A look inside ! What makes Hegel amplifiers sound so good? Hegel H120 & Hegel H190 amplifier review
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 24 มิ.ย. 2024
- This is my review of the Hegel integrated amplifiers. Namely the Hegel H120 & H190. However all their models (Hegel H90, Hegel H120, Hegel H190, Hegel H390, and Hegel H590) sound very good and has a family sound as described. The Hegel H120 is the newest model in the line that replaced the ROST model.
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Few things to note:
1. Hegel does not rate 4 ohms. Wattage ratings are only into 8 ohms so I am not sure if it actually doubles in 4 ohms (but I assume it does) since it has no problems driving 4 ohm loads. They do state that it is completely stable down to 2 ohm loads. Cheers !
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Based on reviews (stereophile) that have quoted 4 ohm ratings for various hegel amps, hegel consistently seem to output 5/3 of the 8ohm rating into 4 ohms.
So for the h120 rated at 75w into 8 ohm, you'll get 125w into 4 ohm.
For the h190 rated for 150w into 8ohm, then 250w into 4 ohm.
So, not quite double, but I've never had issues driving 4ohm loads with a Hegel.
@@riknos3289 I would be careful stating actual ratings. But better assumptions than mine. Cheers
@@riknos3289 Your power numbers are 100% correct. I have spoken to Hegel directly. I have the new H390 which has 250w at 8 ohms and a mahoooosive 420w at 4 ohms. It is a beast.
For the H190, the manual on P. 18 states that the power output is 250W in 4 ohms. But the H120 manual does not show power in 4 ohms.
The Next Best Thing Studio The H190 is rates at 250 wpc at 4 ohms, the do have 4 ohm ratings you do have to do a little searching. Love my H160, keep up the good work!
Nice review, very informative. Keep up the good work and thank you
Very helpful review! Many thanks for this deep dive into Hegel amps and some reasonable speaker pairings.
That made sense. Thanks for the no BS explanation.
I'm so very close to pulling the trigger on an H120 to pair with my B&W CM6 S2's. I really hope they are a match made in heaven. Soulsik, thanks for all the help along the way.
Did you go for it and how did you get on with the combo? Curious since I’ve just pulled the trigger on the H90, but it really does not work with my B&W Nautilus 805’s
I’m curious as well! I have the CM6 S2’s also.
Jeremy L and Sune, sorry for the slow response. I did pull the trigger on a black H120 pairing with my white CM6 S2’s. I have to say I am likely not the best voice to listen to, as I’ve always ran B&W and have little experience listening to other speakers. I do personally love my setup, but I also could simply be ignorant to what’s really good. My listening space could also be better. Photo linked to give perspective, kids toys and all. www.dropbox.com/s/ce8nnq9gdvdeeev/current_setup.jpg?dl=0
Brian Grimes Hi, running in the H90 helped a lot, but at the end of the day I feel it was bested by what I already had (my taste, room, listening level etc). I did try the H190 which was a clear step up (which should be a lot closer to your 120 in many ways) which I could easily have lived with (!) but ultimately looking for a different presentation/synergy. Enjoy!
Like your reviews!
Thank u so much for such an in depth description of character of sound between these 2. Currently choosing amp to match sealed speaker build using Scan revelator 15W/ Be tweet.. H190 cd be perfect
Jay, thanks for the great info, sounds like Hegel products will work for a great many people. I am a beginner audiophile and was thinking of pairing the H190 with Dynaudio Special 40s. What do you think? Also, how would you address the problem of imaging with the Hegel? Is there a way to possibly use a tube amp with the Hegel to address this? Also, would you try and improve the sound by connecting a separate Dac instead of whats built in as well as a separate streamer? What phono stage would you recommend when the time comes? What headphones would you invest in with this system? Apologies for all of these questions but I rarely if ever post comments or questions about anything online.
Awesome detailed review...
Exceptional review... much thanks
Thank U for the valuable explanations.
Good reviews bro. Being honest.
Thanks a lot, Jay. I have been browsing your review a lot. Really really informative and professional! Just a quick question, which integrated or a power amplifier in your opinion can produce pinpoint imaging in a nice sound stage. Would that be only Nad m10 or is there something better, say
Jay thanks for your review.. each time I hear your reviews of Hegel systems I get a new layer of information about how your hear them. Because seeing your Wilsonton "best 2020 amp" video has caused me to rethink my Hegel upgrade plans (my H80 to H190 probably used) , I wish to ask you the following: Can you compare the Hegel H190 to the Wilsonton based on the amp/preamp only (setting aside the balanced inputs, integrated DAC streamer, aesthetics, cost difference etc of the Hegel) and for this virtual comparison/analysis the usage model, each with an external DAC(ie Denafrips Aries 2), an external streamer and used equally as often with a phono preamp - meaning your would be using this setup to listen enthusiastically to both analog and digital sources.. which integrated would you pick for yourself with each of these speakers and why (a) Elac Reference (b) Triangle Br03 (c) Magnepan LRS (d)Sound artist sc8b.
Cant wait to get my hands on the Hegel h190 for my b&w 683 s2
Hi Jay, you look more debonair with your new hair style! Good review as always! I borrowed a Rost and had similar experience as your review. The sound is natural and musical but just a touch on warm side from transparency. Treble was detailed without harshness. I can hear the brass sound on cymbals. In my setup with MA Silver 2 and average room size, it was adequate power for normal listening but start getting bright/distorting at high levels. I decided not to get it as I wanted integrated phono and external streamer. The Rost streamer was very good but wanted more flexibility.
Fantastic work you do! hegel h120 good match for ATC scm11?
Hi Jay. Great content as always. Would you recommend a Hegel amp to pair it with an ATC SCM11? Those speakers might be my next upgrade.
It works very, very well
Jay, thanks for the good review. Can I suggest when you show something like a line diagram leave it up longer so the viewer can have rime to digest. That first line diagram you put up only a few seconds
@Ron Lykins There is a 'Pause' button. Works good.
I have the Hegel 300 and I have to say for the money these amps are incredibly well made from a build standpoint and they outperform other amps at sometimes THREE times the cost. When it comes to prices of mass produced amps like Macintosh the only way they can increase profitability is by using cheaper parts. For example in a 20K amp they will use a 7 dollar volume control. All you have to do is lift a Hegel amp to know how well built it is. (They are as solid as a tank) !!!! and they don’t cut corners!!!!
Will be nice too see how the Hegel H190 will compare to Buchardt’s own upcoming integrating amplifier, the Buchardt I150. Both are comparable in power. According to the Company this will be a game changer when used with there speakers, especially at low volumes. Both of those amps are now on my shortlist for purchase later this year, so would be nice if you could do a comparison with the Hegel at the time. It will be priced at around 1k less than the Hegel too and they give additional discount too customers already owning their speakers.
Hi Jay, useful review. I have heard Hegel amplifiers but wondered whether you would compare the onboard amplifier DAC's with external ones. I use a Chord Qutest dac, how would this or other external DAC's compare with the ones that come with the amplifiers?
Hey Jay.. Always good to hear your thoughts.. Have you tried the Michi x3..
OK Jay, between your reviews and Steve Guttenberg's I decided to get a Hegel H190 and the Magnepan LRS+ I just ordered. Thanks!
Just so you know, the newer H190's, confirmed by Hegel also uses the smaller toroid, not just the large one. They say it is used for when the H190 is in standby. I emailed them directly.
I definietly want a Hegel amp in the future. For now it's a bit too expensive for a student like me so I'll go with a Denon PMA1600NE which also has a good DAC and high current amp to drive my KEF R100. I hope I'll be able to upgrade to a H120 or H190 after this.
Apart from the tonal differences between the H120 and the H190, assuming the speakers are relatively easy to drive (I have a pair of Monitor audio PL 100II, not sure if you've heard them), would it make sense to pay more for the H190 over the H120? Should I expect better sound with regards to the technicalities like the resolution, soundstaging and imaging, or is the difference marginal if anything? Thanks!!!
I have the Hegel P20 preamp, I absolutely love it
@@Audfile I had a Rotel RC-1580 which was a great preamp, going to emotiva would be more of lateral move. The Hegel P20 was an upgrade in every sense, there really is no comparison.
Jay, hello from Brazil.
For B&W 603 s2 anniversary, what would you choose?
Hegel H390 or
Parasound P6 and A21+?
Thanks. Congrats on your videos.
Great video! I have a question.. Is Hegel’s H190 DAC better than iFI Audio ZEN ONE Signature DAC? I want to buy the H190 and I already have ifi ZEN ONE. Should I keep it or sell it?
Hey Jay, can you review Rotel RA-1592 integrated amplifier please?
I like Hegel a lot and i had many Hegel amps in my system. I currently have Rost so i would like to know what you think compare to H120 and H190. Some people say they sound meh and that is because the mids are smooth but not exactly juicy or exciting so pairing with the right speakers is critical as always. When it comes to low noise floor, grain free highs and speaker control you can't beat those amps for the money. That been said the i feel build quality could/should be better for the asking prices.
You had the Elac Vela FS 407? Anxiously waiting for the review.
Still have it and mentioned in this video. Review is coming soon
Still rocking the S400s in the background. Same here. The way you describe the Hegel sound, though, I don't know that the S400 would be the best speaker match.
Hello Jay, in you experience what is the best match with KEF LS50 meta, H120 or H190? Thanks.
Hey my man. I dig your opinions. Do you think it would be wiser to fork out the extra coin and go for the Mac 5300 over the H190. I think the background and rep of mac lasting long is worth it. Or what do you think.
Jay, may I ask what headphone amplifier(s) do you personally like with planars such as the Arya?
I LOVE my Hegel Rost and I use its headphone output to drive my Arya. I'm loving this combination.
HeY Jay. Good work..
Any thoughts on pairing with Klipsch Forte III ? Will appreciate your reply
Hello, thank you for your great reviews, I am interested in buying an amplifier Yamaha sa3000 and curious about your opinion, have ma silver 200
Great Review ! How about pairing with Sonus Fabers?
Hi Jay, could you please advise me what is your view on pairing the Hegel H190 with Bowers and Wilkins 805 D3?
Thanks
The Next Best Thing Studio
for me what you would choose between Denon PMA-1600NE & MAGNAT RV 4 or what I recommend in that price range. Thank you!
Damping factor of 2000 and 4000 means an output impedance of the amplifiers of 0.004 Ohm and 0.002 Ohm accordingly. In order to utilize such high damping factor the resistance of a speaker cable should also be very low. And that requires use of very large (total) wire sizes like 10-16 mm2 (7 AWG - 5 AWG) and more.
The problem is, it provides very little bass to damp. The amp was designed to render the sound of upright bass and snare drums coming from jazz recordings. Pop and rock fans will want to keep their cheaper amps. Let’s be honest and make that distinction.
Hi jay
Which of the hegle lineup will suit the evo 4.4 to get the best of them?
Thanks
Hi Jay, I've been following your videos lately and super lucky I am considering the NAD M10 and you made a comparison.
- Now.. your reviews are awesome, I admit, but could you speak a lot more about the connectivity of the Hegel. This is probably n1. issue for the modern buyer, how easy it is to stream, which apps can be used, can wireless speakers be connected (as they can with BlueOS and Yamaha MusicCast), can room correction be automatic, who controls it at a party etc. Actually, I didn't know the Hegel was a streamer before seeing this video, so it's definitely back in the competition now!
- Also, I noticed it doesn't have a subwoofer out while the NADM10 has 2, as a bass person this definitely comes into consideration, even though the general statement is that the Hegel has better bass sound.
- What do you think about the difference between optical and HDMI inputs too, does it matter?
- How do you connect with the Internet router without an ethernet cable but instead wirelessly? I doubt anyone has their router where their entertainment is.. Mine is about 2 rooms away
All the best (y)
I have the same consideration. I tend to go for the better usability of BluOs. Coming from a Devialet which has terrible streaming capability other than Roon.
You can use the variable preouts to connect a sub.
I'm thinking of pairing the Hegel H190 with Dynaudio Evoke 50. Do you think it's a good pairing?
Me too
You would 100% win a Nobel prize if you demonstrate capacitors can filter frequencies.
Would be the perfect amp for my needs, do you think it would sound good with my Klipsch La Scalas? (Vintage)
Hi. Like your work.
Did you by any chance try the Hagel 190 withe Triangle Genesse Trio speakers ?
If you did, is it a good match?
Thank you
Just purchased a pair of Sonus Faber Sonetto 2's. What is the best integrated to use with those? Hegel 190?
With the USB being limited to 24 bit 96hz (on H95, H120 and H190) and other Inputs being bale to receive 24 bit 192 Hz: which inout is the best to use when connecting to PC and other digital sources?
Hegel H90 vs Heaven 11 Billie vs Parasound NewClassic 200 Integrated...which would you prefer and why. With the Hegel and the Billie on sale, all three are around the same price.
I have same question
Hello all,
Question can I use the Hegel 120 and bypass the on board DAC and use my Anthem 1120 AVR as the pre amp? I then use the unprocessed R/L through a Schiit Yiggy. this is just for listening to straight 2.0.
Please review the new Marantz model 40n vs the the Hegel 120. I think we have a similar ear and would value your opinion.
How would you compare the headphone section vs a good headphone amplifier like a Burson or a Topping A90?
headphone section is descent but doesn't compare to Burson. Topping... maybe (depends on model)
Is the h190 worth the price jump over the h120?? I'm thinking about pairing one of them with a Klipsch rp-280f. Need help...
I'm in the market for my next integrated amp; to compare an apple to an apple more like the comparison of power output 75 watts Hegel H120 and Naim Nait XS2 / Nait XS3 (70 watts) (Hegel has priced advantage). Which amp to best paire with PMC (8ohms) speakers? If possible I'd have to listen to both amps (obviously is not possible for the current lock down). Thanks
Thank you for Your work! Witch Amp for The maggys is the best? Budget, middelklass, high class, high end..Now i have some maggys here in Germany and my denon avc a1d is smoked up!
My New Denon avcx8500h is not the right one is 6 to 16 ohm. Now i think over the iotavx Amp stack. Is it ok for magneplanar speaker. Thank you for answere and maybe a Vid.
Which maggies you got there? 😉
@@Jayiyagi hi thanks for Your awnser, I think there Are a very old Model. MG- .5/QR SE .i think it is 2-way. I Love them..best i ever heard
hi i know u reviewed the Denon PMA-A110 how does it compare to the Hegel H190
Hello Jay, I have a question about the Hegel H190. Does it have any equalization control?
No they have not
When is the Vela FS407 floorstander review coming Jay?
in da near future.
@@Jayiyagi Cannot wait for that one. I think they are gonna wow you.... 🙂
does hegel streaming service supports hi res? thanks
Can the Hegel H190 enough power for BW 803 D3? Currently using PS audio Stellar Stack, thanks
How well do you think the H190 would
perform with Ohm Walsh 2000’s
Maybe it’s just me, but I have a pair of Sennheiser HD650’s and the headphone output on my Hegel H190 seems pretty lackluster...to the point where my little Micaa OriGin+ runs laps around it.
Does the Hegel H90 have enough power to drive a set of Dynaudio Excite X32(4ohm,87db)?
How does the H90 fit into this? I was thinking about pairing it with Maggie lrs
Very good pairing
Absolutely loving my Hegel Rost. It drives my 4-ohm Spatial M3 Turbo S wonderfully and the bass response and control is ridiculous.
I'm using its DAC as well. Usually with these all-in-one jobbers, the DAC is an afterthought and sounds lousy. Not here... at all.
My question: Anyone using the headphone amp of their Rost or other Hegel integrateds? I sold my headphone amp cuz this headphone section sounds phenomenal driving my Hifiman Arya. I want to know if I'm nuts or is anyone else hearing how good this thing sounds.
I had borrowed the Rost for listening but did not find the HP amp that great. My HE-400s sounded a bit bass heavy/muddled and closed in. It sounded better with HD6xx but not the best transparency.
I am using the headphone amp of my Rost with my Philips Fidelio X2 with good success. It will not beat a great headphone amplifier but it is very good and it will drive most headphones. If you don't have very hard to drive headphones you can live with it.
Thanks. I've been planning on getting the H120 for a while. Just need to wait for the right time (financially speaking). I have a pair of Kef LS50s and Tannoy XT6Fs. Looking forward to when I get it.
I have a H120 paired with Tannoy's XT6Fs and am thinking of upgrading the speakers as I'm sure there is a better combo to be had with the H120. Did you get the H120 in the end. Which of your two speakers did it go well with.. the KEFs or Tannoys?
@@masan787 ah, thanks for asking. Well, I opted for a different integrated. I wanted it to have everything, phono stage, chrome cast, Spotify connect, internet radio, etc, just for convenience. So I bought the Lyngdorf TDAI-1120. A marked improvement over my previous amp, the Cambridge CXA60, in most areas except soundstage. The Cambridge was more open, wider and had more depth. I'm still using the Tannoys, because my room is too big for the LS50s. However, I am now looking to combine the Lyngdorf's usability with Cambridge sound signature and saving to buy the Cambridge Edge W stereo power amp. It switches on and off automatically when it is connected via the 12v trigger, so it's still convenient, but with the sound I'm looking for. I just have to convince my partner that the outlay is worth it. 😅As far as speakers go, I have my eyes on the Spendor A7s, as a notable upgrade. But all in good time. 😁
Thank you!
I've heard Hegals at a local shop, they do sound good, but I don't know if they sound different or any better than my vintage B&K EX-442 amp and Pro-10MC preamp that have powered my home system for over 3 decades. Just saying
Can you compare some Hegel amps with equally powered Rotels? I heard Hegel H95 and it lacked oomph compared to Rotel a11.
I am for many Years a Hegel User (H1MKIV) Beautiful Amplifier with great Punchy Sound. But I am not satisfied about the Way they developed their new Products. They call it All-in-One integrated Amplifier, but there is no Good App in their Streaming and therefore you always need a separate Streamer with an App. The new Hegel Products don’t have a full Equipment streaming with a good App.
Another Item is where you want your DAC (integrated in Amplifier or in the Streamer). I Choose for Aurender A10.
That is why I prefer a simple good integrated Amplifier without DAC and Streaming.
The new Hegel Product line don’t have a good integrated Amplifier without a DAC and streaming (Like Accuphase and Moon)
So it is a Pity Hegel forget these Customers.
HiFi cast dnla works works very well with Hegel. The amp needs to be plugged to a WiFi gateway.
Which is better Hegel H390 or NAD M33... please advice
Hallo Tarun
I recently bought a Hegel h190
for my r7 with rel sub … I found the top end is not coming live , very rolled off . I am happy with mids and especially low end . What could be my possible best solution to get the hifi bliss I am looking for . I don’t listen my music too loud too.. please help
Which one's sound do you prefer between Naim Nait XS series and these Hegel?
I have a Naim XLS2 - with Focal Floorstanders.
Very detailed & etched sound.
Does reveal poor recordings.
I heard the H120 at the Bristol 2023 hi Fi Show.
Very musical & less dry sound compared to Naim.
A touch warmer & slightly less revealing so kinder with limited quality recordings 👍
how would a hegel pre amp fare with atc scm40 active speakers?
Try them with the Klipsch 600 bookshelf horn speakers, should cure any muffly amp.
Hi Jay, love your videos. With your new found openness in recent videos ( rebellion) if you were to purchase (money no object) would it be the 190 or the
would you like to test the Primare I25 with the Hegel 190
Is that carpet not risky for static where you placed the amps wide open bro? 👀
I am happy with mine röst 👍
I am also extremely impressed and happy with my Rost. So much so that I sold off my separated. My main question, is the H190 worth stepping up to.
You should make a test about a Gato Audio product. Gato Amp-150 or Gato Dia-400s etc. Kinki Studio vs. Hegel H190 vs Gato ...
Is the Sound Engine 2™ just a fancy name for using negative feedback correction?
Albeshr Definitely no... SoundEngine technology have been developed by Hegel since their first days... And SoundEngine 2 was introduced to their recent product line. SoundEngine is a licensed thing only to Hegel. Negative feedback correction can be found anywhere but SoundEngine is Hegel's way to do it.
When I visited a dealer a while back , they bashed Hegel, Musical Fidelity, Primaluna and Yamaha for being cheap build quality and production. Those are brands widely available in the market today most of which I love. One wonders what to believe in these day an age.
So, what brands did he praise?
A little off subject. I have the H190. Wondering if i will find enough difference between the H390 and the H190. Is the main difference just power? I have BW 803 D3 on a mid size room. Much appreciated?
Hey,
I just sold my Hegel H80 MKII, I have B&W CM6 S2, I am looking for a new amplifier. I am interested by few other amplifiers naim supernait 3, Pathos Logos MKII?
or the Hegel H190. which would you recommend?
whats up with the transistors humming that you can hear within 3 meters if music stops.....su much for HEGEL good
Transistors can not hum, if your transformer hums, you have an issue with your AC
If router is too far for LAN connection, but want Airplay, DLNA(on Android), use an older laptop or mini PC that has LAN port and Wifi. Connect Hegel to PC with LAN cable without setting static IP, connect PC to wifi then select both Wifi and Ethernet and create a bridge. Whenever connection is not working, make sure Wifi is connected and just disable/enable the Ethernet card that connects to Hegel.
Hello thank you for this video . One think is strange at Vol 80 exactly hegel H190 produce a click noise . Hegel Answer it's "open" an aditionnal amplification satge an there is no reason for concern of that . BUT in fact it reduced the "isolation" between input analogic 1 and 2. You can hear the sound of analogic 1 with a signal input when you choose the analogic 2 input with nothing connect in analogic 2 . I think that after the position 80 the path of the signal is different and can impaired the sound. Regards
If you reaching 80 on the volume then you must have hearing problems, or you soon will listening at that level!
Surely your reaching the point of where you are damaging your speakers?
If you’re using volume at 80 then you need a more powerful amplifier, like the Hegel 390.
Either that or your speakers are very inefficient.
what is a good AMp for Kef q150?
Is the H-190 a pretty good upgrade over the Rost? I really need to know before I spend $3500. I already own a Rost. Which I absolutely love!
No point asking questions on here unfortunately Jeff, this Guy never answers anything.
I would expect the H190 to sound quite a bit better as it has twice the output and an extra 2000 damping factor over the Roast.
@@hclandscapes I’ve asked multiple questions to the three of them. I don’t think I’ve ever got a reply. I know they are busy and all and a lot of people post questions but......I guess I can’t get on them too much. They churn out video after video for us and that stuff takes a lot of time. So I’m not too worried about it.
@@hclandscapes I misread your initial post. And thought you said this guy Jeff never answers questions. Lol. I was like I always try to reply. 😁
@@hclandscapes Also. I have something else in the works right now. I ordered a 190 but literally just cancelled it today and got a refund on my deposit. Have some top of the line monoblocks build by Cherry Amps.
@@jeffadams9699 I've not heard of that brand before, why the change of decision?
Also i cancelled my order on the quads and went for the Amphion argon ones instead, more expensive but look like great speakers, designed and built in Finland and are supposed to be a perfect match for Hegel.
Do Hegel match with Klipsch RP600?
Would love to hear your thoughts on the Parasound A21+ vs Hegel 190 (amp section)
Hey I had a Hegel 160 and the A21, the difference was not subtle - the 160 was more "audiophile", neutral and clean, the A21 warmer and more gutsy. I liked both, it would depend on your speakers and music tastes. If tyour speakers are hard to drive and you like a warmer sound then go for the A21+, if you listen to mostly high rez music and your speakers are reasonably efficient and you like clarity above all, go for the 120.
@@michaelmityok1001 The difference was not subtle or was? Are the two models miles apart of it is down to personal preference? I assume both are great.
Pls tell me Hegel 190 is wifi enabled or not
How about Croft acoustics? Wonderful minimalist amps from uk
Can i connect h120 to my home Nas (synology) ?
Can anybody comment on the Hegel sound compared to a Devialet d200?? And how are Hegel's streaming capabilties? In theory Devialet should stream, but has always been fiddly....
What about Dynaudio speaker? Excite X38
Just listened to h190. Hegel provides no midrange bass. It separates simply recorded acoustic music beautifully, lusciously, but it squashes the dynamics of pop and rock music. Hegel is for those who want to play Take Five on repeat.