I drive my Revel Salon 2 speakers with a Hegel H590 with spectacular effect!!! I use the H590 strictly as an integrated amp paired with a reference level Ayre Acoustics QX-5 Twenty DAC. I get absolutely astonishing sound quality out of the Salon 2, H590 and Ayre DAC combo. Of course, I also use very high quality cabling and auxiliary equipment to complete my wonderful system. I had to move to a smaller listening space, which necessitated a need for me to downsize from separates to an integrated. The H590 is extremely powerful, dynamic, refined, organic, detailed and transparent with a huge soundstage. Previously, I attempted to drive my Salons with an H390, but the H390, as wonderful as it sounded, just didn't have the horse-power to drive the speakers to full effect (bass drivers). I've been around high end audio for over 25 years, and I've owned a plethora of different speakers, amps, etc., and I firmly believe that the Hegel H590 is one of the top, two or three, best integrated amps, regardless of price, on the market. Of course, we all have our personal preferences. I auditioned several other brands of integrated amps before deciding on the H590, including the venerable Gryphon Diablo 300 integrated. My choice was for the H590, which I though was a much better value for the money, because, to my ears, I thought that the sound quality of the H590 was very much comparable that of the Diablo. Again, we all have our personal preferences. I'm in Audio Heaven with the H590 and cannot recommend it highly enough!!!
Demoing the h590 now at home with Martin Logan ESL’s and a chord tt2 +mscaler holy sh…ttt this is some AMP not normal!!! Control, detail… I never heared Melody Gardot ever like this!!!!What a sound!!!
This is the best way to choose the best system for you. If the music makes you forget the equipment and triggers an emotional response, you have found it.
You've nailed it on the head! Once the audio quality gets past a certain point, it's all about connection to the music and that's entirely dependent on personal preferences. Thanks for your candor!
This is very true.If you like your vintage system and enjoy it and you don't see any lacks no point to upgrade or buy something that costa x10...I am with Yamaha MX-1 power amp and NAD 1155 preamp and the sound is just flawless in my opinion.Everything these audiophiles mention about the 10k costing units are there in my vintage system.They use to do solid devices back in the day as well!
So right on . High end audio products are not so much better than one another but rather, different. To add , the Hegel H590 / TAD ME1, heard just today achieved for me that "moment" that you talk of. Where one just is so captivated with the sound, feeling like being swept away in music time and space.
Thanks Anton - fitting it all in under 5 was a challenge, but very happy you liked it! Denafrips review will probably be March time - it’s very good though, definitely not a hype product!
See I knew you were a secret raver Simon! Glowsticks and fluffy boots at the ready 🤪 I was made to listen to St Germain on repeat for a week when I worked in Our Price as a teenager - made me go slightly loopy!!
I'm glad you said you could do without some of the attributes of the Hegel in exchange for what tubes provide. This seems both honest and realistic to me. I have an H390 and while it does certain notable things that my previous Wells SS integrated did not do-- things I very much enjoy-- the Wells somehow conveyed more emotion. I'm not convinced we can "have it all"-- it would seem that there are very real trade-offs, any way you choose to go.
I own a Hegel H390 paired with Wharfedale Elysian 4. Hegel is quite dynamic and has excellent control of transients and bass that digs low while being in control. What I don't like about it though, is that it tends to mask audio that is smooth specially in the mids while it exaggerated transients. A friend of mine wanted to play a heavy metal track. The Hegel brought the drums so forward, that the quitar solo was hidden in the background.
Isn't it funny how different people experience different things. I compared a hegel (H200 in this case) to Luxman, Electrocompaniet and Gato, and to my ears, the Hegel was the only one that produced "music", it sounded nearly flawless, incredible insight, but with no glare or hardness ever. Smooth, but detailed, lush but incisive. It just felt "right"
Completely - which is why there is rarely a right or wrong opinion about HiFi. Loads of variables, personal preferences and many views equally valid. However we enjoy music, the ultimate aim is always happiness and contentment.
I plan to connect an H 590 XLR with a Parasaund JC 3 Jr phono stage, Dynaudio confidence 20 acoustics. I use a DAC to connect a Densen 410 XS with a coaxial cable. I have a desire to order H 590 despite your review.
With a room that small you can easily get that "floating boat" connection for much less spend overall, as you can never get speakers far apart enough to get the best out of them anyway.
Absolute truth and common sense. Buy equipment because your ears tell you to, not because someone with different taste and associated equipment says they like it. My system has a Schiit mutibit Dac, a Raganok 2 integrated and Dynaudio Evoke 20 speakers helped along with some Rel small subs. It took me nearly eight months of testing, listening, matching equipment to come to this state of satisfaction and musical joy. It does so much right and is emotionally satisfying. Someone else very well could listen to it and turn their nose up. Who cares? That said I am inveterate tinkerer so I couldn't resist adding a Musishare X7 tube integrated and like David, I did some tube rolling with Mullard and Gold Lion Genelex spares. When I want a change, I can switch back and forth and enjoy both. There are retailers hare who will send you equipment on a 30 to 60 day trial with free shipping. Within that time frame, you may return it for any reason if you pay return freight. It took me around ten tries to get it right. I think I was about to be red flagged as a return abuser. I did rack up some serious return freight fees. heh.
It is funny that you would say what you did, because another reviewer or channel Anadialog bought the Heigel amp and he said pretty much what you did. He gave said it was a good amp that sounded almost too perfect at times and lacked life and that it wasn’t his type of sound and he sold his too. I haven’t heard the Heigel sound, but my dealer hates it and he had a h190 in on trade and I hate I didn’t get a chance for a home tryout because it sold quickly. I own mostly all Audio Research stuff except my amps which are Simaudio m400s and my dealer has been pretty accurate about the sound that he knows that I liked, but there are times that you like to stray and just try something new for new sake. I guess with you and Anadiaglog, great minds think alike.
The Gryphon Callisto 2200 has been the core of my hifi system for a lot of years. Now, I'm thinking about a change and the Hegel H590 or the H390 (since everybody seems to agree that is 90% or 95% of a 590) are the two options I'm taking into consideration... But... I'm not sure if I will regret the decision of getting rid of my "old" Gryphon... I've auditioned a lot of Gryphon gear (Antilleon, Callisto, Diablo...) and always liked, but maybe I'm looking right now for a more open, dinamic or energetic sound, and maybe that's something these Hegel amps could offer.
Great video! I love the Hegel sound but like you said its all personal preference. Looking forward to that denafrips review and whatever speakers you have on tap next.
I had a very similar experience with a recent demo with the Hegel H390 paired with Sonus Faber Olympia Nova II. The Hegel was astonishing detailed, clean and dynamic but after an hours listening I realised that I was constantly analysing what the Hegel did well, rather than just sitting back and enjoying the music. It’s a very good amplifier but just not for me. I moved onto a Class A tube amplifier and I instantly found myself relaxing and just enjoying the experience. I just wasn’t emotionally invested in the Hegel but I’m sure many would disagree with me. I’m now on the search for the right tube amplifier which seems like a better choice for the SF’s and more to my personal taste. Great honest review.
@@jearley22 I continued to look at a few tube amplifiers but found I was missing the speed, dark background and dynamics of what a good solid state offers. I eventually decided to check out the Gryphon Diablo 120 and went for a demo at the distributor. Whilst there I also listened to the 300. Both were a fabulous match with the Olympia Nova’s. Very smooth but with with weight and authority and control I was looking for. I settled on the Diablo 300 with Gryphon’s own DAC. I’ve had the system in place about 4 months and I’m very happy with it. I can’t see myself wanting to part with the Diablo.
@@SmallRoomAudio I found the Hegel sound very different and took time to adjust to it just like Amphion speakers. Their sound signature is not overly punchy or showy but they draw you in and make you fall in love as you listen more. By the way, puppy looks cute.
I've read such comments in a lot of videos/forums and it sounds like that's what all the owners are saying. Everyone is hoping that the Hegel will sound better soon. Is that the point of an amplifier? In my opinion, the equipment must sound good immediately.
@@SmallRoomAudio I'm falling apart like a leper on a trampoline. I don't lift things like that any more. All of my friends are old and feeble as well. Maybe my nephew after the covid goes away. Probably his wife could lift more than I can. She's a police officer..
I love the brick and glass table. Reminds me of the seventies when brick and board book shelves were the in thing for home decorating. They disappeared when people realized that they had forgotten about each quakes. We had a big one in the seventies and eighties.
Ten big ones is a LOT of money , so if it's not your cuppa tea then 💯 put your money somewhere else. Denafrips is generating a lot of love recently , would love to give one a try but I'm already so enamoured with my h390 and qutest. Saying that, not like anyone's going on holiday this year so why not spend on hardware lol Keep up the excellent reviews !
Thanks Andy! Unfortunately TH-cam prioritises videos over 10 minutes, which is probably why so many videos are so drawn out! Hopefully we can build our little community without needing to create videos with lots of fluff - remember to tell all your HiFi friends to subscribe and tune in :👍😀
@@SmallRoomAudio Absolutely will spread the word. Keep up the good work! would love to hear more about what music you listen to in the context of the equipment you review. Or is it really irrelevant under the hypothesis that a good system should reproduce all genres equally well.
Hi Andy, to be honest I like to go all over the place musically! I’m not really into one genre, it tends to follow my mood! Today I was on film soundtracks, the day before it was 60s rock’n’roll!!
@@SmallRoomAudio You sound like me. I'm a child of 70's British Rock but I am into classic jazz, Italian grand opera, film and Broadway soundtracks, and world music (e.g. Brazilian, Cuban, African).
This is the main debate I'm dealing with, with regards to my first system. I've been eyeing Line Magnetics lineup especially their Analogue Sound division. I'd like to own a tube amp but my main genre of music is rock from the 90's/80's. Heard the Cayin CS-100a with kt88's has some slam and tighter dynamics but probably not compared to solid state.
Preference? Doesn’t this hold true for most anything in life beyond the basic necessities? Wouldn’t a balanced (honest) review of the Hegel 590 (or any similar amp) dial in on the merits of the SQ & feature set of the item? How can anyone avoid bias creep when comparisons between separates vs integrated equipment…or solid state technology vs tube technology are being made? I think a review of a similarity spec’d piece of equipment would be a more accurate measure of contrast for those, in this case, seeking an integrated solid state amp (with approximately +\- 301 watts)….if we are to settle on one item from the similar group? Tube based equipment sounds different than solid state equipment, due to the different levels of distortion, albeit integrated/all in one amps are increasingly closing in on the sound quality of separates.
Twinski - I was just sharing a personal and honest opinion - that’s the key word here, opinion - I’m not shying away from that. These videos are for entertainment and to help others if they have a similar decision to make. Sometimes I don’t have a direct comparison so just share a view, hopefully it’s both entertaining and helpful, if not - then not a problem, plenty more videos to watch 😀
Very nice presentation, highly appreciated! Indeed a matter of preference. I shall purchase the H590 to see if I agree. (Currently Paradigm Tribute + Cambridge Audio 851W + Cambridge Audio 851E + Nuforce DAC9 + Windows PC) soon to be H590 + PC
Watching from US. Enjoyed the review and your dog! Is it a dachshund? I’m looking for a tube preamp and considering Schiit Freya. I saw your review of it and that was well done as well. Would you say it is close to best bang for the buck? Are there comparable tube (valve 😂) preamps in that price range that you know of?
Thanks Steve! She’s a miniature dachshund, and she says hello! 🐶 The Freya is phenomenal value for money in my opinion, however there could be really good alternatives - perhaps some of the viewers can suggest some?
Hi Steve. All I can add is that I'm playing with the idea of changing out my Schiit Raganok 2 for a Freya+ and perhaps a Vidar amp. Can't find many credible reviews of the Vidar. I guess the Freya+ it's not your warm friendly tube amplifier sound. It has some of those characteristics but is no all the way in, a nice compromise. If you look on Amazon, you can pick up a Muzishare X7 tube integrated for $1300 delivered from a US distributor. It sounds excellent and the build quality is outstanding. It comes with a remote control. Four KT88 tubes guarantee it can run just about any speaker at reasonable levels. Just a thought. I am drooling over Daves Line Magnetic amp but at almost 100 pounds it would be a sack of hammers to move and deal with. The Muzishare is about #50 which I can manage in my physical state of arrested decay.
Hi James, I’ve seen you in all the places I go 👍. Looking for Holy Grails. Thanks for the heads up on the Muzishare. I’ve got refurbished Mac separates from the 80s. I bought Revel F36 speakers. Highly revealing and can sound amazing but they can also be in your face. I’m looking to calm them down a bit with some tubeness! It will probably be next month before I do anything. Let me know if you strike first on the Freya. I’ve got the Bifrost 2 Dac so I thought it would be a natural match. Wish I could help on the Vidar. I’ve seen a lot on the Aegir.
I did notice you said you were in the states. I believe the distributor who sells on Muziahare on Amazon says that in case of warranty issues, he does have a repair service if you couldn't find one locally. My Raganok 2 did die recently and Schiit turned it around repaired in record time. Good folks. They are only about twenty miles from me but I think I heard they are considering moving to a state more business friendly than California. they try to source as much as possible here and the added burden of regulation and taxation probably makes their direct sales model more tenuous. I did listen to a pair of Revels and they just had trouble in my listening space. I am someone who actually has to put a bookshelf speaker on a shelf, although a very sturdy one. They also must be placed no more than a foot from the wall. I have found that turning the speaker with the tweeter down mitigates some of the bass problems in my kind of setup. I really avoid speakers with metal domes and always look for fabric dome tweeters. I am a bit fascinated with the Acoustic Energy carbon fiber tweet. Yes, I'm covid bound and spend a lot of time blabbering on TH-cam sites. It's a bad habit. When I was working, I was notorious for extravagant emails. Some recipients nodding off like a chicken in an eclipse from the tedium.
James, I’m a retired COVID shut in as well. Things looking up. Shots in process. This did give the incentive to get back to audio. Now, I’m afflicted by the mania like I was in the 70s. These Revel speakers are big floor standers and I thought I never heard much better for the Doe rae me in the store. I actually have a brick & mortar dealer called Audio Advice. I could have returned them but 85% of the time they blow my mind. It’s just that last 15% that can have me running for the volume control.
Great insight, I have the H390 which I preferred over the H590 in my room and my taste, cost wasn't an issue its just sometimes less is more. Intrigued by the Denafrips Terminator, wonder is it a big step up from the H390's own DAC - cant wait for your review
This I want to know too. I also have the H390 and would like to have more 3D effect in the soundstage. And a bit higher centre of music.. I think the H390 Dac lacks a bit of this.. It's hard to try many different stand alone Dacs due to cost. Heard that the RME ADI2 is worth testing... Simon tested it with the H390..
@@toffe2ventil Agreed I had a Chord Qutest and sold it as the H390 Dec just sounds more natural and detailed in my room, would like more 3D in the soundstage as that is limited and I didn't get it with the H590 either
Hi TombstoneTube! Welcome 🙏 I’ve got quite a few reviews to do in the coming weeks, but I might get a chance around April - not an overly romantic SF sound, a bit more exciting than you might imagine!
Great review, even though Hegel makes a good fist of an integrated design, I think quality separates of source, Dac, preamp and power amp (preferably in monoblock formation) will always beat the best integrated design. In this particular case without even looking at the amplification, the Terminator R2R Dac provides a far more holographic presentation than the built in Hegel Dac.
@@hclandscapes The sound? 😂 Being serious, I find most amps/brands sound pretty different. I could well have lived with the H190, but I guess the most important thing is that it did not engage my foot, my heart or my head. Kinda made my look out the window and think about the dishes after a while. It may have been different with other speakers or at other volumes (I only play low to low mid volumes) and clearly other people love it! Cheers
@@jazz_addict7079 I’m sure the 590 is great, but having owned or auditioned the H90, H190, P20 and various older Hegel amps, at some point there are just too many fish in the sea to keep barking up the same tree 😃 I think the very high damping factors might be a reason why I don’t gel with Hegels. Anyway, since I can honestly say I would prefer the lowly Rega Brio to any of the Hegel amps I’ve heard, I took a chance on a Rega Aethos. This is a match made in heaven, but I’m sure will not be a lot of peoples cup of tea either! 🙂
Kinda funny video. Buying top line high-end amp just because of reviews?? First of all Hegel is more natural sound and not in your face. It does that exactly because they want to take amp characteristic out of equasions and output sound as they come in from source. I'm currently looking mid range Hegel products but i will try to listen it first. And i already have speakers i know will like Hegel. Some speakers may not pair well with Hegel.
I agree, always try and listen to equipment first - however, it’s been a unique year where shops have been shut and listening to products has been extremely difficult, therefore I suspect buying blind has become rather common place
Another reason you may not buy this amp is when you remove the top cover ,it’s shocking just a rats nest of wiring for this sort of money construction should be much better.
Quite agree Boris - I’ve done a lot of work (and self educating) to my room since this video was made. Check out some of the more recent videos, and a full small room acoustic treatment video soon!
At no time did the reviewer actually "explain" why the 590 is not his cup of tea. If it was the sound, then it would help if the reviewer had explained exactly what he perceived the sound problems (or differences with his current reference) to be. Apparently the reviewer prefers tube amps, but if so, why did he even review a solid state amp? Maybe the title of his review should be "solid state amps are not my cup of tea." Also, the Hegel 390 would have been a better fit for his setup in a small room, or even the 190. For these reasons, I will not subscribe to this channel, because the reviews are waste of time.
Sorry hegel is well overated, and overhyped. It definitely does not do all the details, and micro, macro detail that is possible from the humble cd etc, nor is natural sounding to the recordings with all the natural dynamics and textures that are possible in any recording. It is just an expensive overhyped amp which does not do justice to the recordings, never even mind even the best recordings. It definitely does not have that you are there live and natural feel to it experience. If you want all the details in a recording for a passive system, the Gato pwr 222 monoblocks will totally blow hegel to be an absolutely rubbish piece of overhyped garbage piece of equipment, and any of the active ATC SCM ASL loudspeakers will make hegel sound very broken expensive garbage. Now This Is What You Call Absolute Honesty.
I drive my Revel Salon 2 speakers with a Hegel H590 with spectacular effect!!! I use the H590 strictly as an integrated amp paired with a reference level Ayre Acoustics QX-5 Twenty DAC. I get absolutely astonishing sound quality out of the Salon 2, H590 and Ayre DAC combo. Of course, I also use very high quality cabling and auxiliary equipment to complete my wonderful system. I had to move to a smaller listening space, which necessitated a need for me to downsize from separates to an integrated. The H590 is extremely powerful, dynamic, refined, organic, detailed and transparent with a huge soundstage. Previously, I attempted to drive my Salons with an H390, but the H390, as wonderful as it sounded, just didn't have the horse-power to drive the speakers to full effect (bass drivers). I've been around high end audio for over 25 years, and I've owned a plethora of different speakers, amps, etc., and I firmly believe that the Hegel H590 is one of the top, two or three, best integrated amps, regardless of price, on the market. Of course, we all have our personal preferences. I auditioned several other brands of integrated amps before deciding on the H590, including the venerable Gryphon Diablo 300 integrated. My choice was for the H590, which I though was a much better value for the money, because, to my ears, I thought that the sound quality of the H590 was very much comparable that of the Diablo. Again, we all have our personal preferences. I'm in Audio Heaven with the H590 and cannot recommend it highly enough!!!
Demoing the h590 now at home with Martin Logan ESL’s and a chord tt2 +mscaler holy sh…ttt this is some AMP not normal!!! Control, detail… I never heared Melody Gardot ever like this!!!!What a sound!!!
This is the best way to choose the best system for you. If the music makes you forget the equipment and triggers an emotional response, you have found it.
Absolutely! 👍
This is all I need from a youtube reviewer a balanced & honest approach to any product
Loved it ..
Thank you, really appreciate the kind comments 👍
You've nailed it on the head! Once the audio quality gets past a certain point, it's all about connection to the music and that's entirely dependent on personal preferences. Thanks for your candor!
This is very true.If you like your vintage system and enjoy it and you don't see any lacks no point to upgrade or buy something that costa x10...I am with Yamaha MX-1 power amp and NAD 1155 preamp and the sound is just flawless in my opinion.Everything these audiophiles mention about the 10k costing units are there in my vintage system.They use to do solid devices back in the day as well!
I think there is no other video that explains high end audio better than this does. 👍 Great respect for your approach!
Thank you so much, really appreciate the kind words 👍
This is a perfect review, love the honesty and insight.
Thanks Nicholas, really pleased you liked it 😃
So right on . High end audio products are not so much better than one another but rather, different. To add , the Hegel H590 / TAD ME1, heard just today achieved for me that "moment" that you talk of. Where one just is so captivated with the sound, feeling like being swept away in music time and space.
Appreciate your honesty regarding the Hegel! You done well explaining your reasoning in under
Thanks Anton - fitting it all in under 5 was a challenge, but very happy you liked it! Denafrips review will probably be March time - it’s very good though, definitely not a hype product!
See I knew you were a secret raver Simon! Glowsticks and fluffy boots at the ready 🤪 I was made to listen to St Germain on repeat for a week when I worked in Our Price as a teenager - made me go slightly loopy!!
Dog at 4:10: "I bet there's a squirrel out there."
😂 🐾 🐿
What a great review! Very honest approach. Insightful and concise. Great message about this hobby
I'm glad you said you could do without some of the attributes of the Hegel in exchange for what tubes provide. This seems both honest and realistic to me. I have an H390 and while it does certain notable things that my previous Wells SS integrated did not do-- things I very much enjoy-- the Wells somehow conveyed more emotion. I'm not convinced we can "have it all"-- it would seem that there are very real trade-offs, any way you choose to go.
I own a Hegel H390 paired with Wharfedale Elysian 4. Hegel is quite dynamic and has excellent control of transients and bass that digs low while being in control. What I don't like about it though, is that it tends to mask audio that is smooth specially in the mids while it exaggerated transients. A friend of mine wanted to play a heavy metal track. The Hegel brought the drums so forward, that the quitar solo was hidden in the background.
Isn't it funny how different people experience different things. I compared a hegel (H200 in this case) to Luxman, Electrocompaniet and Gato, and to my ears, the Hegel was the only one that produced "music", it sounded nearly flawless, incredible insight, but with no glare or hardness ever. Smooth, but detailed, lush but incisive. It just felt "right"
Completely - which is why there is rarely a right or wrong opinion about HiFi. Loads of variables, personal preferences and many views equally valid. However we enjoy music, the ultimate aim is always happiness and contentment.
I plan to connect an H 590 XLR with a Parasaund JC 3 Jr phono stage, Dynaudio confidence 20 acoustics. I use a DAC to connect a Densen 410 XS with a coaxial cable. I have a desire to order H 590 despite your review.
With a room that small you can easily get that "floating boat" connection for much less spend overall, as you can never get speakers far apart enough to get the best out of them anyway.
Absolute truth and common sense. Buy equipment because your ears tell you to, not because someone with different taste and associated equipment says they like it. My system has a Schiit mutibit Dac, a Raganok 2 integrated and Dynaudio Evoke 20 speakers helped along with some Rel small subs. It took me nearly eight months of testing, listening, matching equipment to come to this state of satisfaction and musical joy. It does so much right and is emotionally satisfying. Someone else very well could listen to it and turn their nose up. Who cares? That said I am inveterate tinkerer so I couldn't resist adding a Musishare X7 tube integrated and like David, I did some tube rolling with Mullard and Gold Lion Genelex spares. When I want a change, I can switch back and forth and enjoy both. There are retailers hare who will send you equipment on a 30 to 60 day trial with free shipping. Within that time frame, you may return it for any reason if you pay return freight. It took me around ten tries to get it right. I think I was about to be red flagged as a return abuser. I did rack up some serious return freight fees. heh.
It is funny that you would say what you did, because another reviewer or channel Anadialog bought the Heigel amp and he said pretty much what you did. He gave said it was a good amp that sounded almost too perfect at times and lacked life and that it wasn’t his type of sound and he sold his too. I haven’t heard the Heigel sound, but my dealer hates it and he had a h190 in on trade and I hate I didn’t get a chance for a home tryout because it sold quickly.
I own mostly all Audio Research stuff except my amps which are Simaudio m400s and my dealer has been pretty accurate about the sound that he knows that I liked, but there are times that you like to stray and just try something new for new sake. I guess with you and Anadiaglog, great minds think alike.
I love his channel, he’s one of the most fun to watch! 👍
I listened to h590 too.
But i find my Gryphon Diablo 120 a more emotional musical experience.
I used to own an Atilla and agree those amps are incredibly natural and very engaging 👍
@@SmallRoomAudio The 120 is
basically the same amplifier with small improvements, and a larger cabinet to accommodate either riaa module or dac
The Gryphon Callisto 2200 has been the core of my hifi system for a lot of years. Now, I'm thinking about a change and the Hegel H590 or the H390 (since everybody seems to agree that is 90% or 95% of a 590) are the two options I'm taking into consideration... But... I'm not sure if I will regret the decision of getting rid of my "old" Gryphon... I've auditioned a lot of Gryphon gear (Antilleon, Callisto, Diablo...) and always liked, but maybe I'm looking right now for a more open, dinamic or energetic sound, and maybe that's something these Hegel amps could offer.
@@carlosnieto8241 To me the Diablo 120 sounds more "live" than the Hegel 590, and the dac module is clearly better in the 120.
Great video! I love the Hegel sound but like you said its all personal preference. Looking forward to that denafrips review and whatever speakers you have on tap next.
Thanks Neil! Really appreciate the ongoing support 👍
I had a very similar experience with a recent demo with the Hegel H390 paired with Sonus Faber Olympia Nova II. The Hegel was astonishing detailed, clean and dynamic but after an hours listening I realised that I was constantly analysing what the Hegel did well, rather than just sitting back and enjoying the music. It’s a very good amplifier but just not for me. I moved onto a Class A tube amplifier and I instantly found myself relaxing and just enjoying the experience. I just wasn’t emotionally invested in the Hegel but I’m sure many would disagree with me. I’m now on the search for the right tube amplifier which seems like a better choice for the SF’s and more to my personal taste. Great honest review.
Thanks Darren, really appreciate the comment! 👍
Darren, any update on your search?
@@jearley22 I continued to look at a few tube amplifiers but found I was missing the speed, dark background and dynamics of what a good solid state offers. I eventually decided to check out the Gryphon Diablo 120 and went for a demo at the distributor. Whilst there I also listened to the 300. Both were a fabulous match with the Olympia Nova’s. Very smooth but with with weight and authority and control I was looking for. I settled on the Diablo 300 with Gryphon’s own DAC. I’ve had the system in place about 4 months and I’m very happy with it. I can’t see myself wanting to part with the Diablo.
How Long did you use the Hegel? In my experience, Hegel amps get better and better after using them for a long time.
It was purchased 2nd hand and I also gave it plenty of listening time. It just wasn’t a love affair that was meant to be unfortunately
@@SmallRoomAudio I found the Hegel sound very different and took time to adjust to it just like Amphion speakers. Their sound signature is not overly punchy or showy but they draw you in and make you fall in love as you listen more. By the way, puppy looks cute.
I've read such comments in a lot of videos/forums and it sounds like that's what all the owners are saying. Everyone is hoping that the Hegel will sound better soon. Is that the point of an amplifier? In my opinion, the equipment must sound good immediately.
Thank you for the vide
Very welcome! 😃 👍
I just looked at your listening room snap and you are not kidding. It's small!
Made to look smaller with my poor tidying - I need a spring clean!
@@SmallRoomAudio Let me know if you want to toss out the Line Magnetic.
Haha - imaging tossing a 42kg amp - can barely drag it across the floor!!
@@SmallRoomAudio I'm falling apart like a leper on a trampoline. I don't lift things like that any more. All of my friends are old and feeble as well. Maybe my nephew after the covid goes away. Probably his wife could lift more than I can. She's a police officer..
I love the brick and glass table. Reminds me of the seventies when brick and board book shelves were the in thing for home decorating. They disappeared when people realized that they had forgotten about each quakes. We had a big one in the seventies and eighties.
That's true. It's all about taste. I myself love Hegel and need a Hegel booster💉🥃
Ten big ones is a LOT of money , so if it's not your cuppa tea then 💯 put your money somewhere else.
Denafrips is generating a lot of love recently , would love to give one a try but I'm already so enamoured with my h390 and qutest.
Saying that, not like anyone's going on holiday this year so why not spend on hardware lol
Keep up the excellent reviews !
Thanks Matthew - and yeah, trying to convince my wife audio investment is the new Italian city break!...not sure I’m winning that one!
@@SmallRoomAudio Florence Vs Florence and the Machine....
Good luck with that one
Love these short reviews.. You say more in 5 mins than others in 15 (or more!!) keep up this format :-)
Thanks Andy! Unfortunately TH-cam prioritises videos over 10 minutes, which is probably why so many videos are so drawn out! Hopefully we can build our little community without needing to create videos with lots of fluff - remember to tell all your HiFi friends to subscribe and tune in :👍😀
@@SmallRoomAudio Absolutely will spread the word. Keep up the good work! would love to hear more about what music you listen to in the context of the equipment you review. Or is it really irrelevant under the hypothesis that a good system should reproduce all genres equally well.
Hi Andy, to be honest I like to go all over the place musically! I’m not really into one genre, it tends to follow my mood! Today I was on film soundtracks, the day before it was 60s rock’n’roll!!
@@SmallRoomAudio You sound like me. I'm a child of 70's British Rock but I am into classic jazz, Italian grand opera, film and Broadway soundtracks, and world music (e.g. Brazilian, Cuban, African).
Good review. I understand that feeling too.
I get what you are saying 👍
Yeah, had it and sold it too, didn't match my music tastes.
I just discovered this Channel. It's great.
Cute doggo
Thanks Henrik - welcome to the channel!! 🔥
This is the main debate I'm dealing with, with regards to my first system. I've been eyeing Line Magnetics lineup especially their Analogue Sound division. I'd like to own a tube amp but my main genre of music is rock from the 90's/80's. Heard the Cayin CS-100a with kt88's has some slam and tighter dynamics but probably not compared to solid state.
KT88 tend to have more thump, but you’re right - SS amps (especially with grip like the Hegel) will definitely give you more!
The only amp and CD player that does both would be the MBL and Burmester.
Preference? Doesn’t this hold true for most anything in life beyond the basic necessities?
Wouldn’t a balanced (honest) review of the Hegel 590 (or any similar amp) dial in on the merits of the SQ & feature set of the item? How can anyone avoid bias creep when comparisons between separates vs integrated equipment…or solid state technology vs tube technology are being made?
I think a review of a similarity spec’d piece of equipment would be a more accurate measure of contrast for those, in this case, seeking an integrated solid state amp (with approximately +\- 301 watts)….if we are to settle on one item from the similar group?
Tube based equipment sounds different than solid state equipment, due to the different levels of distortion, albeit integrated/all in one amps are increasingly closing in on the sound quality of separates.
Twinski - I was just sharing a personal and honest opinion - that’s the key word here, opinion - I’m not shying away from that. These videos are for entertainment and to help others if they have a similar decision to make. Sometimes I don’t have a direct comparison so just share a view, hopefully it’s both entertaining and helpful, if not - then not a problem, plenty more videos to watch 😀
@@SmallRoomAudio Aaah I see…fair enough.
Very nice presentation, highly appreciated! Indeed a matter of preference. I shall purchase the H590 to see if I agree. (Currently Paradigm Tribute + Cambridge Audio 851W + Cambridge Audio 851E + Nuforce DAC9 + Windows PC) soon to be H590 + PC
Any updates with the purchase?
Watching from US. Enjoyed the review and your dog! Is it a dachshund? I’m looking for a tube preamp and considering Schiit Freya. I saw your review of it and that was well done as well. Would you say it is close to best bang for the buck? Are there comparable tube (valve 😂) preamps in that price range that you know of?
Thanks Steve! She’s a miniature dachshund, and she says hello! 🐶 The Freya is phenomenal value for money in my opinion, however there could be really good alternatives - perhaps some of the viewers can suggest some?
Hi Steve. All I can add is that I'm playing with the idea of changing out my Schiit Raganok 2 for a Freya+ and perhaps a Vidar amp. Can't find many credible reviews of the Vidar. I guess the Freya+ it's not your warm friendly tube amplifier sound. It has some of those characteristics but is no all the way in, a nice compromise.
If you look on Amazon, you can pick up a Muzishare X7 tube integrated for $1300 delivered from a US distributor. It sounds excellent and the build quality is outstanding. It comes with a remote control. Four KT88 tubes guarantee it can run just about any speaker at reasonable levels. Just a thought.
I am drooling over Daves Line Magnetic amp but at almost 100 pounds it would be a sack of hammers to move and deal with. The Muzishare is about #50 which I can manage in my physical state of arrested decay.
Hi James, I’ve seen you in all the places I go 👍. Looking for Holy Grails. Thanks for the heads up on the Muzishare. I’ve got refurbished Mac separates from the 80s. I bought Revel F36 speakers. Highly revealing and can sound amazing but they can also be in your face. I’m looking to calm them down a bit with some tubeness! It will probably be next month before I do anything. Let me know if you strike first on the Freya. I’ve got the Bifrost 2 Dac so I thought it would be a natural match. Wish I could help on the Vidar. I’ve seen a lot on the Aegir.
I did notice you said you were in the states. I believe the distributor who sells on Muziahare on Amazon says that in case of warranty issues, he does have a repair service if you couldn't find one locally. My Raganok 2 did die recently and Schiit turned it around repaired in record time. Good folks. They are only about twenty miles from me but I think I heard they are considering moving to a state more business friendly than California. they try to source as much as possible here and the added burden of regulation and taxation probably makes their direct sales model more tenuous.
I did listen to a pair of Revels and they just had trouble in my listening space. I am someone who actually has to put a bookshelf speaker on a shelf, although a very sturdy one. They also must be placed no more than a foot from the wall. I have found that turning the speaker with the tweeter down mitigates some of the bass problems in my kind of setup. I really avoid speakers with metal domes and always look for fabric dome tweeters. I am a bit fascinated with the Acoustic Energy carbon fiber tweet. Yes, I'm covid bound and spend a lot of time blabbering on TH-cam sites. It's a bad habit. When I was working, I was notorious for extravagant emails. Some recipients nodding off like a chicken in an eclipse from the tedium.
James, I’m a retired COVID shut in as well. Things looking up. Shots in process. This did give the incentive to get back to audio. Now, I’m afflicted by the mania like I was in the 70s. These Revel speakers are big floor standers and I thought I never heard much better for the Doe rae me in the store. I actually have a brick & mortar dealer called Audio Advice. I could have returned them but 85% of the time they blow my mind. It’s just that last 15% that can have me running for the volume control.
I am curios what the dogs opinion is 😅
She says ‘CHICKEN IS THE BEST!’
Great insight, I have the H390 which I preferred over the H590 in my room and my taste, cost wasn't an issue its just sometimes less is more. Intrigued by the Denafrips Terminator, wonder is it a big step up from the H390's own DAC - cant wait for your review
Thanks Alan! 🙏 More on the terminator in a month or so, it’s very good!
This I want to know too. I also have the H390 and would like to have more 3D effect in the soundstage. And a bit higher centre of music.. I think the H390 Dac lacks a bit of this.. It's hard to try many different stand alone Dacs due to cost. Heard that the RME ADI2 is worth testing... Simon tested it with the H390..
@@toffe2ventil Agreed I had a Chord Qutest and sold it as the H390 Dec just sounds more natural and detailed in my room, would like more 3D in the soundstage as that is limited and I didn't get it with the H590 either
@@toffe2ventil By Holo audio May KTE dac -better than terminator or T+
@@amckeeuk Or buy audio magic ultimate premier fuse and you will see how big stage has H390. try with that first!!!
What about the accuphase e480?
I’d love to review Accuphase, but it’s really expensive to buy so I’m reliant on being sent those products to look at.
Just found your channel. Will you do a review of the SF Amator's?
Hi TombstoneTube! Welcome 🙏 I’ve got quite a few reviews to do in the coming weeks, but I might get a chance around April - not an overly romantic SF sound, a bit more exciting than you might imagine!
Hegel super, ale pies najlepszy..👍😍👌🏆🏆❤️🐶
What a beautiful doggy.
Thank you Jim! She says hello! 🐶 🎶 👍
@@SmallRoomAudio And my three say hello back!
Great review, i just hope you didn't buy new and loose too much on the resell.
Thanks for the good message.
Hi Yannick930! Thank you for the nice comment - Thankfully I was able to pick it up second hand, so the loss (although painful) wasn’t too bad. 💰 🤮 👍
I wonder what speakers were being used
Sonus Faber Electa Amator iii / Klipsch Cornwall iii / Triangle Borea BR02 / B&W 705s2
508ia with the grand daddy denafrips vs the monster hegel!
You're living my best life! 😄
And you've answered the 590 question, tubes here I come!
i love both ......😌😌😊😊
Great review, even though Hegel makes a good fist of an integrated design, I think quality separates of source, Dac, preamp and power amp (preferably in monoblock formation) will always beat the best integrated design. In this particular case without even looking at the amplification, the Terminator R2R Dac provides a far more holographic presentation than the built in Hegel Dac.
Thank you 🙏 😃
Not even a realistic reply a $4500 dac vs the stock basic dac
Try the T+A 200:dac it destroys the Chinese junk terminator dac !!
I home auditions the Hegel H190 and it is clearly a good amp, it just wasn’t to my taste and didn’t do much for me.
What didn't you like about it?
@@hclandscapes The sound? 😂 Being serious, I find most amps/brands sound pretty different. I could well have lived with the H190, but I guess the most important thing is that it did not engage my foot, my heart or my head. Kinda made my look out the window and think about the dishes after a while. It may have been different with other speakers or at other volumes (I only play low to low mid volumes) and clearly other people love it! Cheers
If you are assuming the 390 and 590 sound like the 190, you are very much mistaken! They are voiced quite differently.
@@jazz_addict7079 I’m sure the 590 is great, but having owned or auditioned the H90, H190, P20 and various older Hegel amps, at some point there are just too many fish in the sea to keep barking up the same tree 😃 I think the very high damping factors might be a reason why I don’t gel with Hegels. Anyway, since I can honestly say I would prefer the lowly Rega Brio to any of the Hegel amps I’ve heard, I took a chance on a Rega Aethos. This is a match made in heaven, but I’m sure will not be a lot of peoples cup of tea either! 🙂
Excellent video
Thank you 🙏 😃
given the type of dog you got there. l guess i know why it’s not your cup of 🍵. A hegel is like a pit bull you want hot dog?
😂lol I don’t think that’s a very good observation
Hegels are bad match with Sonus Faber. Both of these have warm sound signature imo. Too much of a good thing.
Hallo,
Hegel & Dog are wunderful. ❤️
Gruß, Heike
Thank you - the dog says WOOF! 🐶 👍
DAC is made in China, Hegel is vague on specs
I thought that was a dog printed on your t shirt at the beginning.
Haha she’s pretty much attached to me most of the time!
Kinda funny video. Buying top line high-end amp just because of reviews?? First of all Hegel is more natural sound and not in your face. It does that exactly because they want to take amp characteristic out of equasions and output sound as they come in from source. I'm currently looking mid range Hegel products but i will try to listen it first. And i already have speakers i know will like Hegel. Some speakers may not pair well with Hegel.
I agree, always try and listen to equipment first - however, it’s been a unique year where shops have been shut and listening to products has been extremely difficult, therefore I suspect buying blind has become rather common place
Another reason you may not buy this amp is when you remove the top cover ,it’s shocking just a rats nest of wiring for this sort of money construction should be much better.
Loved the video totally valid points sub'd
Thank you 🙏 😃 🔥
U got that big h590 for them tiny speakers ....what a wolly
Its Not to late to remove the useless foam from your Walls:)
Quite agree Boris - I’ve done a lot of work (and self educating) to my room since this video was made. Check out some of the more recent videos, and a full small room acoustic treatment video soon!
At no time did the reviewer actually "explain" why the 590 is not his cup of tea. If it was the sound, then it would help if the reviewer had explained exactly what he perceived the sound problems (or differences with his current reference) to be. Apparently the reviewer prefers tube amps, but if so, why did he even review a solid state amp? Maybe the title of his review should be "solid state amps are not my cup of tea." Also, the Hegel 390 would have been a better fit for his setup in a small room, or even the 190. For these reasons, I will not subscribe to this channel, because the reviews are waste of time.
But he did
He clearly prefers the sound of tube amps. A more honest title for the review would've been "A tube amp lover's review of the Hegel H590".
support
Audiophile Puppy
She definitely has better hearing than me!
I wouldn't want one myself.
Sorry hegel is well overated, and overhyped. It definitely does not do all the details, and micro, macro detail that is possible from the humble cd etc, nor is natural sounding to the recordings with all the natural dynamics and textures that are possible in any recording. It is just an expensive overhyped amp which does not do justice to the recordings, never even mind even the best recordings. It definitely does not have that you are there live and natural feel to it experience. If you want all the details in a recording for a passive system, the Gato pwr 222 monoblocks will totally blow hegel to be an absolutely rubbish piece of overhyped garbage piece of equipment, and any of the active ATC SCM ASL loudspeakers will make hegel sound very broken expensive garbage. Now This Is What You Call Absolute Honesty.
No that was what you‘d call a besserwisser attitude. Not convincing
Wrong
Why the Heck k don’t you review the superb New Hegel H600 it is far better in every respect
And very good streaming
Why the Heck k don’t you review the superb New Hegel H600 it is far better in every respect
And very good streaming
If they send me one to review, it would be my pleasure!
Why the Heck k don’t you review the superb New Hegel H600 it is far better in every respect
And very good streaming
Why the Heck k don’t you review the superb New Hegel H600 it is far better in every respect
And very good streaming