall anything that it did particularly special. That may, however, be a good thing!
Pass IS excellent but PERHAPS Gryphon MIGHT have an edge (?) . . . one of THE premier loudspeaker designers who has my full respect is Andy Payor of Rockport Technologies fame. Last time I checked, he uses Gryphon amps as his go to references and that to me, says a lot! ALTHOUGH . . . it must be said that if he "tunes" his speakers to Gryphons to sound their best, it doesn't necessarily mean the AMPS are the best - just that the SYNERGY between the two brands is a good as Andy can get in his specially built sound room :-) It must be said however that I DID hear a pair of his Atria ll speakers driven by MSB electronics and the sound was absolutely to die for :-)
The D300, int250, E800 and Prog int were all on my shortlist when I was looking for an integrated for my Magnepan 3.7’s. Finally decided on the Diablo 300. I’m sure the new 333 is slightly better but it is also almost twice the price.
Having heard neither amp, your descriptions would have me leaning towards the Accuphase. I am not sold on the 'black' background as this is not realistic if it takes out natural ambience .. if that is what I'm understanding. Besides, the Accuphase is drop dead gorgeous to behold.
I think aside from sound signature the emotional binding you have with equipment adds to your perceived senses of enjoyment. I battled this with Mcintosh as much as I'd hate the sound it was a life long wish to own their amps. I ultimately passed and settled with the visual of an E800 Accuphase.
In this conversation there are two integrated amplifiers that are also excellent. The Ayre AX-5 20 is the cleanest sounding integrated I've ever heard. The other two that are excellent are the Boulder 866 and the Luxman L-509Z. The Dagostino is excellent as well but is overpriced in my opinion.
I think the answer to that is basically yes, but likely for about 1 hour if you want best sound. I think this issue is due to it have 2 BIG capacitors instead of more quantity yet smaller ones as in many other amps.
Hi Adrian, would it be possible for you to do a comparison between the MA12000 vs E800 or E500? Or even a Pre/Amp battle between Accu and Mc? Kind regards from Germany
One of the biggest favors we can do ourselves is just accept that any given piece of equipment can only do what it does and no more. We get way too hung up emotionally instead of embracing what a given component is capable of. We’re gluttonous! and we should be blown away we’re even getting this level of reproduction. I love some of my gear but also realize it’s just sound going through a bunch of parts, and part choice impacts the overall sonic qualities. Let’s enjoy the music!
hahaha adrian, you are clearly no car guy, the first GTR was made in the '70s with a IL4 engine, the later GTR all have IL6 engines until the latest GTR R35, but this no complaint about you or anything, just sharing something we both love, i hope, thnx for a great review and keep up the good work, mate, btw the hegel is what we old timer would call clinical, just my 2 cents worth 🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻
Hmmm, from the description you gave of your impressions, I believe my own listening preferences would likely better align with the Accuphase unit. For me, I really prefer music and the presentation of such that reaches deep into my soul and stirs it up. Smack my soul around a bit, and wake it up. Sonic coffee!! But the price is quite high. However, I know my musical preferences, so the Accuphase brand is definitely now on my shortlist. 😊
The Hegel is probably more corrected or in a different way.....eating up information by being a silent background ..........NFB and other processing asking a price to pay .....( to please some kind of audiophiles ) Whatever an amplifier past or current production .....the one that makes me forgetting to analyze the music (the way many audiophiles and reviewers do ) and connects me better to the emotional soul of the music wins it for me.. Amplifiers and all components are ( only ) tools.and should be no more than that......many customers listen for the performance instead of the music ... Between nthe two amplifiers and based on your listening experience and review I would probably choose the Accuphase ....if I had the money 🙂
Accuphase for me. The Hegel amps are no slouch either. Yeah modern day Krell I get it. Damping factor is one of Hegels boasts. But who doesn't appreciate big power meters bass and treble controls and the resale value. I think many companies that used to make their products properly in Japan and now don't have lost a big amount of their prestige. Ultra purists get very nervous of tone controls....if defeatable and made properly I fail to see any objections. I say bring back the midrange control eg Marantz of yesteryear and Yamaha's reciever line in the 70s Cr2020 and 1020. Like Mc intosh Accuphase haven't walked away from their classic style. Hegel is nice ....like more upmarket NAD. Personal taste is everything you are right. Both amps are worthy I think.
I like when you talk about the hot ones : Luxman...that's mine!! I tried many integrated amplifiers with my Harbeth (Hegel, Accuphase and more) and it's the one I chose.
Adrian, thank you for this vid, in particular the sharing of Trinity Session of Cowboy Junkies. I found this recording iwonderful, it is subtle and precise, really natural and the smoothness in the upper middle and high is amazing. Wow. 'Working on a building' stood out. Heard it on my Accuphase A amp, Audionote DAC, coupled by just a volume pot on streaming over large horns with 18in woofers, all Alnico with great drivers, all gear modified to sound better.
One fact that I like about your reviews is the lack of hyperbolic bs , Is not one is better than the other , is letting know what the product do and let people hear and decide , ……..problem is that a lot of people decides from a review and a lot of times make second hand blind buys ( which is no problem at all ) , but is almost always a source of deception, ….it doesn’t have to be…..but in that case you need to have a lot of experience in combining different brands and know what they ( supposedly ) will do together , …..and even then is a bit of a gambling
I love Accuphase - it doesn't just let you listen to the music but it lets you connect emotionally, I heard the E-360 in an audio shop connected to Sonus Faber Amator speakers (toed-in) and sat at the very center of the couch, and it was playing Patricia Barber - Gotcha (Live A Fortnight in France album), man, it gave me goosebumps, the moment I closed my eyes I feel like I was in that event and sitting at the very front of the band up close. I have heard similar setup since but nothing compared to that unforgettable listening experience.
I’d rather have the Accuphase since it’s made in Japan. The Hegel looks great but I’d rather not buy a Chinese manufactured product. I realize someone will say that my iPhone is made in China but it’s a generic unit. The hifi is more personal.
Ok, so now i need both to match my mood.. Sometimes i need it as good as it can be and sometimes i just want to crawl under a blanket and be all soft and emotional 🤔
Based on his description, I could choose the Accuphase anyway. Based on the looks, the Hegel is not comming into my house again (I had the H120 which, let's be honoust, looks the same).
The Accuphase is achingly beautiful. Glad you mentioned the GTR. As a car guy, the Accuphase is like my Ferrari F430 - pure. The Hegel is like a R35 GTR, synthetic, has the numbers on paper, but no soul (DSP SoundEngine yuck).
@@f430ferrari5 LOL. Yes they do get sticky and hairy. Mine isn’t too bad. I sat in a 360 and the buttons were so sticky whereas they would serve better as a lint brush.
@@adrianlow2114 I have tried that and it works ok so far. I have been looking into Sticky RX. I was told it would run $2-3K. When it gets really bad I may do it. Viva Ferrari!
@@HanifBarnwell Mike and Lewis have appeared in, and reviewed equipment, on many other AE videos, as have previous sales people at AE. I was asking why that is no longer the case. I personally think it is useful to get multiple opinions. I think your response is extremely rude.
In this price range, I do not understand why to buy an « integrated » … the amplifier will survive the processor part by a large number of years… why not buy separated amplifier / processor… depreciation of a good amplifier is way less than the integrated/ processor part…
Hegel, Accuphase, Macintosh, Luxman. All have a huge welcome to the cool kids club TAX built into the price. As well, every time that amp touches another distributors hands it gets marked up another 20%.
@@alpro3714 yes I own a Hegel amongst many amps. It’s a very good amplifier for the money. My comment was hyperbolic , but different manufacturers offer different qualities. I found Accuphase, Audio Analogue and Kora flagship integrated to offer more insight, emotions than I get on my Hegel. It is still an amazing brand that offer an addictive liquid sound and I enjoy it everyday in my office.
“lousy, and boring” is just an opinion not a fact. I hope Hegel never change the design it’s perfect. Accuphase amps are styled like receivers from the seventies. Two more opinions.
@@davidbaines5487 Exactly!!! 70's inspired retro design Accuphase look much better. but you know I'm right about Hagel's boring looks, and that's a FACT.
I think is not what Adrian is saying at all , Hegel amplifiers are very neutral , some like that kind of presentation better , Is mostly as all things in life a matter of taste
Adrian has never like Hegel all that much compared to his other store employees. When they reviewed the Hegel H390 against the McIntosh MA352, Adrian preferred the MA352 and his other 2 employees preferred the Hegel. IMO Adrian just doesn't like Hegel that much, partly because of the type of music he likes (generally older recordings that are not that great sonically).
The detail of the review, using tracks that are personal, with a background on the tracks, what so meaningful. Best I’ve ever heard. Thank you so much.
Thanks!
really enjoyed listening to your comparisons Adrian...
there's a depth of complexity in the analysis of such things
and as you say people hear things differently as well.
many blessings to you all (and your daughters)
Thank you
Accuphase for life... Greetings from Sri Lanka
Hello Fellow Audiophiles And Music Lovers: Adrian thank you for your passionate analysis / review of these two beautiful amplifiers. Adrian the way you speak about each of these album cuts with such passion, grace, & class I personally find it mesmerizing. I have never heard such passion anywhere else in all my years as a music lover & a fine audio equipment junkie. Adrian you, your channel, and your crew never disappoints that's why I always keep comming back for more. God Bless, be safe, & stay well, TMP from N.J.
Thanks so much for your kind words
Adrian I really enjoy your videos. It's refreshing to hear your perspectives and get a feel for the equipment.
Thanks!
GTR is a scary machine for sure. I’m going to research Accuphase. I’ve been considering the Pathos Kratos, Norma REVO 140 and Luxman 590Z. Great review and comparison. Perfect beginning to 2024!
One of the best reviews. Thank you!
Would love you to review the entry level E280 to see your impressions.
Excellent review! I have the H390 and it's really fantastic, but looking for a different experience for a different room... I was leaning towards the MA12000, but you've inspired me to listen to the Accuphase.
Absolutely wonderful comparison/ review Adrian! Superb! Speaking of the magnificent Mary Gauthier, if you have not yet heard, the song “Between the Daylight and the Dark” from an album of the same name…just exquisite, evocative, beautiful…again, thank you for such wonderful candor, your perspective and storytelling. Always a great treat to tune in and hear from you! Best to you and yours…
Thank you for another video and your continued candor. Anxiously waiting for a McIntosh comparison.
Thanks!
Thank you for sharing your domestic experience. For me it was the song ‘Cats in the cradle’. It got me off the couch, into the park to play with my son. Now he does the same and takes it to a higher level. However do not feel bad, you did what you had to do to provide a better life for your family. You da man!❤
Thank you Adrian for your reviews! I have owned McIntosh for many years now. I started with a c41 and an mc2300, then added a 2nd 2300. Long story short every time I purchased a newer component the background became darker and the features became better. I now own a c50 and an mc352, Klipsch La Scala, Magnepan LRS and a Carver tube amp and DIY class D monoblocks. I also use REL and NHT subs all in different combinations depending on what my mood is and when I become too comfortable or board with the same set up. I also have a better DAC, CD player, music Streamer, lots of components. My question is, would the ma12000 be an improvement over my c50 and mc352. I would like to simplify my life and setup, consolidate the amp,preamp,DAC into one unit. Right now my DAC is a Denefrips Ares12. Thanks for your detailed and informative reviews!
Well done Adrian. Look forward to more reviews.
Thanks!
Thank you very much for your review. I’m not being clever clogs here, but seem to remember that the low end hum from the church recording in Trinity Sessions was actually produced by 2 big fans, as this recording was done on a very hot day. They obviously left everything in there for us to enjoy 😉 All the best and Happy and healthy New Year to you, Peter
I drive my notoriously inefficient Revel Salon 2 speakers with the world class sounding and very powerful Hegel H590 integrated amp. My listening room is not that large, so the Hegel H590 is all I need to drive my speakers to full effect. The Revel Salon 2 speakers and Hegel integrated are an incredible combination. Also, when I listen to my audio system via my Hegel H590, I most certainly do feel the emotion of the music, and I'm fully engaged in the music as well. For their combination of power, value, incredible sound quality, and all the other wonderful attributes the Hegel H590/600 bring to the table, they're awfully hard to beat. Happy listening!
E5000 VS e800 would be Nice
thanks for your review, great as always.
can i please ask you which speakers you used to compare the 2 amps.
thank you.
Hold on. The whole point of H600 is that it is an all integrated box with streamer and a DAC. It IS eventually a value proposition. I understand that for purpose of comparison you put the MSB dac and Lumin P1 streamer, just to compare the amplification system and sound signature, but I really think the H600 buyers are precisely interested in the H600 integrated DAC and Streamer and the usual dilemma is probably rather - do I get smth like the H600 or maybe lets say Accuphase E280/E380/E4000 plus some semi-decent dac/streamer, whilst looking for the desired sound signature.
If you subtract the perceived cost of the DAC in the Hegel at about $1500, then the Accuphase is twice the price of the Hegel and expected to sound better on most things.
Nice insights, thank you Adrian. Although these prices are not for me, I had a H120, now the Atoll In300 but looking out for an Accuphase somewhere in the 300 or 400 range (used). Hope to get some of those topmodel characteristics at home then.
Oh, now playing on the Lumina V's, also seen them first on your channel.
Thanks!
If the Hegel is the neutral one, it's sound like the Accuphase is «colored » in the mid ? So witch one will give you the more accurate «as the Artist recorded» presentation ? Also here is the importance of equipment matching. My Hegel is pair with Dynaudio Heritage Special that have exceptional mids energy and tonality so it's sound very balanced...I don't know how good is the match between Hegel and Wilson Audio. That will be relevant to try better speakers matching with the H600.
I pair an 80's Accuphase E-305 with a pair of ATC SCM40 MkI's and, hell, THAT midrange, sounds quite balanced to my ears as well, but as I haven't tried anything alse, I might not know at all.
I had a chance to borrow Dynaudio HS for 3 days with my H600. I really liked that combination. I did not compared with any other amp. So I think that combination was excellent.
I have Dynaudio Heritage Specials too, hooked up to a 12 year old Mimetism 15.2 Integrated (made in France/Switzerland) and the sound is crazy good :-) I think what we are hearing is due in major part to the excellence of the Dynaudio H S's ! As long as the amp does its job properly, we'll get excellent sound :-)
My friend currently has a Hegel 590, I have listened to it many times. It is very accurate, but there is a certain mechanicalness in its playing, something that means that, despite the high level of detail, it does not give the same realism as I have in my system (I have an amplifier I made, similar to Nelson Pass's amplifiers, but with current rather than voltage coupling).
Superb review!
Adrian - Awesome video! I sympathize with you, having your wife raise your kids, I was the same way, being a CPA working 80 hour weeks as they grew up. Luckily like you, they had the best mother in the world! Mary Gauthier is interesting, had no idea she is a country singer, sounds real good on my Chiaras! Would be interesting to compare the Accuphase to Maria - Maria "should" blow it away, at least in the bass!
Coming...
love your enthusiasm! 🙂 Thanks!
Thank you!
I would go with Hegel, i have h390 only through, but that amp is all i need for many years, very musical and detailed, the bass is also very comtrolled and deep, the best amp i ever owned, and i dont think i have money to go futher
I know that is all about sound signature but I’m wondering if it’s a fair comparaison. H600 is a 15k streamer/Dac/pre amp/amp with Roon/wi-fi/Airplay 2 and E-5000 it’s a 20k pre amp/amp. So the pre-amp/amp section of the Hegel is maybe about 10-12k in value vs the 20K accuphase. Maybe the E-4000 is a more $ to $ fair comparaison….
You may be right. I simply took the top model of each brand and compared, and mentioned that the Accuphase' value is much higher
The VU meters are worth their weight in gold!
"I feel the message "............that tells all I have to know !
Here here
I really like your honest reviews Adrian - and sharing your experiences. Having heard both Accuphase and Hegel amplifiers, I can relate to your analysis, although as an - amateur - violinist I would slightly object to a bow ‘scraping the string’ - it is more that the hairs with rosin applied provide friction when pushed against the string, when the friction lets go then the string moves -/it requires many years of practice to produce a beautiful sound as in the case of Joshua Bell:-)
Thanks for the correction!
When you got to Gauthier and Holly, I almost didn't care which amp was better.
I just wanted to go get the two albums or singles. If those amps didn't convey the emotions of those songs, you sure did!
Your channel would do just as well if you'd reviewed songs rather than amps. You're one heck of a reviewer, Adrian.
(And did I say...you're a doppelgänger for the Financial Secretary of Hong Kong; the resemblance is uncanny!)
Would love to hear a comparison with the Mark Levinson 585.5. Same class as these ….haven’t heard the Accuphase, but purchased the 585.5 after hearing the Hegel for the same reason you commented to at the end. Bloom, body and texture in midrange. The Hegel is a little too clinical for me.
Adrian has said that generally speaking they don't review brands they don't sell (either new or used). Sometimes Adrian will comment on stuff he has personally owned previously but doesn't sell at his store.
Hello. Thank you for this amazing review. A separated preamp amp (monoblock or stereo) pairing from this brands, would be better than these integrated amps?
The best of what you described with Accuphase and Hegel I think can be found in the Luxman. Too bad you guys don't carry them.
Why does the Hegel amp not say made in China? Is it not required in North America to show the country in which it was made? Can you please comment?
Accuphase is just fantastic and my hegels have been fine. But I’ve never heard each of these. I’ve heard the e650 and A48 power amp on my home setup and loved both. I have owned the Hegel h160 and h390. Both were solid amps and paired with many things nicely but not great. The Accuphase were fantastic with my Maggies, harbeth, and so not spatial audios I paired with it. I don’t own totl Wilson’s like this channel has so that likely is a point of distinction.
Adrian, I would suggest that you give the headphones output of the Accuphase preamp a try. I use the headphones output of my C275v daily it sounds wonderful and capable of driving a difficult load. It is definitely not an afterthought feature Accuphase threw in like many other brands. This hidden gem deserves more credit and recognition.
Thanks, will do
Another great review/comparison Adrian. Meant to ask you this when you did your initial Hegel H600 review, but do you actually prefer the previous H590 over the new model and where do you think the sweet spot is in the Hegel integrated amp lineup say the H390 or H190 (although I've got a feeling these two will soon be replaced with newer models too)? Thanks again for these reviews and keep them coming!
Didn't get a chance to compare the H590 and H600, sold it before we received the H600.
What a great comparison - Accuphase = emotion Hegel = exactitude . . . I'll take emotion any day :-) Any plans to include the Daniel Hertz Maria in this equation? Great stuff Adrian!
keep watching ...
@@adrianlow2114 Hahaha . . . I will ! Thanks !
Disagree. The H600 is a more musical amp. Either this mans ears dont work, or its the speakers witch dont pair perfect with H600. On All Dali and B&W speakers the H600 crushes tha accuphase.
I heard an accuphase last week the emotional impact of the music was spot on was going to replace my speakers but ended up replacing the amp. Never. Even looked at accuphase before thought I was paying for the pretty case how wrong can one be
Dear Adrian, thank you very much for your wonderful videos, which I enjoy very much. Could the differences you describe (darkness and strong bass) be due to the fact that the HEGEL amplifier has such an extremely high damping factor? Kind regards Thomas
Hegels boasting of their high damping factor is so silly. Google “Benchmark damping factor”. Hegel’s darkness and boosted sound is through its internal SoundEngine circuit which is basically DSP. I have listened to several Hegel’s out of curiosity and I have yet to like any. Some of my audiophile buddies call Hegel’s SoundEngine, MSG (the Uncle Roger kind).
Don't know. Accuphase has a DF of 1,000 which is incredibly high. Any sonic difference between 1,000 and 4,000 is more than likely incremental, not linear
Very curious on comparisons to McIntosh MA7200/8950 please!
Nice review! I agree with everything you said and it’s a spot on description regarding both amps. Personally, I prefer accuphase to Hegel. Maybe, you should also throw McIntosh in the conversation, since you carry those as well.
coming
i feel like mcintosh would be darker/heavier
Hi I wonder if you going to have the brand Accuphase in your store in the future thanks for a great video review 👍🙏😎
Yes we are a dealer
I have had many systems during the years but I am now with the Wilson/DD system and just the baby, the Sabrina/DD Pro Integrated and I played the Cowboy Junkies and for the first time I heard it. I was like is that a streetcar. I have found that over the years my tastes tend to align with Adrians and so if he likes it the odds are that I will too.
Owned both amps. Hegel H600 is the better amp. Sold my accuphase.
What are the standouts between those two amps in your opinion and reason for preference on the H600? Just curious
Never heard the Accuphase but compared the Hegel with my Levinson 585.5. It was really close…..separation leaned to Hegel….but midrange to ML ….Kept my 585.5. I struggle with the uninspiring look of Hegel. The Accuphase is gorgeous. 😊
@mitchellburns92 Acciphase is more open in the top. More air...Hegel has better separation in the sound stage and is dead silent. And I also think Hegenl has better low frequenci controll
@deanfisher1656 both very god amps! Find the 585.5 a bit bright at hige vol levels. Where the H600 is smooth. H600 has way better total harmonic distortion, and is therfore more precise in soundstage separation.
When it comes to looks, I like them bothe. Hegel more minimalistic. For some thea can be a minus.
@@matrix101redorblupill4 this is a great conversation…..speakers make the difference. I have KEF Ref 5s running with fast cables (Nordost). The KEFs are really smooth , so makes sense that I like the energy in the 585.5. Thanks for reply. Best.
Ty! Can’t wait!
Why wasn’t the Mac MA12000 and Daniel Hertz included in this shootout?
coming
Rotel Michi X3 / X5 have both dense mids and strong bass performance and therefore beat both Accuphase and Hegel imo, at a much more competitive price as well.
What about the comparison of the HK. Does the HK beat them? I asking cause I want to upgrade sometime for about the same money. Can’t think of the brand name for some reason but the amp was named after the guy that created the constellation, initials HK
The low-frequency "rumble' you hear on the Cowboy Junkies recording is from the traffic (large trucks driving by). A good system will delineate that clearly.
I have a feeling that a really good 'shotgun' mic out of frame on a boom stand will get you a better consistent audio for these segments. This mic sounds really muted - it works ..but it's not really good.
I have 3-4 shotgun mics, all commercial grade. In Adrian’s set up, he’s better off having a wireless lapel mic.
@@epi2045 - IF you're telling the truth and you have experience with mics ... Okay .
BUT ... This one .. sounds terrible. (imo)
Tell me with your great experience and need to comment ... is this acceptable or can there be an improvement?
I would love you to compare the Hegel/accuphase with McIntosh
coming
They were giggle when I said the E5000 is my first amp...just p/u a few items from your shop and hopefully some more :)
I understand you don't carry them, but if I could have my choice, at this budget, I would rather look at the Gryphon Diablo 300 and the Pass Labs INT-250.
I owned 2 Gryphon 300 and had a few Pass Labs Int 250 traded in. I don't believe the Pass Labs is as good, but that's just my opinion. It was certainly very competent but I don't recall anything that it did particularly special. That may, however, be a good thing!
Pass IS excellent but PERHAPS Gryphon MIGHT have an edge (?) . . . one of THE premier loudspeaker designers who has my full respect is Andy Payor of Rockport Technologies fame. Last time I checked, he uses Gryphon amps as his go to references and that to me, says a lot! ALTHOUGH . . . it must be said that if he "tunes" his speakers to Gryphons to sound their best, it doesn't necessarily mean the AMPS are the best - just that the SYNERGY between the two brands is a good as Andy can get in his specially built sound room :-) It must be said however that I DID hear a pair of his Atria ll speakers driven by MSB electronics and the sound was absolutely to die for :-)
@@adrianlow2114How did the int250 stack up to the Diablo 300?
The D300, int250, E800 and Prog int were all on my shortlist when I was looking for an integrated for my Magnepan 3.7’s. Finally decided on the Diablo 300.
I’m sure the new 333 is slightly better but it is also almost twice the price.
How would you compare these integrated amps to the McIntosh MA12000?
Hegel H600 has a top tier dac for 15 k. That is a bargain, which the Acuphase is not.
yes Hegel is an extremely good value proposition compared to Accuphase
How come we don't get to hear the opinions of Lewis and Mike anymore?
Having heard neither amp, your descriptions would have me leaning towards the Accuphase. I am not sold on the 'black' background as this is not realistic if it takes out natural ambience .. if that is what I'm understanding. Besides, the Accuphase is drop dead gorgeous to behold.
Having a black background or the effortlessness of a high current amplifier is a thing of beauty. They both need to be heard to really be appreciated.
I think aside from sound signature the emotional binding you have with equipment adds to your perceived senses of enjoyment. I battled this with Mcintosh as much as I'd hate the sound it was a life long wish to own their amps. I ultimately passed and settled with the visual of an E800 Accuphase.
Great music selection!
thanks!
In this conversation there are two integrated amplifiers that are also excellent.
The Ayre AX-5 20 is the cleanest sounding integrated I've ever heard. The other two that are excellent are the Boulder 866 and the Luxman L-509Z. The Dagostino is excellent as well but is overpriced in my opinion.
I listened to Hegel 390 (I've never heard acuphase) and I must admit you're right. Personally, I miss the magic of vocal reality in Hegel.
once broken in, do you always need to warm the Accuphase for an hour or two?
I think the answer to that is basically yes, but likely for about 1 hour if you want best sound. I think this issue is due to it have 2 BIG capacitors instead of more quantity yet smaller ones as in many other amps.
What about Audio Note Meishu Tonmeister Silver in this comparison?
Most tube amps cannot drive speakers like Wilson audio.
@@hgghfhbnj8505 i was thinking more about the tone (timbre) of each amp.
Hi Adrian, would it be possible for you to do a comparison between the MA12000 vs E800 or E500? Or even a Pre/Amp battle between Accu and Mc? Kind regards from Germany
keep watching ..
Thats what Im going to do 😁 Keep up the great work👍👍
@@binogbongo23 Thanks!
One of the biggest favors we can do ourselves is just accept that any given piece of equipment can only do what it does and no more. We get way too hung up emotionally instead of embracing what a given component is capable of. We’re gluttonous! and we should be blown away we’re even getting this level of reproduction. I love some of my gear but also realize it’s just sound going through a bunch of parts, and part choice impacts the overall sonic qualities. Let’s enjoy the music!
well said
Do you match the pricing at Partsconnexion for Accuphase products.
Contact me whenever you are ready
hahaha adrian, you are clearly no car guy, the first GTR was made in the '70s with a IL4 engine, the later GTR all have IL6 engines until the latest GTR R35, but this no complaint about you or anything, just sharing something we both love, i hope, thnx for a great review and keep up the good work, mate, btw the hegel is what we old timer would call clinical, just my 2 cents worth 🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻
I’m pretty sure he is talking about when they started to sell the GTR in North America.
Yes I meant when it came to NA
@@adrianlow2114 yes, thats true, sad that NA didnt get the early GTR, they were phenomenal
Hmmm, from the description you gave of your impressions, I believe my own listening preferences would likely better align with the Accuphase unit. For me, I really prefer music and the presentation of such that reaches deep into my soul and stirs it up. Smack my soul around a bit, and wake it up. Sonic coffee!! But the price is quite high. However, I know my musical preferences, so the Accuphase brand is definitely now on my shortlist. 😊
just smuggle one used from japan if you can lol
Curious how the McIntosh 12000 would compare…
coming
Can you give sound demos with your equipment, UA-cam has free music you can use.
Great video.
thanks!
The Hegel is probably more corrected or in a different way.....eating up information by being a silent background ..........NFB and other processing asking a price to pay .....( to please some kind of audiophiles )
Whatever an amplifier past or current production .....the one that makes me forgetting to analyze the music (the way many audiophiles and reviewers do ) and connects me better to the emotional soul of the music wins it for me..
Amplifiers and all components are ( only ) tools.and should be no more than that......many customers listen for the performance instead of the music ...
Between nthe two amplifiers and based on your listening experience and review I would probably choose the Accuphase ....if I had the money 🙂
Accuphase for me. The Hegel amps are no slouch either. Yeah modern day Krell I get it. Damping factor is one of Hegels boasts. But who doesn't appreciate big power meters bass and treble controls and the resale value. I think many companies that used to make their products properly in Japan and now don't have lost a big amount of their prestige. Ultra purists get very nervous of tone controls....if defeatable and made properly I fail to see any objections. I say bring back the midrange control eg Marantz of yesteryear and Yamaha's reciever line in the 70s Cr2020 and 1020. Like Mc intosh Accuphase haven't walked away from their classic style. Hegel is nice ....like more upmarket NAD. Personal taste is everything you are right. Both amps are worthy I think.
It doesn't work that way. It's not splicing the The music data. It's not getting in the way of it.
Integrated Amps Under $20,000 at last the budget stuff;)
Can you do a video on Amps under $350,000.00. Im tired of these $20,000.00 Budget amps. Thanks
I like when you talk about the hot ones : Luxman...that's mine!! I tried many integrated amplifiers with my Harbeth (Hegel, Accuphase and more) and it's the one I chose.
Luxman and Harbeth are the perfect match 🤓
Good for you!
Adrian, thank you for this vid, in particular the sharing of Trinity Session of Cowboy Junkies. I found this recording iwonderful, it is subtle and precise, really natural and the smoothness in the upper middle and high is amazing. Wow. 'Working on a building' stood out. Heard it on my Accuphase A amp, Audionote DAC, coupled by just a volume pot on streaming over large horns with 18in woofers, all Alnico with great drivers, all gear modified to sound better.
Congrats on your system!
what about: Integrated Amps Under $5,000 - for the bulk of the population ?
One fact that I like about your reviews is the lack of hyperbolic bs ,
Is not one is better than the other , is letting know what the product do and let people hear and decide ,
……..problem is that a lot of people decides from a review and a lot of times make second hand blind buys ( which is no problem at all ) , but is almost always a source of deception, ….it doesn’t have to be…..but in that case you need to have a lot of experience in combining different brands and know what they ( supposedly ) will do together , …..and even then is a bit of a gambling
From what's been said in this video the Accuphase E-5000 wins, hands down....
I love Accuphase - it doesn't just let you listen to the music but it lets you connect emotionally, I heard the E-360 in an audio shop connected to Sonus Faber Amator speakers (toed-in) and sat at the very center of the couch, and it was playing Patricia Barber - Gotcha (Live A Fortnight in France album), man, it gave me goosebumps, the moment I closed my eyes I feel like I was in that event and sitting at the very front of the band up close. I have heard similar setup since but nothing compared to that unforgettable listening experience.
I’d rather have the Accuphase since it’s made in Japan. The Hegel looks great but I’d rather not buy a Chinese manufactured product. I realize someone will say that my iPhone is made in China but it’s a generic unit. The hifi is more personal.
Good point... but more extra goodies in the Chinese package
Hegel is made in Norway, no ?
China @@ThomasL
@@henriksrensen3220Well yeah, i've realized it, by checking on the internet, they're surprisingly not telling it though.
Ok, so now i need both to match my mood.. Sometimes i need it as good as it can be and sometimes i just want to crawl under a blanket and be all soft and emotional 🤔
The rumble is the traffic outside
I remember a Chesky cd that I bought that had traffic noise in the background. Actually, I thought it cool as it made it more realistic.
Never judge a book by it’s cover. Most people would in fact pict the Accuphase based on looks alone.
Based on his description, I could choose the Accuphase anyway. Based on the looks, the Hegel is not comming into my house again (I had the H120 which, let's be honoust, looks the same).
Never judge a stereo amplifier that is connected to a DAC and speakers that doesn't have synergy with it.
The Accuphase is achingly beautiful. Glad you mentioned the GTR. As a car guy, the Accuphase is like my Ferrari F430 - pure. The Hegel is like a R35 GTR, synthetic, has the numbers on paper, but no soul (DSP SoundEngine yuck).
But our F430 has sticky buttons 😂
@@f430ferrari5 LOL. Yes they do get sticky and hairy. Mine isn’t too bad. I sat in a 360 and the buttons were so sticky whereas they would serve better as a lint brush.
@@epi2045 I use nail polish remover to get rid of the sticky residue.
@@adrianlow2114 I have tried that and it works ok so far. I have been looking into Sticky RX. I was told it would run $2-3K. When it gets really bad I may do it. Viva Ferrari!
@@epi2045 That's crazy! The nail polish remover works really well. No need to spend $3,000!
McIntosh vs Accuphase , Adrian
keep watching
Where are the boys? I really miss the discussion and your occasional diverging opinions. I'd prefer fewer videos in this format if needed.
Please stop
@@HanifBarnwell Why should he stop. In previous reviews Lewis and Mike gave their opinion, but for some reason that is no longer the case. Why?
@@Mark-rw3kw if you don’t like the format, change the channel.
@@HanifBarnwell Mike and Lewis have appeared in, and reviewed equipment, on many other AE videos, as have previous sales people at AE. I was asking why that is no longer the case. I personally think it is useful to get multiple opinions. I think your response is extremely rude.
Is it the song by Buddy that had you choked up, or a memory to do with wedding rings? Either way music does invoke surprising emotions.
Just the sentiment, and that I've been there, so poor that I had to count how many slices of mock chicken to put in my sandwich
Yes we all have more in common than we like to admit. You don't have to be rich to own a quality audio system.@@adrianlow2114
In this price range, I do not understand why to buy an « integrated » … the amplifier will survive the processor part by a large number of years… why not buy separated amplifier / processor… depreciation of a good amplifier is way less than the integrated/ processor part…
When it comes to features there’s no competition. Accuphase wins. Hegel doesn’t even have a balance control knob.
hahaha
You seem to really enjoy Mary Gautier. Her last name is actually pronounced go-shay. Easy mistake.
I find it difficult to justify paying 20k for an amp that cost around 2k to manufacture.
Maybe 1k in production... Just look to some other high end brands and you will find way better for less
Hegel, Accuphase, Macintosh, Luxman. All have a huge welcome to the cool kids club TAX built into the price. As well, every time that amp touches another distributors hands it gets marked up another 20%.
There are integrated amps UNDER $20,000? smh
Hegel to listen to your system, Accuphase to listen to music
Have you listen to both? I own a Hegel 590 and it is very Very musical.
@@alpro3714 yes I own a Hegel amongst many amps. It’s a very good amplifier for the money. My comment was hyperbolic , but different manufacturers offer different qualities. I found Accuphase, Audio Analogue and Kora flagship integrated to offer more insight, emotions than I get on my Hegel. It is still an amazing brand that offer an addictive liquid sound and I enjoy it everyday in my office.
Hegel should hire Accuphase designer! Their Amps aesthetics are lousy and boring .
“lousy, and boring” is just an opinion not a fact. I hope Hegel never change the design it’s perfect. Accuphase amps are styled like receivers from the seventies. Two more opinions.
@@davidbaines5487 Exactly!!! 70's inspired retro design Accuphase look much better. but you know I'm right about Hagel's boring looks, and that's a FACT.
Only rich people should be watching this video.
those accuphase looks like a jewelry
According to you, I have to throw my Hegal into the drain! Some more mine is not the top model!!
I think is not what Adrian is saying at all ,
Hegel amplifiers are very neutral , some like that kind of presentation better ,
Is mostly as all things in life a matter of taste
Adrian has never like Hegel all that much compared to his other store employees. When they reviewed the Hegel H390 against the McIntosh MA352, Adrian preferred the MA352 and his other 2 employees preferred the Hegel. IMO Adrian just doesn't like Hegel that much, partly because of the type of music he likes (generally older recordings that are not that great sonically).
Everyone needs wiggly meters