Hegel H95 Amplifier LOVES Magnepan LRS+, KEF LS50 META, and Zu DW6 speakers!

[@timothyfreeseha4056]

As always, you do an awesome job of telling us what you really think while also imparting useful information. I love that you introduced Tim Buckly to your music cue.

[@jonathanmoore8886]

I like how simple the Hegel products look. Very nice products

[@dannyfannyfoodle]

I dig the look of those KEF LS50s sitting on Sound Anchor stands on the viewer system of the day!!! Nice little setup.

[@screamallyouwant]

I love the new view. More of this, please 😊

[@chico1287]

Great review Steve ! I own this Hegel amplifier and completely agree with all you comments on the sound and build of the H95 (real shame about the flimsy plastic remote at this price point!). It is certainly sweet and laid back and provides hours and hours of great listening with no fatigue - its a keeper for me. Thanks Steve!

[@rolandsiegert4858]

I have a Hegel H95 and Dynaudio Evoke 30 speakers - a wonderful combination! Thank you very much for this review!

[@kurtcleveland3539]

Steve, thanks a bunch for more great music suggestions. Just bought both of those Dr. John Plays Rebennack CDs.

[@charlesclifton1006]

Thanks for this! I do not own a Hegel (yet) but a few years backI heard one in a local audio shop. My ears required no adjustment ... I knew instantly I liked (actually loved) the sound. "Beautiful" is a good word when it come to describing the Hegel "house" sound. When you review a product that I am reasonably familiar with I am all ears. Again, "thank you".

[@vitorgoncalves6289]

I've had the H95 for 18 months and thoroughly enjoyed it. As you've said, it's a beautiful sounding amp. My speakers are Revel Performa 3 M106 and the combination was great, especially for acoustic music, vocals, jazz ensembles and chamber music, the kind of music I listen to at home. This week I had the chance to trade it for a H120 and I won't regret it. It has the same sonic signature but does everything a bit better. More defined bass, better soundstage, and overall feeling of effortless sound, probably due to the fact that the H120 has a larger power supply. It has the aditional advantage of being Roon Ready, if you intend to use the internal DAC (it does sound very good with Roon). Anyway, as a user of the H95, I'd say I concour with your review. btw, for those who use Airplay, its implementations in all Hegel amps is superb. Cheers

[@tomsimonson3778]

Thanks for the review. Another happy Hegel customer here - H390 with Denafrips Terminator II dac. I will say that the sweet spot for value and performance with Hegel is probably a used H190. Much more power, and they accept one set of balanced inputs. The going price is around $3k. I think that it also comes with the much nicer metal remote.

[@bobb.9917]

Great "catch-up" review. Your perspective is always valuable! …and thanks as always for the music…you just made my weekend more FUN! 👍🏼

[@2madamimadam290]

Agreed, can't wait to check out that Dr John and Dark Side jazz

[@robk5745]

I’ve never listened to a Hegel amplifier but I would love to one day! I have Harbeths so likely would be a very beautiful combo.

[@greganderson1681]

Yep! When I was auditioning Maggies a year ago I was reading and watching reviews on amps that work well with Maggies. Hegel amps got frequent mention, especially from the Audio Excellence guys in Canada. The 3 Stooges (as they sometimes call themselves) love Hegel, and rightfully so. So I luckily found an open box H90, the H95’s predecessor, and hooked it up to my classic Advent Baby II bookshelfs while I waited for the .7 Maggies to arrive. The effect was stunning with the Hegel, compared to the Denon AVR I’d been using. The deep black seemingly infinite soundstage the Hegel gives you is amazing. Once the Maggies arrived, the whole effect got bumped up a few orders of magnitude. The only “improvement” I’ve made to this Hegel/Magnepan .7 pair is a Rel T/7x sub. Life is good! Thanks for this review!

[@devinwilliams4851]

Do you think this combo would work in a medium to large listening space (14'x17')?

[@mndoci]

@@devinwilliams4851 same question. Also, did you feel you needed a sub?

[@GrindCityGuitars]

Great review. I hope you get to hear the H390 to get the real Hegel experience!

[@stimpy1226]

A satisfying sound is all that I want out of life with regard to audio components.

[@willspicer9559]

Stoked to see it through the ODW6!

[@hawaiiguykailua6928]

I considered Hegel for over a year, stuck with my 22 year old Unison Research Unico and still happy:) And saved my money! :)

[@seanpburke]

I think you've opened up a Hegel lovefest here. H390 owner here and its such an insane amp, it just gets out of the way and makes you want to listen to more and more music. Recent Roon upgrades are excellent too.

[@karthikdoraiswamy8921]

Totally agree, I use the h390 with a pair of Harbeth slh5xd's with a cord cutest in the system and I find it to be a very nice combination...

[@mndoci]

I am super intrigued by the H390 to pair with my LRS+ speakers. How is the Roon integration? Are you using another streamer or just Roon?

[@rodbreen99]

Great review, you should try the H95 with the Golden ear BRX and Super Sub X. A phenomenal combo for reasonable cost.

[@iettord3124]

14:40 Philips TDA 1541 keeps on rockin' in the free world.

[@klaverro]

I use an H95 with my tv-setup (with a BS Node N130 streamer and Dynaudio Evoke 10 speakers). Using the Bluesound RC1 remote and the N130 as an Roon endpoint this is a great combination for listening to some music in the living room or watching a movie. And it sounds way better then a soundbar (tested several ones but no musicality at all!)! The plastic remote with the H95 is working very good btw...

[@ptbfrch]

Thank you! It's something I've been very interested in, Hegel. Would suit me very well, and I wonder how they would sound with my extremely easy to drive speakers. :)

[@stimpy1226]

Excellent review, great price and now I understand why there are no balanced inputs.

[@jorger1452]

Hi Steve; I'm a longtime follower of your channel and a happy Hegel owner as well. I really enjoyed your review, specially how you describe the 'Hegel sound' qualities. I'm specially interested on your comments on adding an external DAC to the mix. Did you test the H95 with the Denafrips Ares, or did you choose the Bifrost because you thought its character would suit the H95 better? Thanks for keeping your channel sooooo interesting. Big hug from Spain! 🤗

[@carlitomelon4610]

Good to see LRS & LS50, my favorite speakers being used to torture test an amplifier. I also question the logic of including an obsolescence prone DAC in a device that will last 20+ years. My Bryston and Musical Fidelity amps are 15+ years old and going strong. I recommend Bryston if you want to feel the mid bass notes from the LRS. Add 2 RELs to complete the system. 🎵🎶😊🎶🎵

[@peepingtom5547]

I Like the h95. Always wondered about the audio science review.

[@mr.o9152]

Nice review Steve! How is this compare to the Schiit Vidar in terms of sound?

[@audiointern2699]

Hi Steve, great review and important as all of us with the LRS are told that the Hegel is the way to go. I have been using the NAD C338 with the LRS for 2 years and it is really good for less than half the money. I would love to see some more NAD reviews if you have time. Thanks!

[@christopherbrown8205]

A few years ago I bought the C338 but returned it after a side-by-side comparison with the H90 at home. Even to me there was a clear and audible difference. The Hegel was smoother on the top and went quite a bit deeper. Of course, given the price difference the H90/95 should perform better than the C338. The NAD C368 would have been a better comparison price-wise. But my guess is the "class D" sound would have been there too. But I still miss the functionality and design of the NAD... (Monitor Audio Silver floor speakers gen.1)

[@Santbak]

​​@@christopherbrown8205funny, i started with the c338, then c368 and after that Hegel h90. (With the new Emit 20's) the difference was so big. Love the h90 a lot more. Wondering how it all sounds with another step up but don't have the budget now so will enjoy the current setup for some years. Also paired with a REL t5x btw

[@jan9]

Great to see some Norwegian Hifi beeing presented, can't wait for Electrocompaniet. My setup (amps and speakers) is made in Scandinavia. In the design world "Scandinavian design" holds it's ground. Would you say there is an equivalent in the world of high end audio, is the "Scandinavian sound" pronounced and identifiable?

[@t23random]

I had the Hegel H200, and I am still using the H360 after many years. I don’t really see the need to upgrade to newer models. If I want another sound, I can buy another brand just to add variety, but hard to find another one box solution so versatile and being able to handle vocal, jazz, chamber, orchestra, electronic, rock, etc, and can pretty much drive any speakers without any limitations.

[@tweakerman]

I love your apartment steve, here in the uk all our rooms are a lot smaller, great video as usual steve👍

[@SteveGuttenbergAudiophiliac]

Thanks!

[@peddie1972]

Finally Steve! Thank you! The h95 is a great integrated amp, but if you really like Hegel and their sound please, please give the h390 or the h190 a listen as well. I think they will blow your mind.

[@thebiffer100]

I just recently bought the H590 and don't even know where to start. I ordered a pair of Magnepan LRS Plus and cannot wait to get them.

[@keplermission]

On a British internet auction site has appeared the new advert: " Rare vintage EMI Speakers. Looking for offers. (Stands not included). " Behind the old wood finish speakers are two black panels each side of a door, and uh ... they could be acoustic damping panels but are worth seeing as a curious wall feature, and may even be heating radiators of some kind? The speakers contain 92390FY suited for tube amplifiers of Damping Factor 5 like the Audio Innovations 800 using Soviet origin 'Dimple Top' EL34 as created by Peter Qvortrup and Erik Andersson in the year 1984, that is the British elite's Orwellian year and their exclusive, elliptical speakers in one hurried visit! 😃

[@stephanea5364]

what about the H360?

[@keplermission]

@@stephanea5364 The H360 is older and uh ... for many years was described as a bargain, yes one of those and a bargain, you know would be approved by Miguel Barrio who has a lot of old, refurbished stuff to play with but the 390 is not a bargain but does have load stability down to 2 ohms, that back in the late 1970s was a selling issue but what did it mean? Well, for many years we'd be banned from Audiokarma for explaining it because uh ... they're superficial people to the extreme. But you know many old mid-1970s McIntosh amplifiers had impedance taps for 1 ohm or 2 ohms but the NAD 3020 just had a widget in the protection relay that let it drive 2 ohms instead of cutting in. Yeah but 2 ohms was important for a type of British loudspeaker with a shifting impedance, we used to refer to these as a '4-8-ohm load', it wasn't 6 ohm, it wasn't 4 ohm and the impedance shifted between 1 ohm and 9 ohms, Rola Celestion was the main manufacturer. So the impedance would drop down low on certain musical peaks. That's the difference between a BARGAIN 360 and a 390. I mean if you use Japanese speakers, you know, the 360 will be all good.

[@stephanea5364]

@@keplermission Man, it's not that old and it costed 6000 dollars when it came out.

[@randallsguaranteedsold6361]

Great review! it is my understanding that this Hegel does not have a phono stage? (Correct me if I wrong) If so, did you use another interface that could have changed the sound signature?

[@kenmcglown6642]

Yeah Steve......I drive my absolutely awesome pair of Revel Salon 2 speakers with an Hegel H590 (in a not so large room) with breathtaking results. The Hegel H590 is an extremely powerful integrated with lots of horse-power, which is mandatory in order to control my notoriously inefficient Salon 2 speakers. Not to mention the Hegel H590's world-class sound quality.

[@thebiffer100]

I am lucky enough to have the H590 too. Just got my Magnepan LRS Plus speakers and it is certainly nothing less than heavenly audio bliss.

[@RaviNewfarm]

Proud Norwegian here, seeing two amps from my country. Only owned one Hegel product, and that was a separate DAC they made back in the days, was good for it's time.

[@jogmas12]

But it’s made in China 🇨🇳

[@oysteinsoreide4323]

@@jogmas12 They are designed in Norway, and has the Norwegian spirit in the design. So the product looks and feels Norwegian. And actually being produced in China is not a bad thing if it is done well. I have had much more issues with an amplifier from Electrocompaniet ( which are produced in Norway ) than the Hegel amplifier that I have.

[@jogmas12]

@@oysteinsoreide4323 not so with my made in England original mission Cyrus one integrated amp. The only problems I have had with it so far was a dirty potentiometer and a blown internal fuse.

[@ResetZero595]

Would be nice to watch your take on LS60.

[@amosperrine1909]

Love your vids, I have had that Buckley album for some time, picked it up in Germany years ago. I would also highly recommend "Happy Sad," the first folky jazz album. And yes, I will be submitted a viewer system(s) of the day very soon.

[@korhanpulatsu7857]

Hi. Huge fan! I own a Hegel H95 and I'm considering to buy a REL tzero mk3. I see that you have also paired with this REL Sub during magnepan speaker listening. I would like to ask how you connected the sub to the Hegel. Over the confusing variable outputs or directly to the speaker jacks as recommended by REL. Thanks.

[@incognitoguitars9999]

Great video

[@LuisFlores-gc5zm]

I'm an 'European' guy following the cannel. Definitely, in my opinion the combination of Hegel H95 together with LRS is great, speacially if you add a sub, I also use REL ( REL T5 in my case ). The higher the Hegel model the better for the maggies ( i will suggest H120 better than H95 ). Thks to their high damping factor the Hegel family architecture are great driving speakers that require high current . Great review

[@greganderson1681]

A Hegel H120 is on my upgrade list now that my H90 has proven the excellence of Hegel design.

[@LuisFlores-gc5zm]

@@greganderson1681 I encourage you to check out this video kzbin.info/www/bejne/eIDSXp55m6qod7s

[@daveyurkovich9459]

It’ll be great when the Magnepan releases their new subwoofer. Keep on rockin!

[@LuisFlores-gc5zm]

@@daveyurkovich9459 do you know something about it? No news in magneplanar web although there are already several reviews about the new sub.

[@anmic3590]

Would you recommend the Hegel over the Rega Elex-R? Thank you!

[@Michael-xz1nk]

Simon....keep your LS50's....going to the Meta's (also nice) is a very minimal upgrade. If you want to upgrade, try a bookshelf in the KEF Reference line....Just a thought!

[@davidurquhart974]

Hegel work great with Amphion speakers too

[@mediascapes2011]

Great sales pitch Steve, congratulations!

[@MrJohn-yz9px]

I own the original LRS and had them paired with the Hegel H90. Sounded great. But the strain on the Hegel proved too much. It frequently overheated and entered protection mode.

[@jeffp3517]

I tried using the Hegel H95 with the LRS speakers. Didn't care for either. I tired for several days to dial in the rig but just couldn't get it right. Both have left the building.

[@Michael-xz1nk]

Steve..I love Tim Buckley. You should try "Blue Afternoon" from '69. I think it's his best!

[@petez4608]

This exactly one of the integrated amps on my list, based on price and what I have read. Looking forward to this. Also looking at the Rogue Sphinx and a couple others. Thoughts?

[@steveosaur]

I have the H95 and like it a lot as a great allrounder for people who want the class AB sound with meat on the midrange and enough detail in the highs. The bass is also nice, but I still feel that's where good class D amps have an edge (tradeoffs). For me, I like the feature package and use the direct Airplay streaming a lot, since unlike Steve I don't like messing with separate component clutter. I recommend the DAC on optical ports or via Ethernet, since the USB port is bitrate limited for some reason. It's a very balanced product, but you might get more sound for the money with analog-only amps like the Sphinx.

[@steveosaur]

Oh, and I have to mention the current price for the H95 is much lower in Europe. It's around 1500$ now and I paid like 1700$.

[@armanddimeo6575]

I think the Rogue Sphinx would be a better choice, especially considering it is made in the U.S. and actually costs less than the Hegel. If you cannot live without the digital inputs, consider the Rega Elex (made in England). The newest version that just came out has a built-in DAC.

[@stimpy1226]

This is why I own Maggie 3.6 R’s. After 60+ years of being an audio enthusiast, small speakers are not for me.

[@stimpy1226]

I was able to get that Chesky recording on Amazon for $20. Very difficult to locate at this price. I’ve been collecting everything that I can find from the original Chesky label before he started downloads.

[@Pinio7063227]

Hello. I wonder if Hegel's theory is that the higher the better. it's better to buy h95 or h120 for bookshelf speakers. Will there be a difference in sound or just power? I've never listened to the basic Hegel models, but I can see that a lot of people are satisfied. I'm thinking about the Kef LS50 Meta or R3 Meta because apparently it will sound very good with the Hegel. Dynaudio evoke 20 and special 40 are also beautiful.

[@davidmathieu3592]

Bonjour le h95 avec dynaudio evoke 10 est un Bon match dans petit salo???

[@josexavierjr.5633]

Great video, as usual, Steve. I'm sure this Hegel is a great integrated amp, but it's a shame you have to pay extra for a better remote; especially when the Hegel is already over $2,000!

[@SteveGuttenbergAudiophiliac]

I agree, plastic remote controls are a big turn off in expensive components.

[@klaverro]

@@SteveGuttenbergAudiophiliac As an owner of an H95 and H590 I can say that the plastic remote with the H95 works perfectly (light weight, clear buttons, pleasant in daily use). The iron remote of the H590, on the other hand, is heavy (I use it with a special cover), has small buttons and is not as intuitive in daily use. Btw, Hegel told once that this this plastic remote only comes with the H95 due to cost aspect.

[@wojciechbagrowski7988]

Hi Steve Do you think that Hegel H95 would fit to Bowers&Wilkins 685 speakera. Greta wideo.

[@tee-jaythestereo-bargainph2120]

Hegal builds hell of powersuppy they not playing around ! 2ohms stable thats impressive !! The Grateful Dead Ohhh My 😆 Thanks Steve, Nice setup Simon thanks for the share !

[@SSJBLADE1]

Hello! I'm quite new to this but I have a quick question. The Hegel supports up to 2x60w into 8 Ohms and the Ls50 Metas are 100w each. Is the Hegel underpowered or am I missing something?( I'm pretty sure I am missing something but I want to learn) Thanks!

[@aceofspades6667]

Just bought a Maggie 1.7i and love it but wanted to listen to listen to the LRS+ so badly. None of my local Maggie dealers even had an ETA on when they would be getting demo speakers.

[@MadLadsAnonymous]

Hey, Steve! Which would you prefer for driving the Zu DW6: Hegel H95 or the Denafrips Hestia & Hyperion setup? I assume I can throw the Freya+ in with the H95?

[@SteveGuttenbergAudiophiliac]

I never heard the Denafrips, and no, you cannot use a preamp with the H95 integrated amp.

[@bjwal6]

I just hope tidal connect is next after roon

[@jerrybaker8168]

Steve, I noticed you use ribbon speaker cables. What brand and model are they? Thanks.

[@SteveGuttenbergAudiophiliac]

The brand is Nordost. The model is Red Dawn

[@scottwolf8633]

Is it just me? But 80db won't cut it for me. At the listening position I'm at 96db, with a handheld meter and granted a planar magnetic, line source, dipole doesn't decrease in output per meter like a point source, but damn, 80db? I'll only listen to a single CD and quit, so the intensity won't destroy the mechanoreceptors. Yet I feel so relaxed from the SPL's, I'm good for a week, and by that Time the Notes have merged into the other hemisphere, and I'll improvise on my Strat. BTW; Love that homemade DAC, building the gear teaches so much and is dirt cheap compared to marketed hardware.

[@redstarwraith]

How is it you didn't try the Hegel with your PAP speakers?!

[@rtbnyc]

My thought exactly! I have the Duet 15s and was keen to learn how they sound with an entry level Hegel amp. Hoping that he does so as part of his upcoming review of the other Norwegian amp he is reviewing.

[@johnwayne2103]

Gorgeous AMP, $150 bucks for smaller buttons and as always no backlit remote. I think by now every single audiophile for the past 20 years has learned to read braille on these unlit remotes and as a matter of fact, manufactures should start putting raised nubs on their buttons.

[@zombockerman]

I WANT ONE OF THESE

[@dadowns100]

Check out US Audio Mart. I've got one listed.

[@zombockerman]

@@dadowns100 man I would love over, but alas, I am broke right now

[@andrehendrik]

I love your channel but imo this wasn't much of a review -- is the H95 good value for money compared to similarly priced amps?

[@boneseyyl1060]

I don't know about you, but whenever you get into higher end equipment, it is never about value. To me, $2,200 US for 2 channels at 60 watts with a so-so DAC and a cheap plastic remote, is far from "good value". It's really about the sound and if you personally find it worth that amount of money. I think I am going to hold off on an amp purchase and see where these new Class D amps end up going. I hear they are starting to sound better all the time and compared to the Hegel, really do offer some value.

[@bod140k]

@@boneseyyl1060 so, did you really listened any ~100W Class D amp that sounds better them 60W Hegel?

[@boneseyyl1060]

@@bod140k When I find one I will let you know. I am not necessarily looking for one that sounds better. But I might find one that sounds sounds at least 80% as good for hundreds of dollars, instead of thousands. Maybe better. Honestly I was curious about the Hegel because I had heard good things about it. But at 2200 US dollars, I should hope that it is good. Unfortunately more than I am willing to spend. Value is relative, was my point.

[@bod140k]

@@boneseyyl1060 I bought new Hegel H95 year ago for a 1300 EURO 🤷🏻‍♂️

[@boneseyyl1060]

@@bod140k That's not a bad deal. I am in Canada so that is about 1850 CAD for me. I have always used receivers for amplification. I am at the point where I am curious to try a dedicated amp for my main speakers just see if it is a noticeable difference. Just don't have the budget to chase the good high end stuff, sadly. Enjoy the Hegl!

[@dsmdarryl]

Cornell 😍😍😍

[@jogmas12]

If it can drive at 2 ohms it can drive anything. It will make my original Cyrus one sound like crud

[@hoobsgroove]

Who dropped their price first??😆😆

[@sammymiami8601]

Cornell 77 👍

[@rabit818]

I’m not clear whether the LRS was used with a sub, just curious.

[@SteveGuttenbergAudiophiliac]

Yes, a REL T/Zero, just to see how it blended, and it was good. But my remarks about the sound of the amp were based on my auditions without the sub.

[@pinkyfloydyfan1]

Have you ever listened to the Arendal 1723-S THX? Go listen to them, because the critics are unanimous: GIANT KILLER!

[@Sam_CL350]

Hi Steve, Really enjoy the channel. I have a Hegel H95, Polk R700 speakers, and streaming with a Mac Mini M1 connected via USB and using the internal DAC on the Hegel. The Mac Mini is limited to 24/96 on the USB and the Hegel is also limited to 24/96 with it's built in DAC. Would it be beneficial to upgrade to something with a built in streamer like the Bluesound Node for higher resolution? Do you think the DAC in the Node would be better than the Hegel? I'm using Amazon HD Music for streaming and have noticed a lot of what I'm listening to is offered at the higher resolution. Any recommendation would be appreciated. Thanks, Sam

[@klaverro]

I use an H95 with een BS Node N130 and that's a great combination. Especially with the Bluesound RC1 remote which has got presets for playlists or radiostations. The BluOS app is working very good. The Node is an Roon endpoint too (the H95 isn't) and that's working great also within my Roon-network.

[@stephencosta6814]

❤❤❤you

[@stimpy1226]

“Listening and enjoying the sound”… isn’t this what musical enjoyment is all about. To me, it’s bottom line.

[@nataliezementbeisser1492]

06:40 NICE!!!!!!!!!! Steve is a Dead Head hahahahahaha

[@armanddimeo6575]

This illustrates the point I made in my comment on one of your recent videos. Why buy this made in China product when you can get an amp such as the Rega Elex (made in England) or the Rogue Sphinx (made in the U.S.) for the same money or less? I was surprised to find out that all Hegel products are made in China.

[@oysteinsoreide4323]

In my opinion. The most important is to buy the product that sounds best to you within your budget. And that may end up being a China produced product, Norwegian produced product, England produced , or US produced. Where the product is produced should not be the deciding factor. The sound it creates should be the most important factor.

[@christopherbrown8205]

@@oysteinsoreide4323 No it should not. I own a Hegel myself, but I am uneasy about supporting the economy of a non-democratic country which is comitting genocide in Tibet and Uiguria. And products built by slave labour in Belarus - I'm looking at you IKEA - are not acceptable at all. There is a range of excellent products built other places than China, they just cost more.

[@bornces]

Did this amp ever shut down on you, I heard It can if you push it.

[@SteveGuttenbergAudiophiliac]

It did not shut down in any of my tests.

[@arielstereo5484]

How is the H95 powerful with its low current and watts when the LRS requires power?

[@SubTroppo]

Just to pull on the chain of those people who threw away their LPs. I know someone (past 70) who still has his largish old collection which includes a lot of the good stuff. Does he play them? No, of course not!

[@audioguy67]

I was a Hegel boy for a while went through 3 or 4 different integrated amps, last one I owned was 360. , all sounding nice but after while i decided they were too polite, I was missing something, I used different speakers with Hegels, I own maggies now and Hegel would be ok to drive them but I don't think it is great match for maggies

[@joemags8596]

I've been reading, following and researching everything I can find about the Hegel and Maggie synergy for over a year now. This is literally the first time I've read an opinion that they are not a good match. I have heard some say that the very smallest of amp models may run out of steam etc but never a bad match. I'll hopefully find out for myself this year as I've purchased used MG 3.6s and a used H360.

[@dariuszsalamon9441]

@@joemags8596 you will be happy with it till you find some huge beasty power supply amp which will drive maggies much better

[@davidthom7127]

Hegel technology engineers the sound to be digital like.

[@Alextraz]

I do enjoy your review but ....i have to be honest this review was very ... careful one almost like there was some agreement to not be critical at all. To me the review was useless but the sugested albums are something i am going to play for sure...

[@markwilding3828]

Steve sai a while back, if he doesn't like a component, he doesn't review it.... The reason he doesn't say a lot of negative things in his reviews

[@bjwal6]

There’s a difference between ‘not negative’ and actually analyzing/comparing products. I think Steve’s reviews are more or less pointless - if you don’t compare it to something else or provide proper critical analysis, what are we even doing here. Just look at a photo of the product with smiley face emoji.

[@markwilding3828]

@@bjwal6 Steve's reviews are pointless...but your comments aren't?

[@christopherbrown8205]

@@bjwal6 you subscribe to the Darko review ideology I see 🙂

[@bjwal6]

@@markwilding3828 agree, pointless was harsh - they are entertainment and … pleasant. Just not very ‘useful’, which is fine obviously.

[@edd2771]

So if you are a digital listener you will do better with an external DAC. But if you are an analogue listener there are only 2 analog inputs and no phono input. At a not insignificant $2,200, who exactly is this amp for?

[@johnkristian]

You should REALLY review the H590. It's amazing

[@larrywe3320]

Schiit Ragnarok2 IMO is a better all around buy... 'Just an Amp' and add a DAC or 'Fully Loaded' and have a DAC and Phono

[@robk5745]

Have you compared the sound side by side? Really doesn’t matter what your opinion is unless you’ve heard them next to each other

[@larrywe3320]

@@robk5745 LOL... that would still be my opinion

[@Aswaguespack]

No phono input? ☹️

[@robk5745]

Buy a nice separate phono stage, far better to be out of the box anyways

[@robertwright5487]

I am at the belief that companies should build their amps with a DAC delete. Why have a component in an amp that you bypass for sound quality?

[@boneseyyl1060]

That makes no sense to me either. A budget amp maybe, but why use a lesser DAC in a high end product? Either go big or go home. Improved DAC should at least be an option when buying.

[@BeyondResolution]

Hegel.. Everyone just love them.. EVEN if it's made in China.. Looks like a rat's nest inside. The H95 is actually the one that looks nicest inside. The H390 and H590 just looks like a total mess inside.

[@barryb911]

Frustrated has 2 'r's.

[@charliezxi]

First

[@Audfile]

Ok. For 2200 you could get a real amp, a Parasound A23+ and a real preamp, Topping Pre 90, and they would eat this Hegel for lunch. On the other end spend $400 on an Emotiva TA1 and get damn close or "I can't tell".

[@robk5745]

System synergy is everything, so your “real amp” could sound like utter shit depending on the source and speaker pairings. No need to be so ignorant. Hegel makes great stuff but won’t go with every speaker

[@Audfile]

@@robk5745 synergy.. The Parasound is world renowned, has a real build and can drive anything with real power. It's toroidal is like 3 times the size. Enjoy your little Hegel that you overpaid for.

[@robk5745]

@@Audfile I don’t own a Hegel I just think you’re narrow minded, sound signature of the amplifier has to match the speakers. Plenty of people sell their parasound gear for “better” sounding gear. Just think before you talk next time

[@phildarmon]

@@Audfile relax man.

[@Audfile]

@@phildarmon I mean, don't you agree? 2200 for a little 60 watt solid state integrated? Have you seen the inside of a Parasound? Just saying, it had better split the atom musically for that price. And I never ever say this about a product. I believe you get what you pay for and I have a lot of high end pieces. But this one sticks out like a light. 2200 for that? No way. Maybe 900 if it's utterly fabulous. It's still gutless.

[@worstalentscout]

used to sell Hegel over 20 years ago...............sounds like a more refined NAD to me...............with horrible build quality ............so did they improve a lot over the years................or just marketing hype ?

[@christopherbrown8205]

Given that the company was only about 10 years old in 2000, it would not be unreasonable if things have been improved.

[@worstalentscout]

@@christopherbrown8205 ................could be just clever marketing.......recently QLN speakers getting good reviews.......i sold them back in the last 1990s too.........very average only

[@gokhanersan8561]

Seriously overpriced prestige piece.

[@fuckinellitsraymo]

No. The Hegel cuts off driving these speakers. The Hegel is out of its depth. The Hegel makes me look out of the window instead of listening to music, it's boring.

[@ladieslistentoo2953]

Really TERRIFIC show! I agreed with so much of what you had to say. I have many customers inquire about the Hegel T-95 and the other Hegels. I don't have LRS+ in my house, but I do use the little Rel T-Zero with my original LRS and it is just enough for me. I really enjoy the practical styling of the Hegel designs as well. It is easily recognized as Scandinavian design in my opinion. Always conservative, practical and clean designs. Since I am also interested in the aesthetic as well as the sound, I appreciate the combination look with the LRS+, which is also very simple looking in its design. Thanks again!