Both are great amps. I've spent quite a bit of time with both and also the new 600. The 590 will drive the bass harder and tighter but the 590 has a small dip in the midrange which makes the 390 sound "warmer" side by side. I think it's the DAC in the 590 that causes the midrange dip. I used an external DAC on the 590 and the dip vanished. Good luck and cheers.
Hegel comparison
I have the opportunity to buy either a Hegel 390 or 590. Pricing to be negotiated, and there are no dealerships anywhere in my region that would allow me to hear either one before making a decision.
Does anybody have an opinion, based on live auditioning, re: the relative sonic profiles of these two products?
Thanks for any opinions based on first-hand experience.