A film about the Hegel H390 Integrated Amplifier

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  • Опубликовано: 10 сен 2024
  • In this creatively produced HiFi review (the best produced HiFi reviews on the internet - lol) I check out the H390 against the competition. I also give the low down on sound quality (with DAC sound comparisons), explain how the H390 is connected and what the 'DAC loop' feature is. My films theme is that there is a different way to all encompassing 'all in one' HiFi, hence I call the H390 a "Sounding Amp".
    In this test I use PMC twenty5 23 speakers, an IsoTek Aquarius power conditioner, an Innuos Zenith Roon server, Bluesound Node 2i streamer, and the excellent RME ADI-2 DAC FS. A Chord Qutest DAC too. Cables are from Audioquest & Atlas.
    Please tell me what you have tried the H390 against, and what your experiences are. This is credible HiFi reviewing where I'm interested in the best products - not trying to make HiFi reviews all the same.
    Check out my website here : www.13thnote.net/
    Product description on Hegel page : www.hegel.com/...
    To see the film on the H120 I previously produced - see here :www.13thnote.n...
    Please give a small amount if you enjoyed this film, and want to support the costs of this project. Video production takes a long time and costs are high. To support me, visit my Patreon project here : www.patreon.co...
    If you want in depth support and talk about what I recommend, or help with HiFi, please sign up to Patreon as a one off (or on a continual basis) and I will be happy to help.
    #Hegelmusicsystem #HegelH390 #integratedamplifiers

Комментарии • 304

  • @tumtuber
    @tumtuber 3 года назад +16

    Just stumbled upon this video and have to appreciate the effort that’s gone into making this. Thanks for this review. Will be following you from now on.

    • @13thnotehifireviews7
      @13thnotehifireviews7  3 года назад +3

      Thank you very much. The effort and production is a reason for me to 'get off' on doing this, as much as it is good for viewers.

  • @rvt911
    @rvt911 Год назад +6

    I know this comment is late..October 2022, but I just bought the 390 and it’s as you described…FANTASTIC…use to have Bryston..definitely an improvement!!! Your review helped me to decide. Thank you 👍🏻😊

  • @Dortch3
    @Dortch3 3 года назад +18

    I appreciate your review candor and demonstration of exactly how to hook-up other components....a big plus in my book.

  • @PeteratJplus
    @PeteratJplus 3 года назад +4

    Just been trialling the H390 to upgrade from my Quad 99/909 which I have had for 10 happy years. This goes to whole a new level. Stunning realism and effortless control of my Dynaudio Contour 30's. Will be buying!

    • @13thnotehifireviews7
      @13thnotehifireviews7  3 года назад

      That’s what they are known for, definitely. Roon coming soon. Got mine on my PMC’s and at the moment excellent KEF LS50 Meta.

    • @morespinach9832
      @morespinach9832 3 года назад

      @@13thnotehifireviews7 is the 390 Roon-friendly now?

    • @13thnotehifireviews7
      @13thnotehifireviews7  3 года назад +1

      @@morespinach9832 soon coming I think. Strong indications of same. 👍👌

  • @paullin486
    @paullin486 2 года назад +5

    Not sure if Hegel paid you any money. But this is so brilliantly presented even Hegel marketing team wouldn’t be able to have pulled through. Hegel should pay you at least six figure for this. An enjoyment to watch.

    • @13thnotehifireviews7
      @13thnotehifireviews7  2 года назад +2

      Thank you and no not paid any money to say it is good. I’ve never done that

    • @mrinmoylaha7260
      @mrinmoylaha7260 Год назад

      @13 note hifi review
      Can you plz advise does h390 perform better compare to Simaudio Moon 700v2? Which one is better?
      Thank.u

    • @PhotogPhotog-sk4ip
      @PhotogPhotog-sk4ip 9 месяцев назад

      Agreed

  • @charlesclifton1006
    @charlesclifton1006 3 года назад +8

    Certainly a "fantastic" and educational review. Most of my Hegel research has been primarily on their lower cost
    amplifiers. The H390 was (I thought) was just too expensive until I checked the local price. Sure, it's pricey but
    in reality it only requires an extra 3 or 4 months of extra saving time due to my (now) fixed pension income.
    I've owned, sold, and kept a plethora audio gear and I am at the age where I want to have an amp that is the best
    I can afford and as well, delivers that sound that makes listening an exciting daily excursion to a place where
    daily reality is augmented in ways that only an accomplished listener of music can appreciate. I've heard the
    "Hegel" sound - it was some years back ... I recall thinking "So this is what music can sound like" Simon, I get
    where you are coming from and I thank you for this. Have a healthy and happy 2021.

    • @13thnotehifireviews7
      @13thnotehifireviews7  3 года назад +1

      Thanks Charles. I like your ‘daily reality is augmented’ comment, which is a large part of why I do this. And certainly true of this beast of an amp. Some days in lockdown music is all there is. I’ll very likely be reviewing more Hegel products, so be sure to subscribe if you haven’t.

    • @charlesclifton1006
      @charlesclifton1006 3 года назад +2

      @@13thnotehifireviews7 I am pretty sure I am a subscriber ... I'll double check. Keep up the good work!!!!!!

    • @larsstecken
      @larsstecken 5 месяцев назад

      I can't wait to get to that age 😁👏👌

  • @scottrobertson8275
    @scottrobertson8275 3 года назад +6

    I unboxed my H390 today and WOW it is bloody sublime! Previously I had the H90 and H190, but the H390 takes it to a totally different level.... think of it not as a step up from the H190 but a small step away from the H390 it’s that impressive. Driving Dynaudio Contour 30’s and the H390 has an incredible grip on them, a perfect pairing. Highly recommended indeed

    • @13thnotehifireviews7
      @13thnotehifireviews7  3 года назад

      What DAC do you use?

    • @scottrobertson8275
      @scottrobertson8275 3 года назад +2

      @@13thnotehifireviews7 no need for a DAC as the Hegel DAC is so damn good

    • @13thnotehifireviews7
      @13thnotehifireviews7  3 года назад +5

      It is very good and of a similar quality to DACs around the 1000 dollar price point but the amplifier is so good it will be very responsive to being improved by an external Dac. And DACs are underspent on in hifi, so for the quality of the amp and your speakers it is worth doing in the future. I’m trying a Denafrips soon, but ps audio direct stream or chord Hugo tt2 are worth checking out.

    • @Peterfromplace
      @Peterfromplace 2 года назад

      @@13thnotehifireviews7 hey mate. Did you get the opportunity to try the Hegel in dac loop mode? I’m curious as to the point the Hegel converts the files and if a non-mqa dac would disrupt this.

    • @13thnotehifireviews7
      @13thnotehifireviews7  2 года назад

      @@Peterfromplace yes check out the video where I mentioned it 😁

  • @Benvos
    @Benvos 3 года назад +4

    In my research into components I wanted to audition I came back to this video several times. I eventually settled on testing this and the Michi X3, I wanted a powerful amp that had a built in dac so I could purchase a streamer to hook up and at a later date add an outboard dac. I tested both amps with Spendor D7.2 as these were my chosen speakers for my system. I started with the Hegel, enjoyed every minute of it, I found it so easy to listen to and it gave me all the emotion with vocals. When I changed to the X3 something wasn’t the same, while the amp had all the drive for my electronic music I just couldn’t connect with it. I found it didn’t convey nearly as much of the emotion and with music, especially vocals, I want to be drawn into the emotion. Overall the Hegel simply had the ease, the detail, the emotion and the drive for all the music types I listen to, I was genuinely surprised how different the two amps were when it came to musical emotion. It was sad because I could have got a cracking deal on the X3, and the build quality and remote are to die for, but sound comes first. I will say I noticed the very slight toroid hum when I had it at home, but it is so low that the minute music is on you can’t hear anything and I agree for the most part you need your ear up to the unit to hear it. Overall your review was one of many that made it much easier to shortlist this amp especially as you too enjoy your electronic music. My streamer is yet to arrive, but the amp and speakers with the laptop plugged into the USB will do for now!

    • @13thnotehifireviews7
      @13thnotehifireviews7  3 года назад

      Good to hear, thanks for feedback . What was the price / performance difference to the Hegel with the x3. Spendors are fab.

    • @Benvos
      @Benvos 3 года назад +2

      @@13thnotehifireviews7 The X3 at £4,300 is already less expensive but I could have got a big saving on that price so the Hegel was much more in the end. However I found the X3 to be edgier, it wasn’t a listen that stopped me noticing the amp, I was very aware of it. That couldn’t let me relax and so as I say while it had all the drive it felt tiring. I had read that it was warm and detailed, detailed yes but I didn’t find it warm, maybe it just didn’t match the Spendors. I also found it really noticeable how much quieter the background of music was with the Hegel in comparison so detail was easier to hear especially at lower volumes, this really became obvious with emotional pieces like Sade’s Pearls or Des’ree’s Kissing you. I went back to the Hegel to see if I was imagining all of this, perhaps it was my own fatigue (I’d been listening at the dealers for two hours by now), the minute it started playing again everything just relaxed, it all felt right again. I haven’t for a second regretted the choice as it still delivers that lovely sound that I can listen to all day and makes me want to keep listening. I now just need my final piece so I can truly sit back and relax without having to keep getting up to change tracks on the computer!

    • @hclandscapes
      @hclandscapes 2 года назад

      @@Benvos I had a similar experience today admittedly with Hegel's lower down offerings,
      I compared my Hegel H120 with the new NAD C399,
      Really wanted to like the new NAD with all its new features including same dac used in the masters series and the added n-core modules.
      In comparison the NAD was really bright and lost all the emotion in vocals as you described,
      plenty of power with a big soundstage but cold.
      I kept switching back to see if it was in my head and every time i went back to the Hegel the sound was much more relaxed but still really detailed and the bass was more deep and punchy too.
      I think over longer listening periods the NAD would definitely become fatiguing.
      I have since come to the conclusion that in my experience Hegel make some of the best amplifiers out there.

    • @paulomontero12
      @paulomontero12 Год назад

      That hum is normal for Hegel. Toroid
      Are unwrapped transformers to insure better sound quality. You can fix by
      Buying a DC filter/blocker, if it bothers
      You.

  • @paulroscelli2545
    @paulroscelli2545 3 года назад +2

    I got the h590 second hand and I couldn’t be happier. Thanks for the review of its little sister

    • @13thnotehifireviews7
      @13thnotehifireviews7  3 года назад +1

      thanks Paul. Hopefully I can hear 'yours' soon. I don't think I could justify buying it with my small pmc's as they probably dont need much more, but with bigger speakers it looks very good.

    • @paulroscelli2545
      @paulroscelli2545 3 года назад +2

      @@13thnotehifireviews7 It was more luck than anything else. First of all the 390 hadn’t come out yet. Somebody was getting rid of a 590 that I found online. It had been tested and cleared. So it was for a song. Better to be lucky than to be good

    • @13thnotehifireviews7
      @13thnotehifireviews7  3 года назад +1

      @@paulroscelli2545 nice one Paul

  • @timothyfreeseha4056
    @timothyfreeseha4056 Год назад +1

    I love the simplicity of the design, which is always my preference where furnature or audio componants are concerned.

  • @sdgoes99
    @sdgoes99 2 года назад +2

    Watching the same video again, you should be proud of the job you do on these videos.

    • @13thnotehifireviews7
      @13thnotehifireviews7  2 года назад

      Thank you very much. I definitely am, it’s now trying to make it pay/work with sponsorships which is the hardest part.

  • @Villaboy78
    @Villaboy78 3 года назад +4

    Just picked up my new H390 yesterday - one helluva amp !
    Had an extensive listening trial between the H190, Rega Aethos and Naim supernait 3.
    The Naim left the shootout early - magnificent but just a little too Sunday driver. Rega was mad frenetic and so enjoyable but the H190 just had like a sense of promise about it ... I had a second trial with the h190, aethos and the h390 and the big Hegel just blew my socks off . It’s undeniably in the next level up and I’m so so happy with it !
    What also came out of the trials were the Spendor A7 speakers seem to make an uncanny match for the sultry Norwegian , could be a 2021 purchase option!

    • @13thnotehifireviews7
      @13thnotehifireviews7  3 года назад +2

      I love your descriptives Matthew - pedestrian Sunday drivers, put your damn foot down!... and how right you are, and not out of some sort of sense that, to me, this is all about sales. It isn't! I'm a punter, like everyone.This is a hard game - hifi reviewing! And what chimes with me, is when my views kindle with others as that makes it worth it, as not to get too pretentious, this isn't about brands or marketing, it's about melting into faithful lifelike audio. My cheeky analogy in my last vid was with the Vikings, taking over Anglo Saxon UK. TBH good luck to them when done this well! When are more boats coming over. BW.

    • @Villaboy78
      @Villaboy78 3 года назад +2

      @@13thnotehifireviews7 £5k is a substantial price point for sure but this one cleans up - Dual mono and a killer dac, plus UPNP / Airplay... lovely
      .. i would struggle to be so glowing about the h190 knowing how other brands bring other qualities to the game - other people might really enjoy naim or cyrus or musical fidelity or leema acoustics etc etc. in absence of choice you cant go wrong BUT WHEN YOU HAVE CHOICE - total minefield, and it gets even more muddled sub £1000.
      What are we saying? This amp clears the mists for people with this substantive budget to blow in one go? For these people its a true no brainer to rise above the noise and attain this plateau of performance?
      omg ive found the chink in the armour. this amp removes choice and free will, and enslaves us to our Scandinavian overmasters. we both know thats a bitter pill to swallow for an audiophile afflicted with tinkering syndrome ;)

    • @13thnotehifireviews7
      @13thnotehifireviews7  3 года назад +1

      @@Villaboy78 it cleans up relative to what it does against competition!

    • @Villaboy78
      @Villaboy78 3 года назад

      @@13thnotehifireviews7 oh man I’m SO confused what to do now - it streams so nice both Tidal and Qobuz through DLNA Ethernet, and does the full MQA unfold equalizing both stream services. I have the Moon MiND2 network streamer on order but I have no idea if I should just bin that now

    • @13thnotehifireviews7
      @13thnotehifireviews7  3 года назад +1

      @@Villaboy78 my attitude having tried lots of budget streamers against premium ones is not to go mad with streamers as transports. The yields are small. Did you try it against a budget one? Node 2i. I would go for Roon if you haven't - a roon server with budget roon end point waiting for H390 to become Roon ready compliant, then ditch the roon end point. £2k for that streamer looks like a lot. My attitude would be to put that money into a better DAC too if you want upgrades and aren't set on a Roon option. Don't spend thousands on streaming transports as its not worth it, unless they have other purposes like roon end points as well as being streamers or cd rippers. You'll find the change to budget streamers in the order of single percentage points. Lots of reviewers don't say this, which is so true.

  • @DBTAudio
    @DBTAudio 2 года назад +1

    Another excellent review and videography! I just purchased a used Hegel H160 and looking forward to it when it arrives! Thanks

    • @13thnotehifireviews7
      @13thnotehifireviews7  2 года назад +1

      Thank you, let us know how you get on with it when you are able to make comparisons with what you’ve had. Interesting to hear for me and more so, the wider 13th note community 😀

  • @howardskeivys4184
    @howardskeivys4184 3 года назад +1

    You’re obviously a Hegal convert. Nothing wrong with that. They do produce exceedingly good ‘one box solutions’. So much so, I almost purchased the H590, mightily impressive! I auditioned the Rega Osiris, the naim, Parasound JC5, the Hegal H590 and H390, the Kinki P7 pre-amp and B7 monoblocks amongst others.
    I’m more of a purest, a traditionalist, old school, analogue man! Although these days I do stream most of my music, it’s just so damned convenient.
    I actually ended up purchasing the Kinki P7 and B7’s. Unbeatable ‘bang for your buck’. Build quality to rival anything in it’s class and a sonic quality which I think surpasses the H390 and seriously competes with the H590. Of course, the Kinki is a purest, minimalist peace. So, in that respect does not compare with the ‘one box soul’ offered b by y Hegel. But, sonically I found the Kinki combo more open and revealing in the miss and high frequencies and more muscular defined and rounded in the bass region than the H390! The Kinki also has a damping factor of 2500 which is on a par with he Hegal.
    All that having been said, I know I would be very happy if the Hegal H390 were the beating heart of my hifi rig. Truthfully, with a more generous budget, I may very well have opted for the H590.
    Seriously, if you have an opportunity to critically listen to the Kinki combo, give it a go. I’d, and I’m sure many others would be interested in your thoughts.

    • @13thnotehifireviews7
      @13thnotehifireviews7  3 года назад

      Thanks for your detailed comments. Very helpful Howard. Bw simon

  • @antonchigurh4125
    @antonchigurh4125 3 года назад +5

    Another masterpiece Simon. Editing on point. I particularly enjoyed the scenery being reflected in the amplifier: very creative! 10/10.
    Enjoy your new behemoth!

    • @13thnotehifireviews7
      @13thnotehifireviews7  3 года назад +1

      thanks Anton very much. I liked that bit too, took some working out. Photographers call it double exposure. I even put sound over that as you can hear the stream and wind noise. The drone footage shots were done with sound effects, put in lens flare on the first one, but the graphic of the Hegel took longest as I had to keyframe all the shadow movements, put in shadow, work out all the layers and the reflection on the panel too. All of the logos were drawn by hand, so were all the others except the back panel of the H390 which Hegel sent me. BW Simon

    • @antonchigurh4125
      @antonchigurh4125 3 года назад +1

      @@13thnotehifireviews7 I strongly suspect Hegel were delighted with your review (both in terms of the style and the actual conclusions reached). The icing on the cake is you put your money where you mouth is. Fantastic.

  • @jamesstruble1
    @jamesstruble1 3 года назад +2

    Your graphic execution was exceptional in this video

  • @RKuin-df8kg
    @RKuin-df8kg Год назад

    I love my H390 and agree with your comparison of the integrated dac vs the Qutest. I have tried both, and indeed find the qutest a little bit more refined for relaxing music, nicer soundstage, whereas the internal dac really takes one into the music (played louder)

  • @jim586
    @jim586 3 года назад +4

    I can see you’re enjoying yourself with the graphics and editing. This Hegel does look very appealing.
    Good stuff.

    • @13thnotehifireviews7
      @13thnotehifireviews7  3 года назад

      Thanks very much. Wouldn't do it without the creativity, it would be monotonous doing same thing over and over again like Darko etc, and I dont really do the videos anymore to extol the virtues of a great product. That kind of comes as a by product when they are good like this. I'm more into buzzing off the production.

  • @andreasmoller9798
    @andreasmoller9798 3 года назад +5

    Great video, h390 is a beast, i would like to hear it too see what you get for the extra money over h190 that i currently own and love, First i will save up for new speakers, and might stretch for h390 as well if the speakers Demand it

    • @13thnotehifireviews7
      @13thnotehifireviews7  3 года назад +1

      Thank you very much. If you are in the UK or come to the UK you are welcome around mine to have a listen.

    • @scottrobertson8275
      @scottrobertson8275 3 года назад +1

      I did and don’t regret it

  • @mrinmoylaha7260
    @mrinmoylaha7260 Год назад

    Can you plz advise does h390 perform better compare to Simaudio Moon 700v2? Which one is better?
    Thank.u

  • @R1peat
    @R1peat 3 года назад +1

    Hi, would the H390 be good with KEF Reference 1? And is this better than M10, M33 or Uniti Atom?

  • @michamarusiak2770
    @michamarusiak2770 3 года назад +1

    What about RME Adi-2 dac linked directly (without the loop). Does this dac loop make really any change?

    • @13thnotehifireviews7
      @13thnotehifireviews7  3 года назад +3

      Yes it does because it allows you to exploit the Hegel’s clock or not, which depending on the dac may yield changes

  • @petrakisalex
    @petrakisalex 2 года назад +1

    Very nice review.
    I have a Parasound A21 power amp and I’m thinking to upgrade my alpha 10 which is used as pre amp and my dac.
    I am going to buy a chord qutest to replace my arcam Irdac.
    Would it be better option to buy the h390 that has it all?
    The amplification stage through the h390 compared to the a21?
    Which is better?
    Thanks a lot.

  • @rumbold101
    @rumbold101 3 года назад +1

    Hi just bought an old H300 integrated amp with old dac. Streaming an akurate DSM older one again through a chord mojo. Have not tried internal dac yet- should I bother? Or am I better getting better dac external? Agree the power is certainly lovely and happy with so far....thanks

    • @13thnotehifireviews7
      @13thnotehifireviews7  3 года назад

      Thanks, haven’t tried that earlier Hegel tbh. You can but only try.....

  • @bagrubmeister4973
    @bagrubmeister4973 3 года назад +1

    Hi Simon. now that you have been living with this for some time. How do you find the sound at low listening levels? I have focals speaker which are a littler on the more reveling side. I am looking at either the McIntosh Ma 352 or the H390. Do you find that it has good bass and that the high damping factor does NOT take away from the bass or control it too much?

    • @13thnotehifireviews7
      @13thnotehifireviews7  3 года назад +1

      Very good low listening. Good bass and no the high DF doesn’t take away. Definetely not. It does the opposite. It’s tonally not having any padding but when the bass kick is needed it is all there!👍

  • @subzero9460
    @subzero9460 3 года назад +5

    Brilliant review Simon I'm thinking of ditching my pre/power for this Hegel

    • @13thnotehifireviews7
      @13thnotehifireviews7  3 года назад +1

      Thank you very much. I did and it will be my test amp from now on, which for speakers up to around £5k is more than good enough. My one is really nicely run in now. Happy listening!

  • @fotislagopatis5207
    @fotislagopatis5207 2 года назад

    Very good work, I am seriously considering buying the H390. I just bought the dynaudio heritage special and I believe this amp would be the best match for those speakers.

    • @13thnotehifireviews7
      @13thnotehifireviews7  2 года назад

      Thank you v much 🙏 , I’ve heard lots say that. check my nad m33 video where I do a comparison

  • @anderc02
    @anderc02 3 года назад

    Hi sorry me again ,
    I will be listening to a REGA P8 via Cyrus phono signature , would you plug into the fixed or variable line inputs ?
    Cheers

  • @davidkocourek6933
    @davidkocourek6933 3 года назад

    I have a Hegel H160 amplifier, but I'm not happy with its DAC, is it a good choice to buy RME ADI-2 DAC FS and Bluesound Node 2i, or buy Hegel H390 straight away and use its DAC and streamer?

    • @13thnotehifireviews7
      @13thnotehifireviews7  3 года назад

      Buy the H390 if the speakers do it justice. Remember Hegel integrated’s going Roon ready too.

  • @vvmaster2010
    @vvmaster2010 28 дней назад

    Amazing review! Thanks. What about H590 compared to this one? Much better?

  • @SatishKumar-qr7do
    @SatishKumar-qr7do 2 года назад

    I use parasound halo integrated Amp 2.1 powering ATC scm 40 tower speakers, wanted to know if I upgrade to hegel h390 is it really worth it

  • @hclandscapes
    @hclandscapes 2 года назад

    Im thinking about upgrading my H120 to this H390.
    How much difference do you think this amplifier would make on the ls50 Meta's compared to the H120?

  • @MrBerry67
    @MrBerry67 3 года назад

    Great review- im very close to pulling the trigger on Naim NDX2 and SN3 - will now demo this Hegel to compare

    • @13thnotehifireviews7
      @13thnotehifireviews7  3 года назад

      Hi Martin , thanks very much. Please feed back how you get on 😀

  • @stephendevincentis
    @stephendevincentis 3 года назад

    Hello can you tell me in your opinion if this amp would be good with Spendor D7.2.....Thanks in advance

    • @13thnotehifireviews7
      @13thnotehifireviews7  3 года назад +1

      Never tried that spendor but I’ve heard it at shows and I’d say so

  • @hushpuppykl
    @hushpuppykl 3 года назад +1

    Congrats on the new integrated!

  • @dcammas
    @dcammas 3 года назад

    I have Focal Aria 936 which can be very detailled on high frequencies, which can be great but... so I'm looking for a high quality integrated that is just a little bit on the warm side of neutral, in the range of the H390, what do you think regarding speaker matching ? (music like Norah Jones and Diana Krall) thanks

  • @bernimckoy588
    @bernimckoy588 3 года назад

    There is a cracking amp from New Zealand the Perreaux Eloquence 250i. It's similar to the Hegel h390. Have come across this amp and if so how do think they'd compare?

    • @13thnotehifireviews7
      @13thnotehifireviews7  3 года назад

      Can't comment on products I haven't reviewed for obvious reasons, unfortunately.

  • @trubadyr99
    @trubadyr99 3 года назад +1

    Subscribed upon watching the review. Thumbs up!

  • @fransstembert9931
    @fransstembert9931 2 года назад +2

    Hi Simon, did you follow all the negative comments about Hegel on the Roon website? Most of them not only mention the lack of Roon ready after they promised that 2 years ago but also about cheap parts on the different devices of Hegel like the usb and the streaming part. Im curious what your think of this.

    • @13thnotehifireviews7
      @13thnotehifireviews7  2 года назад

      Audiophiles are an expectant bunch perhaps rightly because of the money they are spending. But I suspect Hegel didn’t promise it - I might be wrong - because they need to get certified before it happens with Roon anyway. So I doubt they would have promised in advance. I personally see the benefit of Roon to mostly be the interface, ease of use, Roon radio etc. But the thing with higher sample rates is that they are always taken as a kind of gospel truth to much better sound quality, which isn’t necessarily true. The Hegel’s ability to cope with airplay2 yields playback quality that exploits its fine amp stages and sound engine technology, more than many comparable amps that do the same airplay2 or even some amps that play higher sample rate music. That’s the way I look at hifi, people should be pleased when they can then throw higher sample rates at the Hegel via Roon, but not think hi res is the be all and end all because it is far from the only factor that creates a great or *best* category sounding amp. The pursuit of formats and sample rates has always been an allure of audiophiles based on technological understanding but it doesn’t then mean a product is inferior because it doesn’t stack up to a technological ideal. As I say I think it comes from people who are expectant, not trying themselves etc. On parts, I’ve no problem even if the parts are cheap, save maybe the external case which isn’t, so long as parts are reliable because when you buy hifi of this ilk you buy the design that has taken a long time to develop. I know they use better caps and other parts that stack up but even if they could be criticised - which I don’t think they can - I think the price of audiophile hifi at this type of price is a factor of supply and demand (with this design and capital investment) and the niche nature of audiophile hifi, not the internal parts somehow being golden nuggets.

    • @fransstembert9931
      @fransstembert9931 2 года назад

      @@13thnotehifireviews7 thanks for your reply Simon, I’m fully agree. I have the H390. I know you have the same device. What Is in your opinion the best external streaming device to connect with the h390? Always looking forward to see your great videos.

    • @13thnotehifireviews7
      @13thnotehifireviews7  2 года назад

      So many tbh but my streaming shoot out video I did gives good pointers.

  • @kevinhung4981
    @kevinhung4981 3 года назад

    Hello Simon. I own a Hegel H190 and PMC 25.23i and considering upgrade my streamer (Cambridge 851N) to Aurender N100H. Do you think the RME DAC is a good choice is I am looking for a more musical sound? Thanks.

    • @13thnotehifireviews7
      @13thnotehifireviews7  3 года назад

      Yes I think it is a good choice but I’d have serious reservations spending £3000 on the Aurender when I’d be dubious it would add much beyond good but budget streamers . PMC’s like yours - I tried them and own 25-23, get better with better amps. Personally I’d put your money into amplification if you want a better sound. Possibly a good dac too like the rme. The h390 is terrific.

    • @morespinach9832
      @morespinach9832 3 года назад

      @@13thnotehifireviews7 but given that H390 already has an excellent DAC, would RME make for much of a meaningful upgrade?

  • @philipgardiner2003
    @philipgardiner2003 3 года назад

    I currently use the H90 to drive a new pair of Focal Electra 1008 BE’s. Astonishing sound!! I’m using a Node 2i streaming Tidal. I did not audition them. I trusted my gut and did a lot of research. The warmth of the Hegel matches brilliantly with the sonic signature that the Focal is known for, in particular because of the Beryllium Tweeter. The 390 and Audio Vector R3 Arrete’s are on my radar. Thank you for this wonderful review!! Would love to visit the factory sometime. And adding the Formula 1 reference topped off one of the absolute best reviews on You Tube. Well, well done mate. Cheers!

    • @13thnotehifireviews7
      @13thnotehifireviews7  3 года назад +1

      Thanks very much Philip , glad I could help. This video did take lots of effort , doing one on Innuos Phoenix usb atm. An ok product but not as good as Hegel amps by some margin

    • @buttonman1831
      @buttonman1831 3 года назад +1

      The h90 is the best value integrated amp you can get in my opinion. If that was all my budget allowed for, I would be completely happy with it.

  • @StephenKurlow
    @StephenKurlow 2 года назад +1

    I listened to a Hegel h190 connected to magnepan 1.7i and I loved the forward pronounced midrange vocal presence but was very disappointed with the top end lack of clarity and detail. My 2002 marantz sr8300 was MUCH better on the top end. I’d love to see more reviews of the marantz pm10s1. I think I prefer the marantz sound to hegel

  • @chrissimmonds4383
    @chrissimmonds4383 3 года назад +1

    Hi Simon, I use the Pmc Twenty5.23 floorstanders which I think you use. I'm thinking of upgrading my Musical Fidelity M5si and was considering the Hegel even though I don't really need the Dac as I have the Chord TT2 and M-Scaler. How does the Hegel perform with the PMC's? I mean, are you keeping them for use with the Hegel?

    • @13thnotehifireviews7
      @13thnotehifireviews7  3 года назад +1

      If you are near me Chris, come round and have a listen. I'm in Sussex. Performs very well. I am keeping them for time being. The Hegel will be a big upgrade over that Musical Fidelity.

    • @chrissimmonds4383
      @chrissimmonds4383 3 года назад

      @@13thnotehifireviews7Thanks v much Simon. You are a bit far away, I'm actually in Essex (Southend) but when I'm thinking about unloading the amount of money this amp costs it would be worth the effort. Thanks for the offer, where in Sussex are you?

    • @13thnotehifireviews7
      @13thnotehifireviews7  3 года назад +1

      @@chrissimmonds4383 Hi Chris, that's not too far as route is a fast one - M25-M23 I'm in Haywards Heath, so you are welcome anytime. Maybe a good chance to compare your amp, and you can hear my DACs etc. You bring some gear and I'll make the lunch and host. BW Simon

    • @13thnotehifireviews7
      @13thnotehifireviews7  3 года назад +1

      @@chrissimmonds4383 it really helps me to test gear that people bring round sometimes, as it is hard to get review gear too.

    • @chrissimmonds4383
      @chrissimmonds4383 3 года назад +1

      @@13thnotehifireviews7 Brilliant Simon, I'd love to come along with my amp to compare the Musical Fidelity M5si against the Hegel. Brilliant opportunity thanks. If you email me we can divulge phone numbers, addresses etc. I can bring anything you want, ZENmini iii, Chords etc. Will be free from Thursday this week. Anytime good for me as I'm retired.

  • @toffe2ventil
    @toffe2ventil 3 года назад +1

    Hello Simon.
    I will get my new H390 on monday :-)
    Using it with the B&W 805D3 speakers I have.
    I would like to ask you, I would rather use a Node2i instead of the bubble upnp app thingy.
    But will there be any difference in the sound using the bubble app instead of the Node2i?
    What I mean with that is that will the Node2i change anything in the sound presentation compared to only using the app directly to the Hegel?
    And if the Node2i does not alter the sound and has the same function as the bubble app, just connecting the music, how do I connect the Node2i to the H390 so the Node2i does not do anything at all but send the music to the H390? (I want the Hegel to do all the work, DAC, MQA and so on...
    Is there any settings in the Node2i menu that needs to be done for this?
    Thank you for your nice videos, really enjoying them.
    Merry Christmas!
    Br:Kris from Sweden

    • @13thnotehifireviews7
      @13thnotehifireviews7  3 года назад +2

      Thanks Kris, really appreciated. I think it will be close with the app and the node 2i. You connect via digital output over rca to the Hegel so the node is just sending the digital stream and as what is called a digital ‘transport’, not using its own dac. I think the node is worth it for MQA, the app and interface and a Roon ready player too. Hegels are getting Roon ready update soon I think. I don’t think you do change the settings but just connect the cable. Bw simon

    • @toffe2ventil
      @toffe2ventil 3 года назад +2

      @@13thnotehifireviews7 Thank you Simon! Really appreciated!

    • @vittoriomartinidonati
      @vittoriomartinidonati 3 года назад

      @@13thnotehifireviews7 hello, you mean to connect bsn2i via coaxial to Hegel, correct?

    • @13thnotehifireviews7
      @13thnotehifireviews7  3 года назад

      @@vittoriomartinidonati sorry, I don’t understand the question?

    • @vittoriomartinidonati
      @vittoriomartinidonati 3 года назад

      @@13thnotehifireviews7 it is about your comment above. : You connect via digital output over rca to the Hegel so the node is just sending the digital stream ...... connect over rca?

  • @diluxe
    @diluxe 3 года назад

    Do you use the h390 with its internal DAC or with the DAC from blue sound?

  • @bennie6785
    @bennie6785 2 года назад

    Hi mate, just watched your review on the Hegel H390, my speakers are Dynaudio special fortys which are rated at 200 watts, would the H390 be too powerful ie damage my speakers ?.

    • @13thnotehifireviews7
      @13thnotehifireviews7  2 года назад

      No defo not. Power is good for speakers as long as you don’t push volume. That combination would be terrific I’m sure. All Scandinavian 😀

    • @bennie6785
      @bennie6785 2 года назад +1

      @@13thnotehifireviews7 Excellent thanks Simon.

  • @toffe2ventil
    @toffe2ventil 3 года назад +1

    How would this H390 sound paired with the B&W805D3 I own?

    • @13thnotehifireviews7
      @13thnotehifireviews7  3 года назад +2

      dunno, sorry, don't own or have reviewed the B&W. People ask this question all the time. You can only comment on what you have reviewed.

  • @anderc02
    @anderc02 3 года назад

    How would it access tidal masters ? Or would it be cd quality via AirPlay ?

    • @13thnotehifireviews7
      @13thnotehifireviews7  3 года назад

      Not Roon ready yet for transfer of MQA, in pipeline, but yes cd quality via Airplay 2, you’ll need another streamer into it like a Bluesound node 2i, but I wouldn’t make tidal masters a major consideration.

  • @ramsinghsivaramkumar
    @ramsinghsivaramkumar 3 года назад +4

    Good one Simon 👍

  • @charlesclifton1006
    @charlesclifton1006 2 года назад +1

    Simon - This video goes back a while so I do not know if you'll actually read this but here goes...
    A year ago, for personal reasons, I would never have considered spending the cost of the 390.
    Well, things have changed and it is now on my list (at the top). In watching this review for a second
    time I realized that I had totally missed out on the DAC loop feature. That feature really appeals
    because it offers the ability to change-up according to volume or even music styles. How did I miss that?
    Now, should I actually choose to make myself happy (I know the Hegel sound) and buy the 390 - then
    I'd like to mention that I am considering the Buchardt S400 MK2s. (latest iteration). My budget doesn't
    allow any further investment. I do very much like to listen a mid volume but low volume is often a choice too.
    I know reviewers have to be careful when subscribers ask such questions but Buchardt's return policy
    is a comfort should the speakers just not work well with the amp or ? Hope to hear from you.
    Cheers, Charles🇨🇦🤙

    • @13thnotehifireviews7
      @13thnotehifireviews7  2 года назад +1

      Please see the description of latest videos Charles, re further advice thanks. Happy to help….

  • @darrengee13
    @darrengee13 3 года назад +1

    Regards Dac loop feature. According to Hagel website , I quote "The Network and USB inputs can be enabled separately. We recommend not using the DAC-Loop function on these inputs as it will corrupt the bit-perfect signal" Would the benefits of a better Dac outweigh disadvantage of corrupted signal? I have a Pontus dac directly connected to my pc with roon and want to connect my pc to Hagel usb therefore using the jitter reduction of the Hagel H390 digital out. Also when roon enabled use my Pontus.

    • @13thnotehifireviews7
      @13thnotehifireviews7  3 года назад

      Don’t know Darren tbh and it’s much up to you as to what is best anyhow. Best thing to do is get a load of cables and connect up and see what works best with dac loop. I used bnc myself, and just slightly preferred using the loan Venus 2 (model up) I had straight into the Hegel without DAC loop, in any event.

  • @devilspin6649
    @devilspin6649 3 года назад

    Simon, I appreciated your honest and thorough review. What speakers would you recommend to match to the Hegel? I'm considering Sonus Faber Lumina V, although open to suggestions. My room is about 70 SQM in size and I mostly listen to Jazz, rock on vinyl or streaming apps. Thank you.

    • @13thnotehifireviews7
      @13thnotehifireviews7  3 года назад +1

      Thanks, how long is a piece of string. No substitute for getting out and trying then come back. But please see description too.

  • @cyprio8182
    @cyprio8182 3 года назад

    Would I be wasting my money buying this amp to use it in HT bypass mode? I'm trying to get improved stereo from my AVR (NAD T778) and I'm thinking that possibly the pre amp stage of the NAD will hold the Hegel back from its full potential.

    • @13thnotehifireviews7
      @13thnotehifireviews7  3 года назад

      Really don’t know as too many factors involved. Plus you didn’t say which speakers and if you listen to 2ch. But tbh I think this is probably a 2ch amp through and through. If you are tying to get improved sound with your speakers and they are a similar or lesser price/spec to your nad then the Hegel might be overkill. If the speakers are really superb and you listen to lots of music then Hegel yes, if not I’d go for some inexpensive outboard amps that are prob better than the nad, when you consider the current goes down across lots of speakers and you have many involved, so possibly you just need any good separates mono blocks or stereo amp. I can recommend nord amps.

  • @davida8682
    @davida8682 3 года назад

    Gret review Simon. I'm curious how you're using the Hegel now that you've have it for some time. EG, what DAC and streamer do you use with it? Still the RME and Qutest or do you use the internal one more often than not? Thanks!David A

    • @13thnotehifireviews7
      @13thnotehifireviews7  3 года назад

      Thank you David. I use them quite equally tbh, with the RME slightly the most at the moment.

  • @shemaya4979
    @shemaya4979 3 года назад

    So what intigrated amplifier would you use for Focal Kanta2 ? male and female voice, bass, Soundstage, clarity , dynamics and also you listen to music while doing some other work ...please educate me coz i am going yo buy Focal Kanta2 very soon. Thanks !!
    Dear friends you can make a comment too.... thanks !!

  • @bagrubmeister4973
    @bagrubmeister4973 3 года назад +1

    Hi Simon, love your reviews. How does the Dac compare to the Denafrips Venus II. I have been looking at both for quite sometime. Thank you

  • @paulrose8967
    @paulrose8967 3 года назад

    Great review interested would it run my PMC twenty five.26s better than my current supernait 2 it seems ideal being integrated and not having to spend on a naim 250dr plus pre amp to upgrade as the current supernait 2 struggle's at lower volumes .I wouldn't mind giving the hegal a demo .What's your experiences on PMC and it's capabilities on a pair of 26s thanks

    • @13thnotehifireviews7
      @13thnotehifireviews7  3 года назад

      Thanks. Don’t know about 26s but it pretty drives everything under the sun so should be fine with those. It runs my 25-23 a treat and did run the 25-23i very well too.

  • @eazydraw4681
    @eazydraw4681 3 года назад +1

    Hi Simon, firstly great video ...all yours certainly have a visual point of difference and thats mainly why i'm a subscriber .... a question would you suggest that i look at the Hegel as i don't stream at all ...i'm strictly Vinyl & CD ...i might get on board streaming in a few years time but not for the time being ...so i guess my question is does the Hegel stand as a non streaming piece of kit for hifi ? .... only for reference my existing kit is Cyrus Pre X (with PSX-R) with Mono X amps into Klipsch Quartets .....oh i nearly forgot i have a BenchMark DAC1 HDR and cdps are Musical Fidelity A5 CDP and Marantz 6000 OSE Ki

    • @13thnotehifireviews7
      @13thnotehifireviews7  3 года назад

      Thank you very much. I'm trying to make them stand out this way as I don't think anyone is doing this. Also music ought to be more prevalent in an audio channel. Right?! I use Epidemic Sound as no copyright issues and lots of good artists doing unlicensed free music.
      The Hegel definitely stands alone as a non streamer, it is mainly built around its exquisite amplifier, which is why I bought one, and value wise it is tremendous even considering you are paying for a DAC you might not used. I have other test DACs so having a DAC wasn't really a consideration for me. Frankly even without a DAC I would still consider its price value for money against other components I mentioned in the film.

  • @davidparker4984
    @davidparker4984 3 года назад +1

    Just came across your video today and really enjoyed it so I subscribed. I have a Primaluna Dialogue Premium integrated amp with KT120s feeding Focal Sopra No. 1s. The sources are an Auralic Altair G1 Streamer and An Esoteric k-05x CD player. In your opinion would a Hegel 390 be an improvement in my system?
    I am also a Roon user. Where is Hegel progressing with Roon? Thanks.

    • @13thnotehifireviews7
      @13thnotehifireviews7  3 года назад

      Thanks very much. Cant say what I don’t review. Hegel is near to Roon certification I believe. 😁

    • @davidparker4984
      @davidparker4984 3 года назад

      @@13thnotehifireviews7 Thanks for your reply.

  • @stephenclark5218
    @stephenclark5218 2 года назад

    Can you turn on the h390 with the remote once main power switch is on?

  • @mkemp01
    @mkemp01 2 года назад

    Sorry late to this. Just acquired a rme adi 2. What cable is needed to connect this to the Hegel h390 in loop mode? Thanks. Great vid.

    • @13thnotehifireviews7
      @13thnotehifireviews7  2 года назад +1

      Thanks all in the vids I’ve made and shown in graphic 😀👍🎵🔊

  • @dzemoski45
    @dzemoski45 2 года назад +1

    Excellent review! But is there a way you can take advantage of this amp with high end headphones?

  • @caymangts2327
    @caymangts2327 3 года назад +1

    Excellent review - thx!

  • @barryjoyce9249
    @barryjoyce9249 3 года назад +1

    Great review Simon - Thanks, I have just purchased the H390 arrives tomorrow, I cannot wait to hook it up and see how it sounds, adding it to my Auralic Aries G1 streamer and powering my Kef R3 speakers (ive heard they work well together) it will be interesting to see how the DAC performs against my Chord Hugo TT2 and M Scaler? shame there wasnt a WIFI option on the amp as I will have to look at options as its some way apart from the router.

    • @13thnotehifireviews7
      @13thnotehifireviews7  3 года назад +1

      Hi Barry, thanks for nice comments. You can use the extender option as I showed in the film to get the H390 to be wifi capable. Ive been doing that for ages in my set up and never have any problems. Netgear Nighthawk extender. What amp did you have before? Please feed back your comparison thoughts as would love to hear when you've got the H390 set up. Tomorrow I'm hoping to do a comparison of a musical fidelity amp against the two Hegel's I have. As well as Innuos Phoenix USB reclocker. BW Simon

    • @barryjoyce9249
      @barryjoyce9249 3 года назад +1

      @@13thnotehifireviews7 Hi Simon I will check it out tomorrow re extender. I previously had a Marantz KI ruby Amp which was great but I wanted an integrated amp and had my eye on Hegel for awhile, I will also be keen to check the DAC as I currently have a Hugo TT2 and M Scaler (which I love)

    • @13thnotehifireviews7
      @13thnotehifireviews7  3 года назад +1

      How did it sound?

    • @barryjoyce9249
      @barryjoyce9249 3 года назад +2

      @@13thnotehifireviews7 it’s amazing day one and I’m super impressed wow. It’s funny my TT2 now sounds almost flat and I never thought I would say that Simon, I just want Roon Ready :(

  • @recboilable
    @recboilable 3 года назад +2

    Great review, Simon! I have the opportunity to buy a new H390 for $4,300 USD (retail $6,000 USD) or a used H590 for $6,000 USD (retail $11,000). In your opinion, should I bite the bullet and go for the H590? Thanks for your help!

    • @13thnotehifireviews7
      @13thnotehifireviews7  3 года назад +1

      Thanks for your really nice comment. I guess it will depend on speakers etc so really don’t know. Also never reviewed H590. If you do hear H590 v H390 please do drop some more comments.

    • @recboilable
      @recboilable 3 года назад +1

      @@13thnotehifireviews7 Thanks so much for the prompt reply! Keep up the great work, mate!

  • @vafakarimi877
    @vafakarimi877 2 года назад +1

    Always great reviews!!! Which cable do you use to connect the h390‘s digital out to the coax input of the RME ADI-2 DAC? thank you …

    • @13thnotehifireviews7
      @13thnotehifireviews7  2 года назад +1

      Nothing special. I use a chord anthem digital (no longer made) or clearway (current model) but frankly you can get away with a $30 cable that you will be struggling to hear a change to these pricier ones.

    • @vafakarimi877
      @vafakarimi877 2 года назад +1

      @@13thnotehifireviews7 👍🙏

  • @kristofl1096
    @kristofl1096 Год назад

    Thank you for your presentation
    This amplifier is on my list considering the quality and versatility. In the end, it will go a little over the initial budget.Do you think that can be a good match with the dynaudio special forty?

  • @markusschulzbro
    @markusschulzbro 3 года назад +1

    Next level intro! Great review!

    • @13thnotehifireviews7
      @13thnotehifireviews7  3 года назад +2

      The best produced and edited audio reviews on the planet. If Carlsberg did hifi reviews.... Can I say that, as it might make me look big headed, oh well I just did...lol

    • @markusschulzbro
      @markusschulzbro 3 года назад

      @@13thnotehifireviews7 haha

  • @jtoonful
    @jtoonful Год назад

    Okay Simone. I am changing my Naim multi box (Nac 82with 2 Hicaps) with my loved Dynavector HX 1.2 amp to a single box approach. Not because I don’t love the sound because I do, but because my partner wants a simpler system to use. The issue is I run B&W 802 Natilus speakers; you either love them or hate them and I am a lover! I have been looking at accuphase but you try and find an affordable used 380/480/4000. I keep coming across the H390 and like what I read and hear, but what do you think? Will the H390 pair well with my B&W’s? I’m told the HEGEL can be bright and my B&W already bright and difficult to drive, but what do you think? Would love to hear your thoughts.

  • @mrinmoylaha7260
    @mrinmoylaha7260 Год назад

    Hi,
    Thankd for this great video review.
    Do u have any such review regarding H590 and Simaidio 600 or 700 i integrated amp?
    Out of all four which one is best?
    Can i plx advise?
    H390
    H590
    Simaudio moon 600i
    Simaudio moon 700i
    Great work.
    Thank u very much.

  • @zaoria123
    @zaoria123 2 года назад

    How long would you say it takes for this amp to fully burn in?

    • @13thnotehifireviews7
      @13thnotehifireviews7  2 года назад

      I dont really believe in burn in for this type of amp. Speakers loads more. In my experience it sounds good almost straight away

  • @michaelmityok1001
    @michaelmityok1001 3 года назад +1

    Beautiful film - the amp is pretty good too it seems. The fact you bought it says a lot, though Hegel should be paying you! BTW did Hegel give you a firm date for Roon ready status?

    • @13thnotehifireviews7
      @13thnotehifireviews7  3 года назад

      Thank you very much Michael and continued support! Haven't heard when that will happen tbh, but know it is in the pipeline. I think serious audiophiles are all into Roon, so when it is added it will be a done deal and massive feather in the cap of streaming features for this amp!

  • @gergelykiss1142
    @gergelykiss1142 3 года назад

    Nice review! I had demo with this Hegel H390 but bought a Naim Supernait 3 with nd5 xs2 streamer. Naim just had the edge in detail soundstage and dynamic. I would listen to the Hegel H590 tho.

  • @anderc02
    @anderc02 3 года назад

    Hi what are the loudspeaker inputs ? Are they banana ?

  • @dariuszeksterowicz7894
    @dariuszeksterowicz7894 3 года назад +1

    Excellent review

  • @toffe2ventil
    @toffe2ventil 3 года назад +1

    Fantastic video, good job!

  • @johnleonffu9946
    @johnleonffu9946 3 года назад

    Hello. You have a great channel. I just subscribed. Just wondering if there is much difference between h190 and h390. I have BW 803 D3 on a small size room. Is the main difference just power? Thanks in advance.

    • @13thnotehifireviews7
      @13thnotehifireviews7  3 года назад

      Thank you very much. Haven’t tried the h190 but it’s probably going to be lots of things like power, damping factor of the amp, current delivery, slew rate, distortion and so on. The H390 is a newer design to the H190 and doesn’t share the same circuit design as the H190. The dac is better in the h390 too. I’d definetely recommend the h390 or even better the h590 if the budget goes that far. Bw simon

  • @zzt231gr
    @zzt231gr 3 года назад

    After all this time,do you still prefer RME dac vs Qutest?
    Cheers friend!

    • @13thnotehifireviews7
      @13thnotehifireviews7  3 года назад +1

      for some uses the Qutest is better and other times the RME. It is not a case of still preferring really. But the RME is a better product because it has more features and similar sound quality (in a different way) but at a lower price. All things considered that is why it is better.

  • @simianinc
    @simianinc 3 года назад

    Hi, I’m very interested in the amp. Can you hook up a sub-woofer to it? I didn’t see any subwoofer or pre- outs.

    • @13thnotehifireviews7
      @13thnotehifireviews7  3 года назад +1

      Fixed and variable level RCA outputs as graphics in review and as stated on back panel, although granted not obvious to people who don’t know what it means - basically fixed volume out or variable volume out. Pre outs are just variable volume outputs, so another amp deals with volume ie the active subwoofer.

    • @simianinc
      @simianinc 3 года назад +1

      @@13thnotehifireviews7 Thank you

    • @wildstar41
      @wildstar41 2 года назад

      If you were to connect a 2nd set of speakers (powered) to the variable out would they always output? I guess they might and you could turn them off. I had the though to put a set near my tv but keep the amp at a distance with my main speakers for more serious listening. I could send audio via AirPlay from Apple TV… I guess it would output to both speakers though. Add to crazy file 😅

  • @morespinach9832
    @morespinach9832 3 года назад

    I love Hegel 390, that's how I found this video and your super channel. But like many 'audiophiles' (music lovers, really) I vacillate between Hegel 390, Accuphase of an equivalent quality, or some of the "tube" amps like McIntosh or Raven Audio. Any honest thoughts based on your listening experience to set this to rest once and for all? :)

    • @13thnotehifireviews7
      @13thnotehifireviews7  3 года назад +2

      Thanks so much for lovely comments. Honest answer is I don’t know as haven’t tried those products and never comment on what I don’t try. That said, if I was to extrapolate - a more tonally neutral and dynamic sound is preferable in audio to me than a smoothed less dynamic sound, and that’s why I’m solid state through and through. How can you get Mozart and Kraftwerk sounding similar?

  • @keithdowling54
    @keithdowling54 11 месяцев назад

    A tricky question, but please have a go: For a 60 year old guy, who no longer has the hearing ability/range he had at 30, and this 60 year old guy plays his music in and around 70-75 decibels, and this 60 year old guy wants a one box solution, and one that is really easy to use, so easy a simpleton can use it, Hegel seems a serious option. The real question is: will this 60 year old guy notice any real/significant difference in sound quality from the H120, the H190 and the H390 ?

    • @13thnotehifireviews7
      @13thnotehifireviews7  11 месяцев назад

      You should do Keith, it’s all about dynamic drive as you go up those amps, in most speakers instances, and that translating to better and more real sound quality. It depends on your speakers but only you can decide and judge but I would take them to a dealer that has all three and try.

  • @mabar34
    @mabar34 3 года назад +1

    Very nice video! Could you present the playlist by any chance?

    • @13thnotehifireviews7
      @13thnotehifireviews7  3 года назад

      The guy whose music I use a lot is called Brendon Moeller from New York, including this one. It is on Epidemic Sound, a subscription based copyright free service for RUclipsrs, maybe a bit naughty but send me an email on my website and I might be able to send some tracks over.

  • @OSCillatz
    @OSCillatz 2 года назад +1

    Gr8 job , thx

  • @paseandoconoliversacks
    @paseandoconoliversacks 3 года назад

    Wonderful review, thanks a lot. Which would be the right speqkers for this Hegle for a 30 2m room in your opinion?

    • @13thnotehifireviews7
      @13thnotehifireviews7  3 года назад

      Thanks very much. Oh there are too many tbh. Hegel works with so many brands. My top brands are those like kef, pmc, dynaudio , Spendor. 😀

    • @paseandoconoliversacks
      @paseandoconoliversacks 3 года назад

      @@13thnotehifireviews7 Thanks a lot for your reply. Do you think it can work with Procas. I know the Proac dealer in my region and coud get a nice price. Thanks again.

    • @13thnotehifireviews7
      @13thnotehifireviews7  3 года назад +1

      @@paseandoconoliversacks I think it would. Pro ac are good. Ribbon tweeter ones.

  • @mattmarceau8156
    @mattmarceau8156 3 года назад +2

    Great video, Simon! Wondering about what makes the biggest difference between the H390 and the H120 that you’ve enjoyed so much. Is it the superior DAC and the extra power or is it maybe a combination of all these things?

    • @13thnotehifireviews7
      @13thnotehifireviews7  3 года назад +3

      Hi Matt, Thanks for nice compliment. I put the H120 on yesterday when I was filming the insides and shots of the H390 on my table. I think it's everything you'll expect of a more powerful amp - soundstage, detail and just guts to the sound. But the DAC is so much better in the H390, so yes I think you are right - a combination. My PMCs love the H390! I've heard some speaker brands like Harbeth say they only like to use Hegel. I sat for ages with a H190 and KEF R7's at a show and sat thinking, it cannot be right that this set up sounds so similar or better to my much more expensive Cyrus gear. Maybe, I thought, it was because I had no proximity in time or space to do a proper comparison. Only then when you get an amp like the H120 or H390 at home - the luxury of reviewing HiFi, and the penny drops that sometimes Hifi is better and cheaper! And how much they are value for money. BW Simon

    • @tomchan2559
      @tomchan2559 3 года назад

      @@13thnotehifireviews7 Thanks for the comment. I have a H120 + BW606. Listening area is about 80 sq.ft. I always use bookshelf speakers for obvious reason. Do you think it is justified for me to upgrade to H190 or H390 for more power ? I use Tidal and yet to buy a new turntable for my 80s collection of vinyl.

    • @13thnotehifireviews7
      @13thnotehifireviews7  3 года назад

      @@tomchan2559 I suppose its a question of how much they will improve. I'd be minded to improve speakers first.

    • @buttonman1831
      @buttonman1831 3 года назад +2

      @@tomchan2559 I upgraded from the H90, to the H190, to the H390. I found the H390 to be a more significant upgrade than upgrading from the H90.

    • @tomchan2559
      @tomchan2559 3 года назад +1

      ​@@13thnotehifireviews7 Yes, my next move is certainly the speakers. Though the H120 has significantly levelled up the performance of BW606. I am thinking Audiovector R1 Arretés or Dynaudio Contour 20i, both Denmark speakers. Any thoughts about them ?

  • @pablodepeche
    @pablodepeche 3 года назад

    Can you use the Chord Qutest in loop dac mode with the H390? And really the RME was the best of the DACs? Thank you!!!

    • @13thnotehifireviews7
      @13thnotehifireviews7  3 года назад +3

      no because you need XLR back in to H390 and Qutest uses RCA. I thought the Hegel alone was as good as the RME alone, but in DAC loop the RME seemed to come alive.

    • @Villaboy78
      @Villaboy78 3 года назад +2

      @@13thnotehifireviews7 admit it man , now you want to pair it with a Hugo TT2. I’m seriously looking at my Qutest as a possible eBay item now

    • @13thnotehifireviews7
      @13thnotehifireviews7  3 года назад +1

      @@Villaboy78 correctomundo , although where is the plethora of Chinese ladder DACs before I decide!

  • @oldskool2044
    @oldskool2044 3 года назад +1

    what about all the humming problems with the 390 and the 590 ??! i bought a brand new 390 ..when hooked up at home ,IT humms like crazy !! i bought it back to the dealer ,did get another brand new one and guess what??! IT humms like crazy again !! unbelievable ...start a search on the Hegel site and under support there is even a section dedicated to this problem...🥴🙈 this cannot be sold with this design problem..???

    • @13thnotehifireviews7
      @13thnotehifireviews7  3 года назад +1

      It’s not a problem for me. It’s actually normal but slight and a function of the big toroid and design. I covered this in my website article. I don’t hear the hum when music is on, nor I doubt will you. In fact when I walk away I can’t hear a thing, and the hum subsides very soon after switch on even ‘ear up to case’. It reaches a crescendo within a few seconds then dies down, and even with the slightest volume you wouldn’t hear it. I don’t know whether you are being ultra sensitive, or if yours is louder, but if the latter, that points to other things on the mains and DC offset. In other words DC on the AC from high frequency sources like fridges etc. If you get a DC blocker it will sort it. I use a great conditioner which may have an impact - Isotek aquarius, but technically I’m not sure. In any case you can get conditioners with DC blocking in them eg isol 8 Integra. Lots of people using it don’t mention this as a problem. It may be a niggle if you think it’s a problem but basically what happens is the metals extend and contract in the toroid microscopically setting up the audible hum where they have high resistance. Also the dc on the ac offsets the sine wave and I think that is involved too. This is a natural tendency of large toroids with big resistance. If you are really concerned you can get a fuller explanation from Hegel, or search DC offset online and there is plethora of information that comes up about why it happens in big toroidal transformers and with Dc offset too. Hope helps.

    • @DamonRellik
      @DamonRellik 2 года назад

      I heard that turning the powercord in the socket by 180 degrees could help.

  • @timchromecast
    @timchromecast 3 года назад +1

    Hope they could improve the streaming features with future models. The amp / dac itself is perfect. For streaming from NAS I prefer hificast with h360 (gapless).

    • @13thnotehifireviews7
      @13thnotehifireviews7  3 года назад

      The value of their amps is so good they don't really need to. You can easily spend a lot more on other brands that will charge lots for audiophile streaming features. Also app development for small hifi firms costs lots and possibly people would rather spending that on the sound, which is clearly what Hegel do. When you factor in adding good affordable streamers like the Node 2i which perform well above price too - you don't need to go crazy on streamers. You can get a node 2i for £400 in the UK atm. usually £500.

    • @timchromecast
      @timchromecast 3 года назад +1

      @@13thnotehifireviews7 I have a node 2 and oppo udp-205 (roon) but prefer a one box solution, as I use the Hegel mainly for streaming. I read that they will recruit someone to resolve the streaming issues in the future. I like the sound coming direct from Hegel (with hificast/bubble) more than the bluesound / oppo connected with coax or optical.

    • @13thnotehifireviews7
      @13thnotehifireviews7  3 года назад

      @@timchromecast the best way around it is to get a roon server if you haven't already, then you can hide it (on the network). As I say in film, the h390 will be going roon ready, so use the best of the best in roon, to do the controlling is a great idea.

    • @stevelambert6489
      @stevelambert6489 3 года назад +1

      Any comments on my Fact 8 s with Hegel h160 I can purchase at a good price

    • @13thnotehifireviews7
      @13thnotehifireviews7  3 года назад +1

      @@stevelambert6489 Personally I'd add an H590 with fact 8's if you can afford it as they will need better drive. PMC's always do.

  • @craigcoughlin1834
    @craigcoughlin1834 2 года назад +3

    Great review. I'm dying to audition one of these and trying to ignore the internals look a mess compared to the likes of Luxman or Accuphase.

    • @13thnotehifireviews7
      @13thnotehifireviews7  2 года назад +1

      Thank you. Don’t know where you are but if you are near me in U.K. you are welcome around. Sussex.

    • @craigcoughlin1834
      @craigcoughlin1834 2 года назад +1

      @@13thnotehifireviews7 very kind offer. Unfortunately, I’m in the US. Thanks again for your insights and videos.

  • @piker3000
    @piker3000 2 года назад

    I’ve had my h390 for about a week. Curious if you needed a break in period. I was told about 100 hours.

    • @13thnotehifireviews7
      @13thnotehifireviews7  2 года назад +1

      Not really I don’t think, In speakers it exists but not really electronics once up to temp

  • @beslemeto
    @beslemeto 2 года назад

    So do i need a preamp with that unit?

  • @alex_g_wood
    @alex_g_wood 3 года назад

    Firstly thank you, secondly you make a great case here for Hegel. I bought the H160 a few years ago now, which are partnered with Buchardt s400 SE's and I enjoy what I hear generally, be it vinyl sourced from my gold note meditteraneo table and phono amp or via ROON through my Auralic Vega G1.
    Im wondering whether a move to the 390 is right or do I hang in there for the 590, I have a few listening options here in West Sussex, so armed with this videos perspective I will be investigating further.

    • @13thnotehifireviews7
      @13thnotehifireviews7  3 года назад

      Hi Alexander, you are welcome to pop around to mine after lockdown from 12th April onwards as I’m
      In West Sussex too. I can also reciprocate and come to you too as hearing others gear that I might not be able to get easily helps in reviews. Regards Simon

    • @alex_g_wood
      @alex_g_wood 3 года назад +1

      @@13thnotehifireviews7 Simon, that is a very decent offer and I thank you for that and once I have my ducks aligned and I am organised, I will take you up on that offer, plus reciprocate. I see, from the video, that you have bought the H390, was it a local W Sussex dealer, if so can you recommend them?
      I purchased my first Hegel from Igloo Audio, which was a good experience, but with the Department of Music so near to me in Aldingbourne, it seems maybe obvious.

    • @13thnotehifireviews7
      @13thnotehifireviews7  3 года назад

      Hi Alexander, Probably best to contact me on my email address on the website under contact if ok, to keep it private. Can’t give my email address on here as all the spam bots will send me junk mail. I know Peter from igloo and he is really good. Regards simon

    • @alex_g_wood
      @alex_g_wood 3 года назад +1

      @@13thnotehifireviews7 I will follow up on this, Simon, many thanks.

    • @gregoryphipps7847
      @gregoryphipps7847 2 года назад

      Hi, just wondering if you made the move to the 390 or 590 and if it improved/transformed the output of the S400s? I have the same speakers, small listening room and considering the H190 or H390. I am inclined to go big but looking for more input. In addition, if you had a opportunity to audition the 390, how is the low level listening experience when compared to the H160? Thanks for any feedback you may have. Cheers, Greg

  • @normrubio
    @normrubio 2 года назад +2

    Man, i wish it had eARC.

  • @natokom
    @natokom 3 года назад

    Hi I compered Side by side Hegel h390 and Naim until nova with my tannoy’s Cheviot
    I can’t agree with your opinion. Nova sounds very similar to h390. The interesting thing is that nova 2x90W has as much power as a Hegel h390 2x250W. I think both amplifiers are great but There's not that big of a difference with the sound. Honestly I prefer Nova because looks better and sound very very good 😉

    • @13thnotehifireviews7
      @13thnotehifireviews7  3 года назад +1

      Definetely don’t agree. Nova is a more fluid and slightly brighter sound to the Hegel analogue qualities and neutrality. It isn’t as dynamic, it is impossible to for the dynamic headroom the extra Hegel power gives. If you aren’t hearing that then maybe the speakers aren’t the most dynamic in the world. Very big drivers and room response and so on…

  • @TBKC2C3
    @TBKC2C3 3 года назад

    Great video, great amp...

  • @normrubio
    @normrubio 2 года назад

    Why would they leave out a streamer? Just throw in bluos

    • @13thnotehifireviews7
      @13thnotehifireviews7  2 года назад +1

      It has a streamer. Roon ready too. This is mainly an extremely good amp so none of the why doesn’t it do this….

  • @billywindsock9597
    @billywindsock9597 3 года назад +3

    Listened to the 390 and the Naim as well. I had the direct opposite experience to you. Prefered the natural sounding, better made Naim. Both good products, I just made a different choice.

    • @13thnotehifireviews7
      @13thnotehifireviews7  3 года назад

      what speakers did you use?

    • @billywindsock9597
      @billywindsock9597 3 года назад

      @@13thnotehifireviews7 my new PMC twenty5.23i’s and . . . . . A very cool vintage pair of Kev Coda III’s that I still have.

    • @13thnotehifireviews7
      @13thnotehifireviews7  3 года назад

      @@billywindsock9597 did you listen to all of it at home? what was more natural to you. You mean being a little tonally warmer with that Naim combo?

    • @billywindsock9597
      @billywindsock9597 3 года назад

      @@13thnotehifireviews7 I have ended up with a Naim Uniti Star, PMC twenty5.23i, an IsoTek Aquarius and Chord ShawlineX speaker cables. I use CD, sometimes, this combination was the best bang for buck that suited me.

    • @13thnotehifireviews7
      @13thnotehifireviews7  3 года назад

      @@billywindsock9597 some good choices there for me. Im sure the Naim is a good convenience solution. Those PMC's which I reviewed eat power and 70w is not enough dynamic headroom to get the best out of them, providing you want to at some stage. It also equates to detail too. This Hegel is nearly 4 times as powerful into a 8 ohm load. And it doesn't mean more volume etc, just more on and off dynamics. Ive been all the way from 70w to much more quality amps on my 25-23 including £10k dacs etc. It may have been the case in the dealer but you'll recognise the power offering on offer if you get used to it, of maybe a different brand if Hegel wasn't your taste. But sorry I dont think most people would agree with you with the Hegel not being as good a sounding amplifier mitigating taste issues. The naim is compromised by the fact its an all in one with an expensive case so that takes the investment down on amps.It wont be anywhere near as dynamic with bass. Ive got the similar H120 at same power to your amp and its obvious swapping over with my pmcs

  • @johndyson4109
    @johndyson4109 3 месяца назад

    What you should do is take some classes in amplification tech. in the U.S. If you really knew sound and amplification you'd know that CLASS H is the ONLY way to go for an all around better setup for your sound system..

  • @sarcese52
    @sarcese52 2 года назад

    Apple TV has not had an optical out in over 5 years

    • @13thnotehifireviews7
      @13thnotehifireviews7  2 года назад

      Mines got one, but in any event this is illustrative, not meant to be so precise as to being absolute. the Hegel manuals are illustrative too. Cheers.

  • @cameronsheid3446
    @cameronsheid3446 3 года назад

    OH, man! I was set in getting a Naim Supernait 3, but with all this talk I’m not sure I can pass up the Hegel now. Great DAC and Roon coming SOON (fingers crossed) already included! Anyone have any experience comparing the Supernait 3 vs Hegel 390?!

    • @13thnotehifireviews7
      @13thnotehifireviews7  3 года назад +1

      Remember a review is a basis for a shortlist. Love to hear you feeding back your thoughts on hearing the two yourself.

    • @cameronsheid3446
      @cameronsheid3446 3 года назад +1

      @@13thnotehifireviews7 Ideally, I would be able to go to a local hifi shop and audition the two. I, unfortunately, live somewhere that isn’t possible. Either, travel somewhere I can or order from somewhere that allows auditions and returns/exchanges. Plus, COVID isn’t helping the situation. We’ll see...thanks for your feedback!