Such an underrated brand here in AU, Hegel. Have loved all I have played with and heard both here and OS.

On 10/11/2019 at 7:14 PM, Hydrology said:

Couple of additions in preparation for a system changeover to actives..

 

 

What are these?

15 minutes ago, Marc said:

What are these?

https://www.isoteksystems.com/product/performance/evo3-syncro-uni/

Matrix Audio Element-M finally landed (no thanks to Couriers Please).

Will put it through its paces over the weekend. Excellent packaging, remote is well made and manual well thought out. Build quality is excellent although it feels like a soft metal so could be easily prone to scratching.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Hi mate, 9hours has passed, what’s your review of the new streamer ?

On 14/03/2020 at 5:10 PM, TDX said:

Hi mate, 9hours has passed, what’s your review of the new streamer ?

Really loving the Matrix Audio. Great pairing with the Hegel.

 

 

Couple of major changes to the system in quick succession. Glad they are working out. It's nice when a plan comes together. 

@Hydrology hi mate, would you be able to share what you think about the Hegel Vs Luxman 550AX you had before?

28 minutes ago, jgunner said:

@Hydrology hi mate, would you be able to share what you think about the Hegel Vs Luxman 550AX you had before?

Sure, keep in mind this is a personal opinion and my day job means I represent both brands.

 

Im a huge Luxman fanboy. Endgame products for some, certainly build quality means it will last a lifetime. One of the things I love about my Luxman amp is the lush, organic sound it produces. Seductive is another word. The Hegel (which wasnt even a consideration by the way, more an evaluation favour to the local agent) offered the same type of sonic experience, except the sound was more immediate and agile, which only after listening to the Hegel, meant I found the Luxman (in my room in my system) was lacking a little. Coupled with the huge damping factor of the Hegel, this almost presented me with a sound character that reduced the interaction with the room. By that I mean the amps control of the drivers meant they stop when they are meant to stop, not continue to ring and introduce further harmonic distortion.

For me, the Hegel is almost a mid-step in between the beautiful tonality of the Luxman, with the fast agile sound I love with active speakers like the Meridian or Kii. Keep in mind this was the H190 I tried at home, but ultimately bought the H390.

 

Edited March 18, 20205 yr by Hydrology

@Hydrology thanks mate. you confirm what i have also heard for myself when i listened to the Hegel H590 by chance while demo-ing something else.  it was to my surprise how much i enjoyed the control of the Hegel yet maintaining the emotional engagement and refinement. i sat and listened in the showroom with much contentment for a good 2 hours. definitely one of for serious consideration (in the near future)

 

The Hegel really has shown up the fact that my trusty XTZ speakers are definately now the weakest link, so have just committed to these lovely fellows:-

 

Edited May 14, 20205 yr by Hydrology

@Hydrology

Don't know those speakers - please enlighten me

4 minutes ago, Jventer said:

@Hydrology

Don't know those speakers - please enlighten me

I think they may be called Expensive.  But I'm not 100% sure.

 

Ahhh - done some research - I know!

Beautiful stuff!

That shows the dangerous of working in a hifi store. Can’t stop buying the lovely stuff. ?

 

how do they sound?

Those speakers look the goods ?. Detailed review pending i hope!

Edited May 14, 20205 yr by 2Brix

Big Wharfies, nice!

Good choice I bet they sound fantastic with the H390 driving them. I imagine the bass response improvement alone will be worth it.

@Hydrology i just noticed there was a phono upgrade too ? Thoughts on the R35 vs OAP UP1 ?

@TDX @2Brix 

 

These speaker really have scale and authority. Always been a fan of ribbon tweeters - my last few speakers in fact have been along those designs. As the various pics around the web show, the Elysians are beautifully made, a tad under 50kg each and attention to detail transcends the speakers - even the packaging is impressive (though not quite Sonus faber level). Detail and depth in abundance without being too clinical.

 

Dare I come across as a salesperson, but for the asking price, these speakers are a giant killer.

 

Finally back in the Wharfedale camp after 25 years - the very first set of speakers I ever bought brand new were a set of Valdus 300 in 1995!

 

14 hours ago, 2Brix said:

@Hydrology i just noticed there was a phono upgrade too ? Thoughts on the R35 vs OAP UP1 ?

I actually think the OAD is the better phono stage, more organic with much more configuration options. To me the R35 seems quieter (blacker background) but ultimately what tipped the scales was the keen price I managed to get an R35 for.

 

If I was paying the same I think I wouldve gone the OAD, but it wouldve been close!

Primare R35 is usually hidden away. Need  a new cabinet!

 

The Elysians have arrived (a few days early) so in place with some tweaks to come.

Some pics:-

 

 

 

On 19/05/2020 at 10:18 PM, Hydrology said:

The Elysians have arrived (a few days early) so in place with some tweaks to come.

 

Should have got the brown ones  ?