Hegel H90 review - A mighty heart of your HiFi

[@rishabhs2010]

Dude the way you describe the characteristics is phenomenal. Really gd job 👏

[@danallan4860]

Superb review. I appreciate your methodical and very articulate presentation of the gear. Timing is excellent and you don't race through the review, so I don't feel I'm missing anything.

[@philipgardiner2003]

Superb review! I did an incredible amount of due diligence considering everything from Zu Audio Dirty Weekend's paired with a Decware tube amp to PS Audio with LS50's. After seeing the Focal 1008 BE's on sale for $2999, I compared a Naim integrated with the Hegel and know right away the Hegel was the way to go for my taste. The pairing with the Focal's is astonishing with a beautiful sound stage and incredible bass. I have the speakers sitting on custom Sound Anchor stands. I stream Tidal to a Bluesound Node 2i connected to the Hegel via coaxial cable to take advantage of the superior DAC in the Hegel. I use Cardas Parsec speaker cables. Keep em coming!

[@DSupremeLounge]

You positively nailed the sound signature. I have the H300 and love it. Thanks

[@acescok]

Thanks to you from the bottom of my heart for this elaborate review dear. I took your word for it and went in for this amp almost blindfold since the chances for auditioning such premium equipment in my small town is as good as inexistent. Upgraded from Marantz PM8005 and all I can say about this whole expensive ordeal is that I’m smiling now 😊

[@johnsimpson8187]

Great review! I also purchased the H90 a year or so ago, when I saw that it was on sale. I also use it with an external DAC. The DAC is fed flac files from a MAC Mini, where I have ripped my CDs to.

[@rich7049]

This review was fantastic and very helpful. I’ve been looking at the H120 for the same purpose, basically just an analog amp with my Denafrips Ares and WIIM streamer. Thanks for taking the time to put this together.

[@mr.o9152]

Excellent and detailed review! Kudos to your channel...subscribed.

[@sanovitch]

I do like your honest style of reviewing. Really look forward to hearing many more of your reviews in the future.

[@kibreddy]

Your description of the of the Hegel is exactly how I feel about the Marantz Model 30, its so dark and have so much gap between the instruments compared to my other amp, the Denon PMA-2500NE. Love that presentation. Thanks for the review.

[@danieloherrick6332]

What speakers are you using with the Model 30? Thanks.

[@kibreddy]

@@danieloherrick6332 GoldenEar Tritons.

[@monochromios]

Hegel amps are very smooth in their sound signature. It means you lose some punch and slam getting a great sound stage very clean and lively. More micro datails at the expense of some macro details of you prefer. Congrats for your purchase and enjoy. Great video.

[@jesusbarriuso]

Great review! I own a H90 and couldn't agree more with the conclusions. It is a superb and still modern amplifier, for a fraction of the cost of slightly better sounding systems (and that is always partially subjective).

[@carlopastor6161]

More power to your channel. 👍🏻

[@nc3419]

The difference you may hear between the hegel dac and a $400+ dac is that standalone dacs add bass, midbass and/or try to increase slam and speed which can impact instrument separation. The Hegel dac is about clarity, accuracy and separation is typically better. Based on my experience between h160 vs Loxjie d30, Topping E30, d50s, D70S MQA (most competitive w/ hegel and I could have lived with either but hegel was even more clear, instruments better separated, less warm). I don't know about H90, but the Hegel h160 usb input is rather limited in comparison to other dacs. But for TV and CD playback, I like it. Detail, punch and without harshness.

[@timothyfreeseha4056]

Personal taste is important! I'm glad you included it in your vetting process.

[@zindahoon]

Soon as you mention in my last message I was looking forward for your thoughts about Hegel h90 thanks for sharing

[@buttonman1831]

H90 is a really really great combo with the LS50s. I have owned an H90 for about 4 years myself. It is hard to beat at it's price if you use the internal DAC and streamer.

[@2010aloy]

Very nicely explained. I own a Hegel H80 which matches with your description of H90.

[@divadgnol67]

Awesome review, I've been thinking about getting the h90 for a while and you may have helped solidify my decision.

[@Anand.Asrani]

Bravo !! after this review i will definitely look out for a HEGEL ,Thanks

[@tubespring]

Thank you for this analysis on Hegel integrated amplifiers.

[@stevezeidman7224]

Very nice job! These amps have received a lot of praise from KZbin outlets. It sounds like it is deserved. You did a great job describing its bass line. It appears you get a huge return on your money with this piece of gear.

[@proffessasvids]

Lovely review fella! Thankyou for that! Xx

[@rossd6712]

Thankyou for your excellent review Mr iiWi. I wonder if the lack of 'slam' in the base is due to the high damping factor of Hegel amps? It adds control but diminishes that 'slam' factor at the same time. It is a certain compromise in the sound spectrum? Keep up the good work and reviews!

[@jungtarcph]

Great work! I'm not in the market, but I'm still listening just to get some perspective :) Great to see a fellow European!

[@richardherbert3519]

Very interesting video. I like the way you describe the sound. Maybe you could review the 390 soon.

[@yektaderya2504]

Great review! I will combine this with Dali speakers. Looking forward!

[@georgejobin1744]

I'm new to your channel.wow your a great reviewer I'm very impressed

[@andreasmoller9798]

I have h190 a lot of details and very good baskontroll, its good value i bought it for €2800 brand new

[@nc3419]

Hegel is a well built amp and its' dac section sounds great, you'll need to spend hundreds on a dac to be competitive with the dac. Smooth sounding on the cool side of neutral because bass is tight and quick. You can buy the metal remote if desired.

[@vigneshkarthikeyan8174]

Please stop spreading misinformation for newcomers to the hobby.

[@nc3419]

@@vigneshkarthikeyan8174 What do you mean by misinformation?

[@Gpray75]

​@@vigneshkarthikeyan8174What!?!? Lmao

[@thanaagesen1]

I really enjoy your reviews, thank you! (: What do you think of the Hegels headphone amp?

[@mauriceparhamovich5358]

Excellent review. Thanks

[@petethegreekre]

Great review, sounds like you got it spot on as always. I also bought a used Hegel to pair with used Martin Logans esl's. Both at a great price too! Also I was told by Anders Ertzeid of Hegel (In a you tube video comment) that they use to pair them with Martin Logans for testing. So, yeah they compliment each other well. Just saying if anyone is interested, they can be both found on the used market in Europe at good prices. Guys, check out the website above, it's great, I was surprised.

[@kristwi37]

I love my H120.

[@fcucchi]

Thanks a lot for this wonderful review! Is the headphone amplifier section as good as the rest of this amplifier? Trying to buy a H90 or H95. Thanks!

[@ralfm3710]

Thanks for your review. I own a H120. I compared the built-in DAC to the Denafrips Ares II and I do not think that the Ares II sounds better than the built-in DAC...

[@RigVader]

The H120 is a more expensive amplifier, and the DAC section is not the same. I also own the Ares II and honestly preferred my Rega Dac. Then I got two new (well used) amps and suddenly the Ares is the better and more balanced device. Go figure :-)

[@ralfm3710]

@@RigVader The H95, H120 and H190 are supposed to have the same DAC... The Ares II is great anyways. I like its build quality and sound of course...

[@RigVader]

@@ralfm3710 Yes, I believe you are correct. My point was that the one in the the H90 is different. Sorry, maybe we are just getting our wires crossed :-)

[@calaf_725]

You got the sound of the Hegel right. Uncolored midrange, smooth highs, black background and great control. The build quality don't reflect the asking price but they are good value second hand. They also limit the usb input to 96khz for no good reason IMHO.

[@Phoenix_1991]

sounds kinda similair to Arcam this description? Thoughts?

[@calaf_725]

@Ustaleone I have no experience with Arcam unfortunately so I can't confirm or deny it.

[@thepuma2012]

actually there was a reason why the usb input is limited to 96. they explained it somewhere.

[@tapiolan216]

Thanks for the detailed review. Great work as usual. Also thanks for your comments on the comparison between Pi+digiOne and Hegel streamer. I am eyeing for H95, for the transparency and resolution as you described it. (but the upcoming CA Evo seems a good one too - and expensive).

[@nc3419]

If you can't afford a hegel and/or want something smaller, lighter but less power, I suggest a Keces E40, which I also have. To me, it sounds like a mini hegel. That would make a nice review too, hint, hint.

[@bobzador4038]

Wondering if the Hegel H90 is adequate power for the KEF ls50's..... Enjoyed your in depth review

[@iiWiReviews]

It is quite adequate in my opinion. As mentioned many times about Hegels, it has a high damping factor and firm grip over all speakers I tried it with.

[@marcelwarbout3350]

Can you connect a Bluesound Node to it and hook the tv up to the Bluesound Node via HDMI eArc? Does that make it possible to control the volume with just 1 remote control (the one of the tv) and will you see the volume go up and/or down on the display of the Hegel amplifier?

[@pauloqueiroz9611]

Have you reviewed the Hegel H120? Would love to hear your ideas about it! Best regards!

[@CoreProject05]

And the digital section is even better in the 95. I think that's a best buy from Hegel at the moment. If you use Audirvana+USB the 96KHz USB is just perfect for MQA 1st unfold. If you want to use qobuz and 96+ files, mconnect is the way to go :)

[@Tendervittle]

Nice review 👌

[@Nemo.57]

Very clear cut explanation ... easy to understand even for a new comer ... Thanks a lot for your systematic review.

[@De132an]

Nice job, well done!

[@MINECRAFTandSEB]

Does the H90 sound anything like the H80?

[@DSupremeLounge]

I wonder if there’s an update to address the high- res choppiness. Doesn’t sound like Hegel would allow that.

[@mykeldg]

You should get your hands on the Schiit Aegir. A friend has one as well as the H120 and much prefers the Aegir. Another post on a popular forum compared the Aegir to his H360 and says they are in the same league, sometimes still preferring the Aegir. Its ridiculously high VFM that is worth a look.

[@iiWiReviews]

Is he using Freya as a preamp with it? I would like to try that pairing but it would pile up to almost 3000 USD after the international shipping and import taxes. Schiit is extra competitive in the US, but less so in the rest of the world. Hegel on the other hand is more affordable here in Europe and often found second-hand for a good price, which is basically impossible for Schiit products. But I am still interested if the opportunity presents itself.

[@mykeldg]

@@iiWiReviews oh no $3000 is indeed way too much and you are right in that regard. yes I believe he is using a freya but in passive mode. Currently I am using the Aegir (I borrowed it) straight from a dac (w/ variable volume) and I have to say --- its really surprisingly good (even without the freya). I don't have a large room so I can't say for sure but I like it a lil more than the Roksan Blak.

[@jeromeattipoe]

You are right on point my man. I also have the hegal h90 and I have been wondering if adding a power amp from a different brand is a good idea. I am thinking of the iota P3. What do you suggest?.

[@iiWiReviews]

I haven't tried doing something like that but not really sure you would gain anything. Iota P3 shouldn't really be an upgrade from the internal Hegel amp... if anything it would probably be a sidegrade with some different traits.

[@DIYHiFiLife]

Nice review. I've never listened to any Hegel product, but I find them interesting. From a value standpoint, I find the Hegel H90 lacking. For $1600 USD, you can buy a Rogue Audio Sphinx V3 with higher output thanks to the Nord Class D amp modules. It also includes a Phono input. The "Not invented Here" Hegel way of doing their own network stack shows up by limiting bit rate of streaming files. Also, lack of Roon support is a real let down. DLNA support doesn't support gapless playback. I really find Hegel's ideas about amplification interesting, but I think they price themselves above the competition and are a bit idiosyncratic with their digital stratey.

[@bmg880]

Just bought a H90 to my CSS Criton TDx 1 speakers, i also have a topping E50 with ifi ipower. What do you think about that dac comparison? havet gotten the H90 yet.

[@timothyfreeseha4056]

Sorry- I'm curious. Does damping factor become a villain with certain types of speakers?

[@AntoninPassemardPaintings]

Great review! Do you use it with the KEF LS50? Is it ok? It is enough power? Thanks!

[@iiWiReviews]

Yes I use it with LS50 and I like this pairing. There's enough power for moderate (neighbors friendly) volume levels.

[@AntoninPassemardPaintings]

@@iiWiReviews I tried it with the kef! Very nice!! But then I tried an Atoll IN 200... ridiculous!!! Just mind blowing. All the point that lacks in the Hegel h90 is fixed here. Just look online how it is built inside... better then a h390... and made in France. If you get a chance get one with your eyes closed. They also make it in separates pr200 and am200 suppose be even better. Cheers!

[@iiWiReviews]

@@AntoninPassemardPaintings Atoll IN 200 sure looks great, outside and inside, and I would love to get my hands on one if the chance presents itself. Cheers!

[@georgedomse]

Can you please give us your opinion on the pairing of the H90 with your KEF LS50's?

[@iiWiReviews]

Pretty nice, good match tonally in my opinion,very neutral. Good soundstage too. Not that much kick and punch, Hegel is calm and laid back.

[@georgedomse]

@@iiWiReviews thank you! Right now I own an H80 and wonder if I should get the H90 instead for the streaming capability (and the gorgeous display) or if I should rather go for an outboard streamer (Cocktail Audio N15D or IfI Zen Stream for example). The H90 has lower output than the H80...

[@georgedomse]

@@iiWiReviews one more question please. Did you use the USB connection to a PC/laptop running windows10? If so, what driver did you need? For me, the unit is not recognized as a playback device.

[@iiWiReviews]

@@georgedomse I mostly used SPDIF connection and LAN for streaming... I think I did try USB at one point but don't remember the specifics such as did I need a driver. Sorry, but it was a long time ago, and trying so many things doesn't help to remember. I do know that I was also using Windows 10.

[@Doiche]

Great work My friend ! I was wanting to change My old Pioneer amplifier, i cassually own Also The smsl su9, so this review is just for me . Greetings from Argentina. Where are You from ?

[@iiWiReviews]

Thanks! Greetings from Serbia!

[@andrewkuzn]

is the sound involving and enjoyable?

[@archiemacdonald553]

just subscribed to your channel excellent review. 😊😊😊

[@carlitomelon4610]

Great review as usual:-) I was wondering how long you'd keep the Cyrus... But: Why no non-digital version of Hegel amps? Seems a waste to buy features I'd use my external streamer and DACs for. Digital gets outdated. The analog amps are good for 20 year service, especially since it's already has problems with high resolution Qobuz streams!

[@hhsymons3866]

They make analog separates, which sound amazing. I have the P20 preamp feeding an Anthem amplifier and it sounds sublime. The soundstage pushes out the sidewalls and often envelopes me. The background and space between instruments is dead black silent.

[@Vibrasonique]

Hello and thank you...i agree with most of your review but what do you think of the headphone input? i find it over average but quite noisy...overall i second what you said, + convenient for occasional streaming listen (like i do) because it saves you the dac and streamer hardware space...and pretty strong analog section. SC

[@nocnymarek7645]

Does it have electronic or resistance potentiometer?

[@67spankadelik]

I like this model and the price. I just wish it had dac out. So I can use it as a source from time to time with my headphone amplifier. I would imagine it would sound even better with high-sensitivity speakers, like Klipsch.

[@tigerbalm666]

I'm still using a Pana receiver SA HE200 130 wpc and it is much more powerful than $600 receivers today. I just need a BT device t ocontrol music from my phone...maybe a SMSL DAC...do you think I need a DAC? The Pana does 24/192...

[@ping2dk]

I bought and use it like you do with the 3000 $ DAC: Audio Alchemy DDP 1 and PS 5 Power Supply and the TRITON TWO + which takes over the bass with its 1200 watt bass amp down to 24 hz - so I get the best of all worlds. I got it 2.th. hand for only 932 $ §;-)

[@heyqt7485]

With the USB being limited to 24 bit 96hz (on H95, H120 and H190) and other Inputs being bale to receive 24 bit 192 Hz: which inout is the best to use when connecting to PC and other digital sources?

[@zyghom]

19:07 - it is not surprise - coaxial is much worse than USB ;-) to complete this device: if you could install on the streamer i.e. Logitech Media Server and use the player directly on it.... otherwise Raspberry streamer with LMS is still the winner ;-) high resolution files require good CPU so probably Hegel simply "saved" some $ on this DAC btw 1600 GBP for this amp - it is NOT any bargain by any means get Rega Elex-R for half of this, add nice DAC (that will be way above this built in Hegel) and you have much better combo

[@peterlarkin762]

Does anyone else here find an audible difference between tidal and qobuz 16/44khz files?

[@proffessasvids]

Just out of interest... what is the amplifier circuit topology? ClassA / classAB? Xx

[@iiWiReviews]

It's AB

[@proffessasvids]

@@iiWiReviews cheers dude! Xx

[@raymondblatnica2268]

How would a h90 pair with Kef R3s?

[@iiWiReviews]

Pairs quite nicely, it's a very good tonality and soundstage, but R3 is capable of even more dynamics than the H90 can provide. A friend used them with H90 first and then switched to H190. Sounded nice with both, but additional power makes them sound even punchier in the bassline.

[@Yiannis2112]

Great review for an unexpected piece of gear. Very detailed as always. However I would have to repeat myself. I bet there are many of us who would like you to tell us what music, artists, tracks you listened in order to come up with your analysis on sound. For example you talked about chesty vocals. We've no idea who you consider such a singer on what track. I wish you changed that.

[@iiWiReviews]

OK, fair point. I'll try to add examples of that in future videos. To my ears chesty vocal is Leonard Cohen and Tom Russell for example. Tom Waits is full on raspy, etc.

[@Yiannis2112]

@@iiWiReviews Thanks for the reply, mate! Yes, I believe telling us what track from whom and on what part of the song, you confirmed this or that, will make a ton of difference. Cheers!

[@66brave]

Kako uspijevate slušati Qobuz? Meni neće ni preko VPN-a...

[@iiWiReviews]

Samo dobar VPN... Ali platna kartica iz države gde se kreira nalog mora biti.

[@66brave]

Hvala puno. Izgleda, nije mi dobar VPN (ExpressVPN, mislio sam da je dobar), prokužili su me na prvom koraku, nije ni došlo do kartice... :)

[@debashishmitra]

Thanks for the review. Appreciate it. However, for those considering buying, careful about Hegel. My experience has been nightmarish. Hegel may be the most hyped and overrated amplifier. I bought a brand new H190 for USD 4000 and was shocked at how underwhelming it was compared to even my Marantz PM 6006 which cost a thirteenth of the Hegel ! There was no base, no body, no weight, no fullness to the sound. For a 150 watt per channel amplifier it sounded shockingly underwhelming and under powered for the price. To make sure there are no 'weak links' in the chain, I spent an additional 6000 USD on accompanying equipment - Audioquest Niagra power conditioner, KEF LS 50 Meta speakers, 10 AWG OFC pure copper speaker cables, Audioquest banana plugs, Audioquest NRG Z3 power cable - all brand new (I don't buy used stuff ever) - to give the Hegel the best possible partnering equipment -but even with all this it sounded worse than a 300 USD amplifier. Even my SVS Soundbase amplifier at 500 USD sounded so much punchier, fuller and better. I tried the Hegel with 4 different speakers - KEF LS 50 Meta, Elac Debut F5, Wharfedale Diamond 10.2, Mission LX-2 - the last 3 of which I have been using for several years and that all sounded fantastic with my other amplifiers - and most importantly that are broken in. For streamer I used the ifi Zen Stream, Bluesound Node 2021 and H190's internal streamer - all with CAT 7 ethernet cable as well as wireless (for the ifi Zen Dac and Bluesound - just to compare). ALL digital and analog interconnects were Audioquest. The Hegel at half of it's full volume was hardly powerful enough with a stated power of 150 watts per channel ! Consider this - I never need to turn the 45 watts per channel Marantz PM 6006 up more than one fourth of it's full volume - and it produces beautiful warm, full, punchy sound - a joy to listen to - and the Marantz cost 1/13th - yes - one thirteenth of the Hegel H190. I can't believe the experience. I could not wait to return the Hegel and get my money back! It definitely seemed like a quality control issue since it is just not possible that this brand is so raved by all with this kind of sound - but - at this price such quality control issues is unacceptable and I do not trust the Hegel brand after this experience. This is because I have read people having the same issue with the Hegel H 190 even with multiple replacement new units. Please note - before you talk about room dimensions, power line and all the other variables - whatever I stated above is with all of these factors the same and just changing and comparing the amplifiers - so with everything the same there is no excuse of a 4000 dollar amp sounding the way it did and a 300 dollar amp being way better than it in all respects. I have seen reports of the exact same issue online.

[@philipgardiner2003]

Hmmm...won't argue with your first hand experience. However, my H90 paired with Focal Electra 1008 BE's is punchy, well balanced and a pleasure to listen to. I have the Focals's sitting on custom Sound Anchor stands ($800/pair) which provides astonishing bass response and incredible sound stage.

[@philipgardiner2003]

Come to think of it. I experienced the same issue at first with my H90. I was turning the volume up to 70 just to get normal sound. You have to change something in the settings I think.

[@dsartain3404]

Gosh you’re so lucky to be able to be satisfied with such a small outlay- despite spending a fortune on the Hegel with cable etc. of course that’s your experience so who is to argue?

[@landosazo7506]

Great review....kind of pricey, though, but worth it...

[@kamertonaudiophileplayer847]

Why people sale it? Not really fits in requirements?

[@iiWiReviews]

I guess that's just our nature, to always want something more... The next thing you don't already have, it's new, it's exciting.

[@kamertonaudiophileplayer847]

@@iiWiReviews A good observation, now it is time to understand where to get something more....

[@simplereef4854]

The Hegel is a very good piece of electronic, but I cannot recommend it to any of my friend simply because it has no App interface nor Roon integration (other than Airplay). For an average consumer, a NAD M10 or Unity Atom will be a better choice because they have seamless software and hardware integration an Roon support.

[@buttonman1831]

You know you can use Bubble UPNP on a smartphone on tablet? I have used other apps for other streamers but I find Bubble Upnp does a good job.

[@simplereef4854]

@@buttonman1831 I have used Bubble upnp with it, and frankly I was not impressed even a bit ...

[@buttonman1831]

@@simplereef4854 If you want better software you will need to buy a external streamer such as a Sonos play which has inferior sound or a Bluesound node 2 which is a slightly better streamer in terms of sound but about 1/3 the price it has an inferior dac. I don't find bubble upnp that bad. I owned a Auralic Aries g1 that used a dedicated Iphone app and thought the app was slow and extremely buggy. This high end streamer was double the price of the h90 and the built in DAC of the g1 was only a little better. The h90 is a good value integrated amplifier when you look at the option available at its price. I'm curious, what was it about bubble upnp you didn't like? I find It does everything I need it to do.

[@simplereef4854]

@@buttonman1831 ... Bubble UPNP does a lot of clunky things that make its operation very awkward comparing to Roon or Squeezebox. It also does not support IOS devices, and almost 90% of my family use Mac devices. I just give you a few drawbacks, there is a long list of awkwardness that I found when using Bubble UPNP. I wish Hegel will just make an all analog amplifier with no streamer. That will become more ideal

[@buttonman1831]

@@simplereef4854 I agree it is a bit clunky but this integrated amp is cheap compared to the Nad or Naim but it still works flawlessly using bubble upnp. It isn't meant to be a fancy streamer as the price reflects, but the fact you get a low noise, low jitter streamer, a solid DAC, and a great amp in one box for 2400 cdn is pretty damn good. The Naim is literally almost double the price at 4200 cdn. and I would wager objectively it would be in the same class in terms of sound quality. You could buy a bluesound streamer that would provide all the features you wanted and still be significantly less expensive. I personally have never been a fan of fancy features. I prioritize raw performance and I feel I get that with bubble upnp. There is also iOS apps that allow you to stream tidal and other music services the same way bubble upnp does.

[@yeahright3733]

Too bad it is way too expensive.

[@lucaad.n.651]

Very very poor streamer IMHO. No App, No Roon. Using Bubble UpnP no Radio full "data" like Radio Paradise, for example. With M-Connect that Hegel push as "the only APP you can use", no HD file with Qobuz, for another example. Well, if you have some "tips" I will be glad to hear it but do not talk me about PC and "minimerver" because this is a "one4all" device and should be ready in 2021 to stream and to be associated with an APP, even one not Hegel like "Primare" (ROON compatible) or "Peachtree" or "Dali" etc. Good amp, "basic DAC for the money" and very very poor streamer.

[@buttonman1831]

Bubble UPNP extremely well for an app for your smartphone or tablet.

[@lucaad.n.651]

@@buttonman1831 Without minimserver or some PC's around (direct streaming on Hegel) it does not work with HD files and with radio like RP. For this kinda device... it's boring. Try it. AND GAPELESS? H90 NOT SUPPORT IT! (Hegel does not support H90 anymore... the review already said this? Good...)

[@buttonman1831]

@@lucaad.n.651 I just stream my flac files and Tidal on my network. I don't care about HD files personally. At this price point, to get a good streamer, good DAC, and good amp in one box at this price is a good value. No no other manufacturer matches the features and performance at this price.

[@lucaad.n.651]

@@buttonman1831 Amp is very good IMHO. DAC no. You can read -listen- in many, many review. Hegel also change it with H95 this device but OK, it's a DAC. Streamer (WITH NO PC) it is VERY VERY POOR, if you do not care about "HD stream" it's your choice but remember that Qobux for example has every day more HD (master) files so... in yr 2021 not to play 24/96 or more... it's... I mean... with this HIFI device?! And I think should be said. If you ask to Hegel they will answer that only M-connect is supported... no ROON no APP... Mhmmm.... Buy it but do not hide that the streamer part is very very poor. Bye.

[@buttonman1831]

@@lucaad.n.651 The H90 beat most integrated amps without built in DACS and streamers at this price point. To say the DAC and streamer is very very poor shows your ignorance of the product. The Streamer is a very low noise and low jitter. Hegel go through great lengths to eliminate noise from the streamer, DAC, and amp. You would have to spend around 500 US for better audio quality in a streamer. The DAC is very good for a unit AT THIS PRICE. Again, you would have to be over 500 US minimum to improve upon it. in my 30 years I have owned dozens of amplifiers in the 5 to 10k range and would rate the h90 one of the best in terms of price/performance. Not a single one of my audiophiles friends use Roon and are perfectly have with Bubble UPNP. My last speakers I used with the H90 (Goldenear triton 3+) sounded very realistic. Perfectly balanced tonally, holographic, absolutely stunning. It sounded so good, it made me start to question why anybody would need more. Show me an amp at this price point that can compete with the H90 in terms of features and performance. Naim? Yamaha? Bryston? Moon? Nope, all great amps, but all cost more without DACS and streamers and arguably may not sound as good. I don't believe for one second you have any real experience with Hegel products.