Hegel H590: Reference or Illusion?

The Hegel H590 according to several aufiophiles and professionals is a reference integrated amplifier. Is this true or is it simply an illusion? Here is my take.
John Darko video: • Why do Hegel amplifier...
Small Room Audio: • Hegel H590 Review - No...
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[@chutgowdingo-loon3212]

You nailed it man - absolutely hit the nail on the head. Two thumbs up !!!

[@No_Limits_411]

It's great to see that kind of a brave review, where ones own taste is decisive. The soft-spoken style clearly helps to avoid conflict 👍

[@13thnotehifireviews7]

No because a review should not be decisive on what someone likes, but how a brand performs at price within the taste and preference catergory (sound and features) of what the product does.

[@lmstefanini1]

I had several Luxman gears, amplifiers class A, A/B and tube amps, CD players and dacs . The consistency of the house sound is incredible along the product line. This is one of the reasons that made me admire this brand. Your description is perfectly in line with my experience. Great review

[@frankgeeraerts6243]

Yep same as me................Luxman forever...............

[@morespinach9832]

Which Luxman compares to Hegel 390 or Accuphase E-480?

[@CaptainCrunch823]

Thanks for taking the time to create this review! I have been tempted by the H390 and H590 now that they have added Roon, but keep remembering my experience with the H90 and H190 where they both sounded great but didn’t sound “natural” or “analog” as you mentioned in your review. I am now convinced that I would end up in the same dissatisfied spot where I would appreciate what the Hegel can do, but not something that I want to commit to long term and therefore will look elsewhere for my next upgrade.

[@anadialog]

Thank YOU!

[@stepicm]

At this range of amplifiers it all comes to taste, what you prefer. I still love my h120, I think is one of the best all-in-one amp/dac/streamer on the market right now.

[@hclandscapes]

Me too, i also own a Hegel H120. Fantastic amplifier!

[@sylvainmasson8629]

J'en possède un H120 depuis maintenant 2 mois et suis extrêmement satisfait . Dispendieux pour moi mais aucun regret !

[@billywindsock9597]

Hegel is good kit. Very well designed, decent materials and manufacture and a signature sound. Like Naim, they have a vocal fan base that champion their sound style and both companies are producing good products that are very popular. I tried Hegel and Naim and I went with Burmester. Astoundingly well made and a beautiful sound. My dealer told me that many or most of his Burmester customers are musicians and I can see why. There is no lack of detail, but music is played effortlessly and musically. I would never tell someone they bought the wrong equipment if they enjoy the sound and the user experience, but it can be difficult to know and hear all the possible options before spending money.

[@morespinach9832]

Which Burmester did you get?

[@hemantishwaran5741]

I see so many reviews of amps where they don’t test the analog, especially running a TT, so it was very refreshing and interesting to see your review. Great job - This is one of my favorite of your videos (another is the Axis Bold as Love LP comparison)!

[@anadialog]

You like demolishon videos! ;-)

[@margix1172]

Hegel is like have sex with a robot and it's ugly too.....NO THANX! Analog = REAL Digital = FAKE That's simple!

[@1jhnpennington]

Subscribed. Great video, looking forward to watching lots of your back catalogue.

[@anadialog]

Welcome!

[@Anand.Asrani]

Superb Review !! Appreciate your Forthright approach ! Keep it up .

[@anadialog]

Thanks man!

[@denisbarry9436]

I bought the H390 last month and paired it with Vandersteen TreoCT and stream 100%. I can only say good things about them both. Great bass, not boomy, awesome soundstage and a clarity that is very refined. My wife and I can listen at loud volumes all night long as the crossover of the loudspeakers match nicely with the Hegel which a little more laid back and not sitting in the front row, which I like. I enjoyed your review as you didn't have to blast the brand to make you point, I respect that

[@anadialog]

Thanks Denis!

[@ashman0071]

get some Harbeth Super HL5's, a Benchmark front end and a PASS or Conrad Johnson pre/pro and put your Hegel in the pool room like mine resides........ you can listen at really low volumes because finally your gear is good ........

[@ebaysnipa]

I recently got a JET TC-905B to do immediate a/b amp switching helps a lot with short audio memory, of course only to test which amp sounds better and then it get removed out of the chain.

[@SmallRoomAudio]

I love your channel, your videos are so engaging and awesome - and you referenced my Hegel video and linked to it - thank you 😊 🙏 I’ve just bought a Luxman 595 - it’s excellent, but the Shindo Pass combo makes me very jealous! Keep up the great work!

[@anadialog]

Thanks colleague! You too!

[@fredmclaughlan7574]

As always Guido an interesting review! Also, love your new intro!!!

[@anadialog]

Thanks Fred!

[@fredmclaughlan7574]

I always enjoy your perspectives Guido!@@anadialog

[@ArchAngelSwinglow]

Thank you for your honesty. I watch different audiophiles to see if any A/V receiver could compare to my sweet sounding SONY STR-DG1000. I thought the HAGEL would, especially for records. Thanks again for the save.

[@ggladiolus]

I appreciate your opinions. You are right on the dot. This amplifier is voiced using digital.

[@tomislavgasparic8100]

That can be related to high damping factor, some, most of speakers do not like it, their crossovers, their diver/enclosure tuning can interact with high damping factors and start to ringing due high Q states in loudspeaker system. Try to put 0.05-0.1R power resistors in series with loudspeaker

[@anmic3590]

Hi! Thank you for sharing this. I have the combo Pioneer c73/m73, the ones from the 90s, Urushi, and I’m running with them the Focal Arias 948. But lately I was thinking that maybe the Focals are more capable and the amps might hold them back. Any thoughts or advice? Should I keep them or go the Hegel way… 390? 590? Thank you!

[@thepickyaudiophile]

I auditioned the H190 and H90 for a period of time and I think that’s pretty spot on regarding the sound characteristic 👍 Regarding damping factor, I used the Exposure 2510 (75w/40 damping factor) with B&W Nautilus 805 and it managed it without a sweat. The H90 (60w/2000 damping factor) definitely did not. The H190 was fine though (Note that I listen at low/mid volumes exclusively).

[@SirMountainpass]

The high damping factor figures Hegel indicates are pure marketing - just check the test in Germany's Stereo magazine 11/2022: Dämpfungsfaktor an 4 Ohm bei 63Hz/1kHz/14kHz: 50/48/34 By comparision and also tested by the same HiFi magazine (5/2018), the Luxman L-509 X: Dämpfungsfaktor an 4 Ohm bei 63Hz/1kHz/14kHz: 250/299/125 Luxman L-590 AX II (from 2016): Dämpfungsfaktor an 4 Ohm bei 63Hz/1kHz/14kHz: 199/87/55 Personally, I feel that Hegel is quite a bit overrated and overpriced...

[@MrHighDefinitionTube]

You are totally right. I have the H390 and I have the same sensation. But I really enjoy it.

[@Thiago_S..]

Thank you very much for the review with your honest opinion! Hard to find around here! Judging by it, seems a very nice amp for people that like to listen to sound ;

[@anadialog]

Thank YOU

[@oysteinsoreide4323]

I like music thank you.

[@2011RAIMONDS]

Thanks for your valuable video. In my opinion ML 585 develops fantastic natural and pure sound. Have you tested it, what is your opinion? Thanks.

[@elderinmoi1571]

I get what you hear and I heard it in other amps, too. Music is emotion and some tech is not able to reproduce that. It is almost the other way around. Such amps are harder to find. Tx a lot for your opinion on this amp. I am shure there are still many people out there that will be impressed by it but it won’t be for me. I love my tube amps 😀

[@quintnessen4606]

I have a hegel h190 1nd it needs a bit of volume to sound better hope it helps

[@latheofheaven]

Ears are **ALL** that count... Bloody awesome video mate and a wonderful and fascinating and fully understandable explanation : ) It's just always nice to see an 'Audiophile' who truly appreciates analog...

[@labalo5]

Youre spot on IMO. This is why this “neatness” sounds great with speakers like dyns. Dyns, are imo, at the end of the spectrum in teams of tighter woofers and the way they are voiced being that they sound warmer…and in a sense, sloppy. You throw very good grippy amps to it and thats when they are popular with this crowd.

[@anadialog]

Nice combo!

[@drfuzz1756]

Good for YOU!!! You tell the truth !!! Thank you....

[@Roamany-Jones]

Borrowed the Hegel on a ‘ try before you buy’ but I couldn’t get along with it either for pretty much the same reasons. Still looking for something to replace my Exposure gear and am currently trying Icon Audio valve amps and like what I hear so far.

[@anadialog]

Nice...keep us updated on your choices!

[@dhzbay]

I came to a similar conclusion and went for Yamaha AS2200. What’s your opinion on Yamaha AS line of amplifiers. I think they have some of that vintage sound behind them.

[@anadialog]

On my list...

[@johnkritikos3247]

Great review!

[@alfma976]

Thank you, can you review Yamaha integrated AS Line.

[@ArtichokeAce]

To each his own. I love the Hegel sound for the same reasons that you don’t (great separation of sounds, very revealing, amazing bass control). I understand why some people like the melting together or intermingling of sounds of vintage amplifiers, but it’s not for me. :-)

[@anadialog]

Of course! I agree and respect that. 👍

[@metastaticmince2386]

Like that commend. I am glad there are tolerant people out there. We are all in the same boat

[@norbsi]

He is driving efficient speakers with an amp that is meant to drive inefficient speakers

[@shemaya4979]

You could have done this vedio 3 months ago. Love you Guido! Man who got a backbone ...👍

[@rajugupta-chaudhary6467]

What an explanation superb

[@arielstereo5484]

For Magnepan LRS what's better the H190, H390 or H590?

[@yangarzon8994]

Spot on . I have a h390 for 1 month, comming from Moon product, and the precision and separation plus bass authority, sound control freak, I like it. Very controlled but exactly , my phono sound digital. You are very good Best description I saw so far

[@cameronkrause4712]

I am a believer in break in and I wonder if you gave the Hegal enough time. 2 years ago I bought the Denon pma1600ne and it started to play, really well, about 6 month into owning it.

[@anadialog]

It was a used unit, fully burned-in.

[@AudioThings]

How is it compared to a Rotel Michi X3? Or how would a Michi X3 compare to a H390?

[@Daausby]

I agree with your assessment of the Hegel sound…I owned the H90 and H190 and they exhibit the same characteristics that you described in the H590…I believe it’s called spotlighting of instruments and detail…I too also prefer a more cohesive sound.

[@jearley22]

what are you running now?

[@jazz_addict7079]

You lack the necessary information to formulate any such projections. The 390/590 are voiced differently from the lower-tier products.

[@adammusic1124]

How does the Hegel H590 compare to something like the Michi X5?

[@victorjohnson7512]

In robotics, the term "uncanny valley" is used to describe androids that are so real they are creepy to look at. It sounds like what you are describing about the audio being to precise out of this amp. People prefer vacuum tube amps specifficaly because it does color the sound output, even from a DAC.

[@alexherceg9496]

Too

[@NOVAISPERES]

Hi, nice review. I have the Hegel H360 for about a year now and i think i see your point. First of all, I don’t use the internal dac, i have the holo spring 1 wich is far better than the internal dac. What i feel with the internal dac is the midrange focus. It just isn’t there or not feel natural and i try it with different speakers but i was always locking for the Voice “death center” but it isn’t there. Another thing that i notice independent of the type of dac using is that the soundstage is a litle low, like the voice came from beneath the eye level….the 4000 damper factor is real amazing and can drive any speaker but maby you are right about the sound not sounding natural. Is something there that i don’t like so i’m considering selling it and return to valve amplifying. Cheers

[@anadialog]

What you are writing is exactly what I found in the H590...so strange, so unnatural...

[@mtkreger]

Interesting take....I haven't found the same. For example, listening to Stevie Ray Vaughn's version of Little Wing...the rich and buzzy tone of his guitar/amp, along with the rest of the band, is goosebumps good on my system (driven by the Hegel h390). But, that's what's great about HiFi...lots of options for people to choose to suit their interpretation of "natural" sound.

[@edgarmisplaced7924]

Thank you for your thoughts on the Hegel. My taste would be toward the Luxman!

[@poetryonplastic]

Just curious, was this a new unit, if so how many hours of break in did you put on it? I have an H390 and I must say the sound definitely relaxed after about 100 hours on mine. I gotta say right now I am really enjoying the 390 with Harbeth speakers, perhaps because those speakers have a very prominent midrange sound. I’ve heard the class AB luxman integrateds and I did really enjoy them, but I don’t know if I’d like them more than the Hegel. Anyway, if everyone liked the same things life would be very boring.

[@DJ_BROBOT]

Bruh, I don't think this is a burn in issue as much as it's a processing issue with the way Hegels do their music output

[@anadialog]

Good question. Used unit, did get its full burn in.

[@dajikbatarang1]

@@anadialog Maybe they just didnt match well with your speakers?

[@anadialog]

I doubt that. I have a pair of GoldenEar Triton Reference speakers and Sandy Gross himself, the founder and engineer behind them, recently presented these speakers driven by the H590 at the Rocky Mountain Audio Feat. So they supposed to be a perfect combination. Plus, this type of amp, as commercialized by Hegel themselves, is capable of driving anything.

[@dajikbatarang1]

@@anadialog then its just personal taste, everyone likes different flavours of HiFi

[@hugobloemers4425]

Interesting video. This amplifier is way above my budget but none the less I like this kind of evaluations. Also going back in my memory, KZbinrs who are sincere AND like this amp very much are mainly in to digital music sources. I guess that people who swear by analogue sources are sensitive to the trickery that is going on in this amp.

[@alitabbal9529]

Excellent critical review, as always. Every time an amplifier puts the emphasis on the spectrum extremes instead of the mids you loose the coherence and the naturalness ( the soul) of the music 🎶

[@anadialog]

True!

[@AdiMaco]

This is a smart review.

[@blastfromtheeast]

Great review.

[@anadialog]

Thx!

[@pinkyfloydyfan1]

I have the H190 with Denafrips Ares 2 DAC and it sound... GREAT!

[@bobihadzikimov7823]

I love Hegel sound and you are absolutely right about h 590. After a week evaluation on both h590 and h390 in my home, I picked h390 every time when i did A B testing between the two( money was not deciding factor) . I mean h590 sounds good, but it's way overrated. I totally agree with your findings. It matched mine. Hegel h590 went back, happy with h390 in my second system.

[@anadialog]

Interesting

[@1JRW1]

Which differences do you find between the H590 and the H390?

[@zorqis]

Tape deck and lots of vinyl in the background is nice, but might mean a certain preference bias as well, which is fine and was communicated. However, my first impression was the same about Hegel. FWIW, do you hear a difference between the Hegel amps with 2000 vs 4000 damping factor on the factors you've mentioned in the video?

[@anadialog]

I am passionate about music, in the first place, Analog media has a special place in my life as my channels states, but good digital is absolutely within my interest in fact my subscribers know that and I have several videos on the topic. This is a good example that should dissipate your doubts: kzbin.info/www/bejne/nIqyg2Vpd5uCac0 I haven't compared Hegel with Hegel.

[@zorqis]

@@anadialog I love tape decks, when you say GX, it's not SRAM that comes to my mind, but Akai :) thanks for the link!

[@anadialog]

Hell yeah! Glass heads!

[@AntoineViau-00]

Also a great interview with Hegel @ New Record Day where things are very well explained.

[@molchomusic]

Luxman 509x or MCINTOSH MA7200?...:). (I was thinking to benchmark also the Hegel H590 but I appreciated your review :))

[@SirMountainpass]

The Luxman L-507 Z or if you have the budget, the L-509 Z, representing the latest generation of amps. Alternatively, I recommend to check out the Technics SU-R 1000 - a stunning piece of kit ☺

[@dimachesebastian6407]

please review sugden a21se. i was oscilating betwen hegel and sugden and after this review i lean on sugden.

[@Trump1776]

Love your truth , our boy lover (Darco and Jay’s) could not express your depth and understanding of the sound characters 👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻

[@filipviljamaasvensson]

Interesting! I just had the H190 home on loan, and it just didn’t move me. Vocals and solo strings sounded far away and non-engaging. In fact the whole soundstage sounded too far away for me in my treated room. I found myself leaning in to get closer. Which didn’t work, haha. Will be trying other brands for more engaging (but perhaps less perfect) sound.

[@peddie1972]

Wrong speakers?

[@vesnavoss2673]

Finally an opinion that's not in favour of the Hegel brand. Everybody else seem to love 'em... Just checked your channel, especially liked the 'why cassettes should stay...' video. Great stuff, I'm not surprised that you do not get along with the Hegel. I had to wait 3 months for my 390 to arrive from Norway, just can't get the bloody things anywhere... Maybe for a reason or just an illusion?

[@anadialog]

😆

[@Drivehead103]

I would like to pair that luxman with some Cornwall IV. Trying to save up! Would like to see a comparison between Vincent sv700 and luxman. I read a review where somebody enjoyed the Vincent more than luxman because it had more punch and sounded livelier. I listen to rock and roll in jazz, punch and Lively is what I'm looking for. But I'm very happy with what I currently have. I am never wishing I had better when listening to my stereo. But the upgrade bug is always there.

[@mark9118]

Is there some kind of DSP being done to the signal (apart from the built-in DAC), or is it just a more technically revealing analog amp? The suggestion was made that the signal is being taken apart and put back together. Is that based on some knowledge of their proprietary technology they use? How would other amps with a reputation of being accurate and revealing (like Boulder) compare to the Hegel?

[@anadialog]

I don't know but it sure sounds like that...

[@mark9118]

​@@anadialog Here is a description of the technology they use: "The SoundEngine 2, in many ways, works like a noise canceling headphone. A computer inside will sample what comes into the amplifier and compares it to what comes out. The computer subtracts the difference (distortion) and then add it into the music but in reverse phase. The result being that, without any time delay, the SoundEngine cancels out almost all errors made by the amplifier. Leaving you with the most musical and natural sound you ever have experienced." Obviously, people who like tube amps, and even some solid state amps designed to sound a little like tubes, are going to sound different from Hegel. Which is better is very hard to say. Clearly, you are an analog guy.

[@anadialog]

If you watched all the video you will notice that I mention another video made by Darko. The link is in the video description. You will see a lecture of the founder of Hegel explaining this and other stuff. So my answer is, yes, I know what THEY claim, but I don't know what is really going on. The sound is so artificial I can't believe their fame.

[@mark9118]

@@anadialog Like I said previously, there are some high end solid state amps that manipulate the sound to sound more like tubes, to make them sound more "musical." Same with DAC's. The problem is often the source material, much of which is junk, and that if played accurately doesn't sound very good. So people who have a lot of analog source material (especially vinyl) will often need some equipment that smooths things out.

[@anadialog]

True!

[@ridirefain6606]

I am a fan boy of the Hegel. I think it is one of the best pieces of technology out there. Owned an H120 for about two years, and if your are into copious amounts of detail, supreme delineation of every instrument/note played, and a sense of the hyper-real. There is not much out there that can top that brand. Alas, it was not the amp for me, my tastes leans towards things that give me some romance to the sound. I like components that give a sense of warmth and moisture to a singer's breath, almost as if Dianna Krall is setting in my lap singing in my ear. Putting flesh on their tongue, cheek, and palate that you can hear the gums smacking as they phrase a song's lyrics. So I traded it in for a EL-34 based tube amp that did costa a little more, but leaned to providing a more natural versus scientific type of sound.

[@anadialog]

Interesting! I want Diana on my lap as well! ;-)

[@tamil.f.3734]

I auditioned the Hegel and wanted to like it. In the end I went with Naim. Now Naim is different sound flavour than the Luxman but I like it better. It is good to have different sound flavours to choose from. The interweb crowd cheers can sometimes make you think that audio is a like olympic disciplines. The Hegel might take a gold medal in many disciplines but that is not the point of audio reproduction in my view.

[@anadialog]

Good point!

[@IronCan88]

Hi, which luxman model do you have? I would like to audition one so I can decide if I should keep my h390 or change to luxman. Thank you.

[@anadialog]

The Luxman L-590AXII pure class A amp. Here is the review I made: kzbin.info/www/bejne/eXWuaGxpq7qBe9E

[@metastaticmince2386]

i switched to Luxman 595 which is fantastic....my Hegel 190 still has more bass control...nevertheless most time the Lux is driving my speaker not the Hegel...its so smooth....

[@gregbelemjian2515]

Brilliant! Anything can be taken too far.

[@anthonycody4095]

Hey there, loving your take on Hifi and the way you carefully explain, it really cuts thru a lot of the smoke and confusion out there. You mentioned that the Holo May is great, have you experienced another DAC that blows the May away? Love to know the best DAC's, in your opinion, that you have experienced

[@anadialog]

Thanks Anthony, these are the comments that keep me going! I have also tried the Denafrips Terminator Plus, which is also very good but not a winner. I am more an analog guy so I am happy with the May for now. Didn't explore much else. A lot of people are saying that the Mola Mola Tambaqui. This sector as you can imagine is constantly evolving!

[@anthonycody4095]

@@anadialog thanks Guido, appreciate your experience. I’ll continue on my Hifi journey/rabbit hole 😄

[@lennartdevries9309]

Tried the new beauty Luxman L-595ASE agains the Hegel H590. It was no comparison with the Hegel and I fully agree, there is just something off with the Hegel. It feels like all the individual instruments are taken apart and amplifier separately to create this huge soundstage. However, at the cost of feeling connected and integrated. The Luxman felt, organic, connected, warm but not without losing high end clarity, the warmness of connectedness if that makes sense. Second shoot out was the Luxman against the Audia Flight FLS 10. First using digital only as input, then using phonostage (for FLS 10 this is an additional module). I've listened for four hours trying to convince myself the Luxman was better, however it was not. The clarity, openness and air between the instruments was just way better with the FLS 10. Not night and day, you can even argue that if you're more into upbeat, rock, metal the Luxman would give you more pleasure and less fatigue (if you turn the knob up..;). With vinyl the differences were larger and this, imo, has to do with the phono stage and not the amp. The FLS 10 module at EUR 1100 is just way better than the Luxman integrated. A pity, especially when using MC. So my ranking would be Audia Flight FLS 10: fantastic, ordered. Luxman L-595ASE: great and very close, Hegel H590: not my kind of thing, maybe for other. Tip: go and listen and compare against fully balanced Class A or A/B Love the channel, keep it up and order a cassette deck to try the FLS 10!

[@anadialog]

I have no doubt that your comment and preference are spot on. Audia is amazing and soon I will reveal why...congrats!

[@fedrichorlandineumann3062]

Ciao Guido avere un 'opinione diversa dalla massa vuol dire essere obiettivo ...nn ho mai sentito il prodotto in questione ma ho sempre ragionato con la mia testa👍

[@toriuz271]

you аre right about everything man !

[@bobsbits5357]

hi it's a bad time to buy any amps as power costs are going up all over the uk i know this will sound so good

[@DJ_BROBOT]

Before some of you poop on what he said.. What he is saying is REAL. There are other audiophiles who often talk about amps that do this where the sound is not COHESIVE within the track, but SEPARATE sounding within the track. If you got good ears, this will irk you to no end with the former.

[@janulik9535]

thank you for this take, ...actually I was planing to buy hegel, but I feel very simmilar to you, while everybody pracing hegel and me wanting good sound quality hegel obviously is shortlisted but I am all the time wondering about the music presentation of hegel, and I have to say when I hear it i miss there something and I do not/did not know what it is...

[@anadialog]

Thank YOU!

[@johne5543]

l think a lot probably depends on the background and personal sensitivities of the designing engineers themselves. If digital is more their thing, this will likely come through in the overall sound of the final product.

[@LuxAudio389]

For sure. NRD did a video on the voicing if Hegel products that explains this very well.

[@fts81]

Tarun, the British audiophile has great videos on Hegel as well

[@vincenzocirillo7980]

I pray you, try a vintage Sansui amplifier, Japanese 1974-79 like au-517, or au-7900… I’m surprised that all the modern technologies didn’t ever arrive to that levels of quality and sounding!

[@anadialog]

I am starting to think this in some cases as well...

[@Richbroth]

Luxman 509x intergrated best amp in its price range. I'd love to hear the new 595a though.

[@metastaticmince2386]

just do it while the 595 is available...but have a "few" bucks left to buy a present for the "luxury buying commitee" to soothe "it"

[@richardherbert3519]

A very very interesting video

[@JDG1971]

Wonderful commentary, simply straight forward, as always and as it is. The beauty of High-end is that we have different tastes and hearing, oohh yeah baby...

[@LuxAudio389]

Preach it brother. 🤜🤛

[@JDG1971]

@@LuxAudio389 Oohh yeah brother ✌

[@jackprick9797]

I saw the video and I read through several of the comments, interesting. When Hegel came out touting the high damping factors, I asked myself, how are they doing that? All other major manufacturers pale in comparison. Anyway, you hear all these great reviews of the Hegel amps, and this little question just stuck in my mind. Did you notice that their power amps have a much lower damping factor? I wonder if they might sound better because they are doing less sound engine "magic"? The H20 with 200 wpc is "more than 1000" and the H30A 1000 watt mono is "more than 500" damping factor? Kind of strange. Thanks for the great content!

[@anadialog]

True!

[@giuseppesputore5786]

I full agree.....the same sensation listening B&W speakers

[@anadialog]

Interesting!

[@dieselbrodeur]

I really like your Chanel and reviews. My take on your review is that this is a steal and a good buy. I don’t share the view that all analog sounds better. I think digital is far superior and interpret your remarks as very insightful descriptions of just those advantages being enhanced. You are also the only KZbin reviewer that actual reviews the amp. I couldn’t care less for the combo sound of built in DAC and amp. You also confirms that the internal DAC is hyped compared to really good external ones.

[@stephc4427]

Here's what I think is happening. Most studio production these days is not a band playing all together, it is the result of individual tracks recorded at different times and perhaps even in different rooms. If Hegel is able to separate those features, then it is revealing the truth. Any unification of everything into one pot is a distortion. Kudos to Hegel for being able to even reveal such discontinuities in the recording process. I have an H95 and an H190 and I think they are wonderful.

[@anadialog]

That is irrelevant because then the tracks are mixed and summed for the final master.

[@sherlockholmes2010]

The same issue described jay from 'thenextbestthing' when he talks about high end turntables. "They Sound too Digital" too clear.. Therefore he preferes vintage turntables to get the analogue sound. I never heard a high end Transistor amp. I User a high end tube amp for my BBC speaker laid back Sound chain. And a sansui 331 vintage receiver for my "exciting, sparkling" klipsch Quartet forward chain. Both Systems Sound like everything fits together almost perfekt. No issues. Dual 1219 + Dual 1226 😉

[@anadialog]

Nice!

[@connorduke4619]

Great and honest review. I knew there was no way the Dac packed inside the Hegel could match the Holo May masterpiece of a Dac - because barely any Dac at any price can! :) I will keep watching to see if you can find an amp to beat the mighty Luxman 590AXII. Some candidates: Benchmark AHB2 has a patented THX forward feedback design and garners many positive reviews. Meanwhile Class D technology keeps improving in the form of NAD C298 with Purifi Eigentakt module. Meanwhile in loudspeaker land according to HiFi Choice the QAcoustics Concept 500 have dethroned the mighty ATC SCM 40s as the best standmounts for sane money.

[@dab9742]

Like you, I miss the tone controls that have become a disgrace for some audiophiles. At low listening levels, or for low-quality recordings, it's comfortable to be able to quickly improve things slightly. Like you, it's now a criterion that guides me when buying an amp !

[@davidbailey6350]

We all have different tastes, that’s why we have much to choose from… We like what we like….

[@Luckystudio13]

I have heard of the H390 and H590 reviews declaring them o be very clinical as well. Have you heard the H190 ? some say it is not as precise as the H390 and H590 and that made the H190 sounds more rounded and analog.

[@anadialog]

I haven't!

[@Petrakeas]

I own Hegel H390 and have it paired with Wharfedale Elysian 4. The Amp tends to render bass and transients with great accuracy, but reduces the volume of smooth parts of the audio. For example, in a heavy metal track, it brought the drums so forward that the guitar was hidden. If you listen to music which isn't mastered with a lot of dynamic range (small spikes or transients), Hegel will flatten it out even more and it will pronounce any transients

[@anadialog]

If that is true, and I believe you, we are clearly facing software issues. An amp should only do that, amplify with less noise possible...that is where voodoo starts..

[@Petrakeas]

@@anadialog I don't know if it's software. I believe it's a negative side effect of the sound engine 2, which tries to reduce the distortion with a forward feedback.

[@kcy3ssm]

I use Hegel 390 with Heritage Special speakers. I agree with this review i.e emotional coherence (midrange) ain’t the best .

[@ericr385]

I have the same rig as you. Try playing with the speaker position. The good news is there is a perfect place for those speakers in the room, bad news is you have to hunt for it one centimeter at a time (my experience). I find more musical coherence using the H390 with Roon, Tidal and AirPlay than I have ever heard from any hi-fi outside a recording studio. My point is I encourage you to play with it more before giving up.

[@larsstecken]

I've had the HS now for 2 years and completely agree with the positioning point. I am still finding myself trying to move them an inch here or there 😂 But generally I am super happy. I came here because I am also looking for an amp upgrade currently. My Atoll IN 300 is great, but somehow I think I might be missing something in the upper mids. The H390 seemed to be the natural companion for the HS.

[@LucasDaltro]

Have you considered the higher end denon models maybe?

[@anadialog]

I haven't! Good?

[@LucasDaltro]

@@anadialog very good! I’ve tried the pma 160ne and the pma a100 with my Watt Puppies 5.1 and I feel like they both are what I wish Hegel was, neutral sound with loads of powers and a natural midrange. I wish reviewers would stop ignoring the stuff Denon makes, they have some really serious integrated amps when you go to £1000+ but I can barely find reviews for these units online.

[@DBravo29er]

I found my old Benchmark LA-4 and AHB2's to be slightly better than the H590 and yet still suffered from the exact same issue. There was an overly cleanly aspect to their sound and a type of homogenization that occurred regardless of source. Very very good sound. But uninspired. I have upgraded to a Naim SuperNait 3 and HiCap DR with WitchHat HatPin SNAIC cables and WH Phantom speaker cables. Just stunningly organic and natural. Vastly better in terms of involvement in the music. Used the pocketed cash from the price difference to buy a Chord Qutest and LPS (another killer combo).

[@anadialog]

Nice!

[@normandavid67]

Very good and honest review. You have put in words my listening experience of the Hagel. The Hagel was a 'safe' choice for me.

[@davidmcginnis2998]

Here’s something to look into that no one talks about… Hegal’s preamp and power amp separates I own both integrated and separates the separates are on a whole Nother level I was on the fence with the integrated until I heard the separates they do everything better that people complain about with the integrated‘s.

[@anadialog]

Good to know!

[@jazz_addict7079]

I haven't heard the 590 but I own the 390 and I haven't experienced what you describe with this component. I did once experience what you describe from an ultra-detailed COS DAC and if the Hegel had reproduced the same sense of breaking the fabric of the music apart into many disembodied "bits" strewn across the sound-stage, I surely would not have kept the Hegel, because I hate that sort of unnatural presentation that prioritizes detail above all else. I would describe such a presentation as clinical or analytical. This is not what I hear from my Hegel at all! For one thing, the highs are somewhat rolled off-- the sound is in no way "tipped up" or "forward". And while there is detail aplenty, it never "shouts" at me or calls attention to itself. The detail is always subservient/secondary to my sense of the music as an integrated, emotionally-involving whole. I don't know what other gear you paired with the Hegel; synergy is, obviously, always an issue to be taken into consideration. I use mine with a Sim transport feeding an Aqua La Voce 2 DAC. If the 390 sounded to me the way the 590 sounds to you, I wouldn't like it, either!

[@LuxAudio389]

Ciao I know you like soul and other music. Just wondering when you listened to your Hegel if you noticed the seperation in the Hegel more from recordings from the late 60's and 70's? On my Hegel I notice that on older recordings you can hear the "mix" more so than on newer recordings. So on Faces-Ooh La La I could literally hear how the track was mixed. Guitar on the Right channel, drums, bass, etc. On the left was more the vocals. It definitely was like from the recording engineers perspective. Meaning if I was at the mixing board I could listen to the guitar, then add in percussion, bass, and vocals. Great song, but it wasn't blended enough. On more contemporary recordings definitely very detailed, layered, and textured BUT more cohesive. I know the Luxman is detailed but smoother and warmer. It also provides a more phantom center image by far. Good fun. I like them Both👍

[@anadialog]

I didn't notice this difference, I heard it on analog, digital and all types of music...I am quite convinced that we are facing an elaborate signal processing that is separating the frequencies and them putting them back together...but they don't sound "together" anymore!

[@LuxAudio389]

@@anadialog Thanks. Also thanks for the info on how they hoped to sell the sound engine tech. Very interesting.

[@davelaidlaw3795]

Interesting - i found the H360 unnatural sounding when i tried it out. I could tell right away the voicing wasn’t right.

[@gokhanersan8561]

Some characterize Hegel as “sterile.” I heard H95 that sounded sterile. I also heard Audiolab that sounded that way. Would you call Hegel sterile?

[@anadialog]

Maybe I wouldn't go that far, I just hate this artificial comparting of sound. Plus the midrange was just simply terrible. Big problems in that design IMO.

[@gokhanersan8561]

@@anadialog “artificial comparting” is what I heard with Audiolab, too. It was like the instruments were coming from their own recorded channels that didn’t naturally interact in space. It sounded uncanny. Plus Audiolab managed to make my otherwise warm Dynaudio Emit10 speakers sound cold and sterile. Rotel a11, on the other hand, has nice and creamy sound, but smaller soundstage and slightly excited trebble.

[@gokhanersan8561]

@@anadialogFinally, heard h190. Mid-range is all trebble. It is like a very expensive Audiolab. Plays Take 5 as if it’s nobody’s business. Makes the most monstrous pop and rock sound like a wimp….Why are all the reviewers (except for you and the dude from Audio Excellence) lying about Hegel?

[@novicatoncic6908]

I had to sell my H390 as it was soundings soulless to me. Also, the built quality isn’t that great for money. Always trust your ears! Great video!

[@toucheslapper]

You need to learn about amplifier design and parts cost. There are very few amplifiers in the H390’s price range that use as many high quality output transistors. It wows you with internal build quality and sound. It doesn’t bother trying to grab your attention with extruded aluminum, glass, or meters on the front.

[@novicatoncic6908]

@@toucheslapper fully agreed and H390 is an excellent amp. I just got better results for my ears with the cheaper separates. In this price range, separates are still unbeatable. I have also sold my moon 600i for similar reasons.

[@rumporridge1]

@@novicatoncic6908 so you would still get the Hegel separates instead of the H590?

[@oysteinsoreide4323]

This has probably much to do with taste. Some people like a more blooming sound than you get from Hegel amplifiers. I find my Hegel sound very natural actually. And I have never heard natural sounds being so lifelike in any system before. But there is not much extra. So you would need to match with speakers that bring it into your ballpark when it comes to taste. Hegel isn't for everyone. By the way I have the H390, and am super happy with it. Have had it for two years now.

[@LuxAudio389]

Dear Guido, Ohh boy. Ohhhhhhh boy and ohhhhh boy! You are right! See, I'm a Hegel Fanboy and Focal fanboy too. And oh what a combo. I own an H160 driving my second system with Kanta No2's. I Love it. It's precise, acoustical instruments sound detailed. Female vocals are sexy. I thought it was my speakers ability to seperate instruments. But it's non fatiguing or clinical. But I understand the the Hegel is a surgeon's scalpel compared to a Luxman. My Sopras No3's I heard at my dealer with a Luxman 590AXii and I fell in love. Soo smooth, definitely a different appreciable sound. There that combo with the Sopras superb midrange, beryllium tweeter, and deep bass bring a new expirence that is still precise but more relaxing, and still entertaining. I almost bought an H390 for my Sopras but didn't want a monogamous relationship with just Hegel.😂 Anyhow, my wife and I like the Hegel because it's an integrated that fits in our decor in the family room. We only stream with it using a DAC. It's not too clinical either which is nice. Acoustic instruments, and female vocals have very high detail and revealing. Drums are lightning fast and tight, but, the Kantas are known for this. But again, you mentioned how high the damping factors are too therefore having a tight leash on the driver's. But yes midrange is a bit lacking. No richness in deeper gruffier male vocals, even in male artists with deep voices like, Grayson Capps, Barry White, or Issach Hayes and etc. I think that's where you can really get a sense of how a Hegel may not be perfect. But yes, you are right and the sound engine is essentially a computer with an algorithm. Not in a bad way though because they have done it really well. Oh boy, should I dare show your review to my wife and ask for Luxman and risk death 💀🌺. J/K I still appreciate both Hegel Luxman. Blessings👏👍🥃

[@anadialog]

🤣 thanks for your input!

[@IronCan88]

Are you alive with luxman? Or....

[@LuxAudio389]

@@IronCan88 Honestly they are both great. Wine or draft beer 🍻

[@shemaya4979]

I bought my H390 and Focal Kanta2's 1st of august, just two months ago. After I bought it didnt impressed me much. As a member of Hegel and Focal Facebook page (Thilina Fernando), I am getting lots of feedback to make it better. But still its new I'll wait for another couple of months for season.

[@LuxAudio389]

@@shemaya4979 yeah the Kantas definitely need break in time. It took about 3-4 months for the bass to really balance things out. The tweeter also has a suspension too What are you not liking or having trouble with?

[@cameronkrause4712]

the effect that you are hearing is what I call, "too much of a good thing". It's easy to see and hear what the Hegel engineers were going for. But, I am going to keep my Denon pma 1600ne which is 1/8th the cost but has an outstanding dac and a phono preamp that I truly love.

[@bobsbits5357]

h if you payed out big money for the amp you could make a video on one of them new reel to reel players that is around 10.000 i know someone would keep one for a bit to test it or a head pre amp they are very good

[@chrisdearmitt7474]

I found that it's essential to have tubes in the system to get the sound to seem natural. For example DOGE DAC 7 (tubes), Kinki Studio B7 power amps (class AB) and transparent preamp like the Wyred for Sound STP-SE.