Hegel H590 vs H390 Worth the money? 

I upgraded from H160 to an H390. Believe me, H160 is good but is not in class with an H390 on any parameters

Generally - it is better. The only caveat, obviously, is that there is no simple upgrade path.

They said during the review that generally the McIntosh's were more forgiving, which might be good for lessor quality recordings, and that the Hegel 590 is more detailed and revealing.

hi, what did you upgrade your nad m33 to?

Actually it wasn't. We used a much better external streamer/dac combo. And that was covered in the video.

@@vilipmak3973 If I'm not mistaken, the internal DAC boards, in both models, are the same. Not trolling here, but I would be interested to know what specific internal differences exist, between the 2 units, that caused the full library of audiophile buzzwords to be used to describe the listening experience of the 590 vs the 390. I mean, power output is close, damping factor is likely close, DACs are the same, both dual mono.

@@mtkreger You and Steve obviously miss the point here. When you're listening to the H590 or the H390, you're listening to the whole of it, the totality. Even if the electronics are humble, there is synergy working here or evident. The sum is always greater than the parts.

Your car analogies are right although I would NEVER give in to mediocre sounding recordings and buy gear that pleases this bad sound quality! I always go the other way: ONLY buy well recorded music for my HighEnd gear. And there is a whole lot very well recorded music out there. But you have to take a closer look before buying…not just go out / or klick your mouse and buy whatever there is. My silent hope for doing this is also that recording engineers see that their mediocre stuff stays in the shelf’s of Amazon or other dealers and they finally put in the effort that is necessary!

The music you enjoy growing up often is not going to hold up in your later years - that's where McIntosh excels because it is slightly forgiving - gear that emphasizes extreme detail retrieval and portrayal at the expense of everything else will only serve to brutalize all your fond memories - If you're lucky, the music you loved so much from back in the day was well recorded and survives intact and vital.

@@Alexander-iv4xg no, to really get lost in your music the sound quality must be „right“. When I play great sounding music I don’t think about my gear at all cause there’s only MUSIC playing in my room (no more Hifi system…so to speak). When I play mediocre sounding albums (which I do less and less) I don’t really get the real connection to the music…in contrary: it leaves me disappointed and unsatisfied.

wow, are you for real with this comment? That would make the H390 absolutely best pick out of the whole Hegel's integrated range !!

That's very strange. I've heard many ppl say the 590 sounds much better

@@toddlesiak3837 maybe wasn’t burned in but it was a big difference

@@monster7363 So, you're saying the 390 actually sounds much better than the 590?

@@toddlesiak3837 that’s what I heard at Montreal show. 590 sounded bright and harsh. Again, It may have been a new unit not burned in. But literally the whole room cleared out and the dealer made a bunch of excuses why it wasn’t sounding it’s best. Who knows, that’s just what I heard. I owned 360 and 390 but in my set up I didn’t like 390 either. Sounded better at the Montreal show though. I prefer Simaudio over Hegel

We use Tidal through Roon. No doubt that a physical media player would be better - but the convenience of having hundreds of files instantly available makes these reviews possible.

As a Focal lover for more than 10 years: How would you rate the combination of the H390 being a match for the Sopra 2 (scale 1-10)? What stands out, what is (maybe) lacking, in your opinion?

@Roger Well, I have actually upgraded since that post and replaced the H390 with a Vitus RI-101 Mk II. However, what I loved about the H390 was the dynamics and missed this to some extent with the Vitus. But I found that if playing loud the H390 became a bit "honky" with the Sopra speakers. A bit underpowered in my opinion. The Vitus is definitely more detailed, more powerful, still dynamic and a better match for the Sopra's. I would recommend the H590 or comparable amp to drive Sopra No2's. Cheers

@@ericbriggs3328 Wow, congrats on that major upgrade! With 2 x 600 watts at 4 ohms, that must be a different ball game altogether! So for me the message is clear: The Hegel 390 does not fully exploit the sonic potential of the Sopra 2's - good to know since I am evaluating my next premium hi-fi system where the the Focals definitely play a role.

@Roger Yes that's exactly my advice. I also love the Sopra No2's. They seem so "natural" sounding, easy to listen to for long sessions. But they are capable of delivering a lot more detail than the H390 can provide. Happy listening!

Hegel H20 and H30 exist for them

@@aceofspades6667 those are power-amps ! I’m referring to the integrated-amps, which are all other amplifiers offered in their catalog. Best regards

You don't have to use the integrated DAC and streamer. Personally, I like the fact they are built-in. If you can afford a H590, the price would not be much cheaper to be buying factor without those.

@@mark9118 not so sure about your last statement. The price of a really good DAC can be quite expensive (especially when you don’t really want it)

@@bikemike1118 What I am saying is that the H590 costs at least $11,000 USD and if they sold it without the DAC it would still cost $10,000 USD, even though a separate DAC might cost more than $1,000 USD. What people are paying for with the H590 is the SoundEngine2 technology of the amp (that creates the low distortion and what Vilip calls the "extremely dark background") and the extremely high damping factor. People who can afford a $10,000 USD integrated amp, are probably not going to balk at $11,000 even if they use a separate DAC. Personally, I think there is too much fuss made about DAC's, and the ones that supposedly sound really good are manipulating the signal in an artificial way, sort of like the way some solid-state amps manipulate the signal to make them sound like tubes. I don't think that the H590 DAC manipulates the signal as much as many high priced separate DAC's. The inclusion of the DAC and streaming device (although the streamer is still somewhat lacking in compatibility at this time) is part of the minimalist design of the Hegel integrated amps. It is for people who are "incognito" audiophiles, those without the desire for a large number of components and flashy meters, etc. Also helps out with the WAF also, or those without a lot of space.

If it helps, I watched one video where the 390's DAC is close to the CHORD QUTEST. That is high praise as I have MOJO, QUTEST, TT2 and M SCALER.

yes, I have the H590 with the Focal Kanta 2 and i love it. I would go for the Kanta 2 for a fuller sound.

@@frankygoossens955 Thanks for the reply. Yes i would have gone for the kanta 2 but unfortunately its a room size issue.

It’s a bigger jump for sure

@@themosyannakou6893 More neutral and a little less.

@@vilipmak3973 Hi Vilip, can you please explain what you mean here?

@@zaoria123 H390 has a smidge more warmth especially in the midrange. And more of everything else the H190 does well.

@@vilipmak3973 Thanks, Vilip. Have you heard the H390 with any of the B&W speakers? Are they a good match?

Absolutely with I was wanting from this review

We used the DAC. Zen Stream into Innuos Phoenix USB Reclocker into Hegel internal DAC. The only device in the store with access to Apple Music is the the Node which, although is quite good, is not as good as a digital streamer as the Zen Stream. So, no Apple Music - and additionally Airplay is limited to 16-44, so, no Airplay.

@@vilipmak3973 Hi Vilip, really appreciate your insight and context in your reviews.., and your efforts to explain your thoughts

@@vilipmak3973 thank you for the reply.. i use a h390 with a metronome le dac.. (in dac loop setting). fyne audio f703's. with decent cables. but where i am from apple music is the only option. so now my situation is, i think , h390 being so good at its price ... its next thing to upgrade .. i like the tight a controlled bass h390 provides .. and the voice too .. but i think i am missing a bit up top .. what would you recommend for me ma12000 or h590. or i should go separates . please suggest .. sorry for the long question...

@@riyad7272 As we found, the H590 would give you what you're missing. Give it a listen.

@@TuanMinh-sv2gq Thank you very much for that information. Taking the step up is great for peace of mind.

@@HD-su9sq what did you end up getting?

@@TuanMinh-sv2gq I haven’t. I’m still procrastinating, but my short list is Hegel 120 or Heaven 11 Billie 2. It looks like I’ll be sweating another summer with my tube amp.

Airplay 2 & Roon

@@vilipmak3973 finally, for real this time?💕

@@filmalchemistfish472 They're talking about in time for Munich next year. It will be a staggered roll-out. H120 & H190 first. H390 & H590 later after firmware shakes out in the field.

@@vilipmak3973 WOW! Thanks a lot for the heads up!

What speakers is your 390 driving, cheers I have 87db 4 ohm

@@tigertiger1699 I‘m not Andrew but if your speakers are 87dB sensitive there shouldn’t be any problems whatsoever

@@bikemike1118 Cheers, fur sure… no concerns with the 390… it’s the wallet & paying in NZD.. is like $11k I’m thinking the 190 should be enough…, but the 390 sounds like a real step up…. All about the $ as well…😂👍

@@tigertiger1699 sure, mate 😉👍🏼

I own the H300 from a few years back. The case design is pretty much same as today but the display on the 300 is not good at all. The new displays are much more attractive and easier to read what is going on. I really like the sound of my unit and frankly I can't see upgrading especially at the current cost.

Everyone has their own preference in this regard (aesthetic design). I personally don't want be looking at VU meters and other lights while listening to music.

@@mark9118 Hegel 90 line is great and the display is really good and it dosen’t disturb your music listening, and way you control the volume is fantastic, i have used analog amps that always have the problem that the volume steps are to big

And…?

@@vilipmak3973 it’s because you’re hot blooded man ❤

Do they sell Pathos as well at their store?

We're going to have a listen to the new Pathos Inpol. And then we'll decide and hopefully share our impressions.

@@vilipmak3973 ooh naise! Thanks Vilip! Looking forward to your impressions! :))

?

Yes, and this is the one.

Yeah man, like Nike said, just do it!

Whichever one strikes you the best - both are beyond excellent.

@@vilipmak3973 what’s your end game integrated amp?

@@rumporridge1 There is no endgame. But I am dying to hear an Ongaku.

@@vilipmak3973 this journey I’m on has endless roads indeed. Thanks for getting back. Looking hard at the Rotel Michi X5 too.

@@rumporridge1 We gave the X5 a hard listen - comparable in some ways to the H390. Definitely not as good as the H590.

The issue is that Hegel does not have their own software - Roon would be an ideal solution except no Hegel is Roon certified yet. The DAC is very good. The Streamer could be but is currently under-supported.

@@vilipmak3973 thanks so much for the reply. Can I at least use airplay to stream from my phone or IPad?

i use h390, apple music via airplay, compering with bs node .. its lot better. BS node is dry and clinical, but hegel h390 airplay is natural and little warm .. thats my experience ..

Well, you could spell my name correctly - so, your ruling is disqualified.

@@vilipmak3973 I have corrected the spelling, so the ruling is reinstated. The decision of the judges is final. No refunds or exchanges. Void where prohibited by law.

@@mark9118 All that would be well and good if only you were the moderator of the AE youtube channel - unfortunately, that is not the case - and all decisions resides with yours truly. Sigh…

@@vilipmak3973 The ruing has nothing to do with the comments section of this video. It refers to the video itself. Are you saying that Adrian interrupted you? It seems to me that he just clarified the obscure (outside of Toronto) acronym you used, in order to make your video comments clearer to the audience.

@@mark9118 And essentially but unequivocably he "interrupted". You can comment but you cannot rule on "decorum". You may not like it and yet at the same time these interruptions are part of the ongoing dynamic within at the very least, my existence - if it becomes a matter for Adrian and Angus, then it becomes an internal matter.

If yes, would you buy one?

@@bikemike1118 would consider definitely! Heard hegel and maggies have good synergy

@@GH-zs8eq okay, so why you’re asking then? Check out the sensitivity and lowest impedance and if it fits …go for it if you like!

@@bikemike1118 have you bought hifi before? Or popped 30Gs worth into hifi? Hope you dont "check the sensitivity and impedence" and drop the dough just like that!

@@GH-zs8eq then why don’t you go to your/ a dealer and talk once more to them or best: check it out…You won’t find any further information here in RU-vid‘s comment section…especially when you wanna buy 30k speakers. Makes not much sense, does it?!

You’re completely right….the perspective of audio dealers is sometimes different, especially when it’s about customers money 😉

$11k is insane for a piece of hifi gear! 🤣 My chinese EL34 class A singled ended tube amp from 2021 is hand wired with nice, decent transformers and delivers that midrange magic, that nothing else has got to offer. It should be supplemented with two (REL) subs and two "speaker enacoms" from combak for impedance adjustment and goes for CAN$320. My KEF LS50 Metas in a somewhat smaller room are a "match in heaven", believe it or not. It may even drive my Magnepan 1.4 planars properly, but I will have to experiment with that combination in the future ... 🙂 Apart from that, I do like the presentations of Audio Excellence Canada very much, thumbs up!

@@henni1964 well, nice to hear that you’re fully satisfied as it seems. But even though $ 11k aren’t inexpensive I am a hundred percent sure that your 300 bucks amp cannot compete in any sonic way. I don’t want to shatter your world but unfortunately there is no such thing as a „giant“killer - even though I wouldn’t consider Hegel amps as giant - for pocket money…not in this world at least. No offense though. But the joy of listening is the main thing in our hobby and when it’s right for you be happy: you‘ve saved a lot of cash.

@@bikemike1118 Agreed. It all comes down to personal taste. I do love this typical EL34 lush sound in the midrange. Transistor amps can't emulate this special kind of sound, no matter the price tag, because of the law of physics. Hegel amps are amazing for what they are capable of. Many prefer this kind of sound. Regarding tube amps, even a proper KT88 amp can't reach this kind of pureness in the midrange, the EL34, invented by Philips, will provide you, nor a 6C33C, a 300B or a 845 single ended amp. I have heard them all over the years. If you are into Rock and Pop music, especially when it comes to (female) vocals, there is nothing better than an EL34 amp imho. Steve Guttenberg, the "Audiophiliac", reviewed my amp on his channel and found nice words for it's performance. Even if the EL34 tubes begin to slightly distort at higher volume levels, you will love it! Best thing about the price tag is, that everyone can easily test it for themselves. But two subs are a must have, because this amp in single ended class A configuration is way too weak below 80 Hz. Connecting the REL subs via high level 8 ohm output taps is a piece of cake. 🙂

@@henni1964 okay…fair enough. My experience with tube amps is mainly with tube preamps…there I can say that gear that sounds too mellow (in some cases too „warm“ or even blurred) is badly constructed. My current tube preamp isn’t „tubey“ in that kind of way but highly dynamic, immediate, clear and life sounding. IMO this what an amp of any kind should be. But we’re in our hobby here and everything what pleases your ears is „allowed“ cause it all is personal anyway.