Thank you for stopping by to hear my story in my audio journey. Please click the "like button" on the video if it was entertaining and/or helpful ! It helps me a ton. Also I am curious as to what you are currently using and what is the best amplifier experiences you've had; share in the comment section Power Rating and Specification is something that Hegel should improve. The stated power rating on Hegel's website is 1100W @ 8Ohms in mono. No power rating or damping factor is states for 4 ohms loads and in stereo configuration. Hegel H30A Amplifier: www.hegel.com/en/products/power/h30a Hegel P30A Pre-Amplifier: www.hegel.com/en/products/pre/p30a Related Videos: Hegel H120 VS NAD M10: ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-4el12XInqnM.html Hegel H120 & Hegel H190 amplifier review: ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-BmCYGsH4yBM.html Is Hegel Still The King of Integrated Amplifiers?: ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-jd7mgwt4kLU.html Line Magnetic LM-805IA Tube Integrated Amplifier Review: ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-pjFBaH3c9ms.html Luxman M900-U High-End Integrated Amplifier Review: ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-sgA_C3aUz8o.html Triangle 40th Anniversary Magellan Duetto Speakers Review: ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-yR4ZATW1Kro.html
There are some making rumours that this was paid for this review. Could you just clarify your relationship with Hegel in this review to keep things in the open so to speak. I believe it's an independent review, but not all unfortunately.
Jay, I recently upgraded my AC to 10awg wire 15A dedicated for my dual mono power amplifier. Then I have Preamp, DAC, streamer on another dedicated 10awg/15A circuit. Just using cheap commercial grade 20A receptacles. Wow, what a difference. Hope you have dedicated high current wire runs too. If not, you have to try it, it’s truly amazing.
I have to disagree with you on the Hegel H390 sounding better than the H590. I know. It's your own personal opinion. However, as I've owned both, I strongly believe that the H590 is superior in every way. I drive a pair of hard to drive Revel Salon 2 speakers with an H590 and I was amazed and absolutely blown-away by the increased detail, transparency, power, slam, dynamics and refinement that the H590 exhibited over the H390. The H590 made a huge difference in my system. The H390 was, of course, outstanding as well, but not on the same level as the H590. The H590, as it was designed to be, is a definite and distinct upgrade over the H390.
My 70wpc integrated amplifier built by Gilbert Yeung has nearly 1.5 Farad (1,500,000 uF) of capacitance. Power supply/reserve has such an amazing impact on sound reproduction, and it is nice to see a company like Hegel providing a good amount of power storage. Sure it comes in a black box, but we listen with our ears, not your eyes!
Just drooling over the bling inside that amplifier. Lots of people have amazing things to say about that pre amp too, regardless of cost. Thanks for doing this review, amazing!
Thank you Jay for the news about this ultimate pre/pow from Hegel. Also it's the first time you confirm that with Hegel's intgrated amps it's a hit and miss affair with different brand of speakers...
I just ordered the H30a and P30a to replace my H590. I had hoped to use my Linn Klimax dsm2 as the pre amp and DAC but I tested it with the H590 in home theater mode and it was clear I need the Hegel pre amp. It will be paired with blade 2 meta’s. I can’t wait.
Thank you for this interesting video. In addition to the H390 references, it would have been interesting to compare the P30A/H30A combo to their P30/H30 ancestors. I would be very curious about the improvements made between these two generations.
How hot does the box run considering the cooling fins are on the inside? I wouldn't think this design decision is the best... already makes me nervous about heat problems long term.
Jay- I was wondering if you've ever audtioned Ayre integrated amplifiers or separates. I heard their KX-R preamp with their monoblocks and sounded spectacular, but I'm always uneasy making absolute conclusions because it's always a question of how they compare with other equipment which in most cases is a lot less expensive.
Great review Jay. As a fan of Hegel amplifiers I am looking forward hearing this combination soon here in The Netherlands. (P.s.: please stop background music in video’s. Is distracting and annoying).
Regarding output in stereo mode: According to Hegel this amp has exactly the same output stage as the previous H30. That amp was specified by Hegel to offer 350Wpc at 8ohm and 675Wpc at 4ohm. Damping factor should also be the same between the amps with tha damping factor in stereo mode double that of the bridged mono mode.
This definitely IS a beautiful amp, but I wonder how it would sound/compare against the PS Audio flagship amplifier, and especially when also driving their own new flagship speakers, the FR30s, as they are also in the same kind of (new car) price range. That might be a decent comparison to make a video about too.
If there's one thing I've always hated about amplification, it's devices with lots of output transistors. And the more there are, the worse the listening quality is ! What's the point of using a soldering station to stir up a few small speaker coils ? It's like chasing a mouse with a 12-gun ! 🙃
nice review as usual. I had an Hegel H190 which I bought following your reviews which was the best amp I ever had. Having said so I really don't like when audio companies sells at crazy prices what has a very low production cost in comparison (made by Opera audio in Beijing, nothing against stuff made in China when reasonably priced, I even live in China, in Hong Kong) even counting research, marketing and advertisement that's just nuts for what this is. I'm not poor luckily but I will never buy something priced like this, from any brand. You can find chinese amplifiers on the Chinese market with the same build quality and quality components for way way less
Hi Jay, I just want to shout out you made plenty of great video reviews that are helpful to me and other audiophiles lovers too. I would like to ask you how Hegel H30A compares to old school giants such as Krell and ML monoblocks? Does it stand a chance against them in term of power and sonic wise? Also, how is H30A compares to H4SE that it replaces? On paper they are very identical, but H30A have two torroids compare to one on the H4SE. Thank you Jay, and keep up the good work!
Thanks for an excellent review. As a previous owner of the Hegel H390 i can agree on the soundquality. A few month ago i changed to the Gato PWR-222 monoblocks, with a AVM PA5.2 preamplifier. My speakers are KEF Blade2. A fantastic equipment combination (in my opinion). As i can see the Gato monoblocks in the background, i wonder if you will review them on your channel? My comparison between H390 and the Gatos is in favour of the Gatos. More "musical" and "silky smooth".
I have B&W805D3, planning to upgrade the amplifier. I moostly listen to pop music. Which of the following amplifier would be suggested? 1.) GRYPHON Diablo 120 2.) Hegel H390 3.) Used Classe CP-500/CP-800 Pre Amplifier + CA-2200 Amplifiers Appreciate any opinions
It is not Hagel patent , it is original from Malcolm J Hawksford, feed forward error correction, ( Distortion Correction in Audio Power Amplifiers ) presented at the 65th Convention of the Audio Engineering Society, Journal of the Audio Engineering Society , vol 28 pp 364- 366 May 1980 )they just change the name to some fancy markting, sorry for true
Sound engine is a patented technology but I guess there are many not only one feed foward error correction that are patented. But of course they would give it a unique name so they can marked it. That is called business.
@JaSon Bob Cordell made the best implementation of feed forward error correction. You can find it in his book , this is what Prof. Malcolm said about it in his article.
Thanks for showing the amps internals and describing them. Especially the power supply and output devices. I build my own amplification from other's Topology and sometimes kits. So, to see what the mainstream manufacturers are placing emphasis on, is a learning experience.
I have a pair of Hegel H30 pushing my krell LAT-1000. Sometimes it makes me cry. I wonder if the H30a would maket the sound even better in the long run…or maybe i sould aim for the soulution 7 series 💸 life changing decisions!
It's not about being able to build the "worlds best amplifier" etc etc... Anyone can do that with the pricing of thousands of dollars per unit. The trick is to build a high-performance highend amplifier that doesn't cost and arm & leg to buy - such as the Yamaha A-S1100, which is a reliatively cheap amp but wins many prices for it's amazing sound and ability to power speakers.
Don’t know if you can get a demo pair but you definitely need to listen to the Ilumnia Magister MK2 speakers. I never heard a better speaker and wider soundstage.
Three years ago I bought the H20 and although it's very well engineered and the bass is tight and powerful it has a rather vague stereo image which I suspect is due to the distortion cancelling circuitry. If you do intend to buy the H20 I suggest you keep this in mind when listening to the amplifier in the vendor's listening room.
I have a H390 and I can't imagine getting more for the money. Love that piece. I believe that the H30A/P30A is the real deal it's described to be. But Hegel is not a glamor brand with slow-mo b-rolls and dramatic lighting. The show-off-at-dinner-party crowd is not buying this combo for almost $30k.
Hegel h390 sounds more fuller to me and warmer. Simple as that. H590 does have a wider and deeper soundstage though but I very much prefer the sound signature of the 190 or 390
@@Jayiyagi Jay: love your channel. My humor didn't convey well. You are the expert, not me. But I will tell you that I owned the 390. Sounded thin and analytic. The 590 is not thin. Nonetheless, I traded the 390 for a Naim SN3 which, to my ears, was far more satisfying. I then traded the sn3 (bc I suffer from upgrade-itis) for a Lux 509x which was better still. I'm not bagging on Hegel.
Very nice video, thanks! You should test the Audio-GD HE-2 Mk2 monoblocks. They are music monsters and cost about USD 6.500 plus shipping. Or any other Audio-GD flagship component like their HE-1 mk2 preamp, R7-HE mk2 DAC, etc. They are a bargain for the price.
I know that everyone is suggesting different makes and models of amps for you to review and I have one too. Try the Karan Acoustics Master Series. They are stupidly expensive but sound like nothing else. Very fast, rich, detailed and a good tight bass.
I bet the Hegel/Hegel - TAD is one helluva combo in your room (looking killer btw). You've been putting in the work w/bookshelves... saving the best for last?!! On the Mount Rushmore of bookshelves, it's certainly not a stretch to identify it as one of the four.
Comments like "I just ordered 30,000.00 of new amplification equipment to replace my current 40,000.00 of audio equipment, and next month, my new 30,000.00 speakers are arriving" are hilarious; to me anyway.
The more I hear about the H30A and the P30A the more I would like to own them. But unfortunately I would have to stick with the H390 ( and be happy with it as well ) until I can afford them I guess. And that can take a lot of time I'm afraid.
Hi Jay, Have you ever tried driving Magnepan speakers with the GamuT D200? I have been using a D200 Mk 3 with 2.7QRs for over 20 years and this is a match made in heaven as the GamuT has the high current capability to drive the 2.7s effortlessly. A few years ago I added an REL S3, and this very fast subwoofer is a seamless match fopr the big panels.
Jay, a short story; I watch you lots. I’m 71. I have a stereo problem . First I share me. I have coolest pic of me in 1971. U of W. I later in life, 50 went from 350$ 4 hour consult also teacher. Lived through best era (we think) music. Who I saw live. I was Monterrey Pop Fes. Lived CA , 1 1/2 hr to Fillmore Winterland, have seen outdoor, Tahoe. I had I had at least 300 albums from Beachboys, Blue Cheer. Buffalo. We danced on a cul de sac to group I think GaGas. Credence. Before my McI 252 and 7.1i Mag. Problems. Node2i . Music has been my life. I believe it has saved my life. I may comment twice. Hoping for help! But first for fun, here’s some groups , performers I’ve seen live. The Who, Buffalo Springfield ( had album before For What It’s Worth)/They pulled and n
How long do you own the tad ? I mean everything sounds better with them compared to everything you heard before 😀 everything you describe the sound with can be said about the TAD ME1 with many other amps. Many because the ME1 is not hard to drive.
Nice review! The only thing that causes me pause is that you have praised/pushed Hegel integrated so many times in the past, but I don’t remember you ever qualifying that you find them a bit hit and miss in terms of speaker pairing.
Wondered how they sounded with your Sonus Faber Electa Amator III speakers . The Hegel 390 and the Amator III speakers are my planned for system in the next few years, assuming they work well together.
Only need a set amp,or my favourite is a el34 push and pull(audionote oto ) and a 90db and up speakers,match made in heaven at a fraction of the price at 10 watts
It seems that a lot of people are really impressed with the large banks of capacitors that some manufacturers install in their amps. Actually, it's far more impressive when an amplifier sounds great without those large banks of capacitors.
Have you had a chance to try the Ampzilla 2000 2nd edition and the Ambrosia Preamp? In my experience I have not found anything better. These Hegels seem great but I was able to buy my entire system (2 Ampzilla monoblocks and Ambrosia preamp) for under $10k from Underwood Hi Fi. The Ampzillas will drive anything and will give you 580 watts into 4ohms. It is the first solid state setup I have heard that supplies the best of tubes and solid-state sounds.
I have a Hegel 390 thanking upgrade to 590 then I was thinking to buy Hegel h30 the older model I heard 390 sound better than 590 so I’m going to buy Hegel h30 the older model what do you think
Price wise , Boulder’s 1161 amp and new, 812 Preamp DAC, come in at around $30,000 like the Hegel amp and preamp. Wonder how those two systems stack up?
I have noticed that you have alot of new gear like the Gato monos, an Atoll amp or preamp, a Vincent amp and a new denafrips unit. Do you Plan to review this gear?
Did you see the video your former comrades you used to work with did a while back where they put the Peachtree GAN400 + pre-DAC up against the vaunted Hegel 360 driving Magnepans and the Peachtree more than held its own (and at a fraction of the price). You've said many times in the past that Peachtree and Magnepan do not make a good pairing, and that might be true of the non-GAN Peachtree amps, but that GAN 400 and pre-DAC combo is pretty sweet (yeah, I bought one after watching the Audio Excellence video)...
I can't find the link you mention at c3:45 about your interview with a Hegel guy. Can you make it more obvious please, or include it! IF this amp was 'DESIGNED' as a Mono amplifier, then why it is using TWO transformers??? A Mono amp would/should only have one, surely.
Dear Jay I have a H390 with Kef R11 speakers. What is your opinion of the built-in DAC. Suggestion for an uprade? Thx for your advice and your cool videos
Thanks! I suggest denafrips dacs as an upgrade path but remember that you also need a new source (streamer like innuos zen mini mk3 (if using a different dac
Hegel 190 vs Bryston B135 Cubed with Bryston BDP-3 Music Player. Ignoring price. Pairing with Totem Tribe Towers and Cardas Cables. Your comments most appreciated.
I had an H390 for a while. My expectations were high after all the online reviewer noise... sadly, that led to much disappointment. It had a couple mechanical issues (optical input was broken, as well as one RCA). The amp/box/packaging showed zero signs of damage, which told me quality control was the issue. However, the most disappointing factor was the sound using the onboard DAC; just plain dull is the best descriptor; no bass, no dynamics... and this is going into 95dB efficient speakers, that were previously powered by a little Chinese EL34 integrated!! The Hegel came alive when I hooked up an external DAC though! To be precise a Topping E30 ($150)! In the end, I insisted on a return for this overpriced unit, and will never buy from them again.
hi, I'm Marco from Napoli Italy, congratulations for the always interesting videos, have you ever had the opportunity to listen to meccormack dna-500 if yes what you think, this should also be able to drive any speaker
