The Star of the Amplifier Catwalk!
This is one of the most stunning amplifiers with an amazingly natural DAC and streaming capability to boot. I can’t comment on the latter as I use a streamer that feeds into the Hegel DAC but I can say that this is a magical partner to Harbeth speakers (SuperHL5Plus 40th Anniversary & P3ESRSE). Everything that I do just eeks more and more out if this combination. Seriously good, “get out of the way” Reference speaker cable, high quality mains cables and insanely good digital interconnects from my CD transport and streamer . Everything just adds soundstage that is clearly laden with easily located instruments and vocals. It’s fast, clear, natural and effortless with deep bass and superb details throughout the rest of the frequency range.
Its not a cheap unit but its quality shines out. It’s possibly the sweet spot in Hegel’s range as it does 95% of everything that the H590 does at 66% of the cost. Every ancillary that I have plugged into this amplifier just adds to the thrill of music without actually “being there”. Most people’s end game amplifier, I would have thought. Certainly it is mine.
Not told my wife how much I spent but you only live once.
The understated looks just adds to the thrill of what it achieves.
Many would say that some amplifiers are an acquired taste but to hear the music as it should be is the proof of the pudding.
I like good puddings!
Verified purchase: YesCondition: Pre-owned