I’m interested in getting an H190 myself. I’ve heard some really great things. The only criticism I found when research/trawling through RUclips was someone suggesting with denser, more complicated music, it’s losing clarity/ not as good at separation. Could you tell me if that has been your experience? I listen to a real mixed bag; from the 50’s to present and just about every genre under the sun in between. I’ve never really had a problem with electronic music, hip hop or pop with my sound system. But on the heavier side of things with rock/punk/metal I sometimes find that things fall apart a bit with everything that’s going on. I haven’t heard anybody else suggest there is an issue here, but, we also don’t know each other’s systems or musics tastes per se.
@@nicholasbuckle6456 I never ran into a situation it couldn’t handle. Musically. I listen to a range of music. Even when pushed no issues. It plays very clean even when pushed. I never heard it clip or my loudspeakers.
I was able to get the floor model of the H590 a few years ago and frankly, I just LOVE it. Some other reviewer liked the 390 better than the 590 so, it tells you something. I had the H80 and, just as you are planning to do, I kept mine and it drives the sound system in the living room. Do enjoy, your system is looking good. And thanks for you honest, fun and balanced review.
Maybe your best video to date. I have seen a lot of people in the Hegel FB group ask the difference and I try to answer with similar points. But whenever anyone asks this people should just link this video. Honestly I bought the 190 and when I plugged it in I was mildly disappointed. I decided to pony up for the 390 and exchanged it. I went from, “maybe I’ll try another brand”, to a Hegel fanboy in one exchange. The difference was that stark to me. So I totally get your friend saying he didn’t even want to switch to the 190 anymore after hearing the 390.
@@MisterChibs The 190/390 experience was on a pair of Q Acoustics Concept 500s. I went a little crazy for a 40th Bday present to myself and upgraded to a pair of Wilson Audio SabrinaX. The 390 drives them comfortably…. but you know how this hobby goes… Now I am wondering about this same type of comparison between the 390 and that new H600.. Insert “homer Simpson drool meme” here lol. Get Anders to send you a demo unit of that beast!!!! ;)
@@pmizz7959 Those are sick!! A seriously happy 40th! Would love to demo the H600 at some point especially with your Sabrina’s! Let me know what you think if you end up demoing.
@@MisterChibsthanks bud. I will for sure let you know if I do. Yea I loved my previous speakers but when I heard those I realized there really are levels to this game.
Great review. Thank you for talking about issues like heat, sound through multiple sources, etc, that others do not. This is a very relatable review. Thanks again! You have a new subscriber.
I'm a separates guy..so never considered any integrateds, ..but I enjoyed your (and Horsehead Andy's) takes on the sound changes on these premium integrated amps. Also…how much the quality of a recording can impact your listening experience. This hobby is fun, interesting and "sometimes" rewarding! Fun review.
Great review! The comparison analysis was very insightful, and useful. Separation and imaging is key for me, so again good job with the comparison. Your reviews are enjoyable because of your laid back style, but very practical at the same time. So thank you! ( Your audience is not only from Toronto, sooooo do you have to wear that hockey Jersey? Lol😂 )
A remarkable production by a gifted orator................................ How about getting a waist high shelf instead of sitting on the ground? Acid Jazz, Funk & Brass 🔈🔉🔊 (edit) Holy Cow, 19:00 to 21:30 Those high gloss stand mounts add "Surround-A-Vision" reflection mirrors. Great Job, LQQKing forward to the next. Cheers.
Thanks man! I guess it was a bit awkward looking sitting on the floor with the H390 but that’s much easier than picking the thing up 😅 Those R3 Metas are a work of art and sound amazing! Thanks for watching!🍻
GM ☕️☔️ The issue with getting into good quality audio gear ( or most things) in Canada is that you get nailed with the exchange rate and taxes ..and just availability. As for me I just picked up a Denafrips Ares 12-1 DAC …and yup ..the Denafrips house sound is amazing. As for the streamer …i run a Wiim Pro ( optically feeding) the Ares . Great review…in going HAM!😊 Have a great weekend.☔️
You're preaching to the choir! I just ordered "Worlds best" speaker cables and the difference between getting them delivered to my friend in the USA and here in Toronto is over 700$... Not kidding. Congrats on the new DAC!! Enjoy! 🍻
Still trying to figure out which to upgrade. Keep having the H390 in mind. But after your video of the Audio Fest, I am wondering whether I should wait until those new models come out and save a bit. Either that, or theres a cool amplifier I found called the Tonewinner AD-1PA that is a power amp at 300 watts and potentially 100 watts at Class A and go with a decent preamp. My Hegel H90 finally overheated and turned off with my Magnepan 1.7s so its time. Tough decisions!
@@11RESERVERED Sorry to hear about your H90! Maggies like power. listening to those maggies at Audiofest was really impressive from their H600. If you want my (biased fanboy) opinion, I would just grab the H390. It's so good dude!! 👍
Hey, thanks again! I was close to the H390 to purchase, but I found a set of barely used Rogue M180 monoblocks for 3500$ USD and couldnt pass. They are like 9 grand for a pair and are 180 tube watts at 8 ohms! Considering a Hegel pre now, but I hear their phono stage is wonderful too
H190 owner here as well. Thanks alot for the fomo!! 😞 Nah kidding, enjoy the upgrade dude! Thinking about separates in the future. But the H190 is no slouch and I should just enjoy what I have 😁
It's easy to enjoy what you have when it's the H190! Definitely give the H390 a listen before deciding to go down the separates rout. Dual mono is legit! 🍻
I have the H390. I recommend using an external transport and a dac similar to Pontus or better to get the most of it. I just bought the Aurender N150, waiting for its arrive! PS: I also have the Denafrips ares II connected to it, it’s pretty similar to the internal Dac, just slightly better in tonality and sounds more extended in lower and higher frequencies
Nice review, went from h190 to h390, using b&w 702 s2, h390 has more detail, better separation, bigger sound and better bass control, its a bigger difference that i would imagine, the only drawback for me is that h390 is not avaialble in white
In my opinion, you can never have too much power. And therefore I never use the term "overkill" when it comes to power. But I totally understand your initial thought process. Very efficient speakers doesn't "need" much power.... But they're always seems to be a sonic benefit.
Great review. Are you going to review the R3's? I am seriously considering them or possibly the R7's. I currently have Magnepan 3.7i's and love to switch speakers in and out. I am thinking Forte IV's AND the KEF's OR CW IV's alone. Love your opinion! Super fun reviews. Honestly one of the absolute best high end audio RUclipss available!
Definitely going to review the R3's at some point. They're pretty amazing and to be honest, I'm glad I have those AND the Cornwalls. It's going out for dinner and ordering 2 different entrées. Cornwall's are huge though so if you intend on swapping often, the Forte's make more sense. The only problem there is....They're not the Cornwalls 😆. In any case, these are good problems to mull over and there's no bad choices. Let me know what you decide and thanks for watching! 🍻
"50 Ways to Leave your Lover" was the first song I listened to when I added my first seperate dac to my system 7 years ago. Even though I had heard this song 1000 times before, it was like the first time because there were twice as much sound than I had ever heard. The song must have randomly showed up on what I was streaming as I had never bought and music by Paul Simon. My mom had a Simon and Garfunkel album which was awesome but it was later that I learned Paul Simon fully created that song (every track). What a coincidence (there are no coincidences).
You got me definitely curious about the hegel 390..!! Now I'll have to search for one...!! Hey, were's ypur TV connected to? What are we whatching? (I mean it's not connected to the Hagel)
It’s a feature called “Roon Display”. Whatever I’m listening to gets casted to the TV. It’s awesome and one of many reasons why Roon is the best imo. There’s a review up on my channel if you want to learn more and if you want to try it for a free month, here’s a link roonlabs.com/r/ginFcYS3XUOkWa4H6UrYmQ 🍻
Great video. Thanks! I wouldn’t worry too much about the extra power. I speak from experience. I’m driving my Cornwall iv’s with my PS Audio M1200 mono blocks….. 600 WATTS @ 8 ohms !!! They sound FANTASTIC. Just be mindful of the volume knob 😂.
I have the Kef R3 Meta hooked up to the cambridge audio cxa61 and need to get a new amplifier. The cambridge sounds very harsh and hurts my ears in the high frequencies. It sounds like the treble is tilted up. I was looking to get the hegel h120 because I’ve heard that it sounds natural and pairs well with kef. The h390 is way more expensive than I was planning to spend. Do you have any advice as far as which way to go as far as hegel amps vs using separate components entirely. Do you know of a dac, amp, preamp, streamer combo that could do better at a lower price?
If you end up going Hegel rout, you won't regret the extra spend. That said, check out my Peachtree GAN1 video review. I've had that connected to the R3 Metas and was happy with the sound. Much cheaper too. 🍻
@@MisterChibs I bought the gan 1 and I have to say it's overall the best amplifier I've ever heard. Before the gan 1, I tried the Audiolab 9000a, Marantz Cinema 50, Onkyo RZ50, Rotel 1572 mk II, and Naim Uniti atom. The Peachtree obliterates all of them in overall performance, IMHO. It's close to perfect. The only critique would probably be that I would prefer it to be ever so slightly warmer. I'll audition the Hegel H120 anyway just so that I don't have fomo, but I'm damned impressed with the peachtree.
@@MisterChibsas a follow up on this I tried the H120 then the H190v. I returned the peachtree and now have the H190v which is AMAZING 🤩. Didn’t expect to spend way more on the amp than the speakers but the hegel brings the kef to life like nothing else. One of the best products of any kind I’ve ever bought.
Me too, I had Hegel H95 which was great, then went to dealer in order to upgrade it for H120, but after discussions and extended listening sessions I end up going home with all money lost but with brand new white H190 in trunk😂❤. Now playing H190 with KEF Meta R3 and waiting two subs still to arrive to complete this year journey and budget. Loving the set even now without the subwoofers. Amazing😊
Great review, thanks! I have the Hegel h120 and the LUMIN u2 mini and JBL L100 75 Anniversary model and find this much cheaper combo fantastic! The built in Hegel DAC is really good I think.
Nice review. In regards to Hegel amps not heating up. Actually they do heat up and will go into shut down mode. It depends on the load they have to push (as in speakers that go lower than a 2ohm load and sensitivity is 85hz or below) in conjunction with decibel levels being generated carrying said load. It's understandable that your h390 did not go into shut down mode as yor Cornwall are very sensitive, and likely never go below a 4ohm load.
I was going to buy an H190 but a near new H390 came up and I bought that instead. I have no regrets whatsoever. It drives my ATC SCM-19 speakers well, they really need a bit of power to make them sing.
Hi, thank you for this great rerview. I am looking for an integrated amp for my ATC SCM19 V2, but don't want to rocks my pocket. Currently Hegel H300 (250w) or Hegel H190 (150w) are available in my local used-market, and the prices are very close. I am struggling whether to choose H190 or the high-power H300. The music I prefer is vocal, country, and leisurely music. Hope I can get your advice. Thank you in advance.
Thanks for watching. I don't have any experience with H300 but the 190 is great! Just speculating but the digital end of things may not be as current in the H300 since it's a much older design. I would be very careful buying used in either case. Make sure you're able to demo first.🍻
Maybe I missed it, but how is the low volume performance? I mean low to mid volumes. I sometimes think the H190 sounds better at say, 48 and up on the volume dial. - Sometimes that’s too loud for the occasion. I have B&W 705s with a sub, so the h190 does fine and is matched well I think. Still, I wish I could tweak the equalization to match things better at low volumes and to fit the room. I know, Hegel……. Would the h390 do better at low to mid volumes?
In my system with my speakers / room / etc, low volume listening is great on H390. No urge to adjust eq. Is it better than H190? I think, yes but only for the same reasons I feel sq has improved after the jump. Hope that helps! 🍻
I prefer brands who offer the choice to add a dac/streamer/phono pre....because I think most of us are not using the build in dac after a while and prefer only the amplifier part 😊
While I use an external DAC and streamer with mine, the built in stuff still comes in handy quite a lot. It would be cool if Hegel offered just an amp / preamp for less $ though.
I still have it but that's a different beast altogether. I compared it to the H190 in it's review though. That was still lopsided price wise but a bit more of a fair fight. I'm going to be doing a follow up video on the Gan 1 and how I use it. 🍻
@@MisterChibs Cool. I still have mine. Paired it with the S400s and it sounds great. Also picked up LS50 metas, which I also love for the size...jealous of your R3 metas though :)
@@User_not_found_403 Dude, don't get me started on the R3's.. I've got them hooked up to the H190 as I type this playing some new random Chinese electronic music that sounds sooo good. I tried them with the Gan1 and that combo sounds awesome too!!
Hegel amps are good but the owners seem to get bored of them, like me. Got the Technics su-g700m2 am hearing things in my albums that I haven’t heard before with the Hegel h190. Truth.
Oh man, good catch!! Not sure how that slipped in there instead of the H190 internals photo.Thanks for pointing this out! I credited you in the video's details. 🍻
Following this line of reasoning, each amplifier is dual mono. It has two signal paths separated from the input from the sound source. The power supply system is not dual mono. This is a marketing interpretation.
Great review, less the jersey 😂 I appreciate the review and comparison, but this makes me think about how AB tests can be dangerous… hard to know what you’re missing until you compare directly, and after you know, it’s hard to go back😀
In some cases yes, but I actually feel differently With 390 vs 190. I appreciate them both and don't feel like I'm missing out while using the H190 in an other setup. Have it hooked up to this new R2R Dac I've got in and it sounds so good! Thanks for watching and GO LEAFS!! 🍁😆🍻
I'm at 12" but I haven't heard anything except build quility that makes this thing better than my Quad 909. A/B class with good components, ok. I like my quad. it's all about the first watts, which are class A in the 909.
After 6 months reviewing amps I purchased a Hegel H190. I did not have an opportunity to listen before purchasing. My current amp is a Plinius 8150 which had been refurbished and upgraded. But it still is a 20 year old amp. After installing the amp ( via ethernet cable and Apple play )and listening to it for 30 seconds I thought something was wrong, no depth, no bass and just not enjoyable. I actually sent it back and swapped it for a demo H190 from the same company as they would not refund my initial purchase. It was exactly the same. To say I was confused is an understatement. I am not an audiophile but even to my ears and my wife's it was just underwhelming. My speakers are Audio Monitor silver RS6. I have sold it and will stick with the Plinius. Lesson, do not buy an amp unless you listen to it in person. I am still confused how this amp receives great reviews??
Good advice. I would have never spent that much money without demoing first. That said, I’ve got some questions: In your 6 months of reviewing amps, which did you try out personally? You mentioned switching with the store’s demo unit. Could you not have used that one with your speakers either at the store or borrowed their h190 to test in your home? The one time I bought an integrated based on YT recommendations, I had a similar experience and ended up selling it off at a loss. (Check out my Powernode review) Just as I wouldn’t buy a car without test driving first, same thing goes for amps & speakers. To many variables you can’t possibly account for. Lesson learned. While I can’t speak specifically to your setup / electronics/ room acoustics / ears, I can assure you that H190 works beautifully in my setup and many others. Lastly, I’ll copy and paste this response to your duplicate post on my other Hegel video. Feel free to respond to either one. 🍻
Just based on the opening, not impressed by audio excellence guys...for all the claims they make about being so experienced and being fair in their reviews, they didn't practice basic knowledge in speaker positioning relative to seating position when testing out the Buchardt S400s. Apparently just Buchardt speaker stands means you don't have to follow best practices. Anyhow on with the show, I enjoy your reviews Mr Chibs!
Yea, I remember when they dug into those S400's. Don't remember speaker placement though. In any case, it's good to have a local brick and mortar thats so great to deal with. I miss Villip though (and his strong opinions), he was so much fun to watch.
Right….I thinking about upgrading to the 390 , right now I’m using a naim uniti atom To drive a pair of Sp 40’s , I’ve got on loan from a friend of mine a Macintosh 12000 and a bartok streamer and dac , absolutely blow away at the sound and the difference, it’s not small .. of course the cost is substantial.. bottom line is how do I come close for a reasonable cost .. maybe the 390?
@@geraldgreene5563 Electronics make a big difference as you can see. If you love the 12000 in your system maybe just save up $$. Are you able to demo an H390? I’m totally biased so of course I have no problem recommending an H390 or the newer 400. I have A/B’d with an entry level Macintosh integrated (MA352 I think) and preferred Hegel. But the 12000 is a different animal. 🍻
@@MisterChibs I cancelled my order for the Musical Fidelity M6s PRX amplifier because it didn't have an input trigger. (I also disliked that it didn't have a gain knob) Instead, I've just ordered a NAD C298 for my front L/R in a mixed use music/movies (7.4.4 setup). In the last year, I've moved over to music 99% of the time, and heavily upgraded my music side (speakers, stereo preamp, audio components/dac/ddc/r2r streamer). I'll repurpose my Parasound 2125v2 (love it) from the front L/R speakers to the surround L/R speakers, and take the load off my Arcam AVR5 receiver (was powering the center channel, and surround L/R).
@@MisterChibs I cancelled the Musical Fidelity because it didn't have a trigger input. My video of the NAD C298: ruclips.net/video/ncwCopnHJqA/видео.html
not enaugh comparison for those who prefere using esternal dac, which I happen to be case. It is obvious that the difference whould be much(yes) smaller if you use external dac. For those who dont mess with dacs good enaugh.
Thanks for the tip. Normally, I have everything separated but was strapped for space. The 190 was on top of the component fan because I didn’t want it on the carpet. While not an ideal config long term, I don’t feel the 390 took a hit sonically. 🍻
@@MisterChibs I beg to differ, but… even putting weights on your speakers wiould change the sound! Putting weights on different components make a a great test for you.
@@mikeeygauthier2959 Thanks Mike. I gave this some thought and came up with a solution for next time I have 2 components over there. I bought a component shelf for my office and only used 3 of the 4 tears that came in the package. I can (hopefully) take that 4th shelf / legs and use it to separate both amps.🍻
One symmetrical transformer. Why is it promoted as dual mono? creative chaos inside... It's not dual mono. (two identical monoblocks in one housing. the term used is inappropriate for the solutions used....
Had H390 and also H590. Overpriced amps. Even a much cheaper Accuphase was killing the H590… not talking of the smaller brother H390. This is my experience, but I don’t see something special to pay that price point. 👍🏻 Cheers
I've gone down the rabbit hole of trying to buy separates three times instead of just going with the Hegel. Can't explain why, the H390 is a no brainier, yet instead of just buying it, I keep falling into the trap of thinking I can do better with separates. Of course, you now have a huge problem with synergy with different systems and trying to match separates is nearly impossible from just reading reviews. In the long run, you'll end up spending more money anyway. I'm a slow learner, obviously. 😒
All part of your trip as long as you end up enjoying yourself. There’s something to be said for having a well matched amp with preamp. Hegel is tops in this department! Some may look at it as training wheels but I just want everything to work and sound good together. With so many other variables that come into play, at least I have a solid “home base”. Thanks for watching and sharing your experience!🍻
Great video but so much talking and no real music although you are live in your studio so we can listen with our own ears . So many reviews of Hegel amplifiers but very little music videos so we can really listen and make some basic opinion.
I’m hesitant to judge sound quality in YT vids because so many variables affect what you end up hearing. Nothing beats demoing in your own space or even at a store. Appreciate the suggestion though.🍻
Thanks Joe! I'de like to test out that Ultra at some point. Theres a bit of a que I have to get through and it's just me. I take way to long making these vids! 🍻
Love your reviews and felt you hard while you went full emotional by playing with these knobs 🔥🐹🔥 But why has this norwegian stuff has to be so unsexy...the look of these Hegel boxes is so underwhelming 😢
There's so much nob play that was edited out, I went FULL nob! hahaha As far as looks, YMMV. I really like it for my use-case. Wouldn't want something flashy below the TV.🍻
@@MisterChibs Well done Mr. to cut out the even hotter stuff! I don't want you to get a YT-strike for violating the regulations due to explicit content 😛😂❤
Extra SS power to drive a pair of Klipchs?? My friend those beauties need TUBES not power. Get rid of the Hegel and buy the best triode tube amp you can buy. You welcome.
I disagree and I'm not alone. Look back at @edhuslik 's comment from 2 weeks ago. He tried to get good synergy with separates multiple times and realized it wasn't at the level of Hegel. Many others feel the same way. Now value is subjective and I understand that you have an opinion. Cool, thanks for sharing in my H390's video. It probably would be more constructive and helpful to offer an alternative. If you're just trolling, that's entertaining in it's own way which is fine too. What I don't appreciate is being threatened. Totally ridiculous.
![BLACK BAG - Official Trailer [HD] - Only in Theaters March 14](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/Du0Xp8WX_7I/mqdefault.jpg)
I am so impressed by your showmanship and production value of your videos. Really love this video, keep up the good work.
Thanks man!!🍻
H190 owner. Really love it. It’s natural to think about the H390. You make a good case for the upgrade. Well done.
Thank you sir! 🍻
❤
I’m interested in getting an H190 myself. I’ve heard some really great things. The only criticism I found when research/trawling through RUclips was someone suggesting with denser, more complicated music, it’s losing clarity/ not as good at separation.
Could you tell me if that has been your experience?
I listen to a real mixed bag; from the 50’s to present and just about every genre under the sun in between. I’ve never really had a problem with electronic music, hip hop or pop with my sound system. But on the heavier side of things with rock/punk/metal I sometimes find that things fall apart a bit with everything that’s going on.
I haven’t heard anybody else suggest there is an issue here, but, we also don’t know each other’s systems or musics tastes per se.
@@nicholasbuckle6456 I never ran into a situation it couldn’t handle. Musically. I listen to a range of music. Even when pushed no issues. It plays very clean even when pushed. I never heard it clip or my loudspeakers.
I was able to get the floor model of the H590 a few years ago and frankly, I just LOVE it. Some other reviewer liked the 390 better than the 590 so, it tells you something. I had the H80 and, just as you are planning to do, I kept mine and it drives the sound system in the living room. Do enjoy, your system is looking good. And thanks for you honest, fun and balanced review.
Thanks for watching and sharing your experience! 🍻👍🏻
Honestly, this channel is *SO* good! You got a new subscriber!
Thanks for the review!
@@AnotherAnonymousMan thanks!😊🍻
Maybe your best video to date. I have seen a lot of people in the Hegel FB group ask the difference and I try to answer with similar points. But whenever anyone asks this people should just link this video. Honestly I bought the 190 and when I plugged it in I was mildly disappointed. I decided to pony up for the 390 and exchanged it. I went from, “maybe I’ll try another brand”, to a Hegel fanboy in one exchange. The difference was that stark to me. So I totally get your friend saying he didn’t even want to switch to the 190 anymore after hearing the 390.
Thanks so much for the kind words and sharing your experience!! Which speakers do you run with yours? 🍻
@@MisterChibs The 190/390 experience was on a pair of Q Acoustics Concept 500s. I went a little crazy for a 40th Bday present to myself and upgraded to a pair of Wilson Audio SabrinaX. The 390 drives them comfortably…. but you know how this hobby goes… Now I am wondering about this same type of comparison between the 390 and that new H600.. Insert “homer Simpson drool meme” here lol. Get Anders to send you a demo unit of that beast!!!! ;)
@@pmizz7959 Those are sick!! A seriously happy 40th! Would love to demo the H600 at some point especially with your Sabrina’s! Let me know what you think if you end up demoing.
@@MisterChibsthanks bud. I will for sure let you know if I do. Yea I loved my previous speakers but when I heard those I realized there really are levels to this game.
Great review. Thank you for talking about issues like heat, sound through multiple sources, etc, that others do not. This is a very relatable review. Thanks again! You have a new subscriber.
Glad it was helpful! 🍻
I'm a separates guy..so never considered any integrateds, ..but I enjoyed your (and Horsehead Andy's) takes on the sound changes on these premium integrated amps. Also…how much the quality of a recording can impact your listening experience. This hobby is fun, interesting and "sometimes" rewarding! Fun review.
Thank you! It really is a cool hobby!! 🍻
Fun review I’ve owned both integrateds and ultimately sold Hegel but the sound and performance is quite versatile.
Thanks for watching! 🍻
Great review! The comparison analysis was very insightful, and useful. Separation and imaging is key for me, so again good job with the comparison. Your reviews are enjoyable because of your laid back style, but very practical at the same time. So thank you! ( Your audience is not only from Toronto, sooooo do you have to wear that hockey Jersey? Lol😂 )
I’ve also got a Toronto Blue Jays shirt I could wear! 😂Glad it helped and Thanks for watching! 🍻
I think the H190 is on the sweet spot in the Hegel line not the H390
Thanks for watching!
Really great video sir. Can’t wait for more.
Thx for watching!🍻
A remarkable production by a gifted orator................................
How about getting a waist high shelf instead of sitting on the ground?
Acid Jazz, Funk & Brass 🔈🔉🔊
(edit) Holy Cow, 19:00 to 21:30 Those high gloss stand mounts add "Surround-A-Vision" reflection mirrors. Great Job, LQQKing forward to the next. Cheers.
Thanks man! I guess it was a bit awkward looking sitting on the floor with the H390 but that’s much easier than picking the thing up 😅 Those R3 Metas are a work of art and sound amazing! Thanks for watching!🍻
@@MisterChibs But doesn't it have to be put down first, then picked-up 2nd?
GM ☕️☔️
The issue with getting into good quality audio gear ( or most things) in Canada is that you get nailed with the exchange rate and taxes ..and just availability.
As for me I just picked up a Denafrips Ares 12-1 DAC …and yup ..the Denafrips house sound is amazing.
As for the streamer …i run a Wiim Pro ( optically feeding) the Ares .
Great review…in going HAM!😊
Have a great weekend.☔️
You're preaching to the choir! I just ordered "Worlds best" speaker cables and the difference between getting them delivered to my friend in the USA and here in Toronto is over 700$... Not kidding. Congrats on the new DAC!! Enjoy! 🍻
Woo, been waiting for this 🎉
Me too!! 🍻
Still trying to figure out which to upgrade. Keep having the H390 in mind. But after your video of the Audio Fest, I am wondering whether I should wait until those new models come out and save a bit. Either that, or theres a cool amplifier I found called the Tonewinner AD-1PA that is a power amp at 300 watts and potentially 100 watts at Class A and go with a decent preamp. My Hegel H90 finally overheated and turned off with my Magnepan 1.7s so its time. Tough decisions!
And loved the video! Definitely what I have in mind for sound for what I want with my Maggies and Cornwalls
@@11RESERVERED Sorry to hear about your H90! Maggies like power. listening to those maggies at Audiofest was really impressive from their H600. If you want my (biased fanboy) opinion, I would just grab the H390. It's so good dude!! 👍
Hey, thanks again! I was close to the H390 to purchase, but I found a set of barely used Rogue M180 monoblocks for 3500$ USD and couldnt pass. They are like 9 grand for a pair and are 180 tube watts at 8 ohms! Considering a Hegel pre now, but I hear their phono stage is wonderful too
Very entertaining and informative, more content please!
@@dannyhamler4912 thx! Working on some! 🤟
Excellent review.
H190 owner here as well. Thanks alot for the fomo!! 😞
Nah kidding, enjoy the upgrade dude! Thinking about separates in the future. But the H190 is no slouch and I should just enjoy what I have 😁
It's easy to enjoy what you have when it's the H190! Definitely give the H390 a listen before deciding to go down the separates rout. Dual mono is legit! 🍻
Excellent review !
Thanks man! 🍻
I have the H390. I recommend using an external transport and a dac similar to Pontus or better to get the most of it. I just bought the Aurender N150, waiting for its arrive!
PS: I also have the Denafrips ares II connected to it, it’s pretty similar to the internal Dac, just slightly better in tonality and sounds more extended in lower and higher frequencies
Thanks for sharing!🍻
Thanks sharing that!
Helpful, thanks.
I'm thinking about adding a Eversolo dmp A8 to my Hegel H390 to take the sources out of the amp.
Important point. How does 390 compare to Luxman or Accuphase or…
Would love to be able to tell you.
Nice review, went from h190 to h390, using b&w 702 s2, h390 has more detail, better separation, bigger sound and better bass control, its a bigger difference that i would imagine, the only drawback for me is that h390 is not avaialble in white
Thanks man! There's always white Plasti Dip spray 🤣 * No, please do do this*
H390 is on my wish list.Thank's for the great review.
Thanks for watching! 🍻
In my opinion, you can never have too much power. And therefore I never use the term "overkill" when it comes to power. But I totally understand your initial thought process. Very efficient speakers doesn't "need" much power.... But they're always seems to be a sonic benefit.
Totally! I wonder how H600 would sound with my Cornwalls. But that's a really expensive question so I'll stop that thought right now! 😂
Great review. Are you going to review the R3's? I am seriously considering them or possibly the R7's. I currently have Magnepan 3.7i's and love to switch speakers in and out. I am thinking Forte IV's AND the KEF's OR CW IV's alone. Love your opinion! Super fun reviews. Honestly one of the absolute best high end audio RUclipss available!
Yeah kef r7
Definitely going to review the R3's at some point. They're pretty amazing and to be honest, I'm glad I have those AND the Cornwalls. It's going out for dinner and ordering 2 different entrées. Cornwall's are huge though so if you intend on swapping often, the Forte's make more sense. The only problem there is....They're not the Cornwalls 😆. In any case, these are good problems to mull over and there's no bad choices. Let me know what you decide and thanks for watching! 🍻
Hello,
Can you tell me what the SU-6 brings to the party?
Thanks.
it's all in my review🍻
ruclips.net/video/LyCpjFSkzrU/видео.html
Is there a digital input on a Hegel?
Yep
Coaxial, BNC, 3 optical ports and a USB.
Did you compare the DAC loop compared to the Lumin?
Would like to at some point. Unfortunately I don't have a BNC cable yet.🍻
@@MisterChibs I’d be curious on if it’s good enough to replace your Lumin.
"50 Ways to Leave your Lover" was the first song I listened to when I added my first seperate dac to my system 7 years ago. Even though I had heard this song 1000 times before, it was like the first time because there were twice as much sound than I had ever heard. The song must have randomly showed up on what I was streaming as I had never bought and music by Paul Simon. My mom had a Simon and Garfunkel album which was awesome but it was later that I learned Paul Simon fully created that song (every track). What a coincidence (there are no coincidences).
Love Paul Simon! 🍻
You got me definitely curious about the hegel 390..!! Now I'll have to search for one...!! Hey, were's ypur TV connected to? What are we whatching? (I mean it's not connected to the Hagel)
It’s a feature called “Roon Display”. Whatever I’m listening to gets casted to the TV. It’s awesome and
one of many reasons why Roon is the best imo. There’s a review up on my channel if you want to learn more and if you want to try it for a free month, here’s a link
roonlabs.com/r/ginFcYS3XUOkWa4H6UrYmQ
🍻
@@MisterChibs I’ll definitely will..!! thank you very much
Great video. Thanks!
I wouldn’t worry too much about the extra power. I speak from experience.
I’m driving my Cornwall iv’s with my PS Audio M1200 mono blocks….. 600 WATTS @ 8 ohms !!! They sound FANTASTIC. Just be mindful of the volume knob 😂.
Thanks man! 🍻
H390 hasn't 6.35 mm Output 😢05:43
I have the Kef R3 Meta hooked up to the cambridge audio cxa61 and need to get a new amplifier. The cambridge sounds very harsh and hurts my ears in the high frequencies. It sounds like the treble is tilted up. I was looking to get the hegel h120 because I’ve heard that it sounds natural and pairs well with kef. The h390 is way more expensive than I was planning to spend. Do you have any advice as far as which way to go as far as hegel amps vs using separate components entirely. Do you know of a dac, amp, preamp, streamer combo that could do better at a lower price?
If you end up going Hegel rout, you won't regret the extra spend. That said, check out my Peachtree GAN1 video review. I've had that connected to the R3 Metas and was happy with the sound. Much cheaper too. 🍻
@@MisterChibs I bought the gan 1 and I have to say it's overall the best amplifier I've ever heard. Before the gan 1, I tried the Audiolab 9000a, Marantz Cinema 50, Onkyo RZ50, Rotel 1572 mk II, and Naim Uniti atom. The Peachtree obliterates all of them in overall performance, IMHO. It's close to perfect. The only critique would probably be that I would prefer it to be ever so slightly warmer. I'll audition the Hegel H120 anyway just so that I don't have fomo, but I'm damned impressed with the peachtree.
@@MisterChibsas a follow up on this I tried the H120 then the H190v. I returned the peachtree and now have the H190v which is AMAZING 🤩. Didn’t expect to spend way more on the amp than the speakers but the hegel brings the kef to life like nothing else. One of the best products of any kind I’ve ever bought.
@@Kami84 that’s awesome! Congrats on the 190, such a good match for our R3’s!!!🍺
Me too, I had Hegel H95 which was great, then went to dealer in order to upgrade it for H120, but after discussions and extended listening sessions I end up going home with all money lost but with brand new white H190 in trunk😂❤. Now playing H190 with KEF Meta R3 and waiting two subs still to arrive to complete this year journey and budget. Loving the set even now without the subwoofers. Amazing😊
Great review, thanks! I have the Hegel h120 and the LUMIN u2 mini and JBL L100 75 Anniversary model and find this much cheaper combo fantastic! The built in Hegel DAC is really good I think.
Thanks for watching! 🍻
Nice review. In regards to Hegel amps not heating up. Actually they do heat up and will go into shut down mode. It depends on the load they have to push (as in speakers that go lower than a 2ohm load and sensitivity is 85hz or below) in conjunction with decibel levels being generated carrying said load. It's understandable that your h390 did not go into shut down mode as yor Cornwall are very sensitive, and likely never go below a 4ohm load.
Yea, I guess the speakers I have aren’t that demanding. Good to know they shut down if heat becomes a problem though! Thanks for watching!🍻
I was going to buy an H190 but a near new H390 came up and I bought that instead. I have no regrets whatsoever. It drives my ATC SCM-19 speakers well, they really need a bit of power to make them sing.
Nice!🍻
That's amazing that Chord Mojo 2 DAC improves the sound of h190. I would not expect that.
It’s got a great DAC. Check out my review 🤟🏻🍻
Hi, thank you for this great rerview. I am looking for an integrated amp for my ATC SCM19 V2, but don't want to rocks my pocket. Currently Hegel H300 (250w) or Hegel H190 (150w) are available in my local used-market, and the prices are very close. I am struggling whether to choose H190 or the high-power H300. The music I prefer is vocal, country, and leisurely music. Hope I can get your advice. Thank you in advance.
Thanks for watching. I don't have any experience with H300 but the 190 is great! Just speculating but the digital end of things may not be as current in the H300 since it's a much older design. I would be very careful buying used in either case. Make sure you're able to demo first.🍻
@@MisterChibs thank you so much for sharing and suggestions.
What type is the fan that you use on top of the Hegel?
Aircom AC infinity component cooling system. You can get them in different sizes and configurations. 👍
How are you getting album art on the screen with roon? I have been trying to get that to work with no luck.
help.roonlabs.com/portal/en/kb/articles/displays
Maybe I missed it, but how is the low volume performance? I mean low to mid volumes. I sometimes think the H190 sounds better at say, 48 and up on the volume dial. - Sometimes that’s too loud for the occasion. I have B&W 705s with a sub, so the h190 does fine and is matched well I think. Still, I wish I could tweak the equalization to match things better at low volumes and to fit the room. I know, Hegel……. Would the h390 do better at low to mid volumes?
Of course it could be my hearing is changing, ut my older Denon sounded very good at lower volumes after I adjusted treble, etc.
In my system with my speakers / room / etc, low volume listening is great on H390. No urge to adjust eq. Is it better than H190? I think, yes but only for the same reasons I feel sq has improved after the jump. Hope that helps! 🍻
Darn you…. looking at my h190. Looks like a trip to Audio Excellence is in my future. That H400 looks pretty sweet. Although might be a bit steep $$$
The 390 is in fact amazing. The H400? Stay tuned 😉
What about H390 vs H590?
Send me one!
I prefer brands who offer the choice to add a dac/streamer/phono pre....because I think most of us are not using the build in dac after a while and prefer only the amplifier part 😊
While I use an external DAC and streamer with mine, the built in stuff still comes in handy quite a lot. It would be cool if Hegel offered just an amp / preamp for less $ though.
Any thoughts in comparison to your Peachtree Gan-1..if you still have it?
I still have it but that's a different beast altogether. I compared it to the H190 in it's review though. That was still lopsided price wise but a bit more of a fair fight. I'm going to be doing a follow up video on the Gan 1 and how I use it. 🍻
@@MisterChibs Cool. I still have mine. Paired it with the S400s and it sounds great. Also picked up LS50 metas, which I also love for the size...jealous of your R3 metas though :)
@@User_not_found_403 Dude, don't get me started on the R3's.. I've got them hooked up to the H190 as I type this playing some new random Chinese electronic music that sounds sooo good. I tried them with the Gan1 and that combo sounds awesome too!!
@@MisterChibs lol - you owe us an episode then that takes us on the R3M journey!
@@User_not_found_403 Absolutely!
Hegel amps are good but the owners seem to get bored of them, like me. Got the Technics su-g700m2 am hearing things in my albums that I haven’t heard before with the Hegel h190. Truth.
lol, which one are you bored of? Have you tried a different DAC?
Maybe you should do the comparison unsighted. It might surprise you:)
Edit: Actually watching the video I see you included it. Congrats!
Thanks for watching!🍻
the picture does not show h190 internals, h190 has 6 capacitors
Oh man, good catch!! Not sure how that slipped in there instead of the H190 internals photo.Thanks for pointing this out! I credited you in the video's details. 🍻
Following this line of reasoning, each amplifier is dual mono. It has two signal paths separated from the input from the sound source. The power supply system is not dual mono. This is a marketing interpretation.
I guess you disagree with what dual mono is. Thanks for sharing your opinion.
@@MisterChibs 🙏
Great review, less the jersey 😂
I appreciate the review and comparison, but this makes me think about how AB tests can be dangerous… hard to know what you’re missing until you compare directly, and after you know, it’s hard to go back😀
In some cases yes, but I actually feel differently With 390 vs 190. I appreciate them both and don't feel like I'm missing out while using the H190 in an other setup. Have it hooked up to this new R2R Dac I've got in and it sounds so good! Thanks for watching and GO LEAFS!! 🍁😆🍻
do u use a turnable or cd player or just stream
Just stream. I'm pretty lazy and all over the place with my music. 🍻
lol sir. i just love ur cornwalls.
@@gerardfletcher1203 thanks man!
I'm at 12" but I haven't heard anything except build quility that makes this thing better than my Quad 909. A/B class with good components, ok. I like my quad. it's all about the first watts, which are class A in the 909.
Whatever works for you! 🍻
After 6 months reviewing amps I purchased a Hegel H190. I did not have an opportunity to listen before purchasing. My current amp is a Plinius 8150 which had been refurbished and upgraded. But it still is a 20 year old amp. After installing the amp ( via ethernet cable and Apple play )and listening to it for 30 seconds I thought something was wrong, no depth, no bass and just not enjoyable. I actually sent it back and swapped it for a demo H190 from the same company as they would not refund my initial purchase. It was exactly the same. To say I was confused is an understatement. I am not an audiophile but even to my ears and my wife's it was just underwhelming. My speakers are Audio Monitor silver RS6. I have sold it and will stick with the Plinius. Lesson, do not buy an amp unless you listen to it in person. I am still confused how this amp receives great reviews??
Good advice. I would have never spent that much money without demoing first. That said, I’ve got some questions:
In your 6 months of reviewing amps, which did you try out personally?
You mentioned switching with the store’s demo unit. Could you not have used that one with your speakers either at the store or borrowed their h190 to test in your home? The one time I bought an integrated based on YT recommendations, I had a similar experience and ended up selling it off at a loss. (Check out my Powernode review) Just as I wouldn’t buy a car without test driving first, same thing goes for amps & speakers. To many variables you can’t possibly account for. Lesson learned. While I can’t speak specifically to your setup / electronics/ room acoustics / ears, I can assure you that H190 works beautifully in my setup and many others. Lastly, I’ll copy and paste this response to your duplicate post on my other Hegel video. Feel free to respond to either one. 🍻
Can it match Atalante 5
I don’t have experience with those speakers but the H390 can drive pretty much anything you could throw at it. 🍻
Just based on the opening, not impressed by audio excellence guys...for all the claims they make about being so experienced and being fair in their reviews, they didn't practice basic knowledge in speaker positioning relative to seating position when testing out the Buchardt S400s. Apparently just Buchardt speaker stands means you don't have to follow best practices. Anyhow on with the show, I enjoy your reviews Mr Chibs!
Yea, I remember when they dug into those S400's. Don't remember speaker placement though. In any case, it's good to have a local brick and mortar thats so great to deal with. I miss Villip though (and his strong opinions), he was so much fun to watch.
What model lumin do you use? Cheers
U2 Mini 🍻
The mini with the Hegel dac?
@@geraldgreene5563I use an external dac too.
Right….I thinking about upgrading to the 390 , right now I’m using a naim uniti atom
To drive a pair of Sp 40’s , I’ve got on loan from a friend of mine a Macintosh 12000 and a bartok streamer and dac , absolutely blow away at the sound and the difference, it’s not small .. of course the cost is substantial.. bottom line is how do I come close for a reasonable cost .. maybe the 390?
@@geraldgreene5563 Electronics make a big difference as you can see. If you love the 12000 in your system maybe just save up $$. Are you able to demo an H390? I’m totally biased so of course I have no problem recommending an H390 or the newer 400. I have A/B’d with an entry level Macintosh integrated (MA352 I think) and preferred Hegel.
But the 12000 is a different animal.
🍻
As much as I love my Parasound 2125v2 amp (150 wpc, 35 amps peak/channel), I want to upgrade to hear anything better that's
hope that works well for you 🍻
@@MisterChibs I cancelled my order for the Musical Fidelity M6s PRX amplifier because it didn't have an input trigger. (I also disliked that it didn't have a gain knob)
Instead, I've just ordered a NAD C298 for my front L/R in a mixed use music/movies (7.4.4 setup).
In the last year, I've moved over to music 99% of the time, and heavily upgraded my music side (speakers, stereo preamp, audio components/dac/ddc/r2r streamer).
I'll repurpose my Parasound 2125v2 (love it) from the front L/R speakers to the surround L/R speakers, and take the load off my Arcam AVR5 receiver (was powering the center channel, and surround L/R).
@@MisterChibs I cancelled the Musical Fidelity because it didn't have a trigger input.
My video of the NAD C298:
ruclips.net/video/ncwCopnHJqA/видео.html
not enaugh comparison for those who prefere using esternal dac, which I happen to be case. It is obvious that the difference whould be much(yes) smaller if you use external dac. For those who dont mess with dacs good enaugh.
Thanks for watching!
You should never stack one piece of equipment on top of another. It will dramatically alter the sound, they should be on separate shelves.
Thanks for the tip. Normally, I have everything separated but was strapped for space. The 190 was on top of the component fan because I didn’t want it on the carpet. While not an ideal config long term, I don’t feel the 390 took a hit sonically. 🍻
@@MisterChibs I beg to differ, but… even putting weights on your speakers wiould change the sound! Putting weights on different components make a a great test for you.
One last thing, setup is 90 % of a great sound. I thought the video was very well done. 👍
@@mikeeygauthier2959 Thanks Mike. I gave this some thought and came up with a solution for next time I have 2 components over there. I bought a component shelf for my office and only used 3 of the 4 tears that came in the package. I can (hopefully) take that 4th shelf / legs and use it to separate both amps.🍻
"Looking at their tushies..." 🤣🤣🤣
Thats where the business is done! 🍑
One symmetrical transformer. Why is it promoted as dual mono? creative chaos inside... It's not dual mono. (two identical monoblocks in one housing. the term used is inappropriate for the solutions used....
Check out the explanation @6:56 of why it's considered dual mono and thanks for watching. 🍻
Had H390 and also H590. Overpriced amps. Even a much cheaper Accuphase was killing the H590… not talking of the smaller brother H390. This is my experience, but I don’t see something special to pay that price point. 👍🏻 Cheers
@@MrVanuvanu Every bread has its cheese 😉 Thanks for sharing your thoughts and watching.
Which one from Accuphase?
HEGEL H190V vs H390 would be a better comparison 😉
🤔
V is for only vinyl addon.
Surely it performs better than the Maple Leafs.
The H390 performs similar to the Maple Leafs in 1967. 😎
It's the price of a 128 GB MacBook.
Hegel is a better value.
Damn, macBooks are getting expensive! 🍻
I had Hegel h390 and Nad s300.Imho HEGEL it'a very delusion product.
Thx for watching. What do you mean by that?
@@MisterChibs the old Nad is considerably superior,I am very disappointed with Hegel.Tanlks,by.
Whatever works best for you. 👍🏻
I've gone down the rabbit hole of trying to buy separates three times instead of just going with the Hegel. Can't explain why, the H390 is a no brainier, yet instead of just buying it, I keep falling into the trap of thinking I can do better with separates. Of course, you now have a huge problem with synergy with different systems and trying to match separates is nearly impossible from just reading reviews. In the long run, you'll end up spending more money anyway. I'm a slow learner, obviously. 😒
All part of your trip as long as you end up enjoying yourself. There’s something to be said for having a well matched amp with preamp. Hegel is tops in this department! Some may look at it as training wheels but I just want everything to work and sound good together. With so many other variables that come into play, at least I have a solid “home base”. Thanks for watching and sharing your experience!🍻
I didn't know you were a hockey player
I'm Canadian so it's that or French.
Great video but so much talking and no real music although you are live in your studio so we can listen with our own ears . So many reviews of Hegel amplifiers but very little music videos so we can really listen and make some basic opinion.
I’m hesitant to judge sound quality in YT vids because so many variables affect what you end up hearing. Nothing beats demoing in your own space or even at a store. Appreciate the suggestion though.🍻
Someone is Horny for Hegel. I take it Jay never lent you his Orchard Ultra for review.
Great video nonetheless Brother !
Thanks Joe! I'de like to test out that Ultra at some point. Theres a bit of a que I have to get through and it's just me. I take way to long making these vids! 🍻
Love your reviews and felt you hard while you went full emotional by playing with these knobs 🔥🐹🔥
But why has this norwegian stuff has to be so unsexy...the look of these Hegel boxes is so underwhelming 😢
There's so much nob play that was edited out, I went FULL nob! hahaha
As far as looks, YMMV. I really like it for my use-case. Wouldn't want something flashy below the TV.🍻
@@MisterChibs Well done Mr. to cut out the even hotter stuff! I don't want you to get a YT-strike for violating the regulations due to explicit content 😛😂❤
@@ramlord6669 That’s to hot for YT after hours Patreon club where we play with all the knobs 🤣
is YT a valid source for hifi testing?! no, it isn't. very odd choice in an otherwise decent review.
It was tested that way because that’s how I use it occasionally. Is that wrong? No. It isn’t. Thanks for watching.
Extra SS power to drive a pair of Klipchs?? My friend those beauties need TUBES not power. Get rid of the Hegel and buy the best triode tube amp you can buy. You welcome.
Thanks for watching and sharing your thoughts. I've tried Tubes and yes, my Cornwalls definitely thrived on them. 🍻
@@MisterChibs glad to hear that
Yes it will rock your socks but it will rocks your pocket too
nice try, my wallet is locked from audio more equipment.
If you're enjoying what you got then all is good!🍻
When self proclaimed fanboys „review“ their favorite gear… how objective can that be??
But it sounds okay
Everyone has a biased point of view. I’m honest and admit mine. Thanks for watching.
@ yes, I honor your honesty in that point 👍🏼. You seem to be okay!
Its not value for money at all . Stop misleading people or i get u blocked an locked .
I disagree and I'm not alone. Look back at @edhuslik 's comment from 2 weeks ago. He tried to get good synergy with separates multiple times and realized it wasn't at the level of Hegel. Many others feel the same way. Now value is subjective and I understand that you have an opinion. Cool, thanks for sharing in my H390's video. It probably would be more constructive and helpful to offer an alternative. If you're just trolling, that's entertaining in it's own way which is fine too. What I don't appreciate is being threatened. Totally ridiculous.
Oh... wait until you hear the H590. lol!
That's the stuff that keeps me up at night 🤣
Or the H600. Whoaaaa.
Made in China?
Yes, I believe so.
@@MisterChibs thx👍🖖