So what about something like this setup:
I’d be in for about $2700 for separates tube pre + SS power (used) vs. $3200 for H190 integrated (new). I think you answered it above just figure I would give a tangible example of what I could put together.
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nope not gonna work … no balanced outputs from pre and only balanced inputs on benchmark. forget that example then
Again this is just my opinion, so take it with a bag of salt.
You really need to match the pre to the power amp, and you want to spend more on a pre than you think.
Which is why I recommend especially if you can’t hear the stuff, or you don’t want to mess with it afterwards replacing the pre you go integrated, the manufacturer had to deal with the matching, and there are less parts in an integrated, so generally the quality is higher. Yes that’s traded off against shared power, and thermals, but those alone are not always a win.
It’s very hard to say without listening exactly how those components will work together, sticking to a single manufacturer can get you past that to a point, but you still trading off component quality for component count, and I don’t think at these prices your near the ceiling of where that matters.
Now having said all that I have mixed and matched in my 2Ch, but my power amps were $8K new in 1990’s money, and the Pre $3K in the same money, and I did cycle through several pre’s after I bought the monos to get what I wanted. And if I were doing it again, I’d look at integrated even at that price point, unless there was something I heard that I loved.
FWIW I do like Mike at Quicksilver’s stuff, and I own a pair of the most expensive Mono’s he ever made.
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I am team-integrated mostly for simplicity and a lot of what @Polygonhell explained. I’ve had some experimentation with tube to SS (not with speakers) and it was good but cumbersome.
Just throwing this out there as an option that Denafrips have some nice pre/power combos in different price points that I can imagine resemblance to the Hegel sound and you can find in the used market and they keep their value/
There are also $2000 H120 going around that give you the balanced inputs and decent power, no idea if they’re enough for your speakers but maybe the $$ savings will ease your decision.
What @Polygonhell said. My comment was more of you had the setup and been using it for a good long while and want to alter it a little, then it might be worth looking at a tube pre to add to what you already have. I think separates really need a to be matched and auditioned. Oh and the extra sets of cables etc etc.
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This is beating a dead horse, but as someone that owned both separates and integrated for a long period of time, I would also recommend integrated.
In addition, it would allow for some free funds to investing in a decent power cable, rather than two crappy ones. Same goes with an interconnect.
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I love separates, absolutely adore them. Putting different pieces together brings me many hours of joy allowing me to experience so much variety via a small nuance each and every time.
Having said this, my primary listening rig; the pieces i have heavily invested large sums of money on, are a solid state integrated with minimal but quality accessory cables, a quality DAC and a quality streamer. Minimal wires, respectable wattage, proven name brands. Yes there is a sprinkle of tube love in this rig, well known, documented tubes whose character and qualities do not come into question. This is my reference system and i love it most.
Everything else i play with is simply done for the experience and knowledge gained from teaching myself how to listen to variety. Someday i will build a proper system with all matched separates, because that is something i want to do but because it is so cost prohibitive it will wait. Anyway, a good solid integrated offers allot of value, i am very happy that was the route i chose for my reference system. Good luck in whichever direction you go 
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So followed the forum advice and got and integrated today. Speakers cables arrive tomorrow… then ready to rock and roll.
Got a deal for the anthem that I couldn’t turn down. The duals sub outs and ARC will be fun to play with down the road.
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curious on opinions ot sub integration if I should go for something like:
or
any other suggestions for subs to research?
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A lot of people selling pairs of subs and frick, if i had the room…
@NickMimi may have impressions with the RELs
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there’s a magnepan subwoofer being released at some point just fyi
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So i saw on a YT channel they had another speaker that looked more like the traditional box. I know they have a “sub” now but i would like to see what else they throw out there. Things to compete with the popular REL pairing.
Despite the fact that I am a fan of and own several REL subs, my recommendation if you can grab them is the servo style Rhythmik subs for the absolute fastest tightest Bass possible.
The REL are not slouches but it’s their much pricier higher end pieces you see slaved together on advertisements and big showrooms pressurizing those rooms and bringing out the ohhhs and ahhs from the crowd.
The smaller less expensive series is fine for most mere mortals and I truly enjoy mine and have no plans to swap them any time in this decade but had I not been a cheap ass I would have gone all Rhythmik
Edit to add: I see this is part of your TV set up too though. In that case and ONLY because of the HT requirements and extra duties in your case the larger REL of those two choices posted MIGHT be a deciding factor. If not then the 15” or better yet 18”Rhythmik would be my personal go to 
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