Hegel H95 Amplifier Review

[@dsartain3404]

Dear Tarun, thanks to your reviews in part, I chose the Dali Minuet SE to accompany the Hegel H95. I now listen to CD and streaming through this wonderful combination in a 15x12 tv room and it’s sublime. All the best.

[@abritishaudiophile7314]

That is great. Thank you for sharing 😊👍

[@rayfordham9230]

Hi Tarun, very enjoyable and informative, I'm 75 with failing hearing and after all these years I can still quite easily tell when an amp is having problems with the load its driving, when you have trouble hearing some things other things come to the fore. Your review made me think about that again, once again thanks very thought provoking .

[@abritishaudiophile7314]

Thank you Ray 😊👍

[@dsartain3404]

Thank you for the comprehensive review Taryn. Really appreciate how you give such a balanced view.

[@abritishaudiophile7314]

Thank you kindly 😊👍

[@hrvojekant9415]

Outstanding review! You've done it again, wich does not suprise me anymore. Please contiue to keep this very high standard...rare to find this days elsewhere.

[@abritishaudiophile7314]

Thank you my friend 😊👍👍

[@hclandscapes]

@@abritishaudiophile7314 i agree this has been the best review i have seen so far on a Hegel amplifier, but now after watching this you make me want to upgrade my H90 to the H190 😆

[@abritishaudiophile7314]

Thank you Harry. Much appreciated 😊👍👍

[@TheNaboen]

Good explanation of how Hegel's soundengine works. Thorough and insightful, as usual

[@abritishaudiophile7314]

Thank you Bjarne 😊👍

[@fts81]

Dear Tarun, one more excellent review. Not only gives us a chance to learn about a piece of equipment but most important understand how they work. You’ve topped yourself so far in 2021. Content is great as always but presentation constantly improves. You have two of the most missed qualities in almost everything nowadays: knowledge and honesty. Keep the good work Looking forward to watching the next ones

[@abritishaudiophile7314]

Thank you Felipe. Extremely kind of you to say. I am learning all the time. Part of the fun of doing this. Thank you once again my friend 😊👍👍

[@fts81]

@@abritishaudiophile7314 always! I am just being honest 😃

[@Mrch33ky]

Well said Felipe. Well said.

[@eduardomariscal1143]

​@@abritishaudiophile7314 Hola, encantado de saludarle. Tengo que tomar una decisión para una habitación de nueve m cuadrados. Hegel h 120, Harbelh p3esr ó kef ls50 meta? Podrá esté amplificador con estás cajas.? Gracias

[@AudioFlat]

Well you absolutely right when you say it is a “well reviewed amplifier”! In fact all the Hegel amplifiers appear to have been reviewed by all the KZbin reviewers! The marketing people have done a great job promoting this product.

[@abritishaudiophile7314]

It seems to be the standard by which amplifiers in this range are judged these days. Certainly here in the U.K. Years ago it used to Naim 😊

[@JCP-Ghy]

Great review, again! 27K subscribers 👍🏼 I hope the audio brands are taking note. And thanks for not trying to be too cool or coming across as superior like some of the other KZbin reviewers.

[@abritishaudiophile7314]

Thank you Jeremy. Very much appreciated. I have never been cool. Having up trying many, many years ago 😂👍

[@JCP-Ghy]

@@abritishaudiophile7314 I'm hoping for a comparison of PS Audio's Sprout100 with the Audiolab 6000A and the Iota VX SA3, to get your opinion on how the Class D Sprout compares sonically. They're more in my budget range than the Hegel H95.

[@abritishaudiophile7314]

@@JCP-Ghy hope to get to it in time Jeremy 😊👍

[@JCP-Ghy]

@@abritishaudiophile7314 I have also written to PS Audio requesting them to reach out to you for a review of the Sprout100, while sending them a link of your Hegel H95 review. I hope something comes out of it.

[@abritishaudiophile7314]

@@JCP-Ghy thank you buddy 😊👍

[@nasheedmoiz]

Great review! I was wondering how does one integrate this with a Home theater setup. Doesn't appear to have trigger inputs, or a power amp mode?

[@abritishaudiophile7314]

@@nasheedmoiz thx. Connect to HT input which has a fixed volume setting 😊

[@izumispa2993]

Big improvement in the introduction and lighting. So easy I the eyes and ears. Thankyou.

[@abritishaudiophile7314]

Thank you 😊👍

[@petethegreekre]

Tarun, I'm very grateful for the technical and schematics section. Great to know that, you as a reviewer get it. Because electricity is crazy.

[@abritishaudiophile7314]

Thank you 😊👍

[@samueleide]

I haven't watched the video yet but I will tomorrow because I'm so close to falling asleep but I already liked it. Cheers from Norway!

[@abritishaudiophile7314]

Thank you Samuel 😊👍

[@samueleide]

@@abritishaudiophile7314 Now I watched it. A fine review! I considered buying a Hegel amplifier, but I went for a Denon PMA-2500NE to match my pair of Dali Rubicon 6 as it had everything I both wanted and needed and nothing more. I got a nice price on both second hand! It's a lovely combo, I can highly recommend giving it a listen if you get the chance once! Also, as a Norwegian I think it's cool that you use a Hegel as your main amplifier! Cheers, see you in the next video!

[@ranelime]

Thank you again for a delightful and very thorough review. T I agree that comparisons provide us the best (if not the only) understanding where and how a product land, and comparing this to higher and lower components where spot on! Have a great weekend

[@abritishaudiophile7314]

Thank you AB. I appreciate your support as always 😊👍

[@LorDarkGoose]

Thanks Tarun, I think that cow may have just hypnotised me into buying one!

[@abritishaudiophile7314]

I work in mysterious ways. Thank you for watching JS 😊👍

[@charlesclifton1006]

My ears perked up when you mentioned the H95s ability to render at low listening levels. Mid to low volume is my preferred range but I also realize that the speaker I eventually choose will come into play in a big way. I also now realize that perhaps I should be considering a Hegel that offers a bit more current ... perhaps the 120 or 190? As well, I am totally sold on the Hegel "all in one" feature (Streaming, DAC etc.). You mentioned the Amphion Argon 1 speaker. If it wasn't for this review I'd probably have never heard of Amphion. Turns out there are 2 distributors here in Canada and 1 is about a six hour drive. Amphions website touts their speakers ability to render midrange. This really intrigues me. I look forward to your review of this speaker. Thanks for another interesting and extremely well presented review.

[@abritishaudiophile7314]

Thank you Charles. I won’t keep you waiting too long for the Amphion review 😊👍

[@zindahoon]

Happy Uttrayan ( Makarsankranti ) Tarun , Brilliant review as always.

[@abritishaudiophile7314]

You too. Thank you for watching and your support 😊👍

[@cheapaudioman]

A pig of a speaker... love it. Solid description, Tarun

[@abritishaudiophile7314]

Thank you Randy 😊👍

[@donalddeorio2237]

Very clear and concise review as always good job as always

[@abritishaudiophile7314]

Thank you Donald 😊👍

[@Rickzolla]

Always pleased to see another review from you Tarun. You are not afraid to call it as you see it, and your methods are more scientific than other reviewers. Production also seems to be improving. You are starting to give John Darko a run for his money. ( I enjoy you both. ) See you next time.

[@abritishaudiophile7314]

Thank you Richard. Learning video editing skills all the time. I probably give Darko a run for his money the same way a Fiat 500 gives a Ferrari 488 a run for it’s money 😂 Nothing wrong with a Fiat 500 though 😊👍

[@jasonme3557]

Dude that is the best review. Very well done. TY. I am wanting to get this amp. But lets see what else you come of with.

[@abritishaudiophile7314]

Thank you Jason. Much appreciated 😊👍👍

[@avro66]

Excellent review as always and the picture quality was better, looking forward to another review very soon.

[@abritishaudiophile7314]

Thank you Paul 😊👍

[@michaelmityok1001]

Really great review, really the best so far Tarun, congrats.

[@abritishaudiophile7314]

Thank you Michael 😊👍

[@edholmwood]

Another very well done video. I especially like the tech section. Your explanation and illustrations make the info very easy to understand. Thx.

[@abritishaudiophile7314]

Thank you my friend. Always a pleasure to hear from you 😊👍

[@pierangelobolis440]

Many thanks Tarun, excellent as usual. It has been very interesting for me to better understand my H120 very similar by design.

[@abritishaudiophile7314]

Thank you my friend. Great to hear from you 😊👍

[@vortextubes]

I took your advice and got myself this Hegel H95 instead of the Audiolab 6000a. Since you told me about speaker upgrade, I put the Elac DBR62 to the office and got myself Audiovector QR1. The combo is amazing. Now on to the quest for an amp at the office hahaa. Thinking about Rotel A11 or the NAD C338 that you reviewed. Thanks a bunch, Tarun. Wouldn’t wanna miss any of your videos. Keep em coming!

[@abritishaudiophile7314]

Thank you buddy. Much appreciated 😊👍👍

[@GeorgeLowrey]

I always enjoy your reviews.

[@abritishaudiophile7314]

Thank you George 😊👍

[@braa1975]

Love the review. Would you say this amp is also suitable for electrostatic speakers?

[@abritishaudiophile7314]

@@braa1975 thank you. Yes, it has a great damping factor 😊

[@sean_heisler]

Nice review once again, Tarun! Always admired Hegel. Looking forward to the Amphion review!

[@abritishaudiophile7314]

Thank you Sean 😊👍

[@brown-eyedman4040]

Thank you sir. Another enjoyable, informative review. I find the comparisons in your reviews most helpful. And as the ProAc responses are imho the gold standard for stand-mount speakers, I can absolutely trust your ears. Stay well.

[@abritishaudiophile7314]

Thank you buddy. Much appreciated. You stay safe too 😉👍

[@danielcramer9600]

There seem to be some amplifier brands like Hegel that garner many reviews and some others who make v good amplifiers like Atoll who get few if any. I keep on enjoying your reviews even for products I would never consider buying. Onwards and upwards. Stay well. Daniel

[@abritishaudiophile7314]

Thank you Daniel. I hope to review a wider range of products as more manufacturers become aware of my channel 😊👍

[@Mrch33ky]

@@abritishaudiophile7314 like Karan....?

[@abritishaudiophile7314]

@@Mrch33ky yup 😉

[@steverees1936]

Great review yet again Tarun and I especially love the rocking cow. Clearly a Muuuse fan 😂

[@abritishaudiophile7314]

Thank you Steve. I am quite proud of the rocking cow 😊👍

[@nwr99nwr99]

Or does it help drive horn speakers?

[@abritishaudiophile7314]

@@nwr99nwr99 😂😂😂

[@valentinperju1811]

Hi, I have audiolab 6000a play (i use just the amp) and i want to upgrade to h95. I consider 6000a play to be a little rough and not so well refined with treble, maybe h95 will do better with refinement considering the price. Thank you!

[@abritishaudiophile7314]

The H95 will be a step up 😊

[@gzubeck3]

Even when I'm not interested in buying this product it's always a pleasure to listen to your reviews. It would be interesting to see if you can get close to the performance of the bigger brother with a very sensitive speaker (92+db).

[@abritishaudiophile7314]

That would be interesting. Thank you George 😊👍

[@san01yt]

Informative, enjoyable and a nice review once again. Thanks Tarun.

[@abritishaudiophile7314]

Thank you Sandeep 😊👍

[@keithwood4031]

Thanks for another detailed review Tarun.

[@abritishaudiophile7314]

Thank you Keith 😊👍

[@fcucchi]

Excellent review. Lot of great info! To connect a pair of Wharfedale Linton, do you prefer the Rotel RB-1552 mk2, 130w power amplifier, or the Hegel H95, 60w integrated? I listen mainly jazz and acoustic music. I am doing my final reserchs before to buy a new amplifier soon. Thanks!

[@abritishaudiophile7314]

Thank you. They only way to know is to try 😊

[@fcucchi]

@@abritishaudiophile7314 Thanks.

[@PeterJones-yq1xw]

Hi Tarun. Another balanced and informative review. You’ve certainly got me interested in Hegel as a brand and once all this lockdown stuff is out of the way, will demo the 95. I have recently had dems of a few amps to slot in my vinyl system. The SuperNait (7/10), the Aethos (8/10), the Elicit (9/10) and a leftfield demo of the Leben CS300F. An easy (10/10). I was amazed what this amp was capable of and it is now at the top of my list of possible amps. Expensive like the Aethos, but worth saving a little harder for. Once again, great review.

[@abritishaudiophile7314]

Very interesting. Thank you Peter 😊👍

[@paulroscelli2545]

Thanks. Great review. I have my H590 (got used for less $) paired with harbeths and they sound great.

[@abritishaudiophile7314]

That is a lovely combination. Thank you for watching and commenting Paul 😊👍

[@jakobgooijer]

Thanks for the clear and thorough review

[@abritishaudiophile7314]

Thank you Jacob 😊👍

[@David-mi3il]

The review Iv been waiting for

[@abritishaudiophile7314]

I hope I didn’t disappoint? 😉

[@David-mi3il]

@@abritishaudiophile7314 H120 will be getting a home trial I think

[@dondondonner777]

Thank-you Tarun for opening up the machine and explaining component parts. As an engineer I appreciated a higher level of technical explanation! D

[@abritishaudiophile7314]

Thank you for watching and your support 😊👍

[@fletchermunson6225]

Once again an excellent review.

[@abritishaudiophile7314]

Thank you James 😊👍

[@marcfugere6747]

Good day Tarun, I enjoy your comprehensive and seemingly objective commentary. Should you find the time and able to obtain access to some additional amplifiers, possible you might consider these? On your side of the Pond and British made the REGA ELEX-R, or on my side something like a BRYSTON 2.5B3. Be well!

[@abritishaudiophile7314]

Thank you. I appreciate the suggestions 😊

[@gianry]

Hi, congrats for the clear review. I own an old but good REGA luna amplifier to move the speakers Sonus faber Concertino. I'd like to know your opinion about this Hegel to push up the soundstage and dynamics. Do you think it is better to buy an used H160 or H120 ? thanks a lot .

[@abritishaudiophile7314]

The H160 is the previous generation that has a cool tonal balance. The H120 should be a good option 😊

[@gianry]

@@abritishaudiophile7314 which are the differences between the new and prevous generation ? do you know the REGA luna amp ? is it a good improvement ?

[@abritishaudiophile7314]

@@gianry the H80 and H160 are the previous generation with the Soundstage 1 system 😊

[@anttimakela815]

Thank you for the video! I really like your style to review things! Informative, detailed and many sided. Slight technical aspect is always welcomed. Always get the feeling that I gained more than just 20 minutes of entertainment after watching your video. Also, hyped to hear your thoughts on those Amphion Argon1 speakers! There isn't that much reviews about those online.

[@abritishaudiophile7314]

Thank you Antti. Very much appreciated. I hope that you won’t have to wait long for the Argon 1 review 😊👍

[@chrisselner5005]

Great review and spot on with the comparisons.

[@abritishaudiophile7314]

Thank you Chris 😊👍

[@pierrechouinard749]

Great videos Tarun, Thanks! I own the Iotavx SA3 and there is like a veil on the mids and highs (guitars and females vocals does not shine). I am also sensitive to hearing fatigue. I wonder if H95 will do a better job? ( i use a Mojo2 dac and I have X-sls encore speakers)

[@abritishaudiophile7314]

Thank you Pierre. The H95 is a big step up in performance and refinement from the SA3 😊

[@dimitriostolis4057]

Thank you Tarun for your review as well as your effort to better explain what you say. I love music, good music, being trapped since the very early of 1970’s. In the years followed I had a lot of equipment in my hands but never at the very high ends of the spectrum. From that time, I discovered, little by little, that I could also find respectable equipment second hand or ex-display. So, reviews seem to be very good for the future. I also have some limited knowledge on electronics (reading technical books of course), and I have designed and constructed, or modified, as DIY audio amplifiers, in a non-professional basis (I am a structural engineer in real life). After some point, looking the schematics of, otherwise well-respected companies, either of my equipment or others, I have concluded that (for devices in the area of 1500 pounds, talking for amplifiers only): • all were lacking “expensive” materials. • the many of them were trying to construct the, as possible, shorter path to their schematics (e.g., removing pre-drivers from the output stage, avoiding a more stable feeding of current to the input stage or the VAS), so to reduce pcb area and materials. • to constrain the use proper transformers or heatsinks. Why is that (to my opinion always)? This is because every penny they put on their devices is coming to the market more than 5 times up(!) and so they forced to build, in patrial or in full, their devices in China. I believe this is the reason to now see SMD parts (and probably multilayer PCB’s) on an otherwise good performing devices such as this Hegel 95 amp. SMD devices are cheaply assembled using robots and multilayer PCBs reduce the cost of the casing. Also a very limited heatsink, again such as this one, that at the end will limit the performance of the device if someone would try to use it at high levels for long periods (from overheating). I am opposing to SMDs because resistors are small and are thus behave nonlinear or producing noise, the use of ordinary capacitors instead of high-quality ones (are bigger and through hole) or their repair inability. High current, on the other hand, is a feature that I understand as the PSU capability to deliver (i.e., excessive sugging of an undersized transformer or from lacking proper supply capacitance). Because all these measurements refer to simple sinewave signal over an output resistor, to me again, simple ohms law is governing i.e., less current means less sustainable output voltage. To this end I believe that the capability, of an amplifier, to deliver high output current can be shown looking the distance of the delivered power it has at 4 ohms from the double of that for 8 ohms. Concluding: In this business again, money is the dictating parameter, and not the money given for the device but the one for the promoting factors (advertise, shops, intermediates etc). I have the hope that the internet is the way to, somehow, reduce this cost (not the promoting factors but the allowances they put each time the product passes from their hands). Sorry for the long text and, probably, the bad English of mine.

[@abritishaudiophile7314]

There is nothing wrong with your English Dimitrios. Very interesting. Thank you for watching and sharing your experiences 😊👍

[@Totalplonker]

AMPHION ARGON ONES paired with the HAGEL H95 sounds and looks great but I think I'll wait for the upcoming reviews before I make a final decision on speakers & amp, after all someone with your knowledge/experience, presentation and now editing skills, one would be mad not to!

[@abritishaudiophile7314]

Thank you my friend. Always a pleasure to hear from you 😊👍👍

[@mart7404]

Thank you Tarun, I wish I had seen your review of the Hegel H160 prior to purchasing my Hegel H90. It is exactly the low volume muddiness that I hate the most. Sorry, I don't remember your word choice for the H160. At upper volumes it is really sweet but when I want it a bit lower, it seems to lose all detail and space. Not sure if adding an external power amp and using the H90 as a pre-amp would make a difference? Maybe just a different amp is the solution? I'll have to investigate availability (US) of the Exposure amps you like. Just trying to relay the qualities of sound into words has got to be a taxing process. You do an amazing job of it. Thanks

[@abritishaudiophile7314]

Thank you. That is very kind. Low level listenability was an issue with the previous generation Hegels, H90 and H160. It is much better with the new amps employing Sound Engine 2, the H95 and H190. I think a new amp is probably the right way to go. Good luck 👍😊👍

[@joseadan5024]

I've follow your reviews sinnce the pandemic that lead me to aquire the Audiolab 6000A and the Triangle Comete 40thA, really happy with them, recently I started to look for an upgrade as I think a next level amplifier will be a better match with the more expensive Triangles, but I'm in a dilemma between the Audiolab 7000A and the Hegel H95, as the first has more watts, features and newer but the Hegel seems very well recognized as a great one. Living in Mexico makes impossible to have auditions and hard to buy any of those so I need to import it, I really appreciate your thoughts if what I'm looking the most is sound quality vs features, independent of the price, do you think the Hegel could do better sinergy with the Triangle's than the 7000A? Thank you very much.

[@abritishaudiophile7314]

It is hard to predict synergy but I think you need to aim a little higher to get a significant improvement over the 6000A 😊

[@nasheedmoiz]

Out of curiosity, which two amps did you have in mind when you mentioned 'better current capabilities`?

[@crisjr6478]

Hegel for sure

[@DigitalPhilosophers]

Thank you for this review. What about a distorted input? Will the soundengine 2 cancel it too or play it back almost 1 to 1. I‘m thinking about my CD Player as the input that could be adding distortion or my ethernet cable or laptop via usb

[@abritishaudiophile7314]

It won’t correct that, I am afraid. Just the distortion created within the amplifier 😉👍

[@DigitalPhilosophers]

@@abritishaudiophile7314 Thank you!

[@jenogilvie-grant2636]

Another great, honest review 👌

[@abritishaudiophile7314]

Thank you Jen 😊👍

[@earthstick]

My system is at least 15 years old now. I am very happy with it except the speaker drivers are now starting to fail. I also no longer need a CD player and would like to take advantage of hires lossless formats. So I'm thinking of replacing the drivers in the speakers and selling the lot. The problem I have is that my mind tells me I should consider the new components people are raving about such as a Hegel amp, Buchart or maybe KEF speakers (stand mount probably). But my heart just wants to get the latest versions of the Zingali speakers and a Unison Unico Due amp. Both will be an upgrade to my current set up. I am fairly sure if I do that I will not be disappointed and I will not jump on the merry-go-round of matching components again - so there is some sensible reason to the second choice. If I choose the tried and tested option I will always wonder about the alternative but I am worried if I go for something very different I will end up wanting to change shortly after. Listening is the obvious advice but nowhere has all the options under one roof and Covid restrictions is going to make it even more difficult.

[@alphaniner3770]

I think that you have two categories of us, one that tries out many new exiting components, constantly trying to find the perfect pairings etc. The other group just wants to get a really good system and uses that same system for 10-20 years. If you are of the second category, I think it makes sense to go for products that are the end of their 'product lifespan', as soon as the discounts kick in. You can get a few tiers above your price point, making most innovations irrelevant. Sticking to the same company is also nice - continued support ;)

[@earthstick]

@@alphaniner3770 I'm really a member of the the later group. Despite being a technical person I'm in it to enjoy the music not the electronics. Buying end of line products does have another benefit that they have had more listening so peoples opinions on them should be more accurate and technically the engineering should be at it's best for that fundamental design. Plus it just doesn't feel sensible to buy a new system without listening to alternatives.

[@alphaniner3770]

I also belong to the second category - last year I started replacing my components that were between 16 and 20 years old. I must say that the better reviewers (including this one) manage to give a really good impression of what to expect. I like listening to and reading reviews. In Covid times going to listen at a store is difficult indeed. On the other hand, the ability to listen to good music at home was never more important.

[@earthstick]

@@alphaniner3770 Home trial is what everyone talks about but do shops really send out components without the customer paying for them? If not do they really refund you if you don't like the component? There is no shop that stocks all the component options under one roof.

[@alphaniner3770]

@@earthstick I wanted to say that music is very important now we are all sort of locked up in our homes... But my experience is that good shops allow you to send stuff back. In 2020 I ordered an Advance Paris CD player - that was disappointing to me - and I had it returned it without any costs. Currently I have an order for Tekton loudspeakers - that will be shipped over from the States to Europe. Tekton has a free return period of 60 days. I don't think that I will not be satisfied, but if not, it is probably easier to sell the speakers locally, instead of paying for shipping them back.

[@brianwalsh1844]

A gimbal would be a good investment - loving the reviews!

[@abritishaudiophile7314]

New camera coming then gimbal further down the line 😉

[@deputy3690]

Another very informative review!

[@abritishaudiophile7314]

Thank you Alfalfa 😊👍

[@pierpaoloazzalin9505]

great review I own a Hegel H95, this review very well what H95 is and is not. I bought it new at a rebate, so I think it’s worth the money I paid it. However, I’ll be buying in a 2nd hand Electrocompaniet power amplifier so I’ll end up using the H95 as a pre since the final section of the H95 is not powerful enough or somehow I don’t get all the details I want.

[@abritishaudiophile7314]

Thank you. I think the preout on the H95 is pretty low so you may want to double check it will work with the Electrocompanient 😊

[@pierpaoloazzalin9505]

Hi! Thanks for your reply, the power amplifier I’m buying in is a Electrocompaniet AW 100 DMB, so not the newest stuff out there for sure. I’ve tried the match at the store where the Electrocompaniet is on sale and it worked OK, or at least I could hear the improvement. The trial was done with a pair of Spendor A1. In my home system I have a pair of PMC twenty5 22i with Kimber Kables 8TC. How do you see the match between the H95 and the AW 100 DMB from an electrical stand point?

[@pierpaoloazzalin9505]

@@abritishaudiophile7314 hi there! I’ve replaced the Hegel H95 with a Gato Audio pre-amp, model PRD-3S NPM. I can now drive the final amp from Electrocompaniet quite smoothly! You were right, the H95 is not suitable to be used as pre amp since it’s pre output is 0.5v. I don’t question the technical choice form Hegel, however I would have felt more respected as a consumer if Hegel mentions that on the specs or instruction book. I’m curious to hear a Gato Audio gear review from your channel. Cheers

[@mehmetcamat4458]

I have a hegel h95 and I am pretty happy with it’s in build dac but I wonder if I buy a Chord Qutest or denafrips ares 2 would it sound much better or would the difference be little

[@abritishaudiophile7314]

I would stick with the H95 DAC 🙂

[@mehmetcamat4458]

@@abritishaudiophile7314 Thank you Tarun that's what I thought as well

[@milagroscaviglia5034]

Excelent product and another great review Tarun!!!!Must be a good sinergy with Dynaudio's speakers!!!!

[@abritishaudiophile7314]

Thank you. Hegel and Dynaudio traditionally pair very well 😊👍

[@atoz6552]

Great review! How does it compare, sound wise, with the Sugden A 21 you reviewd last week? Is the sugden... "better"? :-)

[@abritishaudiophile7314]

The Sugden is more comparable to my H160. Diff end type of presentation but I would say the Sugden is better 😉👍

[@gordonnorris4202]

Impressive review....would you recommend this amplifier with floorstands? Like Bowers & Wilkins 603 S2 or Kef R5. Or the floorstands are overkill for this amplifier? Thanks.

[@abritishaudiophile7314]

Thank you Sebi. I haven’t tried it but I would expect that to work well 😊👍

[@NinJa-yg7kh]

Thank You for such a nice review. Hopefully you include valve amps and horns loudspeaker in the future.. Cheers

[@abritishaudiophile7314]

Thank you. I am planning to 😊👍

[@Ragnarok20854]

Good video and review. I have hegel and revel compination. I wish that i could update that old Hegel H100 to H390🙂

[@ryanstanley2985]

First Thanks for your review, very detailed and informative. Everyone talks about sonic difference between a japanese and european amplifiers, I really want to see a marantz amplifier in your reviews and know your idea about sound difference, I always believed japanese amplifiers gives more bang for the buck.

[@abritishaudiophile7314]

Thank you Ryan. I hope to do just that soon. If I can get to speak to someone at Sound United 😊👍

[@carlporter9019]

Really good idea, I'm curious about this too, especially about Class A/B Marantz pm14s1

[@golfjunkymusicjunky8370]

Thanks for the quick responsie.....

[@discus276]

Hi Tarun, Love your website. I've just managed to get hold of a pair of Spendor LS 3/5a BBC Speakers which are the 11ohm impedence version from 1989. To me they sound wonderful with my Hegel H95 but i would be interested to hear your opinion on Speaker to Amp matching. With the 11 0hm speakers, will I be getting around 30 wpc from the H95 and is the performance i'm getting equal to or better than the Hegel H95 paired with modern speakers like KEF LS50 Meta's or similar.

[@abritishaudiophile7314]

Thank you Steve. It is a complex subject but I think most people can manage with 30 watts if they don’t listen too loud. I believe the stability of the impedance load is more important these days. If it jumps about a lot , that places a lot of demand on an amplifier power supply. Many amps can struggle to cope. Enjoy those Spendor LS3/5As 😊👍

[@recboilable]

Great video, Tarun! I'm so glad I found your channel during the pandemic. Towards the end of the video, you referenced a few amps that have better current-driving capabilities at this price point. Would you be able to tell us which amps those would be? Can' wait to see those reviewed. Keep up the great work!

[@abritishaudiophile7314]

Good question. There are quite a few below £2,000 but below £1,500 the Audiolab 8300A and the Roksan Kandy K3 come to mind. Hope to get them both in. Thank you for watching 😊👍

[@recboilable]

@@abritishaudiophile7314 Thanks, for the prompt reply!

[@snowrang3r657]

I’ve heard any damping factor over 500 only really shows up on the bench and soon as you apply a “real” load you won’t see it. I have no idea if it’s true or not. I do appreciate the technical explanation of the Soundengine. Hegel seems like a very good choice especially for those looking for an all in one integrated (dac and streaming included).

[@abritishaudiophile7314]

I don’t know how you would test it but it sounds sensible 😊

[@robertnelson3179]

Liked the review was considering it but will keep looking around to see what is out there. No rush to buy something

[@abritishaudiophile7314]

Thank you Robert 😊

[@roquesoprano913]

Thank you Tarun ⭐️

[@abritishaudiophile7314]

Thank you buddy 😊👍

[@williamsiu6291]

Great review!! The inside of the Hegel is as impressive and sophisticated as your review!! I would definitely audition their products higher up their line. But forgive me for saying they’re ugly as-f for their price, I would certainly appreciate at least a machined and anodised face plate., let’s see if the performance can overcome that. Well done Taran, keep up the good work!!

[@abritishaudiophile7314]

Thank you William. You raise some good points 😊👍

[@sheffsteel7]

Wouldn't say Hegel amps are ugly. They are plain and understated and don't look like a premium amp. However this does have the advantage that it won't look dated over the years as technology improves. The NAD M10 and M33 look futuristic now but in 10 years will look laughably old fashioned. Where as in 10 years the Hegel will still look plain and classy.

[@alexandrospavlakis1537]

Nicely done Tarun! Thank you!:)

[@abritishaudiophile7314]

Thank you Alexandros 😊👍

[@carlislebrewster1517]

Hello Tarun I have been an audiophile since the late 1970 I have listened to other audiophiles on KZbin and I think you are one of the best because you are thorough I bet you have either HNC ONC in electronic I have 1 of the above I like when you explain with the circuit diagram it would be a good idea if the hifi shop would let you know when they have special offers on an also you can tell us when there is a hifi exhibition due

[@abritishaudiophile7314]

Thank you. My Batchelor Degree was in Electrical and Electronic Engineering 👍

[@carlislebrewster1517]

I thought so

[@Birmingham_racing]

How would you compare this to the roksan Attessa streaming when it comes to sound quality?

[@ohnonate]

Thanks for the great review! What i was waiting for! Just wondering Would this go well with the KEF LS50 Metas? New Subscriber. Look forward to watching you content. Cheers

[@abritishaudiophile7314]

Thanks for the sub! I haven’t tried them with the LS50s 😊👍

[@benjaminjensen7402]

Excellent review comparison.

[@abritishaudiophile7314]

Thank you Benjamin 😊👍

[@Ivy13276]

Love the Hegel

[@abritishaudiophile7314]

Cool 😎

[@georgedomse]

Thank you for the comparison of the H95 and the H160 - you helped a great deal on ruling out the H160 as an amp to go with my KEF LS50 Metas as I'm mostly iistening at low volumes, not exceeding 80dB (or even less). Now I got a tricky question I hope you can help - if I was looking for a fullbodies sound that fits music and movies (dialogues) as well without wanting to lose details, what would be the better pairing with the Metas: the H95 or the Exposure 2510? (I also had my eyes on the Roksan Caspian M2 if you happen to have experience with that one) Cheers!

[@abritishaudiophile7314]

Thank you George. I haven’t tried the Kef’s. If you don’t need the internal DAC, the 2510 is the better amplifier 😊

[@georgedomse]

@@abritishaudiophile7314 thanks a million!

[@georgedomse]

@@abritishaudiophile7314 Thanks Arun! Now... Will the Exposure 3010 S2D even better than the 2510? (And sorry for all the questions, I'd like to make sure to get the best for my money)

[@abritishaudiophile7314]

@@georgedomse the 3010 S2D has be replaced with the 3510. It sound quite different to the 2510. You should check out my review of the 3510 😊

[@rotaks1]

Great review. I have a hard time with a couple of terms: “effortless sound” and “rough around edges”. Are there examples of this that you can recommend?

[@abritishaudiophile7314]

Thank you Rohit. I am not sure what you mean by examples but by “effortless sound” I mean how uncompressed the dynamic swings in the music are. “Rough around the edges” is how refined the musical notes are especially in the 2Khz to 5Khz region where are hearing is most sensitive 😉🙏

[@rotaks1]

@@abritishaudiophile7314 I meant sound clips demonstrating these Sonics?

[@abritishaudiophile7314]

@@rotaks1 thank you for clarifying. Carey Bell - Sweet Little Woman (30th Anniversary) great track to see if your system is overly sharp. The harmonica should be crisp but not unpleasantly sharp. Rage Against the Machine - Wake up will show you how fast your system is and if it can keep up with those frenetic guitar transients 😉

[@espenwanvik7516]

Excellent review! I really like the way you build up your reviews. I have a pair of Buchardt S400mk2 powered by a Hegel H80.I believe that the speakers have more potential than the H80 is capabale of delivering. I am considering upgrading to a H95. I am also wondering if there will be some more to achieve going up to H120 or even H190. Based on your experience with the speakers and different Hegel amplifiers, what are your thoughts?

[@abritishaudiophile7314]

Thank you. Much appreciated. The H95 won’t be an upgrade from your H90 although the sound character may be different. I think the H120 and in particular H190 are good options 😊👍

[@viktorjjakobsson9710]

Excellent review, really helpful! I'm looking into getting one for my recently acquired Dali Rubicon 2:s. I've heard the H95 hooked up to a set of Dali Opticon and it sounded great, just at bit unsure whenever or not the H95 will have enough power to adequately power the Rubicon 2:s.

[@abritishaudiophile7314]

Thank you Victor. Should be fine as long as the room isn’t too big 😉👍

[@viktorjjakobsson9710]

@@abritishaudiophile7314 Its "normal size" apartment living room so no concert hall 😁

[@golfjunkymusicjunky8370]

Compare the hegel with the audiolab 6000A wich you liked so much... what would-you buy.... the hegel or the audiolab

[@abritishaudiophile7314]

I didn’t have them here at the same time but the Hegel is better and the Audiolab offers better value for money 😉🤞

[@hclandscapes]

@@abritishaudiophile7314 i definitely agree with that, i really enjoyed my time with the audiolab 6000A to my supprise it drove my ls50's really well and the amplifiers build quality was excellent ( probably better than the H90's!) it was only the fact that it was too wide to fit into my cabinet and general curiosity got the better of me that i decided to try out Hegel, i was lucky to get an end of line H90 for £950 with a audioquest NRG Z3 power cable chucked in with the deal so i think the upgrade was definitely worth it.

[@abritishaudiophile7314]

Thank you Harry 😊👍

[@davidparkes1508]

@@abritishaudiophile7314 Terrific review, Tarun, as always. I was wondering this too. I’m planning on getting some Magnepan .7’s, and couldn’t decide which amplifier between these two would best drive them. I’ve been told the H95 has enough juice for them, but I haven’t heard that combination yet. I was definitely peaked by your rave of the 6000, which I did hear with the Maggie’s a few weeks ago.

[@abritishaudiophile7314]

@@davidparkes1508 I think the H95 has a bit more driving capability that the 6000A. Have you considered a dedicated power amp like the Audiolab 8300XP. It will take performance to another level with those Maggies 😉👍

[@veliborkusic4595]

Hi Tarun, great review about those two Great amps! Have one question for you if you are willing to lokk at it. Its known, that you are happy user of Hegel H160 :). I am using my music system for streaming: phone (Tidal) > streamer (Primare NP5) > amp/dac (Marantz pm6006) > speaker (Wharfedale evo 4.4)... Now I am in a dilemma. I am decided to go for Hegel and sell that entry Marantz. Q: In your opinion, could it be a good combination to use this Primare NP5 streamer with hegel H160(and H160 dac), or go for H120 and use H120 streamer instead of Primare NP5?

[@abritishaudiophile7314]

I think both should be good options for the Evo 4.4. The H120 will have a more neutral sound. The H160 will be tonally cooler but with better grip and control 😊

[@veliborkusic4595]

@@abritishaudiophile7314 Thanks for the reply Tarun and all the infos. Fortunately, one H160 owner contacted me and will lend me the amp for a few days. Next week will be eventful :)

[@1046C]

Tried to like the DAC section on this amp for a full year but couldn't get my head around the sibilance and narrow soundstage I was getting... experienced with a cheap Micromega MyDac I had laying around and instantly realised how fantastic this amp sounds. I would say that the internal DAC should be avoided if streaming is your main listening medium as even a modest well designed DAC will put it to shame.

[@abritishaudiophile7314]

Thank you for sharing your experiences 😊

[@brunolanzavecchia5959]

There is a very interesting review of this product on ASR, worth to take a look! I'll post the link later

[@abritishaudiophile7314]

I checked it out. The amp measure pretty much as expected but the poor SINAD and jitter performance of the DAC is surprising. Given Hegel’s track record with developing DACs, something doesn’t seem right 🤔

[@brunolanzavecchia5959]

@@abritishaudiophile7314 The ongoing discussion is very interesting, with input from HEGEL themselves!

[@mkemp01]

Great review thanks. But where’s Bob?

[@abritishaudiophile7314]

Thanks Monty. He sat by my feet 😊👍

[@mkemp01]

@@abritishaudiophile7314 The best friend you can ever have.

[@pixym]

Hello and thank so much for this interesting video. @4:08 Very Funny (saving the planet)😅!

[@abritishaudiophile7314]

I glad you enjoyed that one 😊

[@labalo5]

They are excellent performers and are the start of a very very good foundation to build around. The neutral ‘sound’ fills that Goldilocks place in the start and/or wiser search of hifi. I’m still a Hegel fan myself with a H390.

[@abritishaudiophile7314]

Thank you for watching and sharing your experiences 😊

[@williamh5780]

Been scouring the internet for info about equipment matching the proac tablette 10 signature. Do you know of any good forums or sources for finding out that kind of info? My rooms 3.5 by 5 meters and I don't listen at high volumes, I just like good clean vocals and acustic instruments and also classical. If there's any advice or sources of info you could suggest it would be appreciated. I'm kinda thinking about that sugden you reviewed recently but I'd prefer to spend a bit less than that (about half as much). I'll keep looking and I'll find the info eventually, was just wondering if you could point me in the right direction.

[@abritishaudiophile7314]

Hi William, I know that ProAc customers have their own Facebook page but I don’t really engage with social media. Other than running this channel of course. The Tablettes would be great in a small space if the speakers are placed close to the wall behind them. I would take a look at the Rega Elex R as a good amp to power them that is a lot less than the Sugden. Good luck 😊👍

[@williamh5780]

@@abritishaudiophile7314 yea, I'm not on Facebook or the tweetster thing either, it's not worth it.. lol. No matter how good the info would be. I was thinking more of forums or something. I found a few good forum threads so I'm starting to get a good picture equipment matching, I think. Thanks for the suggestion.

[@yuriibulanov2592]

Thanks for your reviews. Can you help me to make a right choice. Yesterday i have heard h95 and it was very nice but a bit week. I decided to have h120 witch i could not hear before buying. I found also used h160 in a good condition. Price like a new h95. Witch way is a right h120 or 160?

[@abritishaudiophile7314]

That is tricky. The choice between H160 and H120 will come down to taste and speaker matching 😊

[@yuriibulanov2592]

@@abritishaudiophile7314did not expect you will answer me so fast :) i have dali opticon 6. Hearing most electronic music. I will turn my question. i had hegel h95 like i wrote before and It was briliant but same time week. Will i get the same quality with h160 but with signifikant more power?... Or better Pay 400 £ extra and take h120 ( h160 - 1350 used, h120 - 1750 demo) Thanks a lot for answer.

[@abritishaudiophile7314]

@@yuriibulanov2592 the H160 will give you more control in the bass and better dynamics. It has the same power amp that is in the H190. The H120 has a newer DAC and preamp section than the H160. The H120 has more neutral tonal balance where as the H160 is leaner in the midrange 😊

[@yuriibulanov2592]

@@abritishaudiophile7314 looks like h160 is my way. Thanks a lot to take this not easy decision. 🙏🙏🙏 I will definetly comming back here and share my expirience. Have a great Sunday 👍

[@Shoebutie]

Fabulous review

[@abritishaudiophile7314]

Thank you Scott 😊👍

[@staffanberg1447]

Dear Tarun, Why did you remove my comment with the link to the review of the Hegel H95 from Audio Science Review? Could you also clarify if you are receiving compensation from Hegel? Best Regards

[@abritishaudiophile7314]

Hi Staffan, I receive hundreds of comments a week, mostly positive and constructive. Occasionally I have to remove comments that are abusive of advertising something. If you just posted a link without explaining what the link is and why you posted it, I may have removed it as a potential advert. Unfortunately, I don’t have time to check all the links but you are more than welcome to repost. Just to be clear, my reviews are 100% my own opinion, I do not and never will advertise on behalf of manufacturers and pass it off as a review. I do not charge a fee for my reviews and yes that includes Hegel.

[@artiquecorner4445]

Tarun, thank you for another review! Brilliant as always. Can you tell please you impressions about the build quality? Are the faceplate and knobs plastic? How they feel? Thank you!

[@hclandscapes]

Unfortunately the face plate and nobs are made from plastic which is a bit of a shame. If you want an all metal faceplate and dials then you can get the H120 but its £700 more and only an extra 15wpc in power, i have listened to both and didn't think it was worth it over the H90. I think if you could afford it then the H190 would be the one to go for.

[@abritishaudiophile7314]

They don’t feel like plastic and have a nice weighty feel. The general build is good but not substantial as Hegel don’t believe in spending anymore than necessary on the chassis. Unlike the Sugden I reviewed a couple of weeks ago. Thank you for watching and your support AC 😊👍

[@amdenis]

How great the H 95 sounds compared to the other amps obviously also depends on the speakers. Comparing theHh95 and H190 here (don’t have a 160) and the Pass Labs INT-60 on Martin Logan ESL 15, B&W 802, Magnepan 30.2 and Magnepan LRS+, the Hegel H95 drives even the 2-3 ohm impedance LRS+ in a 62 foot x by 28 foot room with 14’ foot ceilings to massive levels. Hanging a sub off the var lines does nothing to deplete its reserves. The other amps, obviously do great as well. But my point is that the H 95 has massive current and power reserves and even with the hardest to drive speakers, can work magic!

[@abritishaudiophile7314]

Thx for sharing 😊

[@plasticpenguin1]

Not familiar with Hegel amps, but all their amps seem to have happy owners. Just for the record, Hegel amps have been used in the past by Alan Shaw of Harbeth speakers in video demonstrations.

[@abritishaudiophile7314]

True 😊

[@mohammedalomari1998]

Thanks again Tarun I have Marantz PM6007 which is very good. I hope 🙏 if you can review it and compare it to this Hegel h95? Kind regards and best wishes

[@abritishaudiophile7314]

Thank you 🙂

[@pinkyfloydyfan1]

Here are 3 questions for you Tarun: I would like to improve my system with a new amp since my dac is really old (that of my Sony NS999ES player, a SACD player) and my amp too (Antique Sound Lab AQ1001DT, a 4x tube amp KT88 Gold Lion). I have Focal Chorus 826V speakers and would like to listen to my DSD files, SACD discs and some other 24-bit encodings. 1. What would be the best choice of amp? I'm looking for a Hegel 2. H190. What better for the price? 3. Is there another option? Thank you for your thoughtful suggestions.

[@abritishaudiophile7314]

HI PFF, Hegel is a good choice as it works well with a wide range of speakers. I am not sure that the H190 will play DSD, my H160 doesn’t do it natively. For similar money (depending where you live) I would look at... Exposure 3010 S2D Pre/monos (warmer) Sugden A21SE (warmer still) Naim Supernait 3 (more forward) Good luck 😊👍

[@pinkyfloydyfan1]

@@abritishaudiophile7314 I know that the Exposure have the DSD, but about the others? About H190 with the Astell & Kern Kann Alpha for a dap/dsd connected?

[@abritishaudiophile7314]

@@pinkyfloydyfan1 the Sugden and Naim are pure analogue so I would use a good external DAC like the Denafrips Ares II 😊

[@calaf_725]

Great review. I had many different Hegel amplifiers in the past H300, H200, H160, H80 and Rost. I like their sound but they are not for people looking for sonic fireworks. The prices don't reflect on the build quality either.

[@abritishaudiophile7314]

Thank you for watching and sharing your experiences Calaf 😊👍

[@mohammedalomari1998]

Thanks How you compare them to Marantz PM6007 and Yamaha or rotel? Kind regards

[@calaf_725]

@@mohammedalomari1998Hi, i don't have experience with Rotel and Marantz. The Yamaha that i had was better built and the sound was somewhat leaner so it would match better with certain speakers depending on your taste.

[@mohammedalomari1998]

@@calaf_725 Thanks So what kind of brands you recommend with good prices and better sound instead of hegel ? Kind regards and best wishes

[@calaf_725]

@@mohammedalomari1998I don't know if it is in your price range but the amps i liked best so far was Plinius Hautonga and Denon PMA-110. Denon includes a very very good dac while the Plinius has only phono stage. Of course a Hegel can be a very good value too if you can find one second hand for a good price. Needles to say what i subjectively like does not mean it will be to your taste. Please try before spending your money if possible.

[@richardfaulkner6240]

Hi Tarun, I'm leaning towards an Audiolab 6000a Play at £799, but could easily be tempted to spend more on a Hegel, purely because both you and Darko have them, so there must be something right about them. However, one of the reasons you gave for pulling back from "Outstanding" was that there are a couple of amps at the price point that might be better. Could you tell us which amps these are, or your reasons for not declaring.

[@abritishaudiophile7314]

Hi Richard, the Audiolab 6000A and the Hegel H95 are both great options at their respective price. There are a few competitors I would like to check out in comparison to the H95. They are the new Exposure 2510, Roksan Kandy K3, Atoll IN200SE and the YBA Heritage A100 to name a few 😉

[@funcionyforma]

@@abritishaudiophile7314 Hi, thanks for all your work and the info you share. I was sold onto the roksan k3 untill I read it doesn't perform well at low volumes. Have you finally check out on the roksan k3? it does have issues playing at low volumes? how does it compare with the hegel h95?. Thanks in advance

[@abritishaudiophile7314]

@@funcionyforma I found out who deals with their PR and unfortunately she haven’t return my messages 😊

[@funcionyforma]

@@abritishaudiophile7314 oh sorry to hear that. Thanks for answering my question, and keep it up the good work you're doing here!