A look inside ! What makes Hegel amplifiers sound so good? Hegel H120 & Hegel H190 amplifier review 

Few things to note: 1. Hegel does not rate 4 ohms. Wattage ratings are only into 8 ohms so I am not sure if it actually doubles in 4 ohms (but I assume it does) since it has no problems driving 4 ohm loads. They do state that it is completely stable down to 2 ohm loads. Cheers ! 2. Check out Skillshare. The first 1000 people who click the link in the description will get 2 free months of Skillshare Premium: skl.sh/thenextbestthingstudio2 Disclaimer/ Personal interest in my reviews - Please read "About" section on Patreon.com/nbts

Very helpful review! Many thanks for this deep dive into Hegel amps and some reasonable speaker pairings.

Nice review, very informative. Keep up the good work and thank you

That made sense. Thanks for the no BS explanation.

Exceptional review... much thanks

Thank u so much for such an in depth description of character of sound between these 2. Currently choosing amp to match sealed speaker build using Scan revelator 15W/ Be tweet.. H190 cd be perfect

Like your reviews!

Awesome detailed review...

Thank U for the valuable explanations.

Good reviews bro. Being honest.

Cant wait to get my hands on the Hegel h190 for my b&w 683 s2

I'm so very close to pulling the trigger on an H120 to pair with my B&W CM6 S2's. I really hope they are a match made in heaven. Soulsik, thanks for all the help along the way.

Hi Jay, you look more debonair with your new hair style! Good review as always! I borrowed a Rost and had similar experience as your review. The sound is natural and musical but just a touch on warm side from transparency. Treble was detailed without harshness. I can hear the brass sound on cymbals. In my setup with MA Silver 2 and average room size, it was adequate power for normal listening but start getting bright/distorting at high levels. I decided not to get it as I wanted integrated phono and external streamer. The Rost streamer was very good but wanted more flexibility.

OK Jay, between your reviews and Steve Guttenberg's I decided to get a Hegel H190 and the Magnepan LRS+ I just ordered. Thanks!

Will be nice too see how the Hegel H190 will compare to Buchardt’s own upcoming integrating amplifier, the Buchardt I150. Both are comparable in power. According to the Company this will be a game changer when used with there speakers, especially at low volumes. Both of those amps are now on my shortlist for purchase later this year, so would be nice if you could do a comparison with the Hegel at the time. It will be priced at around 1k less than the Hegel too and they give additional discount too customers already owning their speakers.

I definietly want a Hegel amp in the future. For now it's a bit too expensive for a student like me so I'll go with a Denon PMA1600NE which also has a good DAC and high current amp to drive my KEF R100. I hope I'll be able to upgrade to a H120 or H190 after this.

Jay, thanks for the good review. Can I suggest when you show something like a line diagram leave it up longer so the viewer can have rime to digest. That first line diagram you put up only a few seconds

I have the Hegel 300 and I have to say for the money these amps are incredibly well made from a build standpoint and they outperform other amps at sometimes THREE times the cost. When it comes to prices of mass produced amps like Macintosh the only way they can increase profitability is by using cheaper parts. For example in a 20K amp they will use a 7 dollar volume control. All you have to do is lift a Hegel amp to know how well built it is. (They are as solid as a tank) !!!! and they don’t cut corners!!!!

I have the Hegel P20 preamp, I absolutely love it

You would 100% win a Nobel prize if you demonstrate capacitors can filter frequencies.

Thank you!

Still rocking the S400s in the background. Same here. The way you describe the Hegel sound, though, I don't know that the S400 would be the best speaker match.

Just so you know, the newer H190's, confirmed by Hegel also uses the smaller toroid, not just the large one. They say it is used for when the H190 is in standby. I emailed them directly.

Thanks a lot, Jay. I have been browsing your review a lot. Really really informative and professional! Just a quick question, which integrated or a power amplifier in your opinion can produce pinpoint imaging in a nice sound stage. Would that be only Nad m10 or is there something better, say

Jay, thanks for the great info, sounds like Hegel products will work for a great many people. I am a beginner audiophile and was thinking of pairing the H190 with Dynaudio Special 40s. What do you think? Also, how would you address the problem of imaging with the Hegel? Is there a way to possibly use a tube amp with the Hegel to address this? Also, would you try and improve the sound by connecting a separate Dac instead of whats built in as well as a separate streamer? What phono stage would you recommend when the time comes? What headphones would you invest in with this system? Apologies for all of these questions but I rarely if ever post comments or questions about anything online.

Great video! I have a question.. Is Hegel’s H190 DAC better than iFI Audio ZEN ONE Signature DAC? I want to buy the H190 and I already have ifi ZEN ONE. Should I keep it or sell it?

Jay thanks for your review.. each time I hear your reviews of Hegel systems I get a new layer of information about how your hear them. Because seeing your Wilsonton "best 2020 amp" video has caused me to rethink my Hegel upgrade plans (my H80 to H190 probably used) , I wish to ask you the following: Can you compare the Hegel H190 to the Wilsonton based on the amp/preamp only (setting aside the balanced inputs, integrated DAC streamer, aesthetics, cost difference etc of the Hegel) and for this virtual comparison/analysis the usage model, each with an external DAC(ie Denafrips Aries 2), an external streamer and used equally as often with a phono preamp - meaning your would be using this setup to listen enthusiastically to both analog and digital sources.. which integrated would you pick for yourself with each of these speakers and why (a) Elac Reference (b) Triangle Br03 (c) Magnepan LRS (d)Sound artist sc8b.

Fantastic work you do! hegel h120 good match for ATC scm11?

I like Hegel a lot and i had many Hegel amps in my system. I currently have Rost so i would like to know what you think compare to H120 and H190. Some people say they sound meh and that is because the mids are smooth but not exactly juicy or exciting so pairing with the right speakers is critical as always. When it comes to low noise floor, grain free highs and speaker control you can't beat those amps for the money. That been said the i feel build quality could/should be better for the asking prices.

Hi Jay. Great content as always. Would you recommend a Hegel amp to pair it with an ATC SCM11? Those speakers might be my next upgrade.

Hey Jay.. Always good to hear your thoughts.. Have you tried the Michi x3..

Thanks. I've been planning on getting the H120 for a while. Just need to wait for the right time (financially speaking). I have a pair of Kef LS50s and Tannoy XT6Fs. Looking forward to when I get it.

Hi Jay, useful review. I have heard Hegel amplifiers but wondered whether you would compare the onboard amplifier DAC's with external ones. I use a Chord Qutest dac, how would this or other external DAC's compare with the ones that come with the amplifiers?

I am happy with mine röst 👍

Try them with the Klipsch 600 bookshelf horn speakers, should cure any muffly amp.

Hey Jay, can you review Rotel RA-1592 integrated amplifier please?

Hello, thank you for your great reviews, I am interested in buying an amplifier Yamaha sa3000 and curious about your opinion, have ma silver 200

Apart from the tonal differences between the H120 and the H190, assuming the speakers are relatively easy to drive (I have a pair of Monitor audio PL 100II, not sure if you've heard them), would it make sense to pay more for the H190 over the H120? Should I expect better sound with regards to the technicalities like the resolution, soundstaging and imaging, or is the difference marginal if anything? Thanks!!!

Jay, hello from Brazil. For B&W 603 s2 anniversary, what would you choose? Hegel H390 or Parasound P6 and A21+? Thanks. Congrats on your videos.

Damping factor of 2000 and 4000 means an output impedance of the amplifiers of 0.004 Ohm and 0.002 Ohm accordingly. In order to utilize such high damping factor the resistance of a speaker cable should also be very low. And that requires use of very large (total) wire sizes like 10-16 mm2 (7 AWG - 5 AWG) and more.

HeY Jay. Good work.. Any thoughts on pairing with Klipsch Forte III ? Will appreciate your reply

Great Review ! How about pairing with Sonus Fabers?

You had the Elac Vela FS 407? Anxiously waiting for the review.

Hey my man. I dig your opinions. Do you think it would be wiser to fork out the extra coin and go for the Mac 5300 over the H190. I think the background and rep of mac lasting long is worth it. Or what do you think.

Hello Jay, in you experience what is the best match with KEF LS50 meta, H120 or H190? Thanks.

Hi Jay, I've been following your videos lately and super lucky I am considering the NAD M10 and you made a comparison. - Now.. your reviews are awesome, I admit, but could you speak a lot more about the connectivity of the Hegel. This is probably n1. issue for the modern buyer, how easy it is to stream, which apps can be used, can wireless speakers be connected (as they can with BlueOS and Yamaha MusicCast), can room correction be automatic, who controls it at a party etc. Actually, I didn't know the Hegel was a streamer before seeing this video, so it's definitely back in the competition now! - Also, I noticed it doesn't have a subwoofer out while the NADM10 has 2, as a bass person this definitely comes into consideration, even though the general statement is that the Hegel has better bass sound. - What do you think about the difference between optical and HDMI inputs too, does it matter? - How do you connect with the Internet router without an ethernet cable but instead wirelessly? I doubt anyone has their router where their entertainment is.. Mine is about 2 rooms away All the best (y)

Please review the new Marantz model 40n vs the the Hegel 120. I think we have a similar ear and would value your opinion.

Hi. Like your work. Did you by any chance try the Hagel 190 withe Triangle Genesse Trio speakers ? If you did, is it a good match? Thank you

The Next Best Thing Studio for me what you would choose between Denon PMA-1600NE & MAGNAT RV 4 or what I recommend in that price range. Thank you!

If they had a balance control I would consider buying one.

Awesome video. Thanks for the distraction! Would love to be able to afford Hegel integrated. And some Wilson’s too while we are at it. Also would like to see a review of the Bluesound Powernode 2i which as I understand is basically a NAD M5. Darko did a review and said that Elac DBR’s are a good match. I wonder how Tektons would fair.

Hello all, Question can I use the Hegel 120 and bypass the on board DAC and use my Anthem 1120 AVR as the pre amp? I then use the unprocessed R/L through a Schiit Yiggy. this is just for listening to straight 2.0.

Hi Jay, could you please advise me what is your view on pairing the Hegel H190 with Bowers and Wilkins 805 D3? Thanks

DI DI - awesome power rings.

Hallo Tarun I recently bought a Hegel h190 for my r7 with rel sub … I found the top end is not coming live , very rolled off . I am happy with mids and especially low end . What could be my possible best solution to get the hifi bliss I am looking for . I don’t listen my music too loud too.. please help

Just purchased a pair of Sonus Faber Sonetto 2's. What is the best integrated to use with those? Hegel 190?

You should make a test about a Gato Audio product. Gato Amp-150 or Gato Dia-400s etc. Kinki Studio vs. Hegel H190 vs Gato ...

Would be the perfect amp for my needs, do you think it would sound good with my Klipsch La Scalas? (Vintage)

I'm thinking of pairing the Hegel H190 with Dynaudio Evoke 50. Do you think it's a good pairing?

Absolutely loving my Hegel Rost. It drives my 4-ohm Spatial M3 Turbo S wonderfully and the bass response and control is ridiculous. I'm using its DAC as well. Usually with these all-in-one jobbers, the DAC is an afterthought and sounds lousy. Not here... at all. My question: Anyone using the headphone amp of their Rost or other Hegel integrateds? I sold my headphone amp cuz this headphone section sounds phenomenal driving my Hifiman Arya. I want to know if I'm nuts or is anyone else hearing how good this thing sounds.

With the USB being limited to 24 bit 96hz (on H95, H120 and H190) and other Inputs being bale to receive 24 bit 192 Hz: which inout is the best to use when connecting to PC and other digital sources?

Hi jay Which of the hegle lineup will suit the evo 4.4 to get the best of them? Thanks

I've heard Hegals at a local shop, they do sound good, but I don't know if they sound different or any better than my vintage B&K EX-442 amp and Pro-10MC preamp that have powered my home system for over 3 decades. Just saying

I'm in the market for my next integrated amp; to compare an apple to an apple more like the comparison of power output 75 watts Hegel H120 and Naim Nait XS2 / Nait XS3 (70 watts) (Hegel has priced advantage). Which amp to best paire with PMC (8ohms) speakers? If possible I'd have to listen to both amps (obviously is not possible for the current lock down). Thanks

Just listened to h190. Hegel provides no midrange bass. It separates simply recorded acoustic music beautifully, lusciously, but it squashes the dynamics of pop and rock music. Hegel is for those who want to play Take Five on repeat.

Jay, may I ask what headphone amplifier(s) do you personally like with planars such as the Arya?

Can the Hegel H190 enough power for BW 803 D3? Currently using PS audio Stellar Stack, thanks

hi i know u reviewed the Denon PMA-A110 how does it compare to the Hegel H190

Maybe it’s just me, but I have a pair of Sennheiser HD650’s and the headphone output on my Hegel H190 seems pretty lackluster...to the point where my little Micaa OriGin+ runs laps around it.

When I visited a dealer a while back , they bashed Hegel, Musical Fidelity, Primaluna and Yamaha for being cheap build quality and production. Those are brands widely available in the market today most of which I love. One wonders what to believe in these day an age.

Is the h190 worth the price jump over the h120?? I'm thinking about pairing one of them with a Klipsch rp-280f. Need help...

If router is too far for LAN connection, but want Airplay, DLNA(on Android), use an older laptop or mini PC that has LAN port and Wifi. Connect Hegel to PC with LAN cable without setting static IP, connect PC to wifi then select both Wifi and Ethernet and create a bridge. Whenever connection is not working, make sure Wifi is connected and just disable/enable the Ethernet card that connects to Hegel.

Hegel H90 vs Heaven 11 Billie vs Parasound NewClassic 200 Integrated...which would you prefer and why. With the Hegel and the Billie on sale, all three are around the same price.

Does the Hegel H90 have enough power to drive a set of Dynaudio Excite X32(4ohm,87db)?

How well do you think the H190 would perform with Ohm Walsh 2000’s

How about Croft acoustics? Wonderful minimalist amps from uk

How does the H90 fit into this? I was thinking about pairing it with Maggie lrs

Thank you for Your work! Witch Amp for The maggys is the best? Budget, middelklass, high class, high end..Now i have some maggys here in Germany and my denon avc a1d is smoked up! My New Denon avcx8500h is not the right one is 6 to 16 ohm. Now i think over the iotavx Amp stack. Is it ok for magneplanar speaker. Thank you for answere and maybe a Vid.

Can you compare some Hegel amps with equally powered Rotels? I heard Hegel H95 and it lacked oomph compared to Rotel a11.

How would you compare the headphone section vs a good headphone amplifier like a Burson or a Topping A90?

does hegel streaming service supports hi res? thanks

Real thick 70um copper pcb, not gonna find that in most hifi gears.

how would a hegel pre amp fare with atc scm40 active speakers?

Which is better Hegel H390 or NAD M33... please advice

would you like to test the Primare I25 with the Hegel 190

Hi Jay, love your videos. With your new found openness in recent videos ( rebellion) if you were to purchase (money no object) would it be the 190 or the

When is the Vela FS407 floorstander review coming Jay?

Hegel is Pass Labs for the people! xD

A little off subject. I have the H190. Wondering if i will find enough difference between the H390 and the H190. Is the main difference just power? I have BW 803 D3 on a mid size room. Much appreciated?

what is a good AMp for Kef q150?

What about Dynaudio speaker? Excite X38

Hello Jay, I have a question about the Hegel H190. Does it have any equalization control?

Thx for the review. This channel and other respected channels have positive things to say about Hegel. Another channel (thambara or something) despises Hegel. Yet knows a lot about them to talk down on them. Probably wasn’t able to score a review unit?

Would love to hear your thoughts on the Parasound A21+ vs Hegel 190 (amp section)

Is that carpet not risky for static where you placed the amps wide open bro? 👀

Do Hegel match with Klipsch RP600?

I am for many Years a Hegel User (H1MKIV) Beautiful Amplifier with great Punchy Sound. But I am not satisfied about the Way they developed their new Products. They call it All-in-One integrated Amplifier, but there is no Good App in their Streaming and therefore you always need a separate Streamer with an App. The new Hegel Products don’t have a full Equipment streaming with a good App. Another Item is where you want your DAC (integrated in Amplifier or in the Streamer). I Choose for Aurender A10. That is why I prefer a simple good integrated Amplifier without DAC and Streaming. The new Hegel Product line don’t have a good integrated Amplifier without a DAC and streaming (Like Accuphase and Moon) So it is a Pity Hegel forget these Customers.

Which one's sound do you prefer between Naim Nait XS series and these Hegel?

Hello thank you for this video . One think is strange at Vol 80 exactly hegel H190 produce a click noise . Hegel Answer it's "open" an aditionnal amplification satge an there is no reason for concern of that . BUT in fact it reduced the "isolation" between input analogic 1 and 2. You can hear the sound of analogic 1 with a signal input when you choose the analogic 2 input with nothing connect in analogic 2 . I think that after the position 80 the path of the signal is different and can impaired the sound. Regards

Can i connect h120 to my home Nas (synology) ?