Hegel 190v Integrated Streaming Amplifier Review | Tom Martin Reports...

Tom reviews the modestly priced ($4200) but fiercely competitive Hegel 190v Integrated Streaming Amplifier.
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[@middleearthltd]

For sure not a beginner budget price-point I do agree that it has a lot of value crammed in it

[@Odin412z]

Thanks for a great video! This makes me want to listen to the 190v at the earliest possible opportunity. Also thanks for using music beyond the usual audiophile jazz to audition the amp. Great job - keep it up!

[@philippebertrand3820]

I’ve heard some Hegel integrated and they sound very good. Two remarks: 1) it is build in China but they don’t write it on the back 2) they change the models quite often and they therefore rapidly get obsolete.

[@egis7908]

I own a Hegel H390. I’ve been enjoying it for 4 years. It is a sonic dream. At the price there are few that equal or exceed it. Yes it has Hegel’s house sound, but jeez that sound with properly matched speakers is simply fantastic to my ears. If anyone reads this and if you’re looking for a great amp, then consider this company’s products.

[@gurupurkha]

Changing the models does not mean the product becomes obsolete.

[@popcornl8208]

Loved your review. I learned a lot. ty

[@adsph]

Nice review. As a H190 owner I echo many of your observations. For the money it truly is quite a value.

[@_fakeklg]

Lovely review Thanks!

[@TheTASmagazine]

Glad you liked it!

[@adrianalexander2651]

Good review - Tom very informative.

[@davidrivera2165]

Thank you.You've just made us Hegel owners quite pleased and proud of our choice. Streaming using the onboard renderer is the wisest choice for most owners. You would definitely have to spend well over $2k to surpass the internal renderer/streamer and on board dac with separates.

[@jhschmidMD4]

I cross shopped the H190 with the Parasound Hint 6 integrated. It was a close contest, and I was quite impressed by both. The Hegel's bass control ability (which you've highlighted in this review), especially with in-efficient speakers, was incredible. So fast!. However, The Parasound was nearly as good in that respect, but it was also better in every other way sonically (at least to my ears). The Hegel was neutral, but it also sounded a bit cold, whereas the Parasound, while not warm, was a pleasing neutral. I could just tell that the Hegel would be on in the background, where as with the Parasound, I would sit, listen, and enjoy. I went with the Hint 6. Thanks for your detailed review!

[@thomasmartin2219]

Thanks for the comments. You probably listened to the older version (since the new version doesn't ship until May), but since I haven't heard the older version I can't comment on whether you might have come to a different conclusion. I do think you expand nicely on the phenomenon I noted: the tonal balance of amps is part of a system and the success (or not) of that matching is a function of all the pieces.

[@jhschmidMD4]

@@thomasmartin2219 Yes it definitely was the older version, and I'm sure Hegel improved things on the V, as well as adding functionality. I'm sure it sounds as good as your review indicates, and in a different room, with different speakers, I may have chosen the Hegel. I'm very happy with my choice though!

[@stephencosta6814]

@@jhschmidMD4 hello I had to parasound hint 5 I really liked the way it looked but it was just a little bit too laid-back for my taste. I ended up selling it for nearly what I paid for it and went with McIntosh’s integrated entry-level extremely happy with that one.

[@jhschmidMD4]

@@stephencosta6814 I can't fault you for making that choice, but McIntosh have a particular sound that you have to want, for it to be the right choice (as you indicated). Also, the high and low crossover and connections options on the Parasound were too useful a feature set for me to ignore, and the other integrated amps in my price range didn't have all those options. As for the sound, the purely neutral nature of the both the Hegel and Parasound is what I was looking for, and what drew me to compare the units against each other. Which McIntosh did you go for? The MA252 or the 5300?

[@stephencosta6814]

@@jhschmidMD4 The ma252 tube pre solid state amp hybrid I absolutely love it. It brings the magic. that I was looking for. The top end & midrange is glorious. Base is surprisingly good.

[@Lutznn]

Great review! I think it is also good to point out that Hegel has a handy no-nonsense smartphone app that works like a remote control. You can turn on the amp, change inputs and volume. Pretty bare bones but I use it often.

[@williamcanada6195]

Thank you !! Bill from Northeast France

[@HegelMusicSystem]

Wow, we are humbled. Great video!

[@stephencosta6814]

❤ fantastic review your voice is very clear and you speak very nicely to listen to keep up the great work. I really enjoyed your video review of the Hagel.👍. Ps if I may ask you if you’re familiar with it what do you think of McIntosh’s entry level integrated amplifier? I believe I can pick up a new one for about $5000 would you choose the Hagel? or the McIntosh if you could answer that I would highly appreciate it.👍

[@JosephCrowesDIYSpeakerBuilding]

I heard the 190V at Montreal Audio show and it was superb.

[@bomt697]

Thank you for the review. I was hoping a little more information/thoughts on the built in phono preamp specifically and how it compared to the standalone V10 phono preamp. How close does the built-in phono preamp come to the v10 or similarly spec/priced phono preamp? It is this that is holding me up in either buying a used H190 vs a new H190v. Thank you

[@AlphaQ922]

Cool looking turntable at the background

[@jonathanmoore8886]

Nice review.

[@TheTASmagazine]

Thanks!

[@TD05SSLegacy]

Thanks! 🙏 What separates might you want to try with this if so inclined?

[@thomasmartin2219]

Well, to be clear, you simply need to add speakers assuming you use streaming services. Maybe I misunderstood your question?

[@Skebetine]

Great review! Thank you. Would you be willing to share which speakers you auditioned the 190v with?

[@thomasmartin2219]

Mainly the Magico A5.

[@Skebetine]

@@thomasmartin2219 Wow! The fact that you liked the Hegel so much even when driving speakers 6-7x their price makes the recommendation even stronger. Might be worth pointing out this sort of thing in future videos. Keep it up the great work!

[@thomasmartin2219]

@@Skebetine We generally publish each reviewer’s reference equipment in the description, but we may have missed it this time. I should also have pointed out that I mainly listen to high res digital and LP. I think some unfavorable reactions to the ‘Hegel sound’ might relate to the use of Red Book CD (16 bit/44.1k) digital. That’s a hypothesis, but a reasoned hypothesis. At least we have comments!

[@gibtsnocheinenfreien]

And one more important thing: you can really listen to the Hegel for a long time without getting tired. It simply doesn't annoy, which you really can't say about all amplifiers...

[@harrisedgar]

Hello Tom, on a side note (question). Behind your turntable ther's a lamp, where did you get it? Brand? Geat review as usual BTW.

[@thomasmartin2219]

The lamp is from West Elm. I have not A/B’d it against other lamps, so I can’t vouch for it sonically.

[@harrisedgar]

@@thomasmartin2219 hahahahaha.!!!

[@JD-mm4ub]

How does Hegel H190V compare to the Hegel H390?

[@WeeWeeJumbo]

real nice community here. rare find

[@franknelissen8041]

Although a nice overview and impression of some of the characteristics, am I mistaken when I say I didn’t hear anything about the performance of the phono stage? Seems to me that that is the big upgrade from the H190, yet no word on it’s performance. Missed opportunity.

[@thomasmartin2219]

Specifically, the phono stage sounds very good, especially dynamically, with the limited selection of MM cartridges I had on hand (both being Audio-Technicas). I don’t have the prior H190, so I can’t compare old to new, sorry. Hegel says that a big change in the new model is in the design of the power supplies, which affects all inputs. And certainly the dynamism I heard on phono extends to other inputs.

[@TheMrgonzalo05]

I would love a head to head against Forte 1 priced around the same

[@thomasmartin2219]

We have the Axxess on our list. Which doesn’t help until we get it!

[@jaysullivan9545]

Knocked that one outta the ballpark.

[@xstensl8823]

i have the Rega Elex mk4 which is rated at 75 watts. drives my 85db ATC SCM 7's quite easily. take rated output power with a grain of salt.

[@papoosee]

If Hegel has enough power, why might this not be appropriate for bigger rooms or lower sensitivity speakers?

[@thomasmartin2219]

Dynamic range is the possible issue. As an example, if it takes 1 watt to drive an 84 db speaker to 84 db at 1 meter, then it should take 4 watts at 3 meters (medium room) and 8 watts at 4 meters (larger room). If those are average levels (a bit high as an average IMHO, but as an example), and we want a dynamic range of plus or minus 21 db, then we need 4 watts X 2(exp)7 = 512 watts per channel. In the larger room we need 1000 watts per channel. An 87 db speaker will need 250 watts in the smaller room. Since the dynamic range was chosen based on live music extremes, these numbers aren’t exact. If we take the avg level down to 81 db (reasonable) , then note that the 87db sensitivity speaker in the medium room needs 125 watts. The Hegel has this. The 84 db sensitivity speaker in the larger room needs 500 watts. Theoretically, the Hegel will clip on peaks in this scenario. I wouldn’t rate this extreme situation as the biggest one facing listeners, but it is a factor. Hope that helps.

[@ulgn1964]

I was going to buy the old 190, I have the phonostage v10, so irritating that they now have it in the new 190v.

[@thomasmartin2219]

Well, to be clear, the V10 phono stage handles both MM and MC cartridges, while the H190v phono stage is MM only (at least without a step up transformer or similar).

[@ulgn1964]

@thomasmartin2219 My local hifi shop have one used 190 for sale with full guarantee for 2 361 Euro.

[@fredericmorris2931]

Wow, I had to listen to the Alison Krauss multiple times just to hear that bass drum at all, much less evaluate how it was reproduced. In my system, a tiny part of the mix.

[@thepickyaudiophile]

I home auditioned the H190 (basically the same amp) for a week or so and very much did not get along with it, much preferring several cheaper and on paper wimpier amps. I can’t say it was not competent (unlike the H90) just very much not my cup of tea and made me look out the window and think about the shopping. I only listen at lower volumes, which a lot of amps don’t seem to do well, so maybe that’s a factor. Or maybe just a synergy and taste thing 😊

[@losendos8963]

LRS+ ?

[@thomasmartin2219]

Are you asking how it works with the LRS+?

[@CarlVanDoren61]

Won't power 20.7s 😮 Coda Ts v3 800w@4ohms

[@scottttd1510]

hi resulution from spotify and airplay, not the best opening hey😅

[@thomasmartin2219]

Indeed, I mis-read that sentence. Just stick with Qobuz and Tidal.

[@slerched]

Beginner budget? That's a no. I guess it depends on how you define beginner and bidget. No true beginner is going to lay that down even thouh ot captures everything in one box. Soind6s like it sounds amazing though

[@GeirRssaak]

Very good amps, but overprized!

[@MrJoep12]

Get a H190 and a v10. Better and cheaper.

[@paulomontero12]

Hegel’s are way over-priced in my opinion. Made in China!

[@earlfenwick]

Beginner budget? 😂. Yeah right. Maybe in a patriarchy.

[@davewin1792]

Usually when we start with entry level gear and move up the ladder, one realizes it does cost more in the long run just to get to this caliber of gear. Something to consider.

[@kenhiett5266]

150 watts per and all these features by a respected brand like Hegel? 4k for a one and done at this level seems pretty budget friendly to me.

[@asbjora]

Streaming from Spotify and Airplay is not high resolution. Great review otherwise.

[@thomasmartin2219]

Yeah, I scrambled the sentence and missed it in the edit.

[@Prometheus1979]

I’m a separate’s person. I’m not a fan of integrated.

[@dougdavis8986]

Thanks for letting us know

[@deanfisher1656]

I was for 4 decades…..and then….I heard the Mark Levinson 585.5 . New top level integrated amps offer great bang for the buck.. just a thought. Enjoy your quest…..it’s great to be an audiophile…..best

[@leoanthony7281]

Thanks for letting us know. That was real important. 😂

[@Carl-yx1ww]

Audiolab will see that amp off ....I've got both.

[@pjlett5688]

Totally pathetic most don’t know made in China but charged top $$

[@gurupurkha]

You think this is actually going to be made in Norway? Then it would cost twice as much.

[@funkyfurballs1078]

A comparison with the Roksan Attessa woud be nice.

[@pjlett5688]

Totally pathetic most don’t know made in China but charged top $$

[@pjlett5688]

Totally pathetic most don’t know made in China but charged top $$