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

I had a H190 and got rid of it, was very dull flat, sterile to be honest. I ended up buying a Kinki Studio EX-M1 way more musical of an amp. 250WPC if that matters, more than enough power to drive most speakers out there.

If you are going to upgrade your speakers in a couple years. What might those speakers be? Research what amp that might be most synergistic with your new speakers. 🔊. I find there are a lot of switchbacks on this journey we take. 

Just depends on how much power you want. I have the 190 and love it with the Dynaudio Heritage speakers.  I use it mainly for streaming.  My main listening is a tube integrated.

If you can find a H190, then go for it.  Great bang for the buck! 
 

All the best.