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Hegel H390 DAC

I hesitate to add yet another DAC related thread but I haven't seen this particular question asked before, so....

After owing an H390 for a year, I just got around to listening to it's onboard DAC. What?  Huh? Why? I was biased -- convinced I wouldn't like because it wasn't described by reviewers as overtly"warm", like my Aqua La Voce S2.

As someone who always advocates making buying decisions based on listening, I feel quite sheepish making this confession but as this is an audio forum, not group therapy, I'll move on to the main point.  

I was shocked to discover I actually prefer the Hegel's DAC to the Aqua. In my system, in my room, it is more transparent, smoother and more effortless. And, to my surprise, it conveys more emotion. 

The only downside is that the Hegel's DAC is somewhat leaner in the mids than I'd prefer.

Question: which outboard DACs have a similar but more fleshed-out sonic profile under 7K, new? 

 

 

 

 

stuartk

Showing 1 response by audioman58

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audioman58
3,877 posts
 

That dac is decent ,if you have the $$ the T+A 200 dac - preamp 

is much better on every level so good I am purchasing one soon ,

and through our audio multi state audio get together I have heard most everything 

up to insane monies.the T+A 200 at retail $7200 as a whole betters anything at 2 x 

it’s cost ,checkout the reviews ,and others only allow a demo it’s design is totally different then. Most.

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