Ideas for Hegel H190 replacement

[Msan]

Hello Guys,

I am pretty happy with my audio system containing the below:

Speakers: Spendor A7
Amp: Hegel H190
DAC: Topping D90SE
Sources: Nuprime CDT-8 Pto and Nuprime Stream 9

As I learned, the Topping DAC performes quite well as a preamp connected to the Hegel, using its HT bypass.

This made me think to replace my Hegel for some better sounding power amp or set of monoblocks.

I would like an airy, open, natural sound with well controlled and accurate bass. Also something pretty revealing, but not being on analytical side.

My budget is around 4K USD. I will try to audition Benchmark AHB2 and Nuprime ST10M monoblocks, as the reviews suggest something I might like.

Any other ideas will be much appreciated

Also, do you think I can get big improvement over my Hegel within my budget? Or is it better to save up?

Kind Regards

 

[Gregm]

The benchmark amps you mention are good for the price, and in mono mode, they are excellent.

"do you think I can get big improvement over my Hegel within my budget?"
Frankly, no -- unless you buy used.

In which case I recommend an integrated -- and here there are many options for clear & airy sound (i.e. extended and correct high-frequency response, low distortion): Gryphon, ASR, anything Swiss within budget, an old Boulder (power), Spectral (power), or even Pass for more sexy sound (i.e. mid-bass friendly) without much loss of resolution!

 

[Msan]

The benchmark amps you mention are good for the price, and in mono mode, they are excellent.

"do you think I can get big improvement over my Hegel within my budget?"
Frankly, no -- unless you buy used.

In which case I recommend an integrated -- and here there are many options for clear & airy sound (i.e. extended and correct high-frequency response, low distortion): Gryphon, ASR, anything Swiss within budget, an old Boulder (power), Spectral (power), or even Pass for more sexy sound (i.e. mid-bass friendly) without much loss of resolution!

Thanks a lot for your suggestions! Unfortunately it's next to impossible to find brands you mentioned used in my country.

I found only Pass Labs INT-150, so probably I will give it a try.

If not, I will try the Benchmark as stereo amp and save up for the second one to have monoblocks mode