2. amps-preamps
  3. 191812-9161

Hegel H120 or H190

Hello!

I’m considering getting an Hegel integrated amplifier. I like their sound, they are in my budget range and they feature the functions I will use. Because of my budget, I’m considering a H120 or a H190, used or new. H390 and H400 are out of my budget I think.

After several tests, I would say the H190 sounds slightly better (wider soundstage, more precision) but it’s not day and night though so I am still wondering what to do because it is also much more expensive, whether used or new.

I’d like to know your thoughts about that, if any of you had the two and used them over the course of several weeks or months.

Speakers are B&W CM1 (bookshelf); I’ll probably upgrade them within 2 or 3 years. I rarely listen to my music above 80 db and the room is about 17 square meters.

Thank you very much for your ideas!

boozendormi

Showing 2 responses by gano

gano
627 posts
 

@boozendormi

I think you should buy the H120. Even the H90 would be fine, but the H120 would be a no brainer.

I tried 7 integrated amps in two months in search of my next best amp. What I found was that they matter the least. The source and the speaker make a much bigger difference.

Don’t buy the speakers first. You need to match the speakers TO THE AMP, not the other way. In your room size, the Hegel will do everything you need. Any 2-3K bookshelf speaker from Dynaudio or Wharfedale or alike would be a huge upgrade to the B&Ws

gano
627 posts
 

@agwca I would be interested in your Hegel, if you post where you would list it. Probably would still be outside my budget.

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