I’m really glad you’re the first person out with the h400. It means I don’t have to watch any of the other ones when they come out. First and last word great video.
@@abritishaudiophile7314 can I ask, do the h190 and h400 have a system to easily change the unit so it can go from 120w to 220w or the other way. Ie for someone that spends months in Europe and then months in North America do these Hagel work. I ask because I do go back and forth I have the h190 but now want the h400. Thank you
@@abritishaudiophile7314 I haven’t gotten a clear answer from them. They sent me to an authorized repair shop, which is since closed. They thought it was a fairly simple transition that wouldn’t damage the sound which of course the key point. But then other audio files that I know were sceptical of that . But actually, (having slept on it ) I think your video has solved the problem for me. I think what I’m going to do is I’m going to sell the h190 while I’m still in Canada and buy the h400 in Spain. The only thing I’m waiting for is the separates that you said you would do . I’m just not remembering the company name right now but they’re the ones that you had for years they have a new pair of separates ie preamp and amp that’s higher-powered. It’s a little bit more money but they got my eye as well and I think I will wait for your review on that before making a final decision on the 400. I just can’t remember the name of the company, but you talk about it every single video. It’s the separates that you have the app and preamp that you have had for years. . You said you would do a review of the companies, currently being built amp and preamp which is more high-powered..
@@abritishaudiophile7314 I still need to hear your review of the new Exposure amp preamp combo before deciding on the h400. I expect that to be a great comparison?
You can take what you please. I am not all analog or all digital. I have many formats supported in my system. But on the subject of separates over integrated, there is no contest. Separates whoop tail in my system and is what I’ve had from the start. I don’t believe in kicking what others use and could care less as it is up to each individual what is important to them. Vinyl, cassette tape, and CD are equally and supremely represented in my system. I’ve been in audio since 1974. Been involved in building audio gear and modification of same. I’ve no regrets for what I have. Each must seek their own pleasures in this hobby. Mine come from helping others extract all they can get from what they have. This pleasures me greatly. This hobby is my own personal therapy from a world full of hostility and a total lack of grace. This hobby is sanity and happiness rolled into one immersive experience. I love it and so should you! Great review Tarun! Poo on the haters, full speed ahead!
@@CarlVanDoren61, that’s correct given my level of involvement. Most see this as a hobby, but I see myself as very passionate given my level of involvement. Hope you are happy in your journey.
"a world full of hostility and a total lack of grace". A bleak worldview, and one with which I disagree, but I do agree that music restores balance and offers solace during difficult times.
Not a bleak worldview. Realistic to those who can comprehend reality for what it is and call it so. It doesn’t make it any better to call it elsewise. It isn’t negative, just realistic. Only if you have your head in the sand or live in delusion can you not see it for what it is. According to one in particular it is a lost and dying world. Even more reason for prayer and having faith in God. Some will never get it, but we can hope and pray for them.
Being very visual , my favorite part of the video/s is when the camera is moving over the parts being explained . couple that with your soothing voice and it keeps me interested until the end . 👍
Great review Tarun. Many of our customers love that Hegel integrated amps have a built-in DAC and streamer for a high quality but simple system. And when those aspects of performance become dated, the internal ones don't have to be used if they upgrade those components. If it is as good or better than bare-bones integrated amps at the same price, then the inclusion of DAC and streamer isn't an issue, but they are very welcome features for many. Internet critics generally are much more vocal than those that are super satisfied, so that's why the complaints seems more prevalent. Keep up the good work.
I share Tarun's point of view. It makes sense for manufactures to limit the options available to the buyer for components at lower price points but less so for ones at higher price points. The higher the price category, the more particular the knowledgeable buyer is likely to be on the components in their system. NAD's modular construction addresses this situation.
@geoffreydebrito7934 totally get where you're coming from. It works if it is a plug-in module. That way there aren't inventory issues with stocking two different types of the same integrated.
You are 100% right, I have dismissed Hegel products in the past because it had an integrated streamer and DAC. I like separates and I already have too many redundant features I don’t use in some components. I have started to buy products that only have what I need and nothing else.
For the past 3 years or so, I've been powering my beloved Revel Salon 2 speakers with the phenomenal Hegel H590 integrated amp. I only use the Hegel H590 strictly as an amp/preamp, with spectacular results.
Hi Tarun, You Tube is doing it again. I am not getting notifications for your videos again. There is nothing wrong with being a "Hagel fan-boy", but watching your channel it is obvious that you are not. You are even tempered throughout your reviews, as well as being thorough. That is why I find them so good.
Love Hegel products they are some of the best hifi components at doing everything well. I had a Hegel h160 + Maggie LRS combo for several years and it was fantastic. I’ve since sold for a Maggie 1.7i + Anthem STR integrated but remember Hegel fondly.
Answering to your question, living space in modern life is an issue. Having a reference of system setup based on small, medium and large spaces could be a nice topic to cover. Of course this is really on the convenient side of the HIFI discussion.
As a very happy Hegel H600 owner, I can confirm the quality and ease of use of the new Hegel streaming platform and DACs. For people that want a fantastically simple system, just plug in the H400 or H600, add speakers, and load up Tidal connect. Great sound made easy!
Do you think Hegel will still be supporting these amps in 15 to 20 years though, or even 10......or do you think the streamers and DACs will be redundant?
@@rog86 I suspect that Hegel will support their streaming app for a long time, but 15-20 years may be a stretch. However, not sure whether their streaming app or streaming hardware would become obsolete. If streaming technology did change enough to make the included streamer obsolete, then simply add a new outboard streamer. DAC's are unlikely to need any updating, since the included one already supports fairly high bit rates beyond which most people or services even use now.
I’ve never heard a Hegel amplifier but they do seem wonderful. Glad they made the new version a nice step up! Sounds like an integrated that can stop the shop so to speak!
Hi Tarun, I am pleased to hear your correct pronunciation of the letter 'H'. I can remember my parents instructing me how to pronounce it properly in the !950's. I have been a very keen Audio enthusiast since 1970 and have owned some amazing equipment since then. I had a huge pile of stuff at one stage. An amazing Electrocompaniet CD player. Parasound pre amp, two big Parasound stereo power amps bi-amping a big pair of TDL transmission line loudspeakers, a DVD player and Lord knows what else. Oh yes, a projector and a drop down screen. In a way such a plethora of boxes would now be seen by myself as an embarrassment. To watch the videos of viewers systems where they have so many boxes on display makes me wonder are they sad lonely fellows because what partner would want to live in a definite Man Cave. I really appreciated and enjoyed the Hegel H400 review and the idea of a really good integrated amplifier combined with a good DAC and Streamer is brilliant. I know that in the end the different main components separated into separate boxes is ideal but surely with today's technology these components can be isolated from each other successfully in one box. I find the H400 an attractive proposition as a future purchase. One box instead of three and less cable tangles which are so unsightly. Is it a bloke thing where they feel happy owning and playing with grown up toys. As far as Im concerned, I just want to listen to the music with the minimum of fuss and fiddling around. I think I had better employ a security company now.
Haven't watched a more entertaining Hifi video in a while. Seriously. Solid advice. My Tradutto is on fire after more than two years in my rig. It's the least expensive piece. It is punching so far above its weight it knocks me out. Less than 13k all in and rocking. Room is wood and cloth.
One of my favourite parts of this VERY well put together video was someone "admitted" that it's "OK" to aspire to listen to, and ENJOY an expensive system ("5k speakers, 6k amplifier and 6k front end"). Taurun, I applaud you 😁👍😁
Its OK to aspire to listen to a system as high in fidelity as our situation permits. When I was married and raising a daughter, that circumstance naturally limited what common sense allowed us to spend on a system. Now, single and retired, I can and do devote considerably more resources to my system(s).
@@geoffreydebrito7934 I couldn't agree more! 😁😁 From what you say, this/your hobby provides you with a great deal of pleasure. I too am fortunate enough to be able to (just) afford the "higher end" of the market. For me, I think it's worth it, although "mistakes" are expensive too.. 🤷
Tarun, you are spot on regarding Hegel's inclusion of DAC & streamer modules...I too will not consider such given I have already invested in a top quality dedicated streamer (Rose 130) and DAC (TT2 and MScaler). I use a 'vintage' Krell KSA 100 to drive my Magnepan 3.6R...and I reckon this Hegel would be fabulous 😏
for someone who started upgrading from very cheap system this is different. I had a dac that was 400 new and and audiolab 8000a. Bought a second hand Hegel H80 (and sold the dac and audiolab). The amplifier section is the big upgrade, I am very very pleased to what i discover in the music I already new and how more natural it sounds with the Hegel. Next upgrade for me are my Dali suite speakers. I stream music with an Moon Mind 180.
I use TT2/Mscaler as well; and TT2 is used as the Preamp for my Integrated. This finally provided the sound I've been after! It might be interesting to try the H390 with TT2.
If I bought a Hegel I considered the internal DAC and streamer moduls as a backup in the case my separates are down or not available for whatever reason. They could also be used as a reference for testing the newest and latest highly praised gear in the sub 2000$ range.
As usual a great an balanced review- thank you sir! Interestingly, when I bought a new Integrated Amp a few years ago I already was on Hegel, but compared many amps as I wanted to have at least buyers remorse as possible. We all know there are always compromises. So I tried the Hegel 390, NAD M33 and others, at home. It was a close run between the NAD and the Hegel, with some concerns on how the NAD might age - concerning SW-compatibility. I always sniffed at Yamaha. Too less power, huge company nothing boutique high-end, etc. pp. But a dealer asked me to just try it. So I tried the completely analog AS-3200. Big room with luckily great acoustics (not perfect but really good) and large stands. And the AS-3200 got me, it surpassed the others for my ears. Only when making the music really loud, the NAD and the Hegel had more authority and easiness. But stage, correct bass and mids where just better and nicer to listen over all- with a very simple streaming DAC and my existing very sufficient RCA Phono set-up. Yes, I had to buy a proper DAC afterwards (ended after a bit back and for with a Denafrips Pontus II and love it). Without the AS-3200 the Hegel would finally have been my choice over the others, the authority in the lows is insane, but stage width and depth is no match for the Yamaha AS-3200. Ah and yes, in the end I of course ended up payed a lot more than planned and not having a nice and simple single Amp with integrated DAC and maybe integrated Bluesound, but again more equipment than before - luckily I have a very understanding wife 😊
I have to add: The Hegel minimalstic design is great and is my absolute favorite. The difference were also not huge, so my text is potentially a bit overstating that. Hmm, maybe I should try this new Hegel … 😉
I have a h190, and love the fact that i have just one box in my room, and I am fully Roon Ready. If I'd get new speakers I'd definitely consider this amp.
On the other hand I use an upgraded Audio Research Ref 9 CDP as a cd player and as a separate DAC. In one system matched to the Michi X3. In the second system I use an Audio Research D240 MKII as the power amp. These two ARC products are the keys in the audio chain that have stopped me looking much further. I stream digital from a MXN10 to that Ref 9 CDP and get wonderful results. I stream from an upgraded AV8805 to the D240 and get stupendous results. Cable upgrades made another stopping point. No where else to go but listen to the music. The two rooms are very different one and open living room the other is an office. Both are amazing.
never heard a Hegel amp so can't really comment but they are well reviewed as is your own review, me, I have to be satisfied with what I have as now i'm some years in retirement the days of swapping gear and upgrading are over...but now my enjoyment comes from listening to the music library I have and streaming via Qobuz...
What I'd really love to see is an update to their old H20 and P20 amp and preamp. The H30 and P30 got completely new overhauls but they are astronomically priced compared to the integrated models. The H20 hits a sweet spot but its a very old design by now.
Excellent review. A friend of mine has the H190 paired with the Q accoustics 5050, and the sounds is breathtaking, especially considering the system is way below $10k. Hegel definitely makes good equipment.
I could live blissfully contented with the H400's built-in DAC and STREAMER without feeling ANY need to upgrade to separate components! Nevertheless, an excellent review, Mr. British Audiophile.
Excellent review as always, Tarun. Hegel has always intrigued me sans the price 😂.You asked if we were happy with our systems. I have a few and I like them all very much. It’s a combo of vintage McIntosh, and Rogue Audio. A mix of vintage, and modern speakers, modern dacs.
In answer to your question Tarun, I'm quite happy with my system right now as I feel it has reached the point of being well-balanced. That is to say that every component - streamer, DAC, power amp, and speakers - works well with the others with no obvious weakness in the chain, and together they produce a great sound. Of course there's potential for upgrades. The current pace of DAC development is amazing with a new "killer" device appearing in the market every few months. The LAiV Harmony and Gustard's new X30 spring to mind. Either of these or whatever comes out next would no doubt be a significant improvement over my modest-by-comparison Chord Mojo 2 but I can’t see myself shelling out €2,999 for a new DAC in the short-to-medium term. More likely, in the next year, I’ll get a pair of vacuum tube input buffers for my Purifi 1ET-400A based class D power amp. At around €1,335 that’s still by no means in the “no-brainer” purchase category but the promise of “a warmer and more tube-like presentation that showcases smooth, warm mids along with a holographic sound stage” is something I’d like to experience. In the shorter term, I’ve very recently been contemplating the addition of an Ethernet noise isolator. I can’t say I’m conscious of hearing network noise but, on the other hand, my streamer is connected to my Internet router via a couple of HomePlug AV2 powerline adapters, so the steam could well be subject to noise at it transits the household power cables. I need to do more research into cost/benefits as it appears an Ethernet isolator can be had from anywhere between about €50 and €1,850. Such is the nature of Hi-Fi!
I agree with you on the sound quality and authority of Hegel … However, when my H390 left channel went dead after mere light use in my home, I am left stranded by both the dealer and by Hegel . I am now left with the Amp in its original box and resigned to listening to my Maggi 1.7i with a modest Schiit Vidar amplifier. So much for the 5K investment in Hegel!! Service support is as important as the quality. And that is not usually covered by most reviewers.
Hey Tarun, great to hear another review! I love the idea of a Hegel amp but I really need tone controls to deal with variations in source recording quality. Currently have a Lyngdorf TDAI-3400 but thinking about a Hifi Rose RA280 or Accuphase. Right now looking to upgrade my ProAc Tablette signature, maybe to Amphion Argon 3LS. But the Tablette are hard to beat in my small room :) Once again thanks for your reviews and thanks for modifying your "H" pronunciation 😂
Great review as usual thanks Tarun. I haven't yet tried Hegel, but probably will do one day. They seem to be shooting for the stars with performance, with the latest pricing too. Hegel is a mass producer, I think it would be quite difficult for Hegel to offer all options, ie DAC, streamer, phono, bluetooth etc, without requiring some assembly/disassembly at the AD or extended waiting times. I for one wouldn't like that. So, as long as DAC, phono, Bluetooth, Streamer etc is of very good quality components, well implemented and shielded I think most people would be happy with that. Plus you have more potential buyers for used examples. Seperates to me do sound better...usually, but there is still the synergy aspect, you can end up in a money pit, purchasing another DAC for instance, because your new fantastic amplifier doesn't quite gel with it. So, personally I am with Hegel on this one. As always, you have to home demo at this price point. Keep up the excellent work! 👍
Really good review, Tarun. Ironically, as a purist I shouldn’t want an amplifier with a built in DAC and streamer, however, as I listen to records almost exclusively, buying the H400 would save me the trouble of buying a digital front end and also space in the rack. In answer to your question, I have spent far more on my turntable/arm/cartridge/phono stage combo than I have on any other part of the system and my speakers have recently been upgraded too. So logically, a new amp is the next move. Weeellll, nope. The amp is far from disgraced in the elevated company and hence I’m going to build a custom external housing for the turntable PSU and then upgrade to the top spec main bearing. After that it’s Auva speaker feet. Cheers, Mark
Looks like you got ahead of everyone with the review. Well done! Hegel 400 just got the EISA award for the best premium streaming amplifier alongside Rotel RAS 5000. By the way Tarun, when can we expect a review of a Rotel product?
Great review on the H400 ..... I am thinking of buying for a longer term investment. Currently have M5si and JBL L82 mk2. Would the H400 partner nicely with the L82mk2 and potentially give me a cleaner more detailed sound. Maybe long term a more expensive set of speakers but not a fan of floor standers.
@@markr9850 thank you. The H400 will be a significant step up from the M5Si. It is preset speaker agnostic should do well with the L82s. There is only one way to find out for sure 😊
@@abritishaudiophile7314 Thank you I was thinking of going M6Si but stumbled on your review and maybe a treat is in order for the H400 ... just got to swallow double the cost of a M6si
Superb review. I’m one for being put off with built-in DACs. If you’ve spent $7000AU on an outboard DAC, you don’t want to pay for another if you choose the H400. Opening the box shows the beautiful architecture of the better arranged components in the H400 than the H390. There’s a local shop I can visit who are Hegel retailers. Will go and have a listen with a few Desert Island discs.
Thank you. I appreciate you sharing. By the way, the ribbon connectors are not in the audio chain, they are part of the system logic. The Soundengine system dictates are more complex architecture 😊
Great review as always, interesting amplifier which would be on my radar....but no phono stage I agree with having an option with amplifiers of this price. The amp that I am seriously considering is the "Elipson pre-power" with optional dac, and phono stage, slightly cheaper than the Hegel, but from what I can gather something really special......Just got to try and find a dealership that can demo......not many available. It would be an interesting pair for your review if you get the opportunity.
Even on products I'm not heavily interested in listening to your reviews is best I can describe as a "Verbal symphony of imagery and expression". By the end of the video I find myself now curious about this when I initially had no interest to start lol. Well done as always!
Well done review, Tarun. I had heard that the Hegel's were a bit on the dry side, and from this review it sounds like this particular amp is not. Interesting to see how you place this unit in the pantheon of devices. Also, while the device is certainly expensive by some measures, I know of many who spend more money on boats, convertibles, and other luxuries that eventually cost many times more. I like your matter of fact approach, where good is good, and outstanding is.. well outstanding, and the cost is what it is. Refreshing in a time of endless reviews of cheap audio.
Personally I have come a long way in the last few years in terms of my audiophile journey. I am significantly more knowledgeable mainly cos of tubers like yourself. I now find myself in a very opportunistic situation presently in that in a few weeks I will have a whole new room to play with. Start from scratch. Interestingly, the kit I am looking at is nothing like anything I would have looked into 2 or 4 years ago. The likes of the Qualio IQ speakers and AGD Audion Monoblocks. Long gone are the days I drool over Focal KEF or B&W. Those days are long gone.
I have a great system BUT, and there's always a but in audio, I love playing with audio just for fun. Right now I'm listening to Dynaudio Heritage Specials through my own designed tube preamp and ICE class D mono blocks. It's very good and took years to achieve but I'm experimenting with low power single driver speakers which open the door to 300B amps and some of the Nelson Pass amps that just don't drive the Dyn's well. The 400 is probably not going to be on my list, as good as I expect it sounds I really don't like integrated amps especially with built in DACs. The problem is they limit the ability to refine systems especially with DACs that keep improving and getting cheaper. No, I'll play with different configurations, that's the real fun if you ask me and once you have a fully integrated like the Hegel it's severely limited if not over. Thanks again Tarun, still the best reviewer around!
@@rog86 Quite good IMHO, well balanced yet understated, the esotar tweeter is exceptional. Drive them with enough power if you like extra loud or rock.
I'm in agreement with you...prefer separates. The performance of dedicated streamers and Dacs are impoving so rapidly, not to mention for less money, it does make more sense to have a purist integrated with minimal bells and whistles. That's what I have. I own the Atoll IN300. Nothing fancy inside it other than lots of power to drive just about any speaker on the market. That's good enough for me. I have Arendal 1723 Monitor S speakers on order and looking forward to listening how the two get along. Fingers crossed.
Another very enjoyable review to watch and learn. I am considering a separate analog preamp to bypass the one in the Eversolo DMP-A8 for the sake of possibly better sound, although I really value the convenience of having one remote for all.
Yet another great review, still love your delivery. Calm and informative. Well done. My next upgrade being considered is going active with my PMC 25.23’s upgrade kit. Still being mulled over. Cheers Steve😊.
Very good review Tarun of this promising H400. As a Hegel fan (started with H190 and now using H95 and H590) I am looking for a next step. I had a demo of their H600 last week, but it didn't make my feet tapping. Maybe the setup at my dealer was not good, but I want more details and get closer to the music. I am currently looking at other brands or just an external dac to combine with the H590. I still hope Hegel adds a pre/power H20A/P20A …
I would suggest to try an external DAC - trust me, if you find a DAC that matches your taste, you will be amazed how much more you can pull out of your H190 ;o) [edit] H95 and H590
Wonderful review, really enjoyed it. I'm currently a satisfied H190 user but have had my head turned by an upgrade. The question is whether an H390 at around £3500 is better value than the H400 at £5900. I would welcome any comments on that please.
Having gone to the cost of buying 11 matched speakers, 2 REL 15" subs and mounting the 4 height I love what I have. I also have the great room for it and that is important. The purist's out there can love their preamp and mono-blocks; I will stick to my delightful system!
Excellent review. I’m interested in a comparison with the Naim New Classic 200 or 300 series. You’ve mentioned you once were a Naim fanboy after all. ;)
Hi! I think everybody have their favorite brand because of performance, price and reliability. I am an ARCAM fan for these reasons even if other brands sing their siren song. In the past I had some trouble with some components, so reliability was certainly an issue. Great video! Thanks a lot!
Another comprehensive review Tarren . Thanks . I also find the fixed inclusion of DACs,disc stages and streamer stages (not available as options) as disappointing . For some a one box solution of a high quality source and amplification will be ideal but as you outline the benefits of going down the route of separate power supplies etc produces better results or can do . Hegal's approach is not uncommon as I have found recently trying to find a pre-amp without an integral DAC and disc stage. You do end up buying capabilities you are never likely to use .
Thank you for for another outstanding review. Those 75% of the time I listen through speakers, my hifi upgrade journey has led me to a new pair of focal headphones and the wiim ultra streamer; for a computer & gaming workstation and small TV room where I sometimes listen to music.
After testing out different combinations, I'm running an H390 with Dali Rubicon 6s. Wonderful soundstage and articulate mids. I must admit that I turn to a REL S/510 when trance music is on the menu.
Congratulations Tarun, this was a great video. Thanks for your work and getting this out 👍🏻 After watching this it’s made it clear that my digital front end needs work, something to look into in the future at some point. Back to the noodles again 🫤😆
Hegel H190 was lifeless with rock and pop. (Absolutely, mind-blowingly fantastic with Jazz quartet music !) I hope they rectified this issue of lackluster performance with rock and pop on the 400. They are asking $7K in the USA.
For me, it’s power amp time. I do love separates, but seeing how good integrated amps have been getting relative to cost makes them intriguing again. This review is only adding to that itch. Nonetheless, separates can get into nuance that can be tailored to one’s system and room. I’ve got a Starkrimson duo amp on loan (amp tour) that is really amazing. But is also helping me realize just how tilted in the lows and highs my current amp has been by comparo. Very much look forward to your reviews, always learn so much 🙏🏼👍🏼
Another aspect of internal stages is that they can date rapidly particularly DACs and streamers which seem to be developing at a pace but much less so with dusc stages. A separate DAC which has fallen behind can be replaced which is not possible with a DAC contained in pre-amp for example .
As the proud owner of the H390 I would love to try the H400, but money is talking very loudly at the moment so can't at all justify the dosh. However, I would absolutely agree that I would prefer the streaming and DAC sections to be optional. I have a Gustard R26 feeding my H390, which itself has an AfterDark 10MHz clock attached. The improvement over the H390's internal DAC is substantial, so no way would I select the H400's DAC over it, if purchased.
Tarun, a great review and it could not come at a better time, as am thinking about changing from my current PS Audio SGCD and M700 mono's to the H400 (because I have had a failure which is being fixed at the moment), it will drive my Amphion 7LS speakers via Audiomica speaker cable
I agree, dont need inside dac, streaming options if I paid that kind of money, prefer seperate dac-streamer. I like Hegel outside but prefer Yamaha , Accuphase's , Luxman inside. But they are much more pricier.
As far as upgrades go, I'm pretty much set. Several preamps, a couple of DACs and virtually every type and topology of amplifier available. But.........I can't seem to stem the urge to get another set of speakers, even though I have all the bases covered there as well. The Mofi 888 and the Pearl Acoustics Sibelius continue to call out to me. So far I have resisted. 😎
Informative review. I'm looking to replace a NAD C399, so the builtin DAC and streamer are welcomed. Also fits your previous rule of three times the price for an upgrade. A local dealer carries them. Maybe I can borrow a demo unit next year after the newness goes away.
Hi Tarun, great review. Your views please on the internal streamer on the 400 compared to the eversolo A6, OR the A6 and the 400 together? Is the 400 streaming SQ good enough to make the eversolo redundant? Thanks
@@clarkson427 I haven’t tested the streamer section of the H400. The DMP-A6 would be a good starting point as a streamer for this amp but ideally you would want something like an Auralic Vega S1 😊
H390 is selling now at a great price in Canada, 5900$ down from 7900$, and indeed is very tempting, it would be a big upgrade from Yamaha AS 801 that I am using now. The downside I found on this amp is that it has streaming and dac built-in. I already have a very good dac, Chord Qutest and Node as streamer. Also, it does not have HT baypass which is important for me. I would rather by an 100% analog amp like Accuphase or Luxman.
I think for many Uk households, this amp is going to be difficult to accommodate. It's the depth of the thing that is the issue. 44cm (17.3") is 4cm longer than my (what I already thought was a large) hi-fi rack. I'd have to pull out the rack a bit further from the wall and I don't even know if the Hegel's feet would sit properly on the shelf! The rack face would then be flush with the front of my floorstanding speakers. I wonder if the Naim Supernait 3 would compete with the sound quality of the H400 (if not on sheer grunt), as most of my listening is to 70's-90's rock music, or Funk/R+B. 'Guess I could look at the latest Exposure pre-power combo's for this sort of money? Great review btw Tarun!
Does seem like separating the left right channels to monoblocks makes all the difference, be good to see if you can review more like this , and compare to your exposure , which sounds like is a winner , even after all these years 😊
@@Desmodronicus thank you. It is all about implication. The biggest surprise to me was how relatively minor changes to the power supply and preamp circuits elevated the sound quality over the old H390 😊
Interesting i wonder if the power supply changes were not made if the new separate left right monoblock design would have been so much better ? …and it goes on , which is what makes this a great hobby …..just a question is your old set up used monoblocs to bi wireable speakers so left and right to one monobloc treble and the other to base ?
To answer your question about next upgrades to my current system, I will be switching out the power supply in my Linn Selekt for the Utopik. Current system is: Vandersteen Quatro Wood CT speakers Clearaudio Performance Wood turn table w/ Satisfy tonearm Clearaudio Concerto V2 MC cartridge Clearaudio Statement record clamp Music Hall ph 25.2 headphone amp Grado GS 1000e headphones NAD C568 CD player Linn Selekt DSM w/ Organik DAC upgrade Roon Nucleus digital server 2 BEL 1001 MK V power amps bridged to monoblocks BEL cables and interconnects SurgeX XR 315 Symposium isolation platforms.
I am in the same camp as you, having a Linn selekt with upgraded Organik DAC. However, Linn pissed me off because one month after I bought organik I could have Utopic for free because of their anniversary offers .
Sigh, the upgrade I ought to perform, is not something as simple as a new box, but finding out how to get uncompressed files played without Apple's compression when streaming to the amplifier (Hegel 90) - without lots of work and intricate new programs. The second upgrade is to play records more often.
Excellent, thanks for confirmation biasing me on my H390 😂 ...I have had more exciting amps, more toe tappy amps, richer more buttery amps etc. which might make the Hegel feel a touch boring on first listen. But over time I've really come appreciate just how damn fine of integrated it is. Now if you could so kind as to get the H590 / H600 in for review please 😛
What I am looking for next is a big 3 way ATC SCM 100 active loudspeaker. I can do away with having to worry about amp matching and also get full range sound which i would love to have in my room. I am also looking got a high end streamer that can feed my AMR DAC - something that works great with roon and has a clean USB output.
I'm a bit surprised they've not added an hdmi port, after all it seems these days that nearly every other manufacturer is doing so. Off-topic question for you, where did you get that rocking cow?, he's brilliant! As always another great video.
How right you are! I automatically scratch an amp with a built in DAC. As it may be a bit short sided, these are luxury products that you find reasons to justify laying out large sums of cash, weather perceived or real. Brand equity is a hugh motivator. The great companies invest a lot of money in the "got to have it factor"
Been owning H190 for 3 years now. The H400 current price in EU is 7000 EUR. Thats more than twice i paid for H190. I also wish Dac was separate and not included but Hegel built their soundengine2 around dac. I think i will wait until some discount or black friday offers. 6k eur is my limit.
Great review as always. It's an appealing piece of equipment for people who want to keep things simple and still want quality sound. I could be interested if it included streaming access via wifi and native Qobuz, but without it, no.
I have a McIntosh MC-152 Power Amp. It is in the price category of these products…with a rated output of 150wpc@8omhs. (It has been tested to actually put out ~250wpc@8ohms by respected sources!). I drive mine with a Schiit Freya+ Pre-Amp with upgraded (by me 😅) audiophile capacitors and resistors in the tube circuit. NOS tubes. I LOVE the sound of this combo. HINT…HINT… It would be a TREAT to see the British Audiophile review this very American power amp and see what he thought of it "chops" compared to his favorites ! 👍🏼
I’m really glad you’re the first person out with the h400. It means I don’t have to watch any of the other ones when they come out. First and last word great video.
@@robcaputo9708 thank you. That is much appreciated 😊👍
@@abritishaudiophile7314 can I ask, do the h190 and h400 have a system to easily change the unit so it can go from 120w to 220w or the other way. Ie for someone that spends months in Europe and then months in North America do these Hagel work. I ask because I do go back and forth I have the h190 but now want the h400.
Thank you
@@robcaputo9708 there may be a switch internally for the transformer but I am not sure. It would be best to email Hegel directly 😊
@@abritishaudiophile7314 I haven’t gotten a clear answer from them. They sent me to an authorized repair shop, which is since closed. They thought it was a fairly simple transition that wouldn’t damage the sound which of course the key point. But then other audio files that I know were sceptical of that .
But actually, (having slept on it ) I think your video has solved the problem for me. I think what I’m going to do is I’m going to sell the h190 while I’m still in Canada and buy the h400 in Spain.
The only thing I’m waiting for is the separates that you said you would do . I’m just not remembering the company name right now but they’re the ones that you had for years they have a new pair of separates ie preamp and amp that’s higher-powered. It’s a little bit more money but they got my eye as well and I think I will wait for your review on that before making a final decision on the 400.
I just can’t remember the name of the company, but you talk about it every single video. It’s the separates that you have the app and preamp that you have had for years. . You said you would do a review of the companies, currently being built amp and preamp which is more high-powered..
@@abritishaudiophile7314 I still need to hear your review of the new Exposure amp preamp combo before deciding on the h400. I expect that to be a great comparison?
You can take what you please. I am not all analog or all digital. I have many formats supported in my system. But on the subject of separates over integrated, there is no contest. Separates whoop tail in my system and is what I’ve had from the start. I don’t believe in kicking what others use and could care less as it is up to each individual what is important to them. Vinyl, cassette tape, and CD are equally and supremely represented in my system. I’ve been in audio since 1974. Been involved in building audio gear and modification of same. I’ve no regrets for what I have. Each must seek their own pleasures in this hobby. Mine come from helping others extract all they can get from what they have. This pleasures me greatly. This hobby is my own personal therapy from a world full of hostility and a total lack of grace. This hobby is sanity and happiness rolled into one immersive experience. I love it and so should you! Great review Tarun! Poo on the haters, full speed ahead!
@@markphilpot8734 thank you for giving your perspective Mark 😊
Not a hobby, it's a passion 👌
@@CarlVanDoren61, that’s correct given my level of involvement. Most see this as a hobby, but I see myself as very passionate given my level of involvement. Hope you are happy in your journey.
"a world full of hostility and a total lack of grace". A bleak worldview, and one with which I disagree, but I do agree that music restores balance and offers solace during difficult times.
Not a bleak worldview. Realistic to those who can comprehend reality for what it is and call it so. It doesn’t make it any better to call it elsewise. It isn’t negative, just realistic. Only if you have your head in the sand or live in delusion can you not see it for what it is. According to one in particular it is a lost and dying world. Even more reason for prayer and having faith in God. Some will never get it, but we can hope and pray for them.
I was fortunate to hear my H390 in the studio before purchasing and was blown away. Four years later and no regrets
@@denisbarry9436 great 👍
Being very visual , my favorite part of the video/s is when the camera is moving over the parts being explained . couple that with your soothing voice and it keeps me interested until the end . 👍
@@siriosstar4789 that is great 👍
Very soothing.
Visual under the hood, looks a mess 😮
Great review Tarun. Many of our customers love that Hegel integrated amps have a built-in DAC and streamer for a high quality but simple system. And when those aspects of performance become dated, the internal ones don't have to be used if they upgrade those components. If it is as good or better than bare-bones integrated amps at the same price, then the inclusion of DAC and streamer isn't an issue, but they are very welcome features for many. Internet critics generally are much more vocal than those that are super satisfied, so that's why the complaints seems more prevalent. Keep up the good work.
@@neilgelowitz4737 thank you for sharing Neil 😊
I share Tarun's point of view. It makes sense for manufactures to limit the options available to the buyer for components at lower price points but less so for ones at higher price points. The higher the price category, the more particular the knowledgeable buyer is likely to be on the components in their system. NAD's modular construction addresses this situation.
@geoffreydebrito7934 totally get where you're coming from. It works if it is a plug-in module. That way there aren't inventory issues with stocking two different types of the same integrated.
You are 100% right, I have dismissed Hegel products in the past because it had an integrated streamer and DAC. I like separates and I already have too many redundant features I don’t use in some components. I have started to buy products that only have what I need and nothing else.
@@audiorick841 understandable 😊
I’d say a lot of H390 owners are relieved, myself included! There are great deals to be had on H390. Great review Tarun
@@seanpburke thank you 😊
For the past 3 years or so, I've been powering my beloved Revel Salon 2 speakers with the phenomenal Hegel H590 integrated amp. I only use the Hegel H590 strictly as an amp/preamp, with spectacular results.
Hi Tarun,
You Tube is doing it again. I am not getting notifications for your videos again. There is nothing wrong with being a "Hagel fan-boy", but watching your channel it is obvious that you are not. You are even tempered throughout your reviews, as well as being thorough. That is why I find them so good.
Hi Tarun, it’s always a pleasure to watch your videos.
The next upgrade I’d like is a room I don’t have to share with the family!
Kind regards
@@Jayk-d6y thank you 😊
Love Hegel products they are some of the best hifi components at doing everything well. I had a Hegel h160 + Maggie LRS combo for several years and it was fantastic. I’ve since sold for a Maggie 1.7i + Anthem STR integrated but remember Hegel fondly.
Answering to your question, living space in modern life is an issue. Having a reference of system setup based on small, medium and large spaces could be a nice topic to cover. Of course this is really on the convenient side of the HIFI discussion.
@@arturomartinez3354 thank you 😊
good one
As a very happy Hegel H600 owner, I can confirm the quality and ease of use of the new Hegel streaming platform and DACs. For people that want a fantastically simple system, just plug in the H400 or H600, add speakers, and load up Tidal connect. Great sound made easy!
Do you think Hegel will still be supporting these amps in 15 to 20 years though, or even 10......or do you think the streamers and DACs will be redundant?
@@rog86 I suspect that Hegel will support their streaming app for a long time, but 15-20 years may be a stretch. However, not sure whether their streaming app or streaming hardware would become obsolete. If streaming technology did change enough to make the included streamer obsolete, then simply add a new outboard streamer. DAC's are unlikely to need any updating, since the included one already supports fairly high bit rates beyond which most people or services even use now.
@@Mark-rw3kw that all seems logical and fair. Thanks for helping there.....👍
I’ve never heard a Hegel amplifier but they do seem wonderful. Glad they made the new version a nice step up! Sounds like an integrated that can stop the shop so to speak!
@@robk5745 thx for sharing 😊
@@abritishaudiophile7314 thanks for being awesome 😉
Hi Tarun,
I am pleased to hear your correct pronunciation of the letter 'H'. I can remember my parents instructing me how to pronounce it properly in the !950's.
I have been a very keen Audio enthusiast since 1970 and have owned some amazing equipment since then. I had a huge pile of stuff at one stage. An amazing Electrocompaniet CD player. Parasound pre amp, two big Parasound stereo power amps bi-amping a big pair of TDL transmission line loudspeakers, a DVD player and Lord knows what else. Oh yes, a projector and a drop down screen. In a way such a plethora of boxes would now be seen by myself as an embarrassment. To watch the videos of viewers systems where they have so many boxes on display makes me wonder are they sad lonely fellows because what partner would want to live in a definite Man Cave.
I really appreciated and enjoyed the Hegel H400 review and the idea of a really good integrated amplifier combined with a good DAC and Streamer is brilliant. I know that in the end the different main components separated into separate boxes is ideal but surely with today's technology these components can be isolated from each other successfully in one box. I find the H400 an attractive proposition as a future purchase. One box instead of three and less cable tangles which are so unsightly.
Is it a bloke thing where they feel happy owning and playing with grown up toys. As far as Im concerned, I just want to listen to the music with the minimum of fuss and fiddling around.
I think I had better employ a security company now.
@@hartleypascoe629 thank you for sharing your experiences 😊
Haven't watched a more entertaining Hifi video in a while. Seriously. Solid advice. My Tradutto is on fire after more than two years in my rig. It's the least expensive piece. It is punching so far above its weight it knocks me out. Less than 13k all in and rocking. Room is wood and cloth.
@@sloboat55 thank you kindly 😊👍
One of my favourite parts of this VERY well put together video was someone "admitted" that it's "OK" to aspire to listen to, and ENJOY an expensive system ("5k speakers, 6k amplifier and 6k front end").
Taurun, I applaud you 😁👍😁
Thank you. Much appreciated 😊👍
Its OK to aspire to listen to a system as high in fidelity as our situation permits. When I was married and raising a daughter, that circumstance naturally limited what common sense allowed us to spend on a system. Now, single and retired, I can and do devote considerably more resources to my system(s).
@@geoffreydebrito7934 I couldn't agree more! 😁😁
From what you say, this/your hobby provides you with a great deal of pleasure. I too am fortunate enough to be able to (just) afford the "higher end" of the market. For me, I think it's worth it, although "mistakes" are expensive too.. 🤷
Tarun, you are spot on regarding Hegel's inclusion of DAC & streamer modules...I too will not consider such given I have already invested in a top quality dedicated streamer (Rose 130) and DAC (TT2 and MScaler). I use a 'vintage' Krell KSA 100 to drive my Magnepan 3.6R...and I reckon this Hegel would be fabulous 😏
@@MrSidMuff thank you. We should start a campaign 🤣👍
for someone who started upgrading from very cheap system this is different. I had a dac that was 400 new and and audiolab 8000a.
Bought a second hand Hegel H80 (and sold the dac and audiolab). The amplifier section is the big upgrade, I am very very pleased to what i discover in the music I already new and how more natural it sounds with the Hegel. Next upgrade for me are my Dali suite speakers. I stream music with an Moon Mind 180.
I use TT2/Mscaler as well; and TT2 is used as the Preamp for my Integrated. This finally provided the sound I've been after! It might be interesting to try the H390 with TT2.
If I bought a Hegel I considered the internal DAC and streamer moduls as a backup in the case my separates are down or not available for whatever reason. They could also be used as a reference for testing the newest and latest highly praised gear in the sub 2000$ range.
As usual a great an balanced review- thank you sir!
Interestingly, when I bought a new Integrated Amp a few years ago I already was on Hegel, but compared many amps as I wanted to have at least buyers remorse as possible. We all know there are always compromises. So I tried the Hegel 390, NAD M33 and others, at home. It was a close run between the NAD and the Hegel, with some concerns on how the NAD might age - concerning SW-compatibility. I always sniffed at Yamaha. Too less power, huge company nothing boutique high-end, etc. pp. But a dealer asked me to just try it. So I tried the completely analog AS-3200. Big room with luckily great acoustics (not perfect but really good) and large stands.
And the AS-3200 got me, it surpassed the others for my ears. Only when making the music really loud, the NAD and the Hegel had more authority and easiness. But stage, correct bass and mids where just better and nicer to listen over all- with a very simple streaming DAC and my existing very sufficient RCA Phono set-up.
Yes, I had to buy a proper DAC afterwards (ended after a bit back and for with a Denafrips Pontus II and love it).
Without the AS-3200 the Hegel would finally have been my choice over the others, the authority in the lows is insane, but stage width and depth is no match for the Yamaha AS-3200.
Ah and yes, in the end I of course ended up payed a lot more than planned and not having a nice and simple single Amp with integrated DAC and maybe integrated Bluesound, but again more equipment than before - luckily I have a very understanding wife 😊
I have to add: The Hegel minimalstic design is great and is my absolute favorite. The difference were also not huge, so my text is potentially a bit overstating that.
Hmm, maybe I should try this new Hegel … 😉
Thank you. I appreciate you sharing your experiences 😊
I have a h190, and love the fact that i have just one box in my room, and I am fully Roon Ready. If I'd get new speakers I'd definitely consider this amp.
@@Kah0ona thx for sharing 😊
On the other hand I use an upgraded Audio Research Ref 9 CDP as a cd player and as a separate DAC. In one system matched to the Michi X3. In the second system I use an Audio Research D240 MKII as the power amp. These two ARC products are the keys in the audio chain that have stopped me looking much further. I stream digital from a MXN10 to that Ref 9 CDP and get wonderful results. I stream from an upgraded AV8805 to the D240 and get stupendous results. Cable upgrades made another stopping point. No where else to go but listen to the music. The two rooms are very different one and open living room the other is an office. Both are amazing.
@@JingoLoBa57 thx for sharing 😊
Another great review! Your honesty in reviewing is really appreciated. You just got me to consider the Atoll IN300. Now what? Regards
@@Boiler272 thank you kindly 😊👍
Check out the updated Atoll IN400 Evo 😊
never heard a Hegel amp so can't really comment but they are well reviewed as is your own review, me, I have to be satisfied with what I have as now i'm some years in retirement the days of swapping gear and upgrading are over...but now my enjoyment comes from listening to the music library I have and streaming via Qobuz...
@@peterd1364 thx for sharing 🙂
What I'd really love to see is an update to their old H20 and P20 amp and preamp. The H30 and P30 got completely new overhauls but they are astronomically priced compared to the integrated models. The H20 hits a sweet spot but its a very old design by now.
Thx for sharing 😊
Excellent review. A friend of mine has the H190 paired with the Q accoustics 5050, and the sounds is breathtaking, especially considering the system is way below $10k. Hegel definitely makes good equipment.
@jonathangonzalez327 thank you 👍
I could live blissfully contented with the H400's built-in DAC and STREAMER without feeling ANY need to upgrade to separate components! Nevertheless, an excellent review, Mr. British Audiophile.
@@reidbounsall9098 thank you kindly 😊👍
Excellent review as always, Tarun. Hegel has always intrigued me sans the price 😂.You asked if we were happy with our systems. I have a few and I like them all very much. It’s a combo of vintage McIntosh, and Rogue Audio. A mix of vintage, and modern speakers, modern dacs.
@@stevezeidman7224 thank you. I appreciate you sharing 👍
In answer to your question Tarun, I'm quite happy with my system right now as I feel it has reached the point of being well-balanced. That is to say that every component - streamer, DAC, power amp, and speakers - works well with the others with no obvious weakness in the chain, and together they produce a great sound. Of course there's potential for upgrades. The current pace of DAC development is amazing with a new "killer" device appearing in the market every few months. The LAiV Harmony and Gustard's new X30 spring to mind. Either of these or whatever comes out next would no doubt be a significant improvement over my modest-by-comparison Chord Mojo 2 but I can’t see myself shelling out €2,999 for a new DAC in the short-to-medium term. More likely, in the next year, I’ll get a pair of vacuum tube input buffers for my Purifi 1ET-400A based class D power amp. At around €1,335 that’s still by no means in the “no-brainer” purchase category but the promise of “a warmer and more tube-like presentation that showcases smooth, warm mids along with a holographic sound stage” is something I’d like to experience. In the shorter term, I’ve very recently been contemplating the addition of an Ethernet noise isolator. I can’t say I’m conscious of hearing network noise but, on the other hand, my streamer is connected to my Internet router via a couple of HomePlug AV2 powerline adapters, so the steam could well be subject to noise at it transits the household power cables. I need to do more research into cost/benefits as it appears an Ethernet isolator can be had from anywhere between about €50 and €1,850. Such is the nature of Hi-Fi!
@@fergrorke great to learn about your experiences 👍
I agree with you on the sound quality and authority of Hegel … However, when my H390 left channel went dead after mere light use in my home, I am left stranded by both the dealer and by Hegel . I am now left with the Amp in its original box and resigned to listening to my Maggi 1.7i with a modest Schiit Vidar amplifier. So much for the 5K investment in Hegel!! Service support is as important as the quality. And that is not usually covered by most reviewers.
That is a shame. You should email Anders at Hegel 😊
Thanks. Will do. 🙏
Thanks! Always great content!
@@2madamimadam290 thank you kindly for your support 😊👍
Hey Tarun, great to hear another review! I love the idea of a Hegel amp but I really need tone controls to deal with variations in source recording quality. Currently have a Lyngdorf TDAI-3400 but thinking about a Hifi Rose RA280 or Accuphase. Right now looking to upgrade my ProAc Tablette signature, maybe to Amphion Argon 3LS. But the Tablette are hard to beat in my small room :) Once again thanks for your reviews and thanks for modifying your "H" pronunciation 😂
@@SteveMallen thank you. It is hard to change habits of a lifetime 😉👍
Really great review from start to finish! Perfect way to start my Saturday
Thank you kindly 😊👍
Great review as usual thanks Tarun. I haven't yet tried Hegel, but probably will do one day.
They seem to be shooting for the stars with performance, with the latest pricing too.
Hegel is a mass producer, I think it would be quite difficult for Hegel to offer all options, ie DAC, streamer, phono, bluetooth etc, without requiring some assembly/disassembly at the AD or extended waiting times. I for one wouldn't like that.
So, as long as DAC, phono, Bluetooth, Streamer etc is of very good quality components, well implemented and shielded I think most people would be happy with that. Plus you have more potential buyers for used examples. Seperates to me do sound better...usually, but there is still the synergy aspect, you can end up in a money pit, purchasing another DAC for instance, because your new fantastic amplifier doesn't quite gel with it. So, personally I am with Hegel on this one. As always, you have to home demo at this price point.
Keep up the excellent work! 👍
@shaunroberts9285 thank you. Much appreciated 😊👍
Great review -- beautiful amp, looks like Hegel scored a home-run
@@andrehendrik thank you. I think so. A worthwhile improvement over the H390 👍
Really good review, Tarun. Ironically, as a purist I shouldn’t want an amplifier with a built in DAC and streamer, however, as I listen to records almost exclusively, buying the H400 would save me the trouble of buying a digital front end and also space in the rack.
In answer to your question, I have spent far more on my turntable/arm/cartridge/phono stage combo than I have on any other part of the system and my speakers have recently been upgraded too. So logically, a new amp is the next move.
Weeellll, nope. The amp is far from disgraced in the elevated company and hence I’m going to build a custom external housing for the turntable PSU and then upgrade to the top spec main bearing. After that it’s Auva speaker feet.
Cheers, Mark
Thank Mark 👍
Looks like you got ahead of everyone with the review. Well done! Hegel 400 just got the EISA award for the best premium streaming amplifier alongside Rotel RAS 5000. By the way Tarun, when can we expect a review of a Rotel product?
@@razvanvedel4102 thx. I hope to get to it at some point 🙂
Great review your the only reviewer I’d listen to that sounds a good amp
@@Ricky-cl5bu thank you Ricky. Much appreciated 😊👍
Great review on the H400 ..... I am thinking of buying for a longer term investment. Currently have M5si and JBL L82 mk2. Would the H400 partner nicely with the L82mk2 and potentially give me a cleaner more detailed sound. Maybe long term a more expensive set of speakers but not a fan of floor standers.
@@markr9850 thank you. The H400 will be a significant step up from the M5Si. It is preset speaker agnostic should do well with the L82s. There is only one way to find out for sure 😊
@@abritishaudiophile7314 Thank you I was thinking of going M6Si but stumbled on your review and maybe a treat is in order for the H400 ... just got to swallow double the cost of a M6si
great vid sir, yep love my system, just been left a pair of mission speakers 760i se, which i find to be very good for there size.
@@MichaelIrons-d5v thank you 😊
@@abritishaudiophile7314 thank you sir.
Superb review. I’m one for being put off with built-in DACs. If you’ve spent $7000AU on an outboard DAC, you don’t want to pay for another if you choose the H400. Opening the box shows the beautiful architecture of the better arranged components in the H400 than the H390. There’s a local shop I can visit who are Hegel retailers. Will go and have a listen with a few Desert Island discs.
Thank you. I appreciate you sharing. By the way, the ribbon connectors are not in the audio chain, they are part of the system logic. The Soundengine system dictates are more complex architecture 😊
@@YuengsNwings there was nothing horrific about what appeared to me as excellent audio engineering in the architecture for the box internals.
Great review as always, interesting amplifier which would be on my radar....but no phono stage
I agree with having an option with amplifiers of this price.
The amp that I am seriously considering is the "Elipson pre-power" with optional dac, and phono stage, slightly cheaper than the Hegel, but from what I can gather something really special......Just got to try and find a dealership that can demo......not many available.
It would be an interesting pair for your review if you get the opportunity.
@@MrTommygm thx 😊
Even on products I'm not heavily interested in listening to your reviews is best I can describe as a "Verbal symphony of imagery and expression". By the end of the video I find myself now curious about this when I initially had no interest to start lol. Well done as always!
Thank you. That is very kind 😊👍
Well done review, Tarun. I had heard that the Hegel's were a bit on the dry side, and from this review it sounds like this particular amp is not. Interesting to see how you place this unit in the pantheon of devices. Also, while the device is certainly expensive by some measures, I know of many who spend more money on boats, convertibles, and other luxuries that eventually cost many times more. I like your matter of fact approach, where good is good, and outstanding is.. well outstanding, and the cost is what it is.
Refreshing in a time of endless reviews of cheap audio.
Thank you AA. Much appreciated 😊👍
Personally I have come a long way in the last few years in terms of my audiophile journey. I am significantly more knowledgeable mainly cos of tubers like yourself.
I now find myself in a very opportunistic situation presently in that in a few weeks I will have a whole new room to play with. Start from scratch.
Interestingly, the kit I am looking at is nothing like anything I would have looked into 2 or 4 years ago. The likes of the Qualio IQ speakers and AGD Audion Monoblocks.
Long gone are the days I drool over Focal KEF or B&W. Those days are long gone.
Thank you my friend 👍
Yet another terrific review. Thank you. Please consider reviewing the Simaudio Moon North 641 integrated amp.
@@CS-bz9lk thank you kindly 😊👍
I have a great system BUT, and there's always a but in audio, I love playing with audio just for fun. Right now I'm listening to Dynaudio Heritage Specials through my own designed tube preamp and ICE class D mono blocks. It's very good and took years to achieve but I'm experimenting with low power single driver speakers which open the door to 300B amps and some of the Nelson Pass amps that just don't drive the Dyn's well.
The 400 is probably not going to be on my list, as good as I expect it sounds I really don't like integrated amps especially with built in DACs. The problem is they limit the ability to refine systems especially with DACs that keep improving and getting cheaper. No, I'll play with different configurations, that's the real fun if you ask me and once you have a fully integrated like the Hegel it's severely limited if not over.
Thanks again Tarun, still the best reviewer around!
@@mosfet500 thank you kindly. Great to learn about your experiences 😊👍
How good are those dyns?
@@rog86 Quite good IMHO, well balanced yet understated, the esotar tweeter is exceptional. Drive them with enough power if you like extra loud or rock.
I'm in agreement with you...prefer separates. The performance of dedicated streamers and Dacs are impoving so rapidly, not to mention for less money, it does make more sense to have a purist integrated with minimal bells and whistles. That's what I have. I own the Atoll IN300. Nothing fancy inside it other than lots of power to drive just about any speaker on the market. That's good enough for me. I have Arendal 1723 Monitor S speakers on order and looking forward to listening how the two get along. Fingers crossed.
@@mortimersnerd1348 thank you for sharing your experiences 😊
Another very enjoyable review to watch and learn.
I am considering a separate analog preamp to bypass the one in the Eversolo DMP-A8 for the sake of possibly better sound, although I really value the convenience of having one remote for all.
@@MrWindmad thank you 😊
Yet another great review, still love your delivery. Calm and informative. Well done. My next upgrade being considered is going active with my PMC 25.23’s upgrade kit. Still being mulled over. Cheers Steve😊.
@@stevehollingbery9744 thank you Steve. Much appreciated 😊👍
Very good review Tarun of this promising H400. As a Hegel fan (started with H190 and now using H95 and H590) I am looking for a next step. I had a demo of their H600 last week, but it didn't make my feet tapping. Maybe the setup at my dealer was not good, but I want more details and get closer to the music. I am currently looking at other brands or just an external dac to combine with the H590. I still hope Hegel adds a pre/power H20A/P20A …
@@klaverro thank you. Most people tend to appreciate the Hegel sound over extended listening rather than short demos 😊
I would suggest to try an external DAC - trust me, if you find a DAC that matches your taste, you will be amazed how much more you can pull out of your H190 ;o)
[edit] H95 and H590
Thanks
@@bill5067 thank you kindly Bill. That is very generous 😊👍
@@abritishaudiophile7314 thank you for all your work I appreciate it will be time consuming so just a small thank you for your efforts great stuff
Wonderful review, really enjoyed it. I'm currently a satisfied H190 user but have had my head turned by an upgrade. The question is whether an H390 at around £3500 is better value than the H400 at £5900. I would welcome any comments on that please.
@@LSR-z7g that is a tricky one. The H400 is noticeably better in a revealing system but the H390 at £3.5k is great value 😊
Having gone to the cost of buying 11 matched speakers, 2 REL 15" subs and mounting the 4 height I love what I have. I also have the great room for it and that is important. The purist's out there can love their preamp and mono-blocks; I will stick to my delightful system!
@@lonniefarmer7067 thx for sharing 🙂
Excellent review. I’m interested in a comparison with the Naim New Classic 200 or 300 series. You’ve mentioned you once were a Naim fanboy after all. ;)
@@MacMarty89mLr. thank you. I have liked Naim amps over the years but I wouldn’t describe myself as a fanboy 😊
Hi! I think everybody have their favorite brand because of performance, price and reliability. I am an ARCAM fan for these reasons even if other brands sing their siren song. In the past I had some trouble with some components, so reliability was certainly an issue. Great video! Thanks a lot!
Thank you. Much appreciated 😊👍
I’ve been looking forward to this amplifier
@@Ricky-cl5bu cool 😎
Another comprehensive review Tarren . Thanks . I also find the fixed inclusion of DACs,disc stages and streamer stages (not available as options) as disappointing . For some a one box solution of a high quality source and amplification will be ideal but as you outline the benefits of going down the route of separate power supplies etc produces better results or can do . Hegal's approach is not uncommon as I have found recently trying to find a pre-amp without an integral DAC and disc stage. You do end up buying capabilities you are never likely to use .
Thank you 😊
Great review, thank you Tarun.
@@cb6171 thank you 👍
Thank you for for another outstanding review. Those 75% of the time I listen through speakers, my hifi upgrade journey has led me to a new pair of focal headphones and the wiim ultra streamer; for a computer & gaming workstation and small TV room where I sometimes listen to music.
Thank you kindly 😊👍
Definitely an Exposure fanboy. We hear about it in every episode... 🎉
@Starch1b2c3d4a it is part of my reference gear 😉
And pro ac s lol
Thanks again, Tarun.
It seems good amp but it's worrying that Hegel didn't put rating for 4 ohm.
Kind regards and best wishes
@@mohammedalomari1998 thx Mohammed. It will have no problem driving a 4 ohm load 😊
Well done take here. Thanks for sharing your experiences.
@@adsph thank you 😊
After testing out different combinations, I'm running an H390 with Dali Rubicon 6s. Wonderful soundstage and articulate mids. I must admit that I turn to a REL S/510 when trance music is on the menu.
Cool 😎
Congratulations Tarun, this was a great video. Thanks for your work and getting this out 👍🏻 After watching this it’s made it clear that my digital front end needs work, something to look into in the future at some point. Back to the noodles again 🫤😆
Thanks Russell. Glad you enjoyed it 😊👍
@@abritishaudiophile7314 Always do mate 😁
Hegel H190 was lifeless with rock and pop. (Absolutely, mind-blowingly fantastic with Jazz quartet music !) I hope they rectified this issue of lackluster performance with rock and pop on the 400. They are asking $7K in the USA.
@@gokhanersan8561 thx for sharing 🙂
For me, it’s power amp time. I do love separates, but seeing how good integrated amps have been getting relative to cost makes them intriguing again. This review is only adding to that itch.
Nonetheless, separates can get into nuance that can be tailored to one’s system and room. I’ve got a Starkrimson duo amp on loan (amp tour) that is really amazing. But is also helping me realize just how tilted in the lows and highs my current amp has been by comparo. Very much look forward to your reviews, always learn so much 🙏🏼👍🏼
Thank you. Much appreciated 😊👍
Some of the most unimaginative looking amps I've ever seen.
Another aspect of internal stages is that they can date rapidly particularly DACs and streamers which seem to be developing at a pace but much less so with dusc stages. A separate DAC which has fallen behind can be replaced which is not possible with a DAC contained in pre-amp for example .
True 😉
As the proud owner of the H390 I would love to try the H400, but money is talking very loudly at the moment so can't at all justify the dosh.
However, I would absolutely agree that I would prefer the streaming and DAC sections to be optional. I have a Gustard R26 feeding my H390, which itself has an AfterDark 10MHz clock attached. The improvement over the H390's internal DAC is substantial, so no way would I select the H400's DAC over it, if purchased.
@@ms10241024 thank you for sharing your experiences 😊
Tarun, a great review and it could not come at a better time, as am thinking about changing from my current PS Audio SGCD and M700 mono's to the H400 (because I have had a failure which is being fixed at the moment), it will drive my Amphion 7LS speakers via Audiomica speaker cable
@@peterallison5021 thank you. Hegel and Amphion is a great match 👍
another fantastic review!
@@legendary82 thank our kindly 😊👍
Thanks for this review, Tarun. You do a damn good job, Sir.
Best Regards from Denmark.
Thank you kindly 👍
I agree, dont need inside dac, streaming options if I paid that kind of money, prefer seperate dac-streamer. I like Hegel outside but prefer Yamaha , Accuphase's , Luxman inside. But they are much more pricier.
Great review, please do one for the poors and check out the new Topping B200 monoblocks
Thank you. They are on my radar 😊
As far as upgrades go, I'm pretty much set. Several preamps, a couple of DACs and virtually every type and topology of amplifier available.
But.........I can't seem to stem the urge to get another set of speakers, even though I have all the bases covered there as well. The Mofi 888 and the Pearl Acoustics Sibelius continue to call out to me. So far I have resisted. 😎
@@JohnZolla-bp7tl thank you for sharing John 😊
My next upgrade is a DAC, to go with my Rega Elex R MK3, something detailed and musical, and more to the point matches the price point on my system!
Thx for sharing 😊
Informative review. I'm looking to replace a NAD C399, so the builtin DAC and streamer are welcomed. Also fits your previous rule of three times the price for an upgrade. A local dealer carries them. Maybe I can borrow a demo unit next year after the newness goes away.
Thank you 😊
Great review. High quality Integrated systems /amplifiere are pretty much on a par with similarly priced separates nowadays.
Thank you 😊
Hi Tarun, great review. Your views please on the internal streamer on the 400 compared to the eversolo A6, OR the A6 and the 400 together? Is the 400 streaming SQ good enough to make the eversolo redundant? Thanks
@@clarkson427 I haven’t tested the streamer section of the H400. The DMP-A6 would be a good starting point as a streamer for this amp but ideally you would want something like an Auralic Vega S1 😊
Alta Audio, nice!
@@philipgardiner2003 I am really impressed with the Alta Audio Alyssa’s
H390 is selling now at a great price in Canada, 5900$ down from 7900$, and indeed is very tempting, it would be a big upgrade from Yamaha AS 801 that I am using now. The downside I found on this amp is that it has streaming and dac built-in. I already have a very good dac, Chord Qutest and Node as streamer. Also, it does not have HT baypass which is important for me. I would rather by an 100% analog amp like Accuphase or Luxman.
I think for many Uk households, this amp is going to be difficult to accommodate. It's the depth of the thing that is the issue. 44cm (17.3") is 4cm longer than my (what I already thought was a large) hi-fi rack. I'd have to pull out the rack a bit further from the wall and I don't even know if the Hegel's feet would sit properly on the shelf! The rack face would then be flush with the front of my floorstanding speakers. I wonder if the Naim Supernait 3 would compete with the sound quality of the H400 (if not on sheer grunt), as most of my listening is to 70's-90's rock music, or Funk/R+B. 'Guess I could look at the latest Exposure pre-power combo's for this sort of money? Great review btw Tarun!
Thank you. You are right. It is a big unit and barely fitted in the top shelf of my rack 😊
I think you love your exposure monoblocks. Many of us get very fond of some components.
I do love them. They aren’t perfect but suit my preferences 😊
Does seem like separating the left right channels to monoblocks makes all the difference, be good to see if you can review more like this , and compare to your exposure , which sounds like is a winner , even after all these years 😊
@@Desmodronicus thank you. It is all about implication. The biggest surprise to me was how relatively minor changes to the power supply and preamp circuits elevated the sound quality over the old H390 😊
Interesting i wonder if the power supply changes were not made if the new separate left right monoblock design would have been so much better ? …and it goes on , which is what makes this a great hobby …..just a question is your old set up used monoblocs to bi wireable speakers so left and right to one monobloc treble and the other to base ?
Mm sorry i guess this would need 4 monblocs
Amazing Review Tarun , I think we are in a bad habit of chasing the mirage of sound and empty our wallet
@@zindahoon thank you Atri 😊👍
To answer your question about next upgrades to my current system, I will be switching out the power supply in my Linn Selekt for the Utopik. Current system is:
Vandersteen Quatro Wood CT speakers
Clearaudio Performance Wood turn table w/ Satisfy tonearm
Clearaudio Concerto V2 MC cartridge
Clearaudio Statement record clamp
Music Hall ph 25.2 headphone amp
Grado GS 1000e headphones
NAD C568 CD player
Linn Selekt DSM w/ Organik DAC
upgrade
Roon Nucleus digital server
2 BEL 1001 MK V power amps bridged to monoblocks
BEL cables and interconnects
SurgeX XR 315
Symposium isolation platforms.
I am in the same camp as you, having a Linn selekt with upgraded Organik DAC.
However, Linn pissed me off because one month after I bought organik I could have Utopic for free because of their anniversary offers .
I was completely unaware of the free anniversary Utopik.
Thx for sharing 😊
Sigh, the upgrade I ought to perform, is not something as simple as a new box, but finding out how to get uncompressed files played without Apple's compression when streaming to the amplifier (Hegel 90) - without lots of work and intricate new programs.
The second upgrade is to play records more often.
@@christopherbrown8205 thx for sharing 🙂
My H590 is two nearly years old. Awesome sound but sometimes toroidal hummings are boring.
@@dep101 thx for sharing 😊
Time to start looking for used H190's.
Do you mean h390s? H190 has already received h190v upgrade couple of months ago, where Hegel added a phonostage in.
It is a nice amp 😊
Excellent, thanks for confirmation biasing me on my H390 😂 ...I have had more exciting amps, more toe tappy amps, richer more buttery amps etc. which might make the Hegel feel a touch boring on first listen. But over time I've really come appreciate just how damn fine of integrated it is. Now if you could so kind as to get the H590 / H600 in for review please 😛
@@Chris._.B thank you. I suppose I should take a look at the H600 at some point 👍
What I am looking for next is a big 3 way ATC SCM 100 active loudspeaker. I can do away with having to worry about amp matching and also get full range sound which i would love to have in my room. I am also looking got a high end streamer that can feed my AMR DAC - something that works great with roon and has a clean USB output.
Very cool. Looking forward to this one
Great 👍
I'm a bit surprised they've not added an hdmi port, after all it seems these days that nearly every other manufacturer is doing so. Off-topic question for you, where did you get that rocking cow?, he's brilliant! As always another great video.
@@moothacow thank you. My wife found it on Portobello Road market 😊
Hi Tarun, just another excellent review👍I was wondering what streamer do you use in your reference system? It’s still the Auralic Aries G1.1??
@@ionutplesea5693 thank you kindly. Auralic Aries G1 😊👍
How right you are! I automatically scratch an amp with a built in DAC. As it may be a bit short sided, these are luxury products that you find reasons to justify laying out large sums of cash, weather perceived or real. Brand equity is a hugh motivator. The great companies invest a lot of money in the "got to have it factor"
Thx for sharing 😊
Been owning H190 for 3 years now. The H400 current price in EU is 7000 EUR. Thats more than twice i paid for H190.
I also wish Dac was separate and not included but Hegel built their soundengine2 around dac.
I think i will wait until some discount or black friday offers. 6k eur is my limit.
@@supremeboy thx for sharing 😊
Sounds like a winner. I’d love to hear it up against my
H360 and see what the difference is. Unfortunately, I am not in the $6000 market! Oh well
Thx for sharing 😊
Great review as always. It's an appealing piece of equipment for people who want to keep things simple and still want quality sound. I could be interested if it included streaming access via wifi and native Qobuz, but without it, no.
Thank you 😊
Amazing review! I remember Your Atoll review vs H190. How are emotions flowing through H400?
@@jakubknapik8010 thank you. The H400 is a significant step up from the Atoll IN300 and the H190. My emotions are suitably engaged 😉👍
I have a McIntosh MC-152 Power Amp. It is in the price category of these products…with a rated output of 150wpc@8omhs. (It has been tested to actually put out ~250wpc@8ohms by respected sources!). I drive mine with a Schiit Freya+ Pre-Amp with upgraded (by me 😅) audiophile capacitors and resistors in the tube circuit. NOS tubes. I LOVE the sound of this combo.
HINT…HINT… It would be a TREAT to see the British Audiophile review this very American power amp and see what he thought of it "chops" compared to his favorites ! 👍🏼
Thx Bob. I appreciate the suggestion 😊
Very interested in what you have upgraded. Can you tell us what make capacitors and resistors you used and their strength/rating? Thanks!!