Hegel H390 vs NAD M33

Adrian and Vilip discuss and compare the differences and similarities between two heavy weight integrated amplifiers, the NAD M33 and the Hegel H390.
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[@chrisbush4881]

i love the natural conversation and humour. really fun to listen to.

[@matta9316]

The guy (angus?) adding the smart ass comments throughout the vids is hilarious. Love it. Great review as always put out more content!!

[@johnrobins795]

Am pro-NAD❤🎶 but have appreciated your viewpoints on the Hegel And just being "down the road" in Michigan love the Restaurant reviews and coming to visit eventually.

[@TheGreatAfricanGuru]

thank you for the excellent compare. Just one question, how do the 2 amps compare if using the Magnapan speakers ?

[@mines10inches]

Hopefully I will soon be at the finishing point of getting my living room decorated. Then I will have the dilemma of which of these two to go for. The function range on the Nad appeals but the simplicity of the Hegal also attracts.

[@TheGreatAfricanGuru]

Hi, I am really stuck between trying to decide which of these 2 amps to buy with a pair of magnapan 1.7is. Could you please help me with your perspective and opinions on this

[@anmic3590]

Hi! I was wondering if it’s worthy to save for the nad m33 or to get the new eversolo dmp-a8. Actually I’m interested in the best sound for streaming tidal in my stereo system. Focal Aria 948, svs sb-1000 pro, preamp/amp Pioneer c73/m73 from the 90s, class a/b. It’s true that the m33 would replace the preamp/amp as well if it sounds better. Any advice will be really appreciated. Thank you!

[@engelweh]

Could the audible differences between M33 and H390 be contributed by difference in time of burn in?

[@vilipmak3973]

No.

[@vijjreddy]

can anyone tell me whether Hegel h390 is a good match for wilson audio sabrina x?

[@nebulusnebulus6503]

I imagine that the DSP correction system of the NAD acts in the management of the bass sound in a subtractive way. This allows the amplifier to optimize its current delivery since it does not waste its resources by clipping frequencies that the room is not capable of supporting.

[@cybergod77]

sounds like u guys don't use a switcher for A/B comparisons...any reason for that?

[@vilipmak3973]

Ever listen to a switcher? It gets in the way…

[@WindomRettes]

As a general rule of thumb with your knowledge of audio,would you say that the best sound comes from the most expensive speakers?

[@incima00]

i enjoy the upfront dialogue :)

[@techmed-rainer]

Thank you very much for this comparison! Just a remark about digitizing the phono input. Every input of the M33 (as well the M10 / M10 V2) is being digitized, it´s necessary because of Dirac live. Otherwise it wouldn`t be concistent. PS: It´s the first time I watched a video on your channel, and I subscribed. And one reason beside the good content is the good audio quality. There are a lot auf Hifi channels who you can barely listen to, because of bad voice recording, especially when listening with headphones.

[@JamesWilliams-gf8gm]

I love your channel, one of the best online.

[@Nick-sk1qp]

An excellent review of two highly competent amps. For me, just having the NAD compared to the Hegel 390 tells me this is a very good amp and should be considered if you are in the market for a quality amp. Well done gentlemen!

[@andreasmoller9798]

I pick up the Hegel h390 on saturday Can’t wait, i like Hegel much more than nad much more grunt and controll

[@PP-nh1lv]

How would you rate the DAC on the Hegel 390, is it pretty good or would you suggest going with an outboard unit? If so, any recommendations on stand alone DACs that would shine with the 390?

[@vilipmak3973]

There are lots of better standalone DACs. However, the H390's internal DAC is also really good. To better the Hegel internal DAC, it would cost you almost as much as the Hegel itself. Remember with an external DAC, you have to pay for the casework, the power supply, the display, etc. The Hegel External DAC costs almost as much as the Hegel H390.

[@PP-nh1lv]

@@vilipmak3973 good advice Vilip. Loving the videos, keep up the great (hard) work! Thanks

[@thirdfromlast]

Loved the H390 DAC but love the Lumin T2 DAC better. I bought the T2 as a streamer/DAC and was curious about the DAC comparison. Honestly the T2 DAC is a world of improvement.

[@vilipmak3973]

@@thirdfromlast The T2 is considerably better than the H390 - with a much better DAC. Wait til you put on a better power supply. We've sold the T2 with the SBooster. The BoTW PS made a big improvement.

[@thirdfromlast]

@@vilipmak3973 Hey good to know ... because I was on the fence about changing the power supply. The T2 was actually a revelation and a surprise that a DAC could be so much better than the H390’s...

[@81richardnagy]

I have a NAD C298 amp and I paired it with a Lyngdorf TDAI 1120 as a preamp. So practically I using Roomperfect instead of Dirac. I don´t know about Dirac, but ones I activated Roomperfect, I cannot listen without it anymore... This combination is also cheaper as the M33. (Just an idea...)

[@vnasution6344]

Hi Guys could you compare H390 vs MC12000 driving KEF LS50 Meta KC62?

[@cpg8000]

The M33 was designed to be used with Dirac. It’s included. So, drawing a conclusion without employing a feature that is native to how the unit is designed, is an error. If you have a prejudice against room correction, then that’s that. But, you can’t draw a conclusion about a piece of equipment and not use the [especially digital] equipment to its potential and as designed.

[@tbirdsteve1]

So the M33 needs to use Dirac to sound acceptable?? That's an amp I don't want.

[@cpg8000]

@@tbirdsteve1 your preferences in audio, whatever they may be, have absolutely nothing to do with running a proper comparison- which is the point. Whether one sees room correction as a handicap or as an advantage, it is nonetheless part of the way the M33 is designed to work. Hence, using a product the way it’s *designed* to work is meaningful when comparisons are being made. If you came to declare your preferences in audio, great, we now know what you like. Other than that, your comment has nothing to do with the methodological error made in this comparison.

[@silvionovais2504]

@@cpg8000 ♥♥♥

[@aussie8114]

Good point.

[@francois-xaviergonnet7216]

@@tbirdsteve1 : Believe me the M33 will sound far better than acceptable without Dirac too. Just listen to the M23 (the stand alone amp) to ear what just the amp can do. Tell me it's not working great !

[@Raym0ndB89]

How does the M32 compare to the M33? Does anyone had the chance to listen to Both? M32 doesn't have Dirac, so no room correction.

[@lukewarmtemp9513]

Not sure why you didn’t compare M33 with Dirac enabled to Hegel. Leaves me thinking comparison was incomplete. You could argue Dirac is one of the top reasons customers buy the M33 in the first place. Because RoomEQ has the most impact in the bass region it stands to reason your critique of the M33’s bass quality / output would improve with Dirac enabled and dialed in. Heck, you might even find it sounds better then the Hegel! I guess we’ll never know…

[@mikkelbryld4928]

It sounds a lot better than the H390… 😉

[@vilipmak3973]

If you can champion the use of Dirac, why not also champion the use of tone controls or an outboard equalizer? We compared the units as stock as possible. And with speakers placed in spots we knew were correct.

[@lukewarmtemp9513]

@@vilipmak3973 Sorry Vilip, you missed my point completely. The review did not compare full function to full function. The Hegel was allowed to operate at full function and yet the M33 was knee capped. Tone control and or outboard equalizer does not equate to Dirac room equalization. 1970s tech versus 2020 tech. I suspect a lot who watched the video thought…”why did they skip Dirac?” The review’s main critique of M33 was in the bass region and that’s the region room eq improves the most…by far! I’m not championing Dirac by any stretch, what I’m saying is you should allow each product to operate as designed since that’s what consumers are paying for. People aren’t buying these things saying…”why don’t I spend $7000 and forget about configuring features that may dramatically improve sound quality.” Sorry bud, that’s not how it works.

[@vilipmak3973]

@@lukewarmtemp9513 I think you missed my point entirely - and Dirac is not even a NAD product. The sound of the amps stock is what we compared and we were very direct about it. This was the basis of our review. Make of it what you will, as you have. NAD is not complaining.

[@lukewarmtemp9513]

@@vilipmak3973 You ever tried talking to a brick wall ? I certainly have and it sucks.

[@fredalmgren7211]

I see comments about not using the Dirac Software for the NAD. You could add a minidsp Flex with Dirac Live and turn it on for both and compare the models. That would be an interesting review. Have a good day

[@KeenAesthetic1]

Oooh dis goin' be GOOD!

[@bikemike1118]

Are these Yvettes (white) in the background? …they dwarf the Sabrina X‘s … didn’t think the difference in size was so big

[@peter3728]

they look to be Sasha DAW

[@louisperlman8030]

Yes, the adjustable midrange/tweeter module is visible, the Yvettes are one piece.

[@bikemike1118]

@@peter3728 can also be, yes

[@carlstineman274]

Since both of these units are integrated amplifiers with built in DACs it makes sense to compare the complete units to each other, but I wonder how much of the sonic differences you hear are due to each of the stages, DAC, preamp and amp. You don't say what amplifier topology the Hegel uses but I assume it does not use the Purify topology. As we know, DACs alone can sound very different from one another and can have substantial differences in clarity and transparency. So when you say the Hegel sounds clearer I wonder, out of academic curiosity, how much of that is due to differences in the DACs versus the amplifier stages.

[@About_Time_Multimedia]

If you can't be bothered to do a full test on Audio quality as in using Dirac, which could be a big deference to sound . Then you have no right to compare sound quality.

[@elderinmoi1571]

See how perfectly the camera is leveled 😂 not that it matters much.

[@vnasution6344]

can you please compare H390 with Mcintosh MAC9500 or MAC12000

[@claesmalmberg7925]

Why Don’t you have Martin Logan electrostats in your range?

[@vilipmak3973]

We have Magnepan.

[@russfelger]

Great video, guys. I have been a big fan of NAD for years. I have 4 models in different systems thoughtout my home currently. That being said, I cannot get behind any class D amp. While more efficient and detailed, it lacks soul or personality, speaking from a standard 2 channel system. With more circuitry, you can get the sound almost acceptable, but you also add unnecessary complexity. Im not intentionally cutting on new technology or topographies, but A/B and A are the best sounding classes.

[@chrishuck9242]

M33 with my Martin Logan ESL 13As has all the bass in the world. I found I prefer without Dirac but am using the ML ARC on my speakers. I do wish it had HT Bypass. The Hegel DOES and this might be a legitimate benefit.

[@felipejotz7054]

I have a NAD M33 paired with Kef Metas and a KF92 sub. After struggling a bit to get the correct setup for Dirac I decided to upgrade to the full band (99 USD) and I couldn’t be happier. Lots of stage and imaging and very tight bass regardless of the more “movie directed” subwoofer. Never listened the H390 but honestly I don’t even want at this point. 😁

[@eduardoquintana3504]

what is Dirac? i dont know

[@felipejotz7054]

@@eduardoquintana3504 Dirca is a sortware for room correction. When properly adjusted it is night and day difference in sound quality.

[@eduardoquintana3504]

@@felipejotz7054 Muchas gracias Felipe, you are very kind, saludos de Chile

[@DenisZ2023]

Good to have you guys back.

[@thomaswalsh6375]

I have a NAD M33 with Sonus Faber Sonetto V speakers and I would agree with the reviewers comments about the bass “without” Dirac, but when I ran Dirac on the M33 the bass was completely transformed and it sounds absolutely fantastic. I can’t comment on the Hegel 390 because I haven’t heard one but I think to make a fair comparison of what the M33 is capable of you have to run Dirac, go with the technology that’s included, it’s a game changer.

[@vilipmak3973]

The issue with correction software is that it is highly situational.

[@vilipmak3973]

It is not what the M33 is capable of doing, but what Dirac is capable of doing.

[@lukewarmtemp9513]

Thomas, I did my best trying to talk some sense into Vilip RE running a complete and fair comparison with Dirac enabled…for whatever reason he doesn’t want to hear it. He’ll tell you M33 without Dirac is “stock” or that RoomEQ is “situational” both of which are meaningless in the context of a fair comparison. Is there an option to buy the M33 without DIRAC? No, the M33 comes “stock” with DIRAC included. Does DIRAC change its tuning based on different frequency responses for different rooms ? Absolutely, that’s the whole point, employing a technology that’s designed to be “situational”. At the end of the day Vilip chooses to ignore the obvious…consumers aren’t buying the M33 for $7000 only to forget about configuring DIRAC.

[@easykai3962]

Das ist zu 💯% auch meine Ansicht!! M33+ Dirac ist eine Symbiose die zusammen gehört.Der M33 wurde zusammen mit dieser Technologie entwickelt. Das scheinen nur leider viele hier nicht zu verstehen da es wohl zu hoch ist!!!

[@briancampbell7712]

can you review the Ayon intigrated amps...very good quality from Austria... one of the best qualities available...they don't do all the marketing...so many people outside of europe don't know how good some equipment and speakers are from places like...Denmark, Germany, Austria and Italy...

[@Oliveoilmaker]

Can a m33 drive wilson yvette??

[@MrBonger88]

Thomas also said that the bass was the weak point when he reviewed the Purifi amp

[@scottscottsdale7868]

Good video as always. I am curious what you think between NAD C368 and PS Audio Steller GainCell pre amp. Using node 2i. Power amp is PS Audio s300. Speakers are Revel

[@vilipmak3973]

The Stellar Gain Cell DAC with the Stellar S300 is a good combo. Always good to keep both Pre and Power the same brand. I really like the way the DAC section of the preamp sounds.

[@HPPG2017]

@Vlip what’s the reason to keep the same brand for pre amp and Amp. I paired a Parasound P6 with PS audio m700 mono block. Would I have any improvement going to Ps audio pre amp?

[@vilipmak3973]

@@HPPG2017 PS Audio would have voiced the Stellar Pre with each of the Stellar amps. So, there is a certain amount of synergy there. The P6 is a fine low-cost super versatile and accommodating preamp - on par with the PS Audio - the Stellar's digital section is however quite a bit better than the DAC in the P6. And despite the vaunted "Gain Cell" circuit that is the analog section of the Stellar pre, I actually find the P6 to have a more "musical" quality as an analog pre over the PS Audio.

[@Date08202011]

Vilip, if I have the h360 and only use the analogue section (I'm using a purpose built streamer that feeds into the unit through XLRs), would I hear a substantial difference if I 'upgraded' to the h390? Or would I really need to move up to the h590 to hear obvious differences?

[@vilipmak3973]

I own the 360 too and obviously have listened to the 390 a lot - so - the 390 is better. It has a bit more clarity and focus, plays a bit lower and has a bit more air. It is audibly more refined with more subtlety.

[@jearley22]

Can you guys please add the McIntosh MA5300 into this discussion as it is in the same price range?

[@artkulak9802]

FWIW, I had a MA5300 and NAD M32 in my system for several weeks. Quite honestly, in the midrange & treble I don't think I could consistently pick one over the other in a truly blind test (love those blue meters, ha ha). However, when it came to the low end the M32 stomped all over the MA5300. To make matters worse, McIntosh doesn't provide any subwoofer output. In fact, not even an extra line level output. The manual says to use a Y-splitter cable on the preamp output - one side going back into the MA5300 & the other to the subs (or for bi-amping, LOL). And the lower the frequency went, the worse the MA5300 was compared to M32. Not even close!!!! On top of that, I still had to buy an outboard streamer, from NAD's sister company, Bluesound to get streaming into the 5300. I've owned plenty of McIntosh over the decades. They certainly have their appeal - cosmetics & build quality - resale value. Unfortunately they don't make anything that I want or need. Needless to say, I kept the M32 and couldn't be happier. The only thing I wish it had is DIRAC, but with a purpose built, dedicated listening/music room I'm skeptical of how useful it would be. A small adjustment of the tone controls and/or volume level does the trick (recording dependent).

[@vilipmak3973]

@@artkulak9802 So, tone controls work. Yay!

[@vilipmak3973]

The MAC7200 (or MA7200 outside of North America) and the MA8900 are significantly better than the MA5300 primarily because of the output transformers. The MA5300 has a very sweet midrange but can be lacking in the bass department like Art has commented. I still like it but I don't LOVE it. Sorry McIntosh…

[@jearley22]

@@vilipmak3973 so to get really good Mac you gotta go to MA8900? Or is the H390 just all in all better at roughly 5k??

[@vilipmak3973]

@@jearley22 Or the 7200. The MA352 is also very good - has tubes and quite dynamic output - lots of bottom end jump. The H390 is different and very good. It will be a matter of taste and preference.

[@kestask4809]

I compared m33 and Hegel 390 before buying one, and for my ears M33 sounded mush better (there was no toroid humm, backround dark).

[@dal2258]

Why wouldn't you use the room correction? That's like compairing two cars, one with five gears and one with six but not using the sixt gear to make the comparison 'fair'? And what about the power consumption?

[@vilipmak3973]

And hence, the problem. Even your analogy falls apart - five gears versus six gears actually doesn't really change the maximum gearing, a sixth gear ratio is usually included somewhere between first gear and the overdrive. A more appropriate analogy would be fuel additives. We listened to the amps as unadulterated as possible. So, no room correction.

[@dal2258]

@@vilipmak3973 Allow me to disagree. Dirac is an available feature (maybe even an integral part) on the M33 and thus should have been used. Six gears can and do make a significant difference but that's a whole other story. I really like the Hegel H390 to be clear. ☺️

[@vilipmak3973]

@@dal2258 No please, allow me to clarify, since we structured our review the way we did. We wanted to know what the actual amp sounded like. Without any embellishment or correction. So if the M33 must use Dirac - that's a minus. Ultimately if you have a bad room or setup, the correction software might be necessary. But there is no panacea.

[@vilipmak3973]

And just to be clear, we also really liked the M33.

[@AudioThings]

@@vilipmak3973 The analogy does NOT fall apart. If you don't use the 6th gear on a car provided with 6 gears YOU limit the car's gearing vs the other car with only 5 gears. Like you did with the NAD. I see you sweating on every post regarding this, or better put, you are lightly bullying people to accept your (wrongful) thinking. Is the NAD that much better with DIRAC fully operating that it would blow the Hegel out of the room, while also saving you the money to get better speaker cables? Weird not wanting to use Dirac.

[@mankepoot9440]

So because the dealer doesn't know what machines are where, the consumer has to look at a stamp of unnecessary information. It reminds me of these AV receivers that were all written over with all the possible formats and gizmonames. The big advantage of the NAD is the possibility to play Radio Paradise high quality with one button. But just as with all services you don't know what will be in two years time.

[@vilipmak3973]

If only it were that simple and I couldn't differentiate what was better.

[@bassiclogic]

I did not see a phono stage on the Hegel?

[@juanmillaruelo7647]

If the owner/listener has a H390 he knows it and doesn't need to be reminded. I understand that an audio shop would prefer to highlight the difference. It's a different perspective. :-)

[@mikkelbryld4928]

I've tried both amps at home in my living room and I can not recognize your impression ... in my ears the H390 was directly tiring to listen to where everything fell into place when I switched to the M33. The hardness from midrange and treble disappeared, the bass got deeper and better defined and the music suddenly sounded like music. Nad M33 is in my ears a far better amplifier than H390

[@juzi68]

@@zaoria123 May I ask what scientific backing there is for the "burn in" phenomena? How does one know whether to attribute the supposed change in sound to human psychology vs a change to hardware due to "burn in"? If I sleep on a hard rock bed for 300 hours, I suppose I'd get use to it too.

[@Homeaudionl]

@@juzi68 it’s not even 300 hours, I had the pleasure to listen at a dealer to a used one and a new from the box and it sounded not that special, but after 3 hours it was opening up, it also not that special, al components chance after use it the same as shocks from your those also need to run in !

[@andreasmoller9798]

Hegel is way better to me

[@yoddeb]

Well these are your typical audiophiles, discarding class d for some bizarre reason.

[@andreasmoller9798]

@@yoddeb some does i don’t the h390 outpermed the m33 for my speakers, the bass was better with h390 and it was deal breaker for me, its just more powerful than m33, and i didin’t need the features of the nad

[@Jordankid365]

I have Hegel h390,it sound best after 6 months or so I also upgraded synergtic purple fuse I pair with audio physic Virgo 25 I think the Hegel h390 good match with forward speaker

[@bbfoto7248]

@Jordan king 365 Sorry mate, in my experience the Rainbow Fuses are far better in all regards. Cheers

[@michaelb8171]

I'm such a McIntosh fanboy but if you guys do a review /discussion of anything else, I still watch!

[@markhampton7559]

Have you ever heard the GOLD NOTE IS-1000? Some reviewers feel it is superior to both the NAD and Hegel 390.

[@bgmule]

@markhampton7559 I have been running the Gold Note IS 1000 Deluxe (with the better DAC) for about 20 months now, paired with Focal Kanta 2. Some other gear that I have, and was able to experiment with are NAD M10 and Naim Uniti Atom for my kitchen and patio respectively. The GN 1000 was for my main system in the office. They should be in a different league...apart from they are not. Both the NAD and the Naim have a better separation of detail, more open mid-range, and better software. I am not a fan of the forwardness of Naim, the M10 is neutral and balanced. Compared to these two more modest amps the GN sounds veiled in the mid-range. And this is with Focal, which are quite open at upper frequencies. Another major gripe I have with the GN is the app. It is based on mControl, and it is rubbish. They fix one thing and break several with every firmware upgrade. I am mainly streaming Qobuz, so it is mildly annoying not to be able to queue an album but to have to "next" every song as it would just repeat a song over and over. The firmware updates of the amp itself are very cumbersome, and also problematic. For example, the volume control - you turn it down, but it would dial itself up again a second later.Overall, a really good hardware being mainly let down by software issues. And, of course, inferior sound. Up points are that the DAC is quite good, and the phono stage is really decent.

[@hiresaudiocosta873]

Why not get a mulching mower so you don’t have clean the clippings?

[@janneh8880]

I tested the M33 for one week at home against my Hegel H160 with Dynaudio Contour 3.4 LE speakers. Those speakers have a slightly lean mid-range and what struck me most was how much thinner electric guitars (power chords and riffs) sounded on M33. Pity for all the nice features of NAD, but I couldn’t buy it. Maybe it suits speakers with colored mids better.

[@kinggodzilla7647]

Class-D amps are inherently a bit thin-sounding unless they are mated with a linear power supply and that would get closer to the sound of Class-AB amps to a great extent.

[@geohof]

Few advantages with the M33, Better streamer, DAC, 2 subwoofer outputs and Dirac….. once you connect 2 subs and Calibrate, might be the game changer.

[@TheCamerlengo7]

I wish they would have fired up the Dirac on the M33 to see if it makes a difference. Perhaps it would have swayed their final judgement?

[@divertiti]

@@TheCamerlengo7 Why would Dirac sway they're judgement? they're trying to test the amplifier, and it should work properly without room correction. Clearly the issue isn't room related.

[@TheCamerlengo7]

@@divertiti Room correction is a tool offered to improve the sound. Perhaps it would have made a difference, perhaps not. But by not trying it, we won’t know. I think the reviewers should have given it a shot just to make sure.

[@divertiti]

@@TheCamerlengo7 Room correction is a tool offered to...*gasp* correct the room interaction. It shouldn't be used as a bandaid to cover up subpar amplification in the first place

[@TheCamerlengo7]

@@divertiti You’re not getting my point. I would like to hear their impressions after running the room correction. It’s not an unreasonable request. Maybe it would improve the sound, maybe not. Perhaps the M33’s amplification is sub par, or perhaps what it’s outputting to the speakers interacts with this particular room, discoloring the sound in a way that the Hegel doesn’t. Maybe applying the Dirac “band aid” would change the sound to something more palatable. I don’t know. And by vociferously arguing against even trying it, we won’t know for certain. I’m not defending the M33 or dissing the Hegel, I’m not interested in purchasing either unit. (I’d consider the MA 12000 for an integrated) But I do prefer to stay open minded. That’s as good as I can state it. Best of luck. Good taking to you.

[@galaxrobert]

Thanks to your videos I bought my first system. Hegel H190 a year ago and iFi Zen a week ago :) and I Love it ( paired with KEF R11). Thank You guys !

[@poknow666]

iFi Zen Stream? Does it make a difference compared to built-in H190?

[@andreasmoller9798]

Great system i use Hegel h190 as well with b&w 702 s2 also love the sound and will try to upgrade to h390, i use Sonos connect its still preferable to the internal streamer

[@galaxrobert]

@@andreasmoller9798 Nice, .. and Looks like we both like white speakers and cars ;)

[@galaxrobert]

@@poknow666 I have to spend some time with Zen to write about sound but I like that i have Roon ent point and TIDAL connect

[@andreasmoller9798]

@@galaxrobert yes for sure, i am thinking of upgrading to Hegel h390 in 2 years time, my speakers might enjoy the extra power and the better dac,

[@Shoaibexpert]

I have a NAD C298 and I am listening to this to compare that to the H390 as they are more or less the same in terms of Amplifier tech.

[@sudd3660]

c298 owner here also, and i was thinking how would c658 preamp and dual c298 do vs hegel 390.

[@Shoaibexpert]

@@sudd3660 I actually went for the Zen Stream after watching their video and with a cheap Linear PSU and my SU-9 DAC...never heard anything better on my KEF R7s. The C658 doesn't have a very good DAC...

[@sudd3660]

@@Shoaibexpert i see, i dont use the normal preamp myself, i use a mindsp shd studio as preamp and dsp, then a bel canto dac into the c298.

[@ufarkingicehole]

@@sudd3660 how to set the DSP up in the chain? Is it as simple as selecting a few options when switching gear or is it a whole process everything? Which DSP did you go with? 6?9?

[@Shoaibexpert]

@@sudd3660 Thanks. The SHD has DIRAC...I wanna know of it makes a positive or negative difference for you. For me I tried room correction using REW Convolution in Roon and felt it too the life away from my music...

[@MrPodet]

As an owner of the M33, who has tried many amplifiers, I can say the following: 1)Nad is not a universal amplifier. The best partners for M33 are acoustic systems with high sensitivity - from 88 db. 2)Ideal partners for him (from what I've tried) these are Focal and Revel (91 dB and a minimum impedance of 2.8 ohms). 3)Try installing Purple fuse in it and you will be as surprised as possible. This gives a 30-50% increase in sound quality. I assume this is because one fuse improves the sound of all devices inside the M33 (Amp, streamer, DAC) at once. 4)If you have learned how to tune Dirac correctly, you will be rewarded with a more focused stage and a dense bass. Hegel, on the contrary, is good for acoustics with low sensitivity. And on high-sensitivity acoustics, its sound becomes unbearably cold.

[@shanestephenson8423]

Very funny guy's love your videos. Very interesting comparison. The reason your at 20000 subscribers is because your good 😁👍😁👍😁👍

[@Psyphonyx_Life]

...Amen.. - I don't like having voice monitoring devices (other than my phone) in my system .. OR having automatic function devices. I prefer to manually operate all my devices.

[@bartonyount8125]

If possible, run Dirac and then do an A/B comparison between the two. Also, for $1000 less than the Hegel H390, I can live with the M33's shortcomings.

[@bornces]

I work two weeks for those peanuts!

[@aussie8114]

Reading the NAD M33 manual it says you can do the Dirac using a smartphone, IOS or Android. No need to use a computer. I like that the NAD has bass and treble as well as balance control. Seems odd it does not also offer a customisable EQ given its a digital amp. The fact the Hegal does not even have a balance control rules it out for me. I guess I could use an RME DAC which has both tone and balance control but then that seems wrong that I’m buying an expensive amp that relies on an external DAC to patch these deficits of the amp. Also not sure I’m smart enough to figure out how to use the very complicated RME DAC.

[@prashantnahata471]

Availability and cheap price decide in pandemic times , when supply logistics worldwide have gone for a toss , which is a better product .

[@vilipmak3973]

@Car Guy daddyo Like…? Don't leave us hanging…

[@vilipmak3973]

@Car Guy daddyo Not the Kinki. I've owned that one, so I know. The Sugden is ok and you may prefer it - it is categorically not better. And if you think it is, please elucidate how. And what Class A amp can you buy for the same money? And also assuming Class A is better. Which it isn't in so many ways.

[@igorfridrich1070]

I love My C399 +Mdc2 .... and end of speech...🤣😉✌️

[@calebkeen8967]

I feel Adrian's pain, I also live with neighbors who mow their lawns 3X a week to keep the lines looking good on their immaculately green, professionally herbed and weeded lawns. Mine looks like shit but my audio sounds so much better than theirs so I win right?!? Right!?!

[@howardskeivys4184]

I personally can’t wait for the winter. When it snows, my garden looks no different to anyone else’s and gives me good reason to stay home, sit down in my favourite armchair in the optimum listening position, armed with a large glass of aged malt and my remote controls for my amps, DAC, streamer and CD player.

[@jeffkalina7727]

If you are blind it does

[@divertiti]

Thanks for the honest opinions you shared at the beginning, I do wish you didn't have to backtrack so hard and go into the "participation ribbon everyone is a winner" mode. When you have to go to touch screen to have something good to say, it sounds really reaching and forced. In a shootout there's a winner and a loser, and that's okay. Also even if you buy another phono to go with the M33, isn't the analog input still digitized anyway? Doesn't seem like that would solve the problem.

[@vilipmak3973]

But you could buy an even better phono. Yah - the M33 still will digitize it. Ultimately, it comes down to how it sounds.

[@divertiti]

@@vilipmak3973 For sure, but I think you guys made the clear how it sounds in comparison. As a consumer I really appreciate this type of honest head to head. Thank you

[@williamzame3708]

This is a strange comparison. The H390 costs $6000 and doesn't have room correction; the NAD M33 costs $5000 and has Dirac room correction.

[@AudioThings]

It's really a interesting comparison. The Hegel is built with a more classic approach, and the NAD is like the new age way. The only strange thing with this review, is not wanting to use the DIRAC with the NAD.

[@PS987654321PS]

Not strange at all. It’s the most relevant matchup in all of the audio world.

[@drichard3094]

haven't heard the bigger Hegel's, but the H90 is over rated in my opinion, really thin sounding, it had a good soundstage, fast and responsive, but way too bright, not harsh, but bright and thin, really didn't like it with my Harbeth P3's. Dac was not good either, my 10 year old Ps audio nuwave dac that was selling new for about 800$ is allot better.

[@juanmillaruelo7647]

In any case the "toe to toe" comparison between two completely different technical approaches is very interesting. But I feel Dirac should have been tested and the results duly noted. I know you can add "outboard" Dirac to the Hegel, but it's not tightly integrated to the device. I feel adventurous and like the "digital" "pre", Dirac and Purifi power section. It breaks all the totemic traditions. The technology behind the M33 will be the new standard in 10-20 year's time.

[@morespinach9832]

Not really. Out against others in its range like Cambridge Audio CXA61 or Sprout or A6000 the Hegel H90 rocks.

[@oysteinsoreide4323]

H390 has enough features in my mind. But of course it's special that the model number isn't anywhere on the front. But I'm not missing a touch screen. It would just get full of fingerprints.

[@Darrylizer1]

You guys had me at Chinese buffet, now I'm hungry! Good review!

[@howardskeivys4184]

I’m old school, a purest and minimalist, a 2 channel man. But I’m not stoic, I’m open to persuasion and I don’t prejudge. I have ownership experience of both manufacturers amps, though not those models. For me, it has to be the Hegel. An interesting comparison. Could have been condensed a bit though.

[@johnanderson8096]

Crazy Enjoyable!!!!!!!!!!!!! Thank You... X 1000

[@user-pj4ue8cz4z]

My bigest exsperiens with analog HIFI Washington when my deler sold my a Thing (at Thatcher time i didnot understand what i bougt - but latli i fundet putte the Thing ther WAS DRIVING MY PICKUP - was a littel DAC - an noi ANALOG 😂

[@user-pj4ue8cz4z]

Sorry my bad Englis

[@tigertiger1699]

Seriously thinking about the H390🙏

[@tigertiger1699]

@Car Guy daddyo Interesting cheers, Do you think that amps need/ want to sound like Class A?

[@csszabi8779]

@Car Guy daddyo What speakers do you use the Kinki amplifier for? I'm looking for a powerfull integrated amp for my Focal Electra 1038BE and the Kinki is on my list.

[@vesnavoss2673]

The Kinki EX M1 looks good... Lower damping and less power though. It is cheaper after all and there's a reason for that. Go and listen to different amps, synergy between speakers, room etc plays a role and personal taste after all is most important. Sugden are great amps too, especially if you need an extra heater or like your sunny side ups if you're short a frypan ... There's a very good reason why Hegel gets all these fantastic reviews for their amps, DACs and just won best phono stage in this year's EISA awards ... Just saying

[@tigertiger1699]

@@vesnavoss2673 Hi & cheers..! Yeah very much my current take on it all.., very interesting how people get tied up in stuff.., I’ve noticed I’m staring at Hegel.. despite other great gear around.., but I also tend to understand why my attraction to it.., it makes sense.., but truth is lot o great options.. another is PS Audio or Musical fidelity.., want Moon.. but$$$ I’ve got Dyn Contour 30… so want min 250 in 4ohms… I’ve brief heard H190

[@tigertiger1699]

@@vesnavoss2673 I had moon 250w power & pre.. trial on them.., made them start singing

[@dilbyjones]

Ohh snap a VS video. By the way Class D is not 2nd rate anymore. According to my sources. But I also reserve judgement. Sad Rocky Mountain is closed now.

[@WarinPartita6]

I​ owe an​ H390​ and​ love​ it​ a​ lot.​ I​ play​ tons ​ of​ Mozart/Beethoven​ piano​ concerto​s​/symphonies​ and​ the​ piano​ music​ of​ Bach,​ Schubert, Chopin, Schumann, Brahms, Rachmaninoff, etc.​ All​ sound​ great.​ But​ when​ i​ switch to​ chamber​ music​ and​ jazz, that's​ when​ i​ feel​ that​ the​ Hegel​ just​ shines​ and​ stuns me.​ Thanks​ for​ confirming this.​ One​ day​ i​ might​ get​ a​n NAD M33.​ PS​: My​ brother​ owes a​ fine​ NAD​ system.

[@vilipmak3973]

@Car Guy daddyo Your sniping doesn't help. Contribute something positive, please.

[@rig4365]

@Car Guy daddyo I'm pretty sure he meant to type 'I own' and autocorrect used 'I owe'.

[@rumporridge1]

@Car Guy daddyo cleaning up the internet must be a very tough job.

[@timleelim9930]

Angus the beef somehow reminds me of Brutus Beefcake.

[@vilipmak3973]

Angus Beef - that's what Adrian is referencing.

[@gargle99]

Adrian- please dig up the lawn and landscape with native, drought resistant ground cover and flowering plants that are beneficial for insects, pollinators (bees, butterflies) and birds. If done right it's beautiful and doesn't require chemicals or a pollution-spewing lawn mower. It's beneficial for the local ecosystem- environmentally a lawn is the worst thing. I really don't understand the suburban fixation with bloody lawns that are of no benefit, when all that space could be used to grow useful plants, herbs and food. Also, your "weeds" are actually indicators of your soil condition and are working to improve the soil

[@Simon-dn9kv]

I know everybody is wondering what "Eigentakt" means. It's a German word and literally translated it either means "own rhythm" or "strange rhythm". Take your pick.

[@TheCamerlengo7]

It’s a made up contraction of the German “eigenen Takt”, meaning your own unique rhythm, or pace. I wouldn’t use strange. “Eigentakt” is visually more appealing, sounds cooler, and they apply it to describe their self clocking technology. The Danish company who makes it is called Purifi, which I suspect is another play on words meant to sound cool. (Pure-hifi-purify, or perhaps a play on two of the founders’ names PUtzeys-RIsbo-fidelity) On that, I am guessing. Hope this helps.

[@neilfox4626]

In this case it is intended to mean "self-timing".

[@soundman2604]

33 degree Master of FM....

[@prothor]

The Greens departementet 😂

[@hushpuppykl]

Hifi enthusiast vs Lifestyle music enthusiast. Both components have their own market.

[@juanmillaruelo7647]

The "lifestyle" component is chock full of leading edge technology. You could "roll your own" with a miniDSP, a good dac and a Purifi based power amp.

[@louisperlman8030]

Adrian put his finger on it. These two integrated amps are for different types of audiophiles. Old school vs ‘latest and greatest’.

[@photoipster]

I agree with vilip. I hate pc’s. Yes I had to use them for 11 years. Macs work. They just work. They don’t crash.

[@sudd3660]

mac as in macintosh pc? you clearly dont know what things are called or what you are talking about.

[@tazkaasdemeasy3893]

NAD doesnt have HT bypass and its a deal breaker.

[@joylessdancer4554]

The bias against tech is fascinating.

[@williammorales8204]

Weeds in your grass, use stuff called Tenacity. Just saying.

[@defenseandsafety]

I cannot see any reason to digitize analog signals - especially from a turntable. I also think the M33 is trying too hard - doing too many things to the music.

[@JamesWilliams-gf8gm]

The 6 thumbs down must be NAD employees…

[@davidbailey6350]

Well Done Steak…..!!! Eat a hamburger. !!!

[@Dave30867]

Yes everyone is getting lazy and overweight .

[@Roof_Pizza]

Call me when class D has 2 decades of flawless performance better than class A/B.

[@andreasmoller9798]

H390 would be my choise as it seems to be the amplifier with more grunt to the sound, i campared Hegel h190 with nad m10, the Hegel run all over the nad, everything sounded thin and nad lacked depth of the Hegel

[@vilipmak3973]

The more applicable comparison would be the H120 vs. the M10. And yes, from a sonics standpoint, the H120 would still be better. However as we stated, the NAD would still be a great choice. If you heard only the M10, you would like it and it would make you happy. And if you got used to its features, you would not so readily give them up or discount them.

[@andreasmoller9798]

@@vilipmak3973 i got my h190 before it jumped up in price, in Sweden it was 2750 euro when i bought it witch was cheaper than nad m10, the h120 was just 300 euros less than h190, i find that h190 was a much better deal, i am intrested to jump to h390 when i can afford, is there a big difference between h190 and h390 in terms of bass controll and soundstage, i like the detail with h190, but i think my speakers deserve more power, and i miss.a little bass will h390 be a step up here, its quite a big investment for me so i hope its worth it, i am going to demo it to be sure of course at my home

[@massimilianozeni1848]

I had an M10 for 2 years before I bought the H190 and even though the H190 is overall better sounding to my ears (mid and highs) the M10 wasn t as far off, especially with Dirac live on, when I learned how to use Dirac at least. The bass was better on the NAD honestly. I only stream so bluos was also on another planet compared to M connect and upnp free apps. The big screen was also very practical with album and song name cover art etc. It was also easy to transport if needed (I tested the new speakers with it) Never heard the M33. To me the biggest defect of the M10 was that it was a little bit too precise, a little dry and sterile sometimes. H190 is good I just wish it had some of that amazing practicality of the NAD. Someone will get there soon. Ciao

[@andreasmoller9798]

@@massimilianozeni1848 i have no experince with the m33 either, but i find that hegel h190 is much better with soundstage depth and bass controll than nad m10, tried both at store with the same speakers, for detail they are about the same, with the nad the speakers sounded hard and harsh, with the hegel everything sounded bigger and more controlled, the nad m10 might been too weak for those speakers

[@FabianFP]

Guys, try the new M10v2! This will change a lot. Bit to be honest, this products are different consumer. 😃 Ask your wife oder your girlfriend and see what will happen…

[@danielesbordone1871]

Hegel is the better amp , but giving an honest opinion , they're both overpriced.

[@gergelykiss1142]

Naim Supernait 3 anytime, anyday. Hegel sounds thin nad sounds clinical.

[@morespinach9832]

Hegel sounds thin??? 🤡

[@rafstan2560]

🤣 Test the car without shifting into second gear - I don't understand audiophilism.

[@nickloughrey9841]

What training have these guys got ?................. ELectronic engineering is not there forte!

[@tritiumglo4699]

NAD. Too many gadgets. Abandoned their philosophy of less is more and focus on audio. Hegel is more of what NAD used to be.

[@PS987654321PS]

Isn’t Hegel just a cheap, overpriced Chinese company with a Norwegian branded name?

[@tritiumglo4699]

@@PS987654321PS Not sure if I would go that far. Overpriced yes but they are still using a robust transformer.

[@PS987654321PS]

@@tritiumglo4699 the exact same one is sold in China under a Chinese brand name at a third the price.

[@bbfoto7248]

Well, NAD does have other models that are just stripped down without all of the extra fluff. So there's that. It's your choice. For many, a decent "all-in-one" is appealing and more than good enough.

[@henriksrensen3220]

Class d 👎

[@Scottlp2]

That is what I thought fir long time. Check out audiogon threads on class D. Apparently recently recent class D has made major strides and some are as good as anything. Even Atmasphere (high end tube products) is working on class D amp. You can read their designer’s comments on class D on audiogon.

[@juanmillaruelo7647]

Good "class D" is hard to fault nowadays.

[@bbfoto7248]

@Henrik Sørensen Henrik, with that statement, I would surmise that you don't fully understand the difference between different amplifier technologies and how exactly they achieve their end result. Modern Class D has advanced to where performance is on par with any type of amplifier, and they are nearly always much more agnostic or immune to every loudspeaker's unique impedance/load compared to Class A or A/B, and of course WAY more efficient. Bring your best amp over and we'll see how it compares (using your own ears) to my Class D Halcro on Børresen Acoustics model 03 floorstanders. I'm confident that will convince you to stop making such uninformed blanket statements regarding Class D amplifier technology.

[@henriksrensen3220]

@@bbfoto7248 I understand how they sound. I don't like the sound of class D. Before I bought my Gryphon amplifier i did try different amplifiers, also class D. I have never liked the sound.

[@bbfoto7248]

@Henrik Sørensen Well, all I can say is that just like different Class A and Class A/B amplifiers can sound different, different Class D amplifiers can also sound very different! And, as I explain later, this is not just dependent on the particular amplifier itself, but also due to the unique set of loudspeakers that are connected to it. Exactly how many Class D amplifiers have you tried? Certainly not every Class D amplifier that is available? Two, three, four? So IMO, at the moment, you have an Expectation and/or Confirmation Bias, and are placing ALL Class D amplifiers into your "Class D just can't sound good" basket. It's long been demonstrated and proven that the eyes and brain can trick the ears...EVERYONE'S ears...no one is immune from this. It is a biological effect of our auditory system, which results in the phenomenon of psychoacoustics. The best book you could possibly read and study is Dr. Floyd Toole's "Sound Reproduction: The Acoustics and Psychoacoustics of Loudspeakers and Rooms (Audio Engineering Society Presents)". Search for the latest edition...AFAIK, the 3rd Edition is the latest. I will be blunt and state that if you or any other HiFi or audio enthusiast hasn't yet read or understood the research and concepts presented in this book, you are honestly an ill-informed, ignorant HiFi enthusiast, and do not have much basis for making any determinations, statements, or arguments as to what you THINK you hear, or have heard during any sort of comparison or evaluation. In addition, what most people do not consider is that amplifiers, even among just Class A/B amplifiers, each have UNIQUE CIRCUITRY, which can be drastically different in some cases, and it is highly unlikely that any two brands or models wiil be identical in this regard... So there will ALWAYS be some type of variation in the circuitry between different brands and models of amplifiers, as well as in the electrical components that are used. For example, each amplifier will be designed to operate best within a particular dynamic impedance load and power bandwidth. How each amplifier handles and reacts to the loudspeaker's inductance and back EMF might be vastly different. They will also have different strategies in regards to how they implement their feedback loop/comparartor circuit, how it is applied and at what stage in the circuit, and how much negative feedback is used, or if none is used. At what point and how fast does the amplifier begin to clip? The harmonics/characteristics of that distortion will be unique. Does that particular amplifier operate primarily via Voltage OR Current? On and on... Even among amplifiers of the same topology, different brands and/or models may operate and reach their end result quite differently. Most importantly, until a Specific Loudspeaker system is connected to any given amplifier, the amplifier itself is an INCOMPLETE CIRCUIT. The loudspeakers themselves present a very unique and highly complex DYNAMIC load to each amplifier, which then completes the circuit, making each amplifier/loudspeaker combination very unique. This can ultimately result in very different characteristics of its audible sound. A loudspeaker transducer may seem to be a simple electro-mechanical device, but in terms of their electro-mechanical parameters and properties, they are highly complex, and the properties or parameters that they present to any given amplifier can be vastly different, and each amplifier will react/respond differently. So again, even though you may not have heard a Class D amplifier that your EARS AND MIND considers to be good or better, that doesn't mean that they do not exist. And it doesn't mean that others do not prefer a particular Class D amplifier over other types, especially in their unique system. Again, just HOW MANY Class D amplifiers have you actually tried? And, have any of your determinations been made without knowing what amplifier was being used in the system...i.e. a proper, level-matched, randon, double-blind test? Realistically, your blanket statement in regards to Class D amplifiers can not hold any weight until you have heard EVERY Class D amplifier that is available. ;) There might still be one out there that you will like...or not. ;) You will not know until you listen to more of them, and while not knowing if you are listening to a Class A, A/B, D, or any other topology, otherwise you will have a cognitive bias. In addition, what each of us "like" or prefers is subjective. Others have different tastes and opinions, which are just as valid to them as your own preferences and "beliefs" regarding Class D amplification. ;) We all have our own level and depth of experience and knowledge in any given subject. Happy New Year, mate!

[@frostycanada6404]

Guys, I love your videos and find them very entertaining, but is totally useless when it comes to reviewing two different competing products. So Try this my little friends … have your camera man setup the two systems, play the same tracks on each system and redo the listening test blind without being influenced by what you see and of course what sells best in the store. 😉🙂 I would be surprised If you can pick out the Hegel over the NAD or vice versa. You are both both excellent sales persons, but terrible (like 98%) of the KZbin reviewers when it comes to reviewing products. Thank you for at least describing some of the functions of the NAD (that was useful). Take care, Brian

[@vilipmak3973]

How do you know 98% of KZbin reviewers are terrible? Aren't you prejudging and biased too? Who are the 2% that are good? Adrian and I listened separately to different music and heard similar presentations. We don't compare notes. The important thing to note here is we heard the same sonic characteristics. So, double blind is useful and confirmation bias can be a factor, but we have been listening to gear for a long time, so yes, we can really hear the differences. I invite you to come and do a review with us - hopefully you can hear what's what and make a relatively cogent report. And it'll be interesting to find out if you heard what we heard. We're not talking about what you like - only what you hear. I have clients who are sight impaired and they clearly hear all the same differences. I may be an audio sales person professionally - we all have to make a living - but I am much more than that - first and foremost, I love the music I love, everyday, all day. I cannot imagine my life without it. The privilege of working at AE is that I get to listen all workday long to the thing that brings me the joy. It is about the music. And yes, you take care too - stay safe.

[@frostycanada6404]

@@vilipmak3973 Hello Vilip, I was generalizing of course, but you really can’t take any these reviews as serious. Again, you guys are excellent and entertaining, and I truly enjoy the good natured banter between you, Adrien and the camera / editing guy. I think Thomas & Stereo with all his flaws is on the right track. Getting feedback from friends using the same review piece but in different setups and summarizing it all up in a review. Not perfect, but very informative. If you have time, try Alpha Audio’s reviews on KZbin especially the ones with the live recordings, but do it blind with Good headphones. You can read through the list of products being tested even know the order that each component is being played but that’s it. Wait a couple of hours before starting and do blind and try to pick out the best. Yes there’s all the limitations of KZbin squashing the sound quality but just try it. Love you guys, Brian

[@vilipmak3973]

@@frostycanada6404 You're kidding - of course - no - something like that (listening to a KZbin "demo" through headphones) is meaningless - we listen in the most unadulterated way possible in real time and real space. Adrian and I are the double blind. I don't think anyone else does that. We may banter casually but what we state is as truthful as we hear it.

[@frostycanada6404]

@@vilipmak3973 Hello Vilip, my point was doing demos blind (really blind) without knowing or seeing the product that is playing would be recommended. If you want to kick it up a notch …throw in a third product into the demo mix like a H95 or a small Rotel Integrated and let’s see if you can pick out the cheapie amp. 😵‍💫🙂 You (and that includes me) are heavily influenced by what we see and providing recommendations based on that is not very helpful. I’m a subscriber to your channel and enjoy the vids you guys make. Regards to the team, Brian