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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.

 

cundare2
jafant
18,932 posts
 

cundare2

 

Excellent discussion on the value(s) of Hegel Amps H390 and H590- Guys.

 

Happy Listening!

steve59's avatar
steve59
1,660 posts
 

cundare2, I have a h360  and a h590. Before buying a h590 I tried a stand alone dac for the h360. It has the latest sabre chipset(like the h600).  If you can confirm the 590 and 600 are different because of the dac imo you'd be smart to save the money on the h590 and enjoy it. I'll say the dac in the h590 is good enough that you won't think to replace the onboard dac, but the option's always there.  

hilroy48
109 posts
 

What Are you running for speakers? I demoed a Hegel 190, and found it to be dull and flat. just my opinion. Do a live demo.

megabyte
35 posts
 

I could be wrong but I believe the DAC is basically the same between the 2. In a technical sense the notable upgrade is 50 more watts. And a slightly beefier power supply. 

avanti1960
1,411 posts
 

Count me as not being a fan of the Hegel sound.  I have heard their integrated and power amps on at least 5 occasions at dealers with various sources and speakers and the sound ranged from bland and lifeless to overly punchy and bass heavy to unrefined and overly detailed and bright.  

Since a Hegel amp in a system never demonstrated acceptable sound to my ears I cannot recommend them, especially without you hearing them. 

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