Plinius Hautonga vs 9200

[RobbieGong]

Hi, newby here - Would be a delight to hear from anyone with experience of the Plinius Hautonga, better still, anyone who has had experience of both the 9200 and Hautonga, how do they differ in sound ?

 

I currently have the 9200 which I thoroughly enjoy. I'm curious as above, as I believe that the Hautonga is pretty much a revised/'improved' version of the 9200.

 

If I'm right, it was introduced as a 9200 Anniversary and then called the Hautonga..........

[needlerunner]

Bought my Hautonga 4 years ago and absolutely love it.

Bought it unheard too. Just on great reviews only, as no seller in my state. Huge risk, considering the cost. Not cheap. But was a big improvement on my Arcam. Which was no slouch either.

But if possible try and audition one. But they do seem to match source components without any dramas.

Ken 

[RobbieGong]

Thanks Ken,  Same as you bought my 9200 unheard but I'd read tons of owner reviews, hifi mag reviews etc prior and didn't hesitate when a used one popped up at a price too good to let pass. Knew I'd made the right decision after  few days at which point I realised and got to know they like to be properly warmed up/left on. Best amp I've owned and I've had a few nice Japanese Integrated amps, including Sansui AU-919 and Sansui AU a(alpha) 707DR, spent a few weeks with a Belles Aria which I was loaned - nice amp, but I found the 9200 better, more power, depth and effortless delivery. 

What Hifi loved the 9200 and gave it a 5 star rating, it gave the Hautonga a 4 star rating saying quote 'Sonically, it trades finesse for force'...... not that that has curtailed my interest in the Hautonga, my ears would always be the final arbitrator and I do like and appreciate that the 9200 is nicely dynamic, with good bass authoritive sound, same as the Hautonga I believe. With the Plinius 9200, I find this to be accurate as in recording dependant not just a characteristic of everything played through it, as I find there is much more to the amp than just those traits, layered presentation, accurate, life-like timbral, textural portrayal of instruments which I believe is the same for the Hautonga. 

Maybe someone who's  had experience of both will comment.

How would describe the Hautongas presentation? 

My Speakers are Spendor D7. 

[needlerunner]

Cheers mate. Hope you get the answers you are after.

But the chances that someone has owned both could be rare.

Most people like to try different brands. I know l do. Ha.

 

Having not heard 9200. But l did read those comments from What Hifi when l was reviewing at the time. But l tend to be a bit ambiguous to their reporting. I didn't hear the shortcomings that What Hifi alluded too when l first heard mine.

 

Now wondering if there will be a benefit. They may be very similar and this might negate any advantage you may be seeking. But if it is grunt vs finesse. They could be different beasts. Only by A/B ing both together, otherwise l guess you'll never know. For me there would have to be a significant difference in sound between the two for me to swap one out for the other.

 

Probably down to the type of music you listen too as well. Me. Mainly Indie/Alternative rock, prog rock, bit of jazz. This album handles all these genres with aplomb.

 

But I've always had the believe that it the speakers themselves that make the difference, more so than the source components.

Spendor's are wonderful speakers. I did read somewhere that Plinius do match very well with British speakers.

 

I bought mine from The Audio Tailor in Brisbane, who advised that they partnered very well with the PMC speakers l had just purchased. Was looking at Bryston amplification initially. But way above my pay scale in the end. Some say Plinius is the poor man's version of these amps, not dissimilar in their characteristics in the reviews l read at the time. I'm in WA. But they were great to talk to. Very knowledgeable, very helpful. Maybe give them a call. I think the guy l spoke to was Nick. Lovely fellow.

 

I believe Naim and Hegel match very well with your speakers, if you consider  widening your search. If l was looking to change, that's the road l would go down.

 

But again, more than happy with the Hautonga. Probably look to upgrading my speakers first. That's how well l rate this amplifier.

 

Good luck in what you decide.

Never easy.

 

Ken

[RobbieGong]

I'm really happy with the 9200 and thoroughly enjoy it, being in that place, enjoying the music, set-up and not obsessing or faffing. 

 

The Spendor D7's are very precise and I'd say like a monitor in presentation so precise and dynamic, not laid back like traditional Spendors, these have zip and can certainly boogie and bring the music, the rhythm, they wouldn't be here otherwise as I'm a classic reggae, classic soul, soulful rnb, some jazz (Dollar Brand, Roy Hargrove etc) type of guy. They are detailed and honest, and revealing of the recorded music and source, which suits me, I always pursued the more honest portrayal, truthful, where everything within the recorded music is laid bare, as opposed to romantic, everything sounding great over honest type presentation. They are great with the 9200 ! depth, layered, bass authority, the music drives along with weight, energy, beautifully. 

 

I'm actually quite chuffed with what I currently have and dont have the intention to change anything, BUT, you know us audio folk, we never say never , there's always something along the road that grabs the attention as an 'improvement' / 'upgrade'. either way, I'm leaving well well alone for now, it aint broke ...... quite the opposite actually - best it's been.

 

With regard to what component makes biggest difference, some say speakers, some say cart.... My own experience has been that a genuinely good piece of gear, period, can or will be significant - The first decent cart I ever owned, the Ortofon 2M Black mm, was a revelation, really opened my eyes which led to my first mc, the Quintet Black and then my current Cadenza Black (retipped with Fritz Gyger S stylus profile (same as Ortofon's replicant stylus profile).

 

Changing amps was a revelation too, as indeed has been this 9200, which I find superb, hence my curiosity re: it's current guise the Hautonga.

 

Always had integrated amps and then tried a decent external phono stage, again, could clearly hear the improvement, which has led me to my current Aurorasound Vida Prima, which with the 9200 is fab!

 

Yep, the D7s made a big difference and are the best speakers I've owned. I've seen the Troels Gravesen speaker kits getting a lot of love so may look to give those a listen in the future. 

 

All the best

Rob

 

 

  

 

 

[needlerunner]

On 27/08/2023 at 12:42 AM, RobbieGong said:

I'm really happy with the 9200 and thoroughly enjoy it, being in that place, enjoying the music, set-up and not obsessing or faffing. 

 

The Spendor D7's are very precise and I'd say like a monitor in presentation so precise and dynamic, not laid back like traditional Spendors, these have zip and can certainly boogie and bring the music, the rhythm, they wouldn't be here otherwise as I'm a classic reggae, classic soul, soulful rnb, some jazz (Dollar Brand, Roy Hargrove etc) type of guy. They are detailed and honest, and revealing of the recorded music and source, which suits me, I always pursued the more honest portrayal, truthful, where everything within the recorded music is laid bare, as opposed to romantic, everything sounding great over honest type presentation. They are great with the 9200 ! depth, layered, bass authority, the music drives along with weight, energy, beautifully. 

 

I'm actually quite chuffed with what I currently have and dont have the intention to change anything, BUT, you know us audio folk, we never say never , there's always something along the road that grabs the attention as an 'improvement' / 'upgrade'. either way, I'm leaving well well alone for now, it aint broke ...... quite the opposite actually - best it's been.

 

With regard to what component makes biggest difference, some say speakers, some say cart.... My own experience has been that a genuinely good piece of gear, period, can or will be significant - The first decent cart I ever owned, the Ortofon 2M Black mm, was a revelation, really opened my eyes which led to my first mc, the Quintet Black and then my current Cadenza Black (retipped with Fritz Gyger S stylus profile (same as Ortofon's replicant stylus profile).

 

Changing amps was a revelation too, as indeed has been this 9200, which I find superb, hence my curiosity re: it's current guise the Hautonga.

 

Always had integrated amps and then tried a decent external phono stage, again, could clearly hear the improvement, which has led me to my current Aurorasound Vida Prima, which with the 9200 is fab!

 

Yep, the D7s made a big difference and are the best speakers I've owned. I've seen the Troels Gravesen speaker kits getting a lot of love so may look to give those a listen in the future. 

 

All the best

Rob

 

 

  

 

 

Hi Rob,

Looked at your profile. Didn't realise you lived in London. So a bit pointless ringing a dealer in Brisbane. Ha ha. 

 

Doesn't appear that you will get any other respondents to your comparison query, does it.

 

Did some digging last night and found this review. Though you may have read it already. Does appear that they are two very different sounding amps. The Hautonga might just your music to the next level.

 

https://allforturntables.com/2023/04/10/plinius-hautonga-vs-plinius-9200/

 

I was firmly in the neutral/analytical camp. Thinking that was my sound.

My previous Arcam amp fitted that description. But l now much prefer a warmer musicality sound now. I find it less fatiguing overall. Now I'm retired l listen to a lot more music now.

 

My utterances may have, or not be of any help. But been nice chatting to you.

 

Now if l can just find those perfect speakers......

Thinking ProAc or ATC.

 

Cheers,

Ken

 

 

[RobbieGong]

Hi Ken, no, doesnt look like I'll get respondents to my 9200 v Hautonga comparison 

 

Regardless, I'm in no doubt that Plinius genuinely approached the 9200 with a mindset and intent to improve it.  The blurb Plinius provided for the Hautonga, includes- quote:

 

'HT Bypass, standby mode for true low power operation that keeps the circuit active to deliver peak performance with minimal delay, mute and volume controls, display brightness adjustment and the full complement of CD player functions are all available from the remote.

Careful attention has been paid to signals and circuit layout with short signal paths, optimal component placement and wiring specification working in harmony to extract exciting depth and detail from any musical recording'.

 

I'd expect this to mean it offering up a faster, slightly more dynamic presentation etc, either way I'd have one.  

 

Btw - I had previously seen the link you sent, the bit about the 9200 not having a remote is rubbish/incorrect, they always came with that lethal weapon, heavy truncheon type remote , now that's what you call a non skimping, proper remote, mine has three buttons on it. It does describe the 9200 well, although I and others  also describe the 9200 as warm, my guess is that the Hautonga will be a little warmer/natural still, and smoother. 

 

 

[needlerunner]

Think you should go a head and just buy one mate

 C'mon...you know you want to.

 

Your remote. Call that a remote. No. This is a remote (see attachment).

 

[RobbieGong]

 Yep that's the one, the famous or should I say infamous Plinius, lethal weapon remote control .  Mine for my 9200 is the same, only difference is it has three buttons. The extra functionality from the remote was another of the revisions Plinius added when the revised 9200 became the Hautonga. 

I actually love the thing, no skimping, plenty of solid brushed aluminum, just like the amp, oozes quality in my opinion, I do very much rate Plinius - great sound, build quality and two in one remote - amp function and truncheon, keep by bed on a night for security, just in case....... 

[needlerunner]

On 30/08/2023 at 5:05 PM, RobbieGong said:

 Yep that's the one, the famous or should I say infamous Plinius, lethal weapon remote control .  Mine for my 9200 is the same, only difference is it has three buttons. The extra functionality from the remote was another of the revisions Plinius added when the revised 9200 became the Hautonga. 

I actually love the thing, no skimping, plenty of solid brushed aluminum, just like the amp, oozes quality in my opinion, I do very much rate Plinius - great sound, build quality and two in one remote - amp function and truncheon, keep by bed on a night for security, just in case....... 

That's why mine is at the end of the coffee table...closest to the front door.

 

But how would l cope if the police took it away as evidence. This amp is very remote compliant. Probably face further charges of stealing from a police station to get it back. Ha ha.

 

Nice chatting to you dude. Drop me a line if you do decide to buy the Hautonga.

 

Cheers,

Ken.

 

[blakey72]

I can probably put your mind at rest just slightly. I haven't heard both but I do know a man that has and he just happens to be somewhat of a SNA Amplifier reviewer/expert.I'm pretty sure Jeff or @Cafad has listened to both. I certainly know he has listened to the 9200 as I now own it. I think I remembering him saying the Hautonga was a slightly brighter version of the 9200. I'm not sure how much brighter however he may chime in at some stage 

[Cafad]

8 hours ago, blakey72 said:

I can probably put your mind at rest just slightly. I haven't heard both but I do know a man that has and he just happens to be somewhat of a SNA Amplifier reviewer/expert.I'm pretty sure Jeff or @Cafad has listened to both. I certainly know he has listened to the 9200 as I now own it. I think I remembering him saying the Hautonga was a slightly brighter version of the 9200. I'm not sure how much brighter however he may chime in at some stage 

Actually my mission to listen to all the amplifiers ever made has slowed down of late.  I still have not heard a Hautonga so I'm only working with what others have told me that it sounds cooler than the 9200.  One day I hope to be able to test that claim for myself, but it probably isn't on the cards in the short term.  Sorry I can't help shed any light on this topic.

 

[RobbieGong]

Thanks gents - My pursuit is one born out of curiosity more than anything else as I'm super happy with my 9200, find it so satisfying in pretty much everyway, best amp I've owned and I've owned a few. 

My guess is the Hautonga will sound a little different, but not necessarily better to my ears as I find the 9200 balanced and well voiced.  Also reviews are a plenty for the 9200 and it's clearly a well loved/regarded amp for sure. 

[RobbieGong]

Found this re; the Hautonga  https://perkune.com/power-amplifier-tested/

Their conclusion describes my 9200 

 

 

[needlerunner]

On 18/09/2023 at 7:37 PM, blakey72 said:

I can probably put your mind at rest just slightly. I haven't heard both but I do know a man that has and he just happens to be somewhat of a SNA Amplifier reviewer/expert.I'm pretty sure Jeff or @Cafad has listened to both. I certainly know he has listened to the 9200 as I now own it. I think I remembering him saying the Hautonga was a slightly brighter version of the 9200. I'm not sure how much brighter however he may chime in at some stage 

Don't find the Hautonga bright at all. I find it quite neutral with a slightly warm tinge, is the way l would describe it. It's a very revealing amp actually. Best amp I've owned. Probably a keeper for me (famous last words).

[RobbieGong]

3 hours ago, needlerunner said:

Don't find the Hautonga bright at all. I find it quite neutral with a slightly warm tinge, is the way l would describe it. It's a very revealing amp actually. Best amp I've owned. Probably a keeper for me (famous last words).

Again, describes the 9200  

My logic guess is that with the Hautonga Plinius set out to revise the 9200 with a mindset of improving it further, therefore I'd expect it to still be an excellent amplifier. 

Not looking to move my 9200 but if an Hautonga turned up in the future, funds permitting and at the right price, I'd be tempted to pounce.

 

Either way, cant lose as whichever I preferred I'd keep and sell the other on. 

Edited September 22 by RobbieGong