Beauty and BEAST?! | Hegel H390 Review

[@Edin8140]

Mennnn! This guy is simply the best audio reviewer on KZbin

[@laurelhardy4064]

I think Ron was spot on when he said, the H390 has the ability to knock your teeth out when pushed or kissing you at the cheek at the same time, my wife has the exact same ability, great review, thanks.

[@Newrecordday2013]

Hahaha! She will get ya!

[@IronCan88]

My wife is H390 too....I hope to add another wife named Yvette (wilson audio) in the future. :) Joke. I love my h390 as well .

[@Freedom47f]

Then you chose wisely!

[@frederickhardman3389]

I’ve been looking forwards to this review and you didn’t disappoint. Great entertainment, keep it up.

[@fxstd000]

I have the H390 and it's driving a pair of B&W 804D3 Diamonds. Absolutely love it!

[@ridebmx1983]

still happy? i got the 804D4s and i am looking for an amp which fits them....

[@paulroscelli2545]

Thanks Ron. A while back I was able to get the H590 (used ) at the 390 price-have loved it with my innuos as well. Their DAC is wonderful. You can listen to it all day without being fatigued by it

[@Newrecordday2013]

Absolutely what I’m hearing as well!

[@paulroscelli2545]

@@Newrecordday2013 Upon reflection you never really mentioned anything about the damping of the unit and that’s its big selling point, they’ve got a damping level of like 4000. I’m curious why you didn’t bring it up?

[@morespinach9832]

@@paulroscelli2545 so what? What exactly happens with a damping level of 4000?

[@paulcalabrese]

Wow, a great review from a great reviewer. That was insightful.

[@Newrecordday2013]

Hey thanks!

[@sdgoes99]

I have had my H390 for a few months and I love it, I have the Dynaudio Special 40’s paired with it. I am very grateful for the review here and other places that helped me make a decision. And my local dealer Dedicated Audio for being so patient.

[@TheBlissfulWalrus]

Sweet! I have the same speakers and am thinking about upgrading to this amp. Do you use an external DAC or the H390s built in?

[@MHTED]

Thanks Ron ! I am so happy 😀 you just made my day! I love my Hegel H-390 ! Absolutely a great review of This product. I have named her The Oculus…..

[@photoipster]

Loved the review! I so appreciate your enthusiasm

[@Newrecordday2013]

Hey thanks Jim! Glad you enjoyed it!

[@jsmctch]

Ron, there's been a lot of talk about Hegel's damping factor and the fact that they drive Magnepans with ease. A sound demo with a line up of your speakers is definitely in order. When is the next live stream? Im really digging those lately. Great work Ron

[@aceofspades6667]

I can speak to this as I own the Hegel H160 and Maggie LRS.. the maggies dip down to 2.8ohms and need not only lots or power and current but high quality power to make them sing. Sure a class d with megawatts will power them to Loud levels but sound flat if it doesn’t trigger thermal protection. Them damping factor in hegel plus being 2 ohm stable are key to their performance.

[@arielstereo5484]

​@Ace of Spades And see, that's the part that I am confused about. The h190 and h390 have less watts and current than my Parasound hca 1500a amp yet many swear the hegel is powerful. How when it's less watts and power?

[@Firebottleman]

@@arielstereo5484 It's not only about the Watts, current capability, and really high damping factor. It is really about the whole package coming together as a whole. It is like trying to compare different DACs just using their chip model. It is not about the chip, it's about the way it's implemented.

[@ionutplesea5693]

Hi Ron, excellent review as always. Between this and the Yamaha AS2200 what would be your pick? Price notwithstanding Thanks.

[@fletchermunson6225]

Reminds me of the old racing saying. Speed costs money, how fast do you want to go?

[@olivierdeneef37]

Nice review ! I am quite a newbie in the hifi world, but I must admit that my H390 paired with my PMC 25i.24 sounds awesome. Really happy with it.

[@johnmbhjg7681]

I can, and do listen to my H390 for 5,6 hours a day. Never a hint of listening fatigue. Bout time you joined this party Ron. Nice job.

[@Newrecordday2013]

Haha! Thanks!

[@leftymcbonechops2873]

AudioArt is great. Helped me get set up with my Triangles and some great custom cables.

[@Newrecordday2013]

Rob is awesome!

[@ericr385]

Darko called it an iron fist in a velvet glove. Knocking out your teeth while kissing you on the cheek works too. I have an H390 and Dynaudio Heritage Specials and it is simply beguiling, like witchcraft. No matter the the recording, the intention flows though. I’m glad you got to experience it. 🙏❤️🕊

[@michaelparin4336]

I agree, Eric Rulifson, - I also am blessed with the same combo - the word I use to describe the sound is Otherworldly - it is magical

[@ericr385]

@@michaelparin4336 Michael, it is a pairing that will show and convince you that most of what hifi critics describe as the sonic character of a bit of kit is a sad description of the noise it makes. Simply remarkable engineering with these two. 🙏❤️🕊

[@michaelparin4336]

@@ericr385 It's a pairing that activates my tear ducts much more often than any previous setup... :)

[@kimchee411]

I've had the H390 for a month or so and I'd say "iron fist in a velvet glove" is a great way to put it. Very open, precise, well controlled with prodigious bass, but also very smooth and a little warm. It's a great package with a very decent streamer and DAC, and doesn't run hot like a Class A amp. The only way I can criticize the sound is to say it can be maybe a little TOO even handed for some who want a WOW factor like a really juicy saturated midrange or huge slam and crystalline highs to rock out to. Personally I am very happy with it and find it to be a good value proposition even though it's a considerable amount of money!

[@klaaskuiper5622]

Hi all. Same combi here, H390 + Dynaudio HS. Any suggestion for speakercables? Thx for your reply.

[@kimchee411]

Great review! I've had many amps including Classe, Pass Labs, First Watt, Almarro, LTA, Bel Canto, VTL, McIntosh, Luxman, Accuphase, etc that were high power, low power, tubes, solid state, single ended, push pull, fully balanced, and the Hegel H390 is a standout performer in a great package. Feature-wise I especially enjoy the DAC loop feature that allows me to use the very decent integrated streamer with my preferred outboard DAC, not just for network streaming, but toslink from my TV as well, allowing me to rid of the clutter and cost of a dedicated streamer and associated cables and LPS.

[@henriksrensen3220]

Hegel is great. I tried many different amplifiers, one of them was the h590. I did end up with the Gryphon Diablo 120.

[@antonellorapuano6388]

Comparing with lexicon? How did you prefer?

[@pkats9093]

Nice review Ron. I was lucky enough to grab a used H360 a while back. So happy I did! My favorite descriptor to use is smooth. But never losing detail. Power to spare for just about any speaker. Makes my LRS sing. If you are a Maggie owner you owe it to yourself to check one out

[@jonathanhotopf1823]

Go the H360 too a while back when it first came out. It was the amp in the Harbeth and KEF demo rooms at a Hi Fi show in the UK. Tremendous power in just one box, wanted a single box to replace five box arrangement I had before.

[@topgun3217]

That makes 3 of us. I too recently picked up a pre-owned H360. Am in love with it

[@rytismucinskas727]

Me too guys was lucky enough to buy used h360.Are you using Internet dac?

[@pkats9093]

@@rytismucinskas727 haven’t tried it yet

[@marexlucas6353]

Great review, thanks! Are you planning to review Rotel Michi X3 or X5 any soon? Would be nice to hear your comparison between Hegel and Michi.

[@goranzbr]

Great review, keep up the good work!!!

[@zaoria123]

@New Record Day - Thanks so much for the review! Can you say how this Hegel compares to the Yamaha A-S2200 you also reviewed?

[@BrentLeVasseur]

Excellent review Ron!

[@joelewis9682]

Great review and perspective, appreciated.

[@Newrecordday2013]

Hey thanks for watching Joe!

[@edverbeek6292]

You are formulating with care and precision. Your metaphores as well. Listening to you is a literary event on a scientific background.

[@robinator3202]

Hi Ron, you are spot on with your review. I have the 390 and absolutely love it. I also have a more expensive integrated that may possibly push higher volume but cannot deliver the sound quality of the 390. The 390 is a joy to listen to.

[@morespinach9832]

Accuphase. Luxman. Pass Labs. Lyngdorf. Etc.

[@TD05SSLegacy]

Why the switch to “Hee-gehl” vs. “Hay-gehl?” You said it correctly in interview with Anders…🙋🏻❓

[@DigitalPhilosophers]

I wish you had this amp when listening to the Adante.

[@CandidUploads]

Why do you say that? What do you think of the Adantes? I’m considering the Adantes but have seen a lot less than stellar reviews which is making me reconsider…

[@DigitalPhilosophers]

@@CandidUploads He tried the Adante with the Nad M10. In my experience the Adante need a powerful class AB amp or even monoblocks to sound nothing but world class.

[@marcossousa4891]

Hi Ron, great review. I remember you being really impressed with the kinki ex-m1, based on SQ only between kinki and hegel which one would you take home?

[@marcossousa4891]

@Car Guy daddyo compared with h390?

[@andreasmoller9798]

@Car Guy daddyo it will also depend on the speakers you go for i have hegel h190 but its not laid back at all its quite lively and detailed

[@sunvalleydrivemusic]

Hi Ron! Great review as always. What other speakers did you try the Hegel with for the review?

[@Petrakeas]

It's been one week that I own H390. Its control in transients and low bass is impressive. The only downside is with metal music. I feel that Sound engine 2 is lowering the guitar too much as if it's the distortion which tries to correct.

[@JJG338]

With my understanding of the way Sound Engine distortion cancellation works, that shouldn't be the case. From the way it was explained to me, it's just removing the difference between the input signal and what the amp is outputting (removing the difference i.e. distortion).

[@Petrakeas]

@@JJG338 Ιn theory yes. No distortion cancellation is perfect. In practice, I feel that it smoothens parts that are already smooth and exaggerates the transients. This has the feeling that everything comes from a dark background (as reviewers tend to say), but you lose a bit of detail. I A/B it with other amplifiers (after purchasing it though) and Ι confirmed my theory about the way it treats audio. It's not bad. But you do lose detail is music that is not really dynamic.

[@braxtkj]

if you can in the future can you review Rotel Michi X3 Denon PMA SX11 i want to know who has the best 5k int amp that can pair with any speaker. Glad you did H390!

[@mrpositronia]

Yeah, we need some reviews of the Michi line, definitely.

[@spacejaime]

Add the Anthem STR integrated and the Musical Fidelity M8SI to this group

[@DBravo29er]

You need to do a head to head with this and the Naim SuperNait 3. Great review, Ron.

[@artur_jurt]

It would be great

[@stijnvanderlooy5311]

Great amp indeed. Lots of value for money

[@aceofspades6667]

Hegel H160 crew feeding Maggie LRS via a Holo spring KTE Dac.

[@carolineleonard1930]

Great review Ron and near as damn it mirrors my thoughts. I've also heard it with the Hegel DAC (on its loop) plus the Mohican CD play. The set up is one that I could live for ever,. They play very nicely with lots of different speakers. By the way if you can get one the Mohican is possibly the last CD player you'll ever want. I'm not a reviewer but it has been my amp to beat for the money since it came to market. Again excellent Ron.

[@Newrecordday2013]

Glad we are hearing the same things Caroline!

[@sdemosi]

Agreed Caroline. Hegel makes products that are expensive but worth it. A Mohican + h390 or h590 combo can drive pretty much anything, makes Spotify sound like it's lossless, and play CDs with extraordinary fidelity. What's not to like

[@tee-jaythestereo-bargainph2120]

I been going crazy to try out Hegal thanks Ron !

[@vittoriomartinidonati]

Hello Ron, thanks for the great review, I am curious about how it compares to the Kinki Studio EXM1+ amp you have reviewed

[@sdemosi]

Big fan of this amp. I also like the Devialet Expert Pro 220, which has a similar mix of power and subtlety.

[@morespinach9832]

Not at all. Devialet is bass-accentuated, too much.

[@jonathanhotopf1823]

Great review Ron, any thoughts of reviewing the Hegel phonostage?

[@Newrecordday2013]

I’ll see what I can do!

[@GrindCityGuitars]

I would love to see a dedicated review of that Kitsune LCR1 mk5!

[@tomski6811]

Compared this to the Naim SN3. The Hegel is great but in the end I went for the Naim. But this decision was also due to looks and heritage.

[@erics.4113]

I'm back and forth between SN3 and H390. I understand the looks and heritage comment, did you sound test both and come up with any insights to differences?

[@tomski6811]

@@erics.4113 had them both at home to compare sound. Hegel sounded more powerful, Naim had more rhythm. It is very close between the two, but I would probably go with the Hegel today.

[@erics.4113]

@@tomski6811 thanks for sharing. It's a tough decision with likely no wrong answer. Interesting you "choose" the Hegel now despite going for the NAIM. I suppose some of grass is always greener? Or do you think versatility, DAC, extra power and versatility just make the Hegel seem easier to live with? Maybe more versatile for speaker matching too?

[@erics.4113]

@@tomski6811 thanks for sharing. It's a tough decision with likely no wrong answer. Interesting you "choose" the Hegel now despite going for the NAIM. I suppose some of grass is always greener? Or do you think versatility, DAC, extra power and versatility just make the Hegel seem easier to live with? Maybe more versatile for speaker matching too?

[@greggcheap6208]

As always, great review.

[@Iuglus]

Hi Ron!! Great video as usual!! Having tried them both, do you think this H390 and Q Acoustics C500s would be a good pairing??

[@sebsese]

Would love to know how you think it compares to the Kinki studio m1+?? thanks for the review:)

[@Jordankid365]

I have many intergrted amplifier include mark levinson 585 but I like this Hegel h 390 best it sound almost perfect from top to bottom when listening the music I feel the music doing right.

[@anthonyhopkin]

Hi Ron - well described. Would love to see a back to back of the H390 compared with the updated TLA lineup. Horses for courses? Greetings to you and yours

[@joeycastillo1496]

Great review!!

[@divadgnol67]

I have been so waiting for this review. This piece or one of its little brothers is high on my list.

[@Newrecordday2013]

I hope the wait was worth it. Really enjoyed this amp immensely.

[@pmizz7959]

I just bought the 190 and two weeks later returned it to upgrade to the 390. The clarity and punch are a huge upgrade between the two and I am running 90db efficient speakers. If you are going to go this route save up and go for broke. Just my 2 cents

[@poetryonplastic]

Your thoughts mirror mine. I recently purchased this amp to use as a reviewer and it's a great combo of muscle and refinement that works well with so many different kinds of speakers. And man, that bass punch is some of the best I've ever heard in my system. Also using it with a Pure Fidelity table ;)

[@sean_heisler]

Great to hear your perspective on a Hegel piece, thanks! Nice review, Ron. Hey, I noticed something in this one. Your mic didn’t seem as damped, I could hear more of your room. Your enunciation of words also seemed slightly slowed down. Were those changes intentional or have I been drinking too much lately?

[@Newrecordday2013]

Haha! The studio doesn’t have any treatment in it so it’s pretty lively. You heard it right! Also, I did try to slow down a little more in this one and really focus on what I was saying. Thanks Sean!

[@sean_heisler]

@@Newrecordday2013 Ha ha. Gotcha, ok. I wondered if it was the new studio but seemed less damped than the M33 video. If you are looking for any feedback, I always felt your vocal delivery was spot on, well enunciated words, clear with great pace. If the slightly slowed down delivery helps you communicate your thoughts better than more power to you. Still top notch production and your visual brand and voice is spot on!

[@Kah0ona]

@@Newrecordday2013 just curious though, are you reading it from some sort of autocue? Or are you such an eloquent person? :-D

[@brochg]

I’m currently using a Musical Fidelity M2si, and the H190 is on my short list as a desert island amp.

[@Newrecordday2013]

I’ve always wanted to hear those Musical Fidelity amps! Thanks for watching Broch!

[@LeoRousseau]

I'm also using a MF M2si and I was seriously considering the Hegel H95, but happened to stumble upon a good deal on the MF. Maybe someday I can get to try a Hegel product. Thanks for the review Ron!

[@brochg]

@@LeoRousseau Hi Leo! How are you enjoying your M2si? I found it ironic that it displays many of the same characteristics of the H390 that Ron reviewed here. The

[@brochg]

@@Newrecordday2013 Hey Ron! Thanks for the great reviews! If you would like to take a listen to it, I’m more than happy to send it down for you. Just say the word!

[@jsmctch]

I found the M2si to be thin sounding lacking bass depth and slam... Its just a polite clean sounding amp.

[@topgun3217]

Great review as always. I have the H360. Does it make sense to upgrade to the H390 or would it be just a little more than a lateral move ?

[@craigcoughlin1834]

My understanding it’s a huge leap forward. The sound engine 2 and trickle down DAC from the 590 is much improved.

[@richardherbert3519]

I have just found your channel. Very interesting review of Hegel 390. I’m considering the 309 driving Harbeth M30 speakers. Have you reviewed Harbeth speakers ?

[@vicentevargas6755]

This is a great video, thank you Ron.

[@Fred-ql3gq]

Well done. I have the H360 and would agree on all of your points here. With a good recording and a good set of speakers, the performers appear in the room with you. It's as if John Lennon, or Jim Morrison are right there with a microphone singing right in front of you. A great amplifier.

[@beslemeto]

Same thing my Yamaha MX-1 can do.27kg beast!Bought for 600 bucks! 😂

[@andreasmoller9798]

@@beslemeto i doubt that

[@beslemeto]

@@andreasmoller9798 Get one and compare them!

[@andreasmoller9798]

@@beslemeto Hegel is way more powerful

[@bassmanaudio1543]

great work. congratulations

[@davidlobo962]

Great review

[@yirmeyahugutz6217]

Ron, do you rip your CDs in constant bitrate, and do you know if lossless streaming is in full bitrate or variable bitrate?

[@joseestrella334]

Hey Ron thanks for another great review. Did you get to use the holo may dac or any other dac with the hegel? Any thoughts on using an outboard dac? Or do you prefer leaving things integrated with this amp. It would be great to see you attempt a Frankenamp with some of these pricey integrated amps with obscene interconnects, power chords, USB filters, DC filters, out board power supplies, reclokers, I2S instead of USB, you know something like that in the Future. maybe for Halloween? Lol You know some of us are a few cuckoos short of a cocopuff.. But seriously think about it we've all been there trying to get the most out of what we got, more top end, bass, staging, depth, time domain, Yada Yada..lol. Thanks again. Also.. Eager to hear your take on everything cooking over at mytek.

[@tbear2327]

Hi Ron. Fabulous video as usual. Kudos for the retake on the NAD M33 as well as so many reviewers would just not bother. For the past year I've been battling with which amp to buy. It's always been between the Hegel H390 and the NAD M33. Here in Australia the Hegel is about $10,000 RRP while the NAD is around $9,000 RRP - although heckling may take about a $1,000 off both amps - and I'm a good heckler, lol. Still, seems like heaps of money, but then it is Aussie dollars we are talking about here. I own the Q Acoustic Concept 500's which I currently have paired to a Willsenton R800i 805 tube amp (48W RMS class A) with NOS tubes and absolutely love the sound. A Naim ND5 XS 2 streaming DAC, Rega P6 with Nagaoka MP500 cartridge, Schiit Mani phono amp (needs upgrading) with separate linear power supply and a mixture of cables, although mostly Van Den Hul completes the rest of the system. Room - treated. Now, my question for you (or anyone else who would like to add their opinion) is, "Knowing the equipment that I own, would the Hegel or the NAD be the better partner for the 500's?". OR, because I love the sound of tubes as well, would I be disappointed with both?

[@pmizz7959]

I haven’t heard the M33 but I do have the Q Concept 500s and today I purchased the Hegel 390. I don’t have an extensive history and a ton to compare things to like Ron but I will give my 2 cents on the pairing in my short time with them. The 390 is perfectly capable to deliver detail and natural clarity on acoustic and non bass heavy tracks. Small nuances I never heard in my test tracks came out of nowhere today. The 390 is head and shoulders clearer than the 190 Hegel. But where you really notice this amp over others is on the punch and attack of the bass. Knowing you are using tubes I imagine you will find the punch of the bass of the concepts MUCH greater than you ever thought they were capable of. They will probably feel like new speakers if you go this directions. For vocals the 390 does a great job of making the vocals stand out from the mix but not in a way that makes the mix disappear in the background. It’s hard to describe other than to say there is a separation between the vocals and instruments that is very noticeable. Know I am late to this post but I just got the amp today to comment. Hope it helps

[@tbear2327]

@@pmizz7959 - I ended up buying the H390 and while I tend to agree with your appraisal of the Hegel, I just love the tube sound better. Sure, the bass is more impactful with a really good solid state amp, but the midrange, top end and sound staging is just next level good with tubes. My opinion, of course, and thank you very much for your reply.

[@pmizz7959]

@@tbear2327 I honestly have not heard a tube amp yet. Not sure when I will get a chance but I am very curious. Just not sure I can live without the bass punch at this point as I’ve gotten so used to it. That being said I definitely need to hear a good tube amp somewhere on my journey

[@tbear2327]

@@pmizz7959 - I'll admit that the really quick bass of the H390 is very good indeed, but then, so is the Willsenton R800i tube amp. Just not quite as fast. I suppose you need to remember that most tracks are first and foremost midrange, so as long as this is really good, and the sound staging ability is as well, then these things are what grabs my attention. In my honest opinion, the R800i has a sweeter sounding top end than the H390. I also find that only tubes can add a certain little (or a lot) of something that I would call "magic" to the sound, especially to the midrange and top end, and that's what really attracts me to tubes. So, to sum up, being the proud owner of both amplifiers (as well as the Naim Supernait 3), it's the R800i that has that magic that the solid state amps simply do not have.

[@pmizz7959]

@@tbear2327 ugh!!! Now I wanna hear what this “magic” is all about!!! What genres do you mostly listen to? Do you think one is better for particular genres?

[@seangodfrey3664]

Hello Ron. Really love your review style. I have a non audio question and I apologize if you've answered this before but... what's your equipment rack and where could I purchase your chair. That thing is gorgeous. Thanks.

[@Newrecordday2013]

Thanks Sean! I made the rack and the chair can be bought on Amazon. This is an affiliate link: amzn.to/3kYdail

[@seangodfrey3664]

@@Newrecordday2013 cool. Thanks.

[@jws3004]

Would love to buy the Hegel H390 to run my Dynaudio Special Forty with the Holo Audio Spring 3 Level 3 KTE. The Hegal H390 costs $AUD10K!!! Also, I am considering the H190 which at $AUD6K is easier to swallow. Would I lose out substantially going with the H190?

[@heyqt7485]

I have not heard the h390, but I have heard the h190 and I find it really good. It has twice the dampening factor of h95/h120 and more control and power. I like especially how dynamic it is. Some would say it has so much control that it does no longer sound natural, but it is an EISA-award winning amplifier and one I'm thinking about buying (even though my hert really beats for m33/h390)

[@vintageprinciples]

Have the H95 and love the Hegel sound!! Great mix of solid state and tube sound features 👍🏼. Great review!! (Great boxing “legend” metaphor 😂)

[@Newrecordday2013]

Completely agree with you!

[@Kah0ona]

H95 here too, I love its sound. Great thing. If I ever go bigger with floor standers and a bigger room, I'll definitely check out the bigger brothers of the h95 :-D

[@chamber20projects]

Would an H95 drive Ls50 Metas well? Or do Need to stretch the budget to a H120?

[@vintageprinciples]

@@chamber20projects Almost no noticeable power difference between h95 and h120. h95 will satisfy almost everyone I believe for normal speakers, (unless you have super hard to drive speakers in a big room). If so, go for the h190+ models

[@timsdeskontask3958]

Ron, thanks so much for the work you are doing. I've had my eyes on this Hegel H390 for sometime now, but was wondering if it would be a good match with my Klipsch RP8000F speakers? Thanks again!

[@Newrecordday2013]

That would work just fine.

[@Reluctantaudiophile]

Great review Ron, I’ve been considering the 390 for some time now. I currently own the Parasound Hint, Less powerful, but how wound you compare the sound signature of these two? Cheers.

[@Newrecordday2013]

The Hegel is gonna sound more meaty and surely sound more powerful in the lower midrange, midbass and bass. As good as the hint is, it really isn’t in the same league as the 390 IMO.

[@shemaya4979]

First of all it is an excellent review Ron.. Thanks! I paid a deposit to Hegel H390 and Focal Kanta2.There is a shortage for Hegel here in Melbourne Australia. Does any body have this combination? And are you satisfied?

[@oohtob6685]

Hegel amps work great with focal. I have the h390 and focal sopra 1s . Stunning combo.

[@abdullahkawser8480]

I’m getting this to pair with dynaaudio where did you get the Hegel from?

[@perrypaulissen8016]

​@@oohtob6685that is good to hear, I have the same Sopra's and looking for an amplifier upgrade. Can you describe what the Hegel.does for the Sopra's? Thanks in advance greetings, Perry

[@13thnotehifireviews7]

Hi Ron, I think this is a terrific amp but you probably saw my video. It’s just incredibly good at what it does for the money. Bw simon

[@andreasmoller9798]

I have owned the Hegel h390 for month. Had h190 before. H390 sounds fuller and more detailed. now my b&w 702 s2 plays fine without a sub. This amp has really blown me away with its very good perfomence, and their is a lot of power. driving the 702 with ease😊👍

[@gokhankose6528]

Hi. I also use B&W 702 S2 and drive them with Vincent SV-737. I'm thinking of buying Hegel H390 or Michi X3. What would you advise me?

[@MN-lt6cn]

Ich bin im Besitz des „Vorgängers“ H360 in Verbindung mit der Heritage Special von Dynaudio. Es ist himmlisch, ja🙏🕊. Kontrolle, Dynamik und Leistung paaren sich mit einem der besten Kompaktlautsprecher der Welt! Ja, da könnten durchaus Tränen fließen, wenn man dem Ergebnis dieser Ingenieurkunst lauscht..

[@67spankadelik]

I know I'm late for the party being that you did this review 2 months ago. But I would have loved to hear what you thought about this amp with your Gallo speakers. Or perhaps Maggies.

[@joneill1155]

Hi Ron, great stuff as always New listening room and.....new video coming adressing its strengths & weakness with your rig? Thanks. Jim

[@Newrecordday2013]

Yup Jim! In the works!

[@joneill1155]

@@Newrecordday2013 Thanks Ron!!

[@WarinPartita6]

I​ have​ a​ Hegel​ h390​ amp​ and​ love​ it.​ Wish​ the​ company​ think​s​ of​ making​ a​ streamer​ soon.​

[@stevesmyth4982]

I have the H20 and it has bass and slam and dynamics and control but the stereo image is poor. I suspect that the distortion cancellation system causes timing/phase differences between the two channels. My loudspeakers are four pairs of Quad ESL57s wired in series parallel, these loudspeakers are well known for creating a good image albeit narrow.

[@jeffkalina7727]

I will be at Dannys Thursday afternoon. Perhaps you will be around?

[@JD-mm4ub]

So you said you can connect a subwoofer. Is that running full signal or is the some sort of hi pass filter in it? Thanks.

[@anjovandijk9797]

Hi Ron the more I hear you reviewers talking about the Hegel H390 the more it picks my interest, I also have the Kinki EX-M1+ which has also a damping damping factor, how does the Kinki compares to the Hegel because you heared them both and would be highly appreciated if you could share your thoughts which makes it much easier for me to decide if it fits my taste

[@Newrecordday2013]

That’s a great comparison and I think the EX-M1+ sounds like a workman’s 390. Honestly - it’s not a world of difference between those two amps in terms of how they sound. If you are happy with the Kinki, keep it. The 390 is slightly more refined and a little more robust from the belt down.

[@anjovandijk9797]

@@Newrecordday2013 thx Ron that's a big compliment to the kinki I guess, but other than the kinki Hegel does something different and that's the sound engine does that not make a big notable difference.

[@andreasmoller9798]

With the kinki you need to add dac in and streamer witch is already Built in the Hegel

[@anjovandijk9797]

@@andreasmoller9798 I meant the difference in sound

[@shaynakash4222]

i am more than happy to know what you think about the 590 Hegel amp if you heard it ....

[@JD-mm4ub]

Hi Ron, Did I miss it or does the 390 not have subwoofer outputs?

[@Newrecordday2013]

It has LR single ended outputs which can be used for subs.

[@Bumblebee76]

What is the difference between H390 and H590? Which is better?

[@xxgamerxxchrischris2325]

HEY IM REALLY REALLY CONSIDERING IF IT WOULD BE A GOOD IDEA TO GET A DAC I CAN GET SOME HELP CHOOSING MY DAC

[@escorachvonwittsche9502]

How does it compare to an Accuphase E-480 or E-4000?

[@rog86]

How is it a very low volumes?

[@kesm66]

Is the display LCD or OLED? I just pulled the trigger on one. Previously owned the Krell Digital Vanguard. Update: Got the Hegel H390 this week and there’s a notable toroidal transformer buzz emanating from chassis. Bummer. I’m returning it. Don’t know if this is a one-off artifact or not? I’ve never experienced a transformer hum with any amp or component that I’ve owned. Is this common with Hegel amps? I listen late at night and you can clearly hear it…between quiet passages and it’s even pronounced when the amp is sitting idle and at low level listening levels (20 db). I’m of the opinion that an amp in operation should not be heard (dead silent)…the only ‘noises’ should be the music. The music should not have to drown out the transformer hum.

[@heyqt7485]

I've heard it can be an issue with the current in the house. It could be that a better isolated power cable would solve that.

[@kesm66]

@@heyqt7485 All good…I used a Humdinger DC line blocker by AVA hifi…should’ve updated my post regarding the fix as it’s not a direct fault of the amp.

[@heyqt7485]

@@kesm66 I'm so glad you were able to work it out! Maybe, hehe. I've found that quality is one of Hegel's strong points. It's amazing how much of a difference cable can make. I never expected that until someone told me to just test a power cable

[@DeMorcan]

Would this match with the Grimm MU1 as a streamer as the MU1 is doing what some of the better DACS use? Does it have NOS inputs for this?

[@bornces]

I wonder how it compares to the Krell k-300i

[@XsViper]

Do you think this reciever would be a good match with JBL HDI3800 or Polk L800?

[@normrubio]

Why tho, can't I native stream tidal to the unit? Wish it had m33 functionality.

[@mtkreger]

A number of HiFi "reviewers" use these types of analogies to basically advertise for the manufacturers. In this case, the reviewer (who is actually a "reviewer") used analogies that are very accurate. This is an amazing piece of hardware that truly does kick ass and can be detailed and soft at the same time. Nice work!

[@morespinach9832]

So NAD 33 or Hegel h390? Latter cannot play tidal connect at 24/192 yes?

[@pennfootball71]

It had a hard time driving a Hegel 30.1 and getting bass out of that speaker with this amp and they really need the h590. That speaker is a nightmare to get to hook up right and get good stuff out of on the low end. Any other speaker no problem.

[@zaoria123]

How long would you say it takes for this amp to fully burn in?

[@sulddrea]

I have a pair of KEF Reference 3s and am saving up for H390. Do you think it will be enough for the speakers? Thanks.

[@mustibaba224]

Which would be best for Kef Reference 1 meta Hegel H390 or Nad M33 or Denon Pma110 ??

[@mattyj3051]

Nice review! H95 is on my wish list. A great DAC, great amp, great pre- amp in one box for $2000 sounds like good value to me.

[@shuckylad]

H95 is very good value product if you use all its features. sounds great too.

[@buttonman1831]

I used to have an h90 driving Monitor Audio Silver 8's and Kef LS50's and it is really all the amp anyone needs. Both brands pairs really well with Hegel.

[@ashman0071]

my H80 has such wonky ergonomics and such average sound that it sits in my closet with its added cost metal remote control - it's for sale - you interested in purchasing it ?

[@marcfoss7687]

Great review, Ron. I'll trade it for an M33 anytime!:-)

[@johnnixon2504]

Man I heard a H390 with some dynaudio floorstanders and man that was end game stuff for me.

[@jeromewhitmill733]

I wonder if it would work with something like a Focal or KEF. maybe something something a little bright?

[@buttonman1831]

I tied LS50's with a H90, H190, and H390 and Kef pairs extremely well. I read somewhere Kef is one of the prefered brands Hegel uses to demo their amplifiers.

[@kevin-zd4po]

do u still have the rogue st100 with the 99 super magnum?

[@F1fletch]

Great review Ron!! To me it “seems” musical Fidelity and Hegel are similar and it would be great to see that comparison. The Hegel is on a pretty short list of mine and it shows how class A/B can hit a balance that other technical applications simply can’t (perhaps excluding the really great tube stuff). I was curious how the sound engine effected noise floor and blacker backgrounds compared to other A/B designs….?

[@sunvalleydrivemusic]

I’ll second that. I’d love to hear how these compare.