Hegel H390 Integrated amplifier review is it better than the H590

The Hegel H390 Review is in! It's a long one so if you're easily distracted/bored, best you skip on. If not and you're here for genuine opinions on the Hegel products, get yourself a cup of tea and sit down for a watch.
#HEGELH390 #HEGEL #HEGELAMPLIFIER
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[@seanpburke]

Loved the detail in this video, especially the binding post info, this really helped- I got my H390 and I’m over the moon - it’s an absolute monster in all senses. Recent Roon upgrades have been amazing too. Thank you

[@TombstoneTube]

Just found this channel. Great review, no BS. Subscribed.

[@johnrobins795]

Great first experience with your Channel; have Subscribed because of the dialog AND the music that was playing in the opening🎶

[@Nickhifi88]

Great review, but what is your recommended alternatives ( if any) to match Dynaudio Contour 30i?

[@Kibet85]

Thanks for the vid. looking forward to the next one

[@Peterfromplace]

Did you try the dac loop mode? I’m curious at what stage they amp decodes the files and if you could add a non-mqa dac

[@YouTob.]

Hi. How does it compares with Musical Fidelity MS6i in bass and power department? thanks.

[@dudemastermaster8944]

Thanks for the vid. Although I think that many of your sound descriptions concerning the Hegel actually describe the typical Dynaudio sound. But yea I guess both company’s might follow a similar sound approach. Take care

[@kevin-zd4po]

how would u compare the the 390 to the mcintosh ma7200. in terms of sound and features?

[@oysteinsoreide4323]

The new units of H590 have MQA support for all inputs. Initially they had support only on USB.

[@TheVoicefrombelow]

Thanks for the review. I own a pair of Q Acoustics Concept 300s, which I'm currently driving with a Primare i15 Prisma amp. I've been thinking of upgrading to the Hegel 390, so it was interesting to hear that you don't think they match well. Do you have any recommendations for an amp that pairs well with the concept 300s and brings out it's potential?

[@TheVoicefrombelow]

@@Studioincar Thanks!

[@vincentsalvador2862]

Very helpful review! Many thanks for sharing! Btw, curious how was your experience matching the H390 with the Wharfedale Elysian 4 if you had the chance to do this specific pairing?

[@vincentsalvador2862]

Many thanks for the feedback!

[@Benvos]

To utilise airplay does the amp need to be hardwired with an Ethernet cable?

[@skyengeh]

I would have like you to go into some possible non Hegel rivals as well, or is there nothing to compare them with at the price ?

[@roberthodge6711]

Thank you. This is an insightful, detailed video, as always! I have an H190, so it would be great to see it compared to the H390. It seems from this video that you’d probably recommend the upgrade. (BTW, I run the Special 40s with the H190.)

[@Ingvar999]

Очень большая разница в звуке между 190 и 390. 390 лучше на высоких частотах и на тихой громкости, звучит намного мелодичней чем 190.

[@gl9819]

hii … wich speakers better for hegel h590 your opinion.. thanks

[@zaoria123]

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

[@zjzozn]

Great relaxed reviews 👍

[@damienmiel6538]

I have a Hegel H390 and I listen to music on Tidal via computer. I would like to know what would be the best streamer to use to get the best sound quality?

[@Villaboy78]

I use a Moon MiND 2 streamer. Used to run it into a Quest which I think just edges the DAC in the h390 , but not by enough, so the qutest went on eBay to help fund a V10 phono stage 👌🏻

[@joseestrella334]

Have you used a strict network streamer like auralic aries g2.1 Or any other, with this amp? Thanks for the report!

[@Benvos]

Would like to know specifically about the Aries G2.1, next year (after some saving), that combo is on the testing shortlist.

[@morespinach9832]

Does well with Limetree Bridge and Lumin u1 mini too. Especially the latter is better than Auralic.

[@photomusicman9413]

When the 390 goes into HT Bypass mode, why does the amp go to 85 and not 100% volume? Thank you.

[@nespressoman]

Thank you. Unfortunately it maxes out at 85.

[@corwindodson1123]

Oh, I forgot I am using Paradigm s8v3’s with a Marantz sa-10 CD player. Thanks

[@corwindodson1123]

Hi, Can you tell me if the 390 or the 590 will make a great integrated if I want to just rock out with Metallica, Rush, Black Sabbath, Motley Crue, Iron Maiden etc. always played loud and jamming? If not, what integrated would you recommend? I only ask as I am paralized and cannot get out to listen to amps. Thank You

[@scaf_007vs3]

If you want to rock out with ur socks out (pardon the pun, and apologies for you being disabled, I'm good friends w a neighbor who lost their legs in an accident) either product would absolutely be more than adequate. Dont focus too much on the watts. Quality is quality and both are extremely high quality

[@Cestmoi50]

Is a half priced h590 a good deal? I can get one for €5400, new full warranty?

[@SirMountainpass]

I will be picking the Creek Voyage i20 (Class G-enabled) for my next set-up with Focal Sopra 1 and Sopra SW1000 ☺

[@Studioincar]

Well done, Roger!

[@nespressoman]

Superb video, thank you.

[@sanjaymarathe1442]

This is a wonderful review . A very important point - any amp you should be able to listen for hours and hours .. very true. One question .. how does it compare with Cambridge Audio Edge A ?

[@stephenbates5237]

Interesting.. looking at both also.. find anything out.. I’m driving ML 11as

[@bristolwoodburners81]

Ive been on a long upgrade path over the last 6 month.. at one stage i demoed the hegel h590 vs the cambridge audio edge nq + 2 x edge mono blocks with a pair of heritage specials...the h590 was a beast - even against the 2 x edge monos the h590 had more slam/punch to the bass ...it didnt have the control of detail or separation of soundstage like the edge combo did for critical listening though = i can see why a lot of people would love the hegel 590 but for my tastes - i felt it was a bit too much of a brute so i moved on.

[@jochenhahn540]

Hi Carl...do you think i could Drive the evoke 50 with my Cambridge axr100. The evokes have minimal Impedanz of 3 Ohms. Do you think the Cambridge can do this (100watts with 8 Ohms)?

[@sergioasuncion9710]

Hallo Carl I am driving Evokes 50 with H190 The system is not yet run in, but for the moment I am not much convinced of this pair.

[@jochenhahn540]

Thanks A Lot😁

[@jearley22]

when will we see more of "The Shootout"?

[@bennie6785]

I own Dynaudio special 40s, is the H390 too powerful, as the speakers are rated at 200 watts ?.

[@buttonman1831]

No, you would really have to push it hard to damage those speakers. If anything, higher power may have better control over the drivers.

[@daviddarmanin2188]

Carl, would you recommend the H590 for the Heritage Specials is it a great match?

[@scaf_007vs3]

of course he'll recommend the h590.. imo, the h390 is more than enough! Coming from an owner of C1 platinum w anthem p2 amplifier

[@jo1512]

@@scaf_007vs3 whats the best match for your c1 platinum in your opinion

[@scaf_007vs3]

@@jo1512 as far as power amps go, I've only used an Anthem P2 and a Sony TA-N9000ES. Aside from the anthem having lots more power they both sound quite similar, possibly the anthem slightly more revealing and open sounding. It has never run out of power and could quite literally (and easily) blow those little drivers apart. For preamps I've used Marantz AV8802a pre/pro, which is good, a 2 channel Marantz SC-11S1, which is better (definitely a more robust sound with slightly more detail, but certainly very smooth or "tame" in the upper frequencies) and a Schiit Freya + tube/solid state w channel preamp. The Freya has the most detail, best balanced sound with all around very good coherence. Depending on tubes used can be a VERY small hiss coming from the speakers. Im talking about very VERY small amount. Have to place your ear basically touching the cover cloth to notice. When you use it in SS or passive mode it is completely gone and actually measures better too. I just prefer using tube mode the most. I'd like to try other equipment some time, but I may have my hand forced to upgrade my prepro to handle 4K/120hz for the latest generation gaming consoles. What a problem to have in this hobby! 😆

[@jo1512]

@@scaf_007vs3 thanks a lot

[@richarddegannes2928]

Hello, Would you pair Hegel H390 with a pair of B&W 805 D4 speakers? Thanks.

[@richarddegannes2928]

@Car Guy daddyo I am trying to put a system blindly as there are no HiFi stores in my neck of the woods. Room not treated at all. Thanks.

[@richarddegannes2928]

@@Studioincar I am in the Caribbean on the island of Trinidad.

[@mtkreger]

I have an h390 and B&W 805 D3s. I doubt you would be disappointed if you decide to try this pairing. Adding in a pair of subs (mine are REL T7i), it's a pretty amazing system.

[@magicatpro]

Thank you, Carl. Another fantastic review! I apologize in advance because I’m sure you get this question A LOT. I really Iike the sound and signal routing (ie: dac loop on the h390. I also like the special 40s, but would the SP 40s pair better with the h120? Would the dynamics on the SP 40s suffer a bit paired with the h390?

[@magicatpro]

Cool, thank you!

[@photomusicman9413]

Great video.

[@johnmckay428]

hmmmm was considering this for my Q Ac Concept 500...maybe not eh...

[@gokhanersan8561]

Could you compare Hegel 390 with Rotel 1592? I compared Hegel H90 with Rotel’s a11 and Rotel wiped the floor with Hegel at half the cost. I want to find out if the comparison ends there.

[@gokhanersan8561]

@@Studioincar Thanks, bro. A lot of people are crossing their fingers to hear that Rotel would deliver the same performance at half the cost. But, maybe it just won’t do.

[@andreasmoller9798]

@@gokhanersan8561 h190 is already simular in perfomence to rotel ta 1592. Hegel h390 is more to the level of rotel michi witch is above ra 1592. H390 is really good had h190 before and h390 is big step up from that.

[@gokhanersan8561]

@@andreasmoller9798 Then the H190 sounds like a good deal at around $3200. Some people said that Hegel had warmer mids and bigger bass compared to Rotel. That is a selling point for me.

[@andreasmoller9798]

@@gokhanersan8561 the big sale point with hegels is their very good bass controll even h190 is amazing in this aspect, had it for 2 years and could think it could get much better, and with h390 the bass controll take even a level up campared to h190, 390 has more depth and slam, more details and more transparent, but h190 is good with control and slam as well, just not the level of h390, very happy that i could find a h390 with €1600 discount, very good deal in my opinion, €4600 was the price for h390 under the black week sale, witch are still a lot of money for me, but well worth it becouse its an outstanding amplifier, and have make my b&w 702 s2 sound at their very best

[@jeromewhitmill733]

Would it be a good match with focal

[@sdemosi]

Yes. Sounds wonderful with Kanta's. I've heard it demoed a few times. I use a Technics digital amp and SACD /network streamer with my Kanta's and it's great but I'd be just as happy with the Hegel. I love the bass weight of the Hegel. It's perfectly judged, controlled power. I love the detailed treble of the Technics and its VU meters. The Hegel may just shade the mid range. I'm going to swap out my GU700 for the mark II version soon enough, which I understand is even better. Yeah the Hegel is expensive but the streamer is a brilliant addition and up there with the best network players under a few grand. It's a complete system with brilliant sound for about 5 thousand quid. A destination amp that should give joy for years. If you have a favourite external DAC I saw a DAC loop feature on the Hegel that enables you to loop in your favourite DAC before the amplification stage of the chain. I doubt many do this but its nice to know it's an option. The h390 is actually good value for what it is. The h590 might be better but I just don't need the power.

[@rickymartinakasgk]

I just bought a H390. Great sound…..It seems to have hum coming from the interior. I have read a few forums and it seems a topic about the H390.

[@toffe2ventil]

They don't wrap or isolate their transformers. They seem to think isolating the torodial degrades the sound. Perhaps a DC filter/blocker can help you?! I also own the H390. I am not disturbed by the hum.. Can't hear it during playback..

[@oohtob6685]

Ive got the Hegel H390 and use a ifi DC blocker. Works a treat.

[@tweedpenguin712]

Amps don’t change sound lmfao

[@user-ng5un8pm4l]

Я пользуюсь h390 уже 4 месяца. В начале использования, после включения усилителя, тоже слышал гул, который пропадал примерно через 30 минут. Это прекратилось примерно через месяц.

[@andreasmoller9798]

No hum for me

[@JaapBol]

At 15:10 your head is perfect in focus, de amps are not 😞

[@howardskeivys4184]

I’ve asked this of every KZbin reviewer, so far with no response. So, be brave, be the first;define ‘high end’

[@allenh.7373]

High End typically means expensive, it's not a measure of performance. Also, it is all relative. There are people who would consider $10K or even $20K amplifiers or integrates as 'Mid-Fi' or even entry level. But we have to be honest, there is usually at least some correlation between price and performance. Doesn't mean there aren't outliers such as very expensive 'boutique' gear that don't sound that great, but typically there is a saturation point where we approach diminishing returns. Nothing in audio is concrete since every single variable makes an impact. The quality of your power in your neighborhood, your outlet, your power cable, speaker cables, even every small wire in your gear or choice of capacitor makes a difference. It is completely possible that I could spend $1K on an amplifier that sounds better 'in my room and with my entire system' than a $20K amplifier that is really tuned for a completely different sound signature or room size. Almost everything is audio is subjective, even something being called 'high end.' So yeah, nobody defines it because its impossible, but people still use the term as this vague generalization or another way of saying 'not garbage.' That's about as accurate as 'high end' can get, basically as a way of saying that its not terrible.

[@howardskeivys4184]

@@Studioincar this is a classic example:- I recently upgraded my floor standers. The manufacturers website described them as ‘mid-range flagships’! Every review I read, watched or listened to, described them as high end. One magazine described them as ‘high end made easy’ whatever that means. I would describe my gear as ‘high value’, ‘high perfo’, even ‘high quality’, but I beleive ‘high end’ to be a marketing tool or an excuse for higher profit margins!

[@franktdot5932]

Let’s see the backs of both units, while I block the view with my nugget! 😣

[@Studioincar]

SORRY

[@michaelmityok1001]

Many people say the 390 is the best integrated for the money period.

[@vesnavoss2673]

I loved my Sugden however sold it as my Dyn's C20 work so much better with my H390. Just not enough grunt at top end... The SP-4 / LA-4 combo is great but again 60% more expensive, can't really compare. Then I'd suggest Pass Labs INT-60 ... Get a H390 Michael, you'll love it.

[@michaelmityok1001]

@Car Guy daddyo yes Sugden makes good amps in Class A which is hard to beat

[@michaelmityok1001]

@@vesnavoss2673 Bought a CODA CSib integrated it is Class A/B with the 1st 12 watts biased in Class A for about the same money as a 390. Same basic specs minus the internal DAC. 10 year warranty and guaranteed 50% trade in value for the length of the warranty from the manufacturer. CODA does not advertise so they seem to pass on to the consumer the savings.

[@buttonman1831]

@Car Guy daddyo I heard is Kinki was comparable but not necessarily better.

[@kenmcglown6642]

No!!!!!!!!!!

[@Studioincar]

That was my general opinion, also.