Can anyone compare Hegel amps with Plinius? Both are on my short list and I have read very good reviews of both. Thanks! |
In my opinion the H80 is one of the best Hegel's product. The preamp section is from the H300, but it's much cheaper. The H80 sounds more gentle than the H70. The built-in DAC is almost identical to the one used in HD11. In a word, great amp.
Here you can read how it sounds with Triangle Signature Delta and Naim CD 5XS: http://www.stereolife.eu/archive/reviews-list/944-hegel-h80 |
I recently purchased a Hegel H300 integrated amp and did an a/b comparison between its internal DAC with my NAD M50 feeding it and my Ayre C5xe into the Hegel's balanced inputs. The Hegel's internal DAC did some things better (pace and imaging) and the Ayre did some things better (dynamics and a more forward presence). In the end, I settled for the Hegel internal DAC.
My understanding is that all of Hegel's DACs whether stand alone units or internal units are unique. For instance, the internal DAC in the Hegel H70 integrated amp is not the same as the HD11 stand alone DAC as one dealer has claimed (the H70s DAC may be inferior to the HD11 but at $2,100 the H70 is a great value even if the internal DAC is not utilized). Similarly, the H300's internal DAC is neither the stand alone HD20 nor the HD25. In terms of quality it probably lies somewhere in between those two stand alone units. |
Maximum amperes output between the Hegel H20 and the Parasound A21. The Parasound peaks at 135 amperes and has a larger power supply and a larger transformer than the Hegel. The Hegel peaks at just over 130 amperes, so both amps have enough power reserve to launch a Space shuttle. |
Hegels are a great amp, i sold my pass labs XA60.5 in favor of the H30 (although i did not want more power, i liked the sound of the H30, crisper,smoother, a tad bit warmer)
It wasn't boisterous or rowdy with my high sensitivity speakers, in fact behaved more like a pure class a amp, and this was a huge draw for me, just incase i should change speakers in the future, instead of 1 oversized transformer, the H30 houses two mid sized transformers, hand wound in norway, for a true dual mono design.
Looks like Hegel's have a great future ahead of them. all the circuitry,boardings
etc..are made and designed in Norway to impeccable standard - with some important parts manufactured "just for them" as opposed to OEM parts widely shared and used by other manufacturers, even some high end ones.
The Circuit designer is a Semiconductor Physicist Mr.Brent Holter who is quite well known force in scandinavia.
Although my only complaint is, i hope they improve on their case or metalwork, which does not do the sound/circuit design/brand any justice, where pass labs and other manufacturers are clearly better favored (my personal favorite is manley) when it comes to casework. (oh yes i look at everything from knobs,to feet, to attenuators..to casework).
My brother picked up the Hegel H70 (70 wpc) after an A/B shoot out with NAIM Nait XS (60 wpc) both were almost equally priced or i think the hegel was just a bit cheaper..i think like 150 dollars or so..but the musicality on the hegel was so much better especially when listening solo piano recordings..
anyone heard their dacs? |
I did a audition of the Hegel H200 with my Harbeth C7es3's and it made these babies sing. Since then I've wanted to audition the H300 but that might not be possible for me. I'm actually considering buying the H300 blind. I've said this in another thread but I can't stand the look of them but I cannot let looks be part of the equation. I really liked that H200 a lot. I fully agree with Ghosthouse where I can see the tube like comparison. I run tubes and I'm not so sure I would miss them with the Hegel, but I'll keep them nonetheless. |
Recently purchased a used H200 here on A'gon. It is nicely detailed but very smooth and non-fatiguing driving Totem Forest speakers. I can certainly see why people say it is tube-like. Improved bass (not sure if it is really deeper or tighter or louder - but it's more there in a balanced way). Possibly a little drier with a bit less air and high end extension but now, on hot recordings where the Totems could sound harsh...smooth as butter. A different amp can certainly "tame" your speakers (as asked in another, unrelated post).
I bought the Hegel as backup for tube mono-blocks. So very happy with the sound that I'm now uncertain which will be the backup. |
I found a equal amp to the H30. I mean in all seriousness, it is, IMHO, the find of the century. It is the 600 wpc (4 ohm) Magnus CA-300 and 160 lbs!. I also tried the Magnus CA-200, but it was too "tubey" sounding with my ModWright Oppo 105. |
Yes, I alerted Paypal and Audiogon. What a shame. |
Was this the H30 that was offered for $9k? If so I was also interested but the seller did not offer Paypal accepted in the listing, yet asked buyer to cover Paypal fee in the narrative description. Maybe you should give some feedback to this seller to warn other buyers. |
Sorry to report the seller of the Hegel H30 was a fraud. Had to do a cc charge back. |
I'm very interested in hearing Talk2me's thoughts on the Hegel H30 amp, since he's had many of the best amps available to compare it to including the Burmester! |
Talk2me, congratulations on a great choice!
After having hegel h200 in my system that bested many other brands I decided to buy Hegel H4ASE that should closer to H30. Since there is no stand by mode, do you leave hegel ON all the time? |
I just bought a stereo Hegel H30. Review to come. |
Magfan in 1-2010 makes the statement that peak amperes ratings are near-real-world meaningless. Completely false. Peak amperes has nothing to do with the amount of current going to the speaker. It is the internal power reserve thats available to achieve continuous output at all levels.
The Hegel H20 amp puts out 200 watts rms. Typical 200 watt amps normally have peak amperes around 50. When you turn the gain way up to play loud, the amp relies on the power reserve to draw from so the 200 watts output stays constant
at the full rate. If the peak amperes are higher, than the amp will have greater power reserve to meet the on demand current at at a 200 watt rms output so the amp will not clip and over heat when you play at high volume. The Hegel H20 has 130 amperes peak which is stunning for a 200 watt amp so you never have to worry about running out of gas no matter how hard you push the amp. A remarkable design. Bent Holter is an engineering genius. |
I have heard on more than 1 occasion (and read) that the H30 actually sounds better as stereo amp, rather than with mono's. |
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I have had many Hegel amps in my store. H70, H100, H200, H20, H30. They have never failed to impress me (and I'm not easily impressed). I was lucky enough to have a pair of H30 monoblocks for a couple of months and I couldn't stop listening to them: seeminly unlimited power and bass extension, but also delicate finesse in the critical upper midrange. I currently have the H20 and--though not as powerful as the H30--it still rivals anything else I have in its ability to produce beautifully detailed imaging, strikingly sudden (but natural) transients, and a deep soundstage. Even the H70 integrated is a personal favorite of mine: it sounds much better than a $2000 integrated should. It's hard to properly describe, but when auditioned side-by-side with other brands, Hegel amps just tend to sound more "compelling": that is, they grip you and make you listen... deeply. |
I guess I am one of few folks to own the H-30...it replaced Bryston 28ssts, I'm running it as a single amp; stereo mode. It has incredible depth, great sound stage; and lots of current. I found I've turned down the dial of my VAC preamp to get similar listening levels...its broken in; and I love it. Leave it on 24/7, no problems, has better detail, bass, and detail than the Bryston's... |
I have the H100, now I just place an order for the H200 wih the hd11 DAC promotion ongoing now,
Can't wai to have it,
Hegel is hard to match money for quality watts, excellent gear. |
Sabai, you are right, and I do not know why Hegel is not known more. I guess it is up to us! |
Milpai,
I found the H200 sound very remarkable. One of the things that impressed me was the balanced sound at very low volume levels. Many amplifiers lose the quality of fullness and balance when the volume is turned down, in my experience. There is that "fade-away" feeling. Details and dynamics start to drop off. This was not the case when I heard the Hegel H200. Everything was there at low volume that was there at high volume. So, I found the sound very satisfying rather than having the feeling that I was straining to hear what was no longer there.
For the record, I had my ears checked recently and both ears are in excellent shape. |
Sabai,
Will wait to read your review. Not that I am looking to change, but just curious. I was at one point interested in H20. But I could not audition it before buying. |
Talk2me and Milpai,
I auditioned the H200 a while back and was so impressed with the sound I decided to give it a try. I will be receiving it soon. Unfortunately, I have no experience with the Hegel H30 so I cannot comment. |
Talk2me,
You are the only person on the forum, that I know of, who uses Hegel's higher end amps. You should check out the H30 with yourself...he he he. Just kidding. Here is a forum where you might get your answer:
http://avforum.no
http://translate.google.com/translate?hl=en&sl=no&u=http://avforum.no/&ei=Lj5FS-faHZHllAeFsq0V&sa=X&oi=translate&ct=result&resnum=1&ved=0CBQQ7gEwAA&prev=/search%3Fq%3DAVforum.no%26hl%3Den |
I wonder about the Hegel H30? Any owners out there? I do love Hegel's customer service, after I realized I was too hot tempered. Sorry Hegel! |
The H10 (special edition-only 30 made world wide) was $12,000. The H20 is $5500. Do you think Hegel would do that to it's H10 owners? That is, build a better amp right away, for over 2x LESS? But, in all reality, the Hegel H30 would be a better match for the Burmester 911 MK3(best amp in the world by Tone Audio Magazine) |
Tbg,
Yes, I did go through stereotimes.com site where it was mentioned. Hope you get the amp soon, for a review.
Bill_k,
Talk2me had the H10. Maybe the H20 is a much better amp than H10 and what you are hearing in your system might be might close to the $36K Burmester...who knows. But good to know that you are enjoying the Hegel. I considered this amp in my search last year and hence I started this thread. But I had no way to audition it in person. Hence I decided not to go for it. |
Milpai, as I wrote in my show report on CES '11 in StereoTimes, I thought the Weiss, Hegel, Sound Applications was the best sounding room. They used the H20. I have sought it for review, but it is in such demand, that I have been unable to get it for review, as yet.
I should also say that their speakers were the new Venture Encore speaker. |
Milpai, as I wrote in my show report on CES '11 in StereoTimes, I thought the Weiss, Hegel, Sound Applications was the best sounding room. They used the H20. I have sought it for review, but it is in such demand, that I have been unable to get it for review, as yet.
I should also say that their speakers were the new Venture Encore speaker. |
Yes I have seen the review you linked to. Very impressive, comparing it to other mono amps up to $25K and overall still preferring the Hegel. I agree with this reviewer's assessment, but I have to admit that I haven't yet had the pleasure of hearing the Burmester that Talk2me acquired. I'm extremely pleased with the H20 and find myself enjoying my music collection more than ever with it in my system. I have no plans of looking for something to replace it anytime soon (famous last words!) |
Talk2me/Bill_k,
Did you read this review about the H20?
http://www.soundstage.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=192:hegel-music-systems-h20-stereo-amplifier&catid=55:full-length-reviews&Itemid=4 |
In all fairness to the Hegel H10, it held it's own pretty good against the more expensive Burmester 911 MK3. But, the 911 MK3 is much better in all aspects that one considers in a SOTA amplifier. |
Thanks, and the new Hegel H30 mono's are also $30K a pair. :) |
Congrats on acquiring the Burmester amp, which is quite an excellent performer I'm sure. Hardly what I would categorize as a "sleeper" though at around $30K. Enjoy your new amp! |
I bought the best amp I have ever heard in my life and it kicks the living shite out of the Hegel's amps. It is none other thean the Burmester 911 MK3.It has all the virtues of SE tubes and all the strengths of SS. Plus, it matches quite well with my other Burmester gear. The 911 MK3 is on a whole other plane than the Hegel stuff. If you get a chance go and hear Burmester, you will know exactly what I am talking about.Now please don't get me wrong. I loved the time I had with my Hegel amps. But it was time to step up to the big boys. |
Talk2me, I believe that you may live to regret moving on from the Hegel. I've heard and owned a lot of amps over the years and the Hegel H20 is one of the best I've ever experienced. It has many of the virtues of low power pure class A amps, but with a seemingly effortless reserve of power and control. Even more engaging is the level of transparency achieved while avoiding any of the common solid state grain or glare. I really don't understand how they do it but they're on to something special. I wouldn't be surprised to hear that you're buying another Hegel amp in the future, but only time will tell. I hope that you enjoy the hunt for another amp and please let us know what you find. |
What made you angry? There I bite... :-) |
In a fit of anger, I sold my H10. So now I am on another quest to find a "sleeper" amp. But who knows, if I hear a popular amp and I like it, then so be it. I do appreciate the Audiogon member's opinions though. |
I am one of the few, but proud owners of a Hegel amplifier. They do not advertise, but word of mouth is important also. If you are near the Bay Area, please stop by for a listen and bring your best amp. You will be shocked. |
Yes, I talked to Hegel and they indeed are coming out with the 1400 watt H30. I was the first to ask them to come out with monos, as I was so pleased with their H4A and now my H10. I don't need more than 300 watts, but after hearing a set of Mark Levinson No.53's over several months, I thought it would be a great idea for Hegel also. Don't get me wrong, I love my H10. It is dynamic, organic in it's ability to place notes in free space and it actually sounds better the more you crank it up. The monos will allow alot more dynamic headroom, and more "more". |
And they are coming out with the H30 mono-blocks:
http://www.avguide.com/article/hegel-previews-1400-watt-monoblock-h30-power-amp-munich-2010?src=Playback |
Talk2me,
You have had experience with some of the very highly regarded amp. I believe you that the Hegel is a fine amp. But the A21 (given it's price) is no slouch either. Look at the comparison of amps in this mag: http://www.audiofidelity.no/comlete_mags/10.pdf.
Now look, I have already accepted that the grapes are sour. Don't tempt me more. Nah...I really like the A21. It is gonna take a mega-buck amp to make me upgrade. |
I've had the H10 now for 6 months. Here is my amp history: B&K_Symphonic Line_Graaf GM100_Chapter Audio_Hegel H4A and now the H10. All I can say is WOW!! It is super quite, poweful and dynamic. And is also very musical and sensual for an amp of this size.It rally allows you to hear into the music and feel it at the same time. |
I purchased a Parasound A21. The Hegel H20 may have been better - who knows. But it costs a lot of money and I would have been the first person in the US to get it. Maybe I will have a chance to upgrade to Hegel some years down the line. In the meanwhile I am enjoying my A21. |
My mistake, sorry...H2A(I heard) or H20 have similar specs and should be powerful enough in your system. On the other hand, H10 limited edition(I heard)or H4A seem to have similar specs and are powerful enough to drive a pair of KEF Reference 207/2!!!
About sonic signature, both Hegel amps can help when you expect more speed and control, a little more transparency but not brightness, more energy(like Densen amps) and less colorations of its own. More succesful match, for example, for H2A includes Aesthetix Janus(pre) and KEF Ref 205/2 with which the system was more "energetic", "lively", with more "extended" highs and lows, tonally well-balanced. But I would not use Hegel to drive ceramic cones...
Please see H10 pic in my virtual system;)
Good luck
Dan |
I understand from the Hegel site that the H20 is also 200W/channel. The H10 is 300W/channel and is a special edition. |
To drive your Quad 21L, it is believed Hegel H2A(200W x 2 @8 ohms/350W x 2 @4 ohms) can get the job at ease(get your Quad well under control). H10/H20 would be too powerful in your existing system. To begin with, try not to connect any AC filter for your power amps, my 2 cents;)
Good luck
Dan |
The new amp (whichever I get) will be used to drive my Quad 21L speakers. Please note that I am really not targeting high power. I want more "headroom" as they say. Should make the speakers sing with "ease" at low levels without affecting the music in a negative way. I mentioned in another thread about how I could easily make a difference in a pair of Silver i being driven by NAD VS Krell. There was a sense of "ease" when the PSBs were driven by Krell monoblocks.
And eventually down the years, I may upgrade my speakers. But I don't see that happening anytime soon. Not because of budget issue, but more so because I am very happy with my Quads. |
Either H2A or H20. Very much depend on what speakers you will mate with Hegel. To give you some ideas: H10 can drive KEF Reference 207/2 at ease in a room of W18 x L25 x H11. H2A is good enough for KEF Ref 205/2. Also tend to think a better source(digital or analogue) won't be a bad idea...
Dan |
