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Hegel owners - what speakers are you using

I just bought a Hegel H-190 for a second system in the basement. It’s 15 x 30 and semi-finished with full carpet. I use a H-95 in the living room for music and 2.0 home theater. I’m looking for something to pair with the H-190 for $2k - 3k new or used. I’m looking for either a stout monitor or smallish floor stander, not interested in large, heavy speakers anymore.

My listening down there will be classical, jazz, female vocals, and to a lesser degree rock and pop. My listening never exceeds 80 dB and usually it’s in the 65 - 75 dB range, so speakers that sound lively at lower levels are a big plus.

I prefer neutral to slightly warm speakers with my H-95, so the same for H-190. Because I listen to a lot of symphonic music, I need something that renders acoustic instruments accurately with realistic tone. I dislike horn speakers and anything overly bright sounding. I’m hoping you Hegel or ex-Hegel owners can share your experiences.

dtapo
jjss49's avatar
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jjss49
6,612 posts
 

hegels (190/390) will drive any reasonable speaker (and some unreasonable ones)

the tonality is neutral, with excellent bass control, excellent imaging and very clear midrange and treble... a tiny bit of midrange warmth with neutral (not rolled off not accentuated) treble... but very clear clean transients

they will pair well with many many speakers, so pick speakers whose sound you like and will work well in your room - they will do great with magnepans, better than many other amps, but certainly not limited to those

steve59's avatar
steve59
1,663 posts
 

I have the h360 and got to listen to the h190 when it first came out. In comparison the 360 sounds neutral and the 190 manages to remove even another layer from masking the treble. The 190 never sounded bright but it does make cymbals and woodwinds slightly more audible, the 190 has a bit more resolution up top. 

doni
314 posts
 

I have an older H160, and it is currently paired with some Buchardt S400's.  Pretty nice!

steve59's avatar
steve59
1,663 posts
 

I really couldn’t hear a difference between the 160 and 360 at moderate levels

rightslot
7 posts
 
pabs85

42 posts

 

I own the H390 and run it with Spendors, for your music type they’d offer a good few options particularly in the classic range. Otherwise like someone said, Harbeth is another good option.

 

 

YOU NEVER SAID HOW IT MADE THE SPENDORS SOUND.  ???

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