2. amps-preamps
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Any opinions on new type of amps from BMC, Hegel,

Curious if people have heard and have opinions on several 'new style' amplifiers recently released by BMC, Hegel H-30, and Devialet. Seen several systems posted on the 'Gon now using BMC gear, with rave reviews; but I'm always a bit concerned if you must use the matching preamp and or dac, or special inter connects to obtain best sound. I have heard the new Hegel H-30; which is a beast; it was configured in a stereo set up, not used as monoblocks; and had some amazing base response, PRAT, sparkle, and awesome sound staging and presence; just made music seem alive in this room. But I'd like to hear from anyone who has the new Hegel lineup installed; with their thoughts; and what else they considered prior to pulling the trigger. The usual reviewers gave the new style Devialet the best of the best reviews at year end; a 'revolutionary' new style amp; but then I've heard nothing, or read nothing about people who have purchased it. Then there is the new style ML amp; but its way expensive; and out of my price range; so I won't go there. Usually amps design stays pretty constant, and they work on lowering distortion and increasing watts, but I don't know the specifics of what makes these 'new style' amps work; and whether they work well. Thanks for the feedback.
mribob
tbg
5,263 posts
 
I own the BMC M1 amps, DAC1 PRE, and MCCI phono. I have used the amps with other preamps, run the system with single ended cables, and used the BMC gear without the Current Injection, which allows the amp to vary in output with what is required.

I will confirm that all of these contribute to the quality of what you hear.

I have not heard the Devialet and only saw one at CES. I thought the Hegel in the Weiss suite sounded great but have not compared it with the BMC. A friend, however, tells me that the BMC is better. The BMC MCCI phono stage does require a balance input and is far and away the best phono stage I have ever heard! It and the rest of the BMC gear are inexpensive for the quality they provide.
audiofeil
4,011 posts
 
>>09-11-11: Tbg
The BMC MCCI phono stage does require a balance input and is far and away the best phono stage I have ever heard!<<

For the record, was this purchased at accomdation pricing or given to you by the US distributor?

This is very important given your track record.
dev
832 posts
 

Yes I fully agree Audiofeil.
mribob OP
200 posts
 
TBg: Thanks for your note; yes; I saw yoursystem posted on Virtual systems; it looks great. But I don't think you accurately answered my questions about how the BMC amp works; and how is different from other amp designs. Does it sound best when paired with BMC dac/preamp/cables, and if so, why?
For your friend who compared the Hegel with the BMC, can he offer specifics about the comparison? It's getting harder to audition equipment with 'brick and mortar' dealers; and at these price points; we wish to maxmize our enjoyment of hobby; and minimize buyers remorse; or to buy into 'hype' not backed by system synergy...at time I do not have a Turn Table; so a phone stage is not important to me; perhaps though, later...
and in response to Audiofiel; and Dev; your disclosures of dealer relationship if any, is important for this discussion. Thanks for sharing; the BMC products seem interesting and high quality; I just don't know much about them...
audiofeil
4,011 posts
 
I have no financial relationship with BMC therefore a "dealer disclosure" on my part is irrelevant.

Sorry you were confused in that regard.
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