I realize I'm late to the party, but better late than never. I just setup my new H190 yesterday. Wow! What a difference! Even after only one afternoon of playing, I am beginning to see what all the fuss is about. My Magnepan MG-12's are truly singing. I spent a couple thousand dollars on a decent sub a few months ago, without even thinking I would go up in quality to the H190 level. I could have spent the money elsewhere in my rig. My speakers are pulled out almost 6 feet from the front wall, and I still have more than enough deep tight bass from the MG-12's. Deep enough to not miss the sub anyways. It is pretty amazing what this integrated does with panel speakers. Thanks to your videos, and the down to earth way you reviewed these amps, I felt confident enough to pull the trigger on the 190. It's sound is right up my alley. Don't forget, we can all fine tune the end result with different interconnect and speaker cable combinations, if you aren't satisfied with it's tonality. I haven't been this happy with my HI-Fi in a long time(20 years or so). Thank you for this excellent video series! Keep em' coming. Subscribed. Enjoy the music!
Had h190 for som years love it. Now bought h390. It was bigger upgrade than i expected. My b&w 702 s2 towers Sound even better with h390 with booth more detail and controll
Hi I got a h120 but i ll upgrade it as has a too high sound with my b&w 702 s3.. to have a more balanced and full sound (not forward) whould you recommend h190 or h390? Thanks!
Thanks for the great show.I just got a great price from Hegel on the H190 for $3200 to pair off with a pair of B&W 705 S2 .the price on the speakers what was $2600 which made it a little easier explaining to wifey. Thanks again for reviewing this amplifier.
Comparing the two speakers with one amp is important and you have the ability to do that; important you share the characteristics between the two speakers with the H190. I totally get that!
I just watched this video. Interesting- I’ve went out to review some amps in the $5K range and came back with an H190 from a super helpful dealer here in Connecticut. My speakers are the older Contour S1.4s and the H190 seems to be doing a lovely job on the end there. They are offering me a big discount for the amp at $3200 (same as the H120) which makes it a bargain. Thinking I can spend the savings on upgrading my Sonos Connect!👍
I have Dynaudio S40. Will the h190 play well both quietly in the evening and loudly during the day? I ask because many amplifiers sounded very poorly at low volume levels
Would like to know it sound difference compare to the the earlier H190 , if the so if the H190 v is better , especially if it a better Bass sound more defined and tighter and more powerful, etc… thanks
Hi am I right in assuming it would be better to connect my if Zen signature which I only use for blue tooth streaming .At the moment connected to my trusty Cyrus 7 seven amp with no dac .would I have to use a diff lead and where do I put it in to amp v confused hope you can help John
That would have to be a funded reviewer (take your pick) or an end user with the enthusiasm to post a self review. Unfortunately, it won't be something you'll find on this channel as we can't supply the Buchardt product.
Good video! I like amphion, but i think that older argon2 anniversary was better that new argons. Hegel its great and i wish that i could get H190. Now i have H100
Not to do with this video but my ultimate great speakers for a mid to big room are the Hyperionsound 938 speakers. Just saying if you can try these or get hold of these from 10+ years ago, don't hesitate. The sound stage is huge and it wows me everytime. Just my experience.
Great video! I have a question.. Is Hegel’s H190 DAC better than iFI Audio ZEN ONE Signature DAC? I want to buy the H190 and I already have ifi ZEN ONE. Should I keep it or sell it?
Hi I've a special 40 and I'm undecided between H190 and H390. My concern is that the H390 would deliver only a small gain? I understand that with a confidence 20 instead, the H390 would unquestionably be the right choice. Thanks VL
The SP40 will level up very well with the jump from the 190 to the 390, it’s a safe purchase and future proofs for further speaker upgrades should you wish.
Hi Carl, I took your advice and got the H390 and couldn't be happier. I auditioned both and found the H190 nothing special. The H390 was a huge step up - it just had so much control, smoothness, dynamics, and grip. I've watched all your videos and thoroughly enjoyed them. Your analysis of speakers and amplifiers is spot on and not exaggerated like others. Cheers VL
Just bought a set of Maggie 1.7i and need an integrated amp. I'm between the Hegel H190 and a Anthem STR Integrated. Hegel is notirious for it's synergy with Maggies given it's damping factor. The Anthem is quite beefy and has a ton of flexibility. It has an ARC functionality that might make it a better options for Home Theater and dual sub integration.
@@Studioincar thanks. I bought the anthem str integrated yesterday after a brief in home demo. I got an a deal I could not refuse and the hegels were expensive and not available for demo. Thanks for your response
I’ve been wondering the same about that potential match. He mentions that a speaker with a sealed enclosure and a large bass driver may make a good pairing. Have you auditioned the amp with the model 5s?
Slightly different approach to reviews and quite informative. It is a pity you compared this amp to other Hegel amps, it would of been much more interesting to compare this amp to other amps of other brands in the same region of price bracket and features to see what Hegel brings to the table.
There isn't anything weak about this amp. Mine is pushing a pair of Maggies, which is a pretty heavy load. It hardly gets warm after 6 hours of 80Db+. Great amplifier!
I love your videos. Very informative. I was in a dilemma, almost bought a Hegel but went for a Audia Flight FL3s, before that i had a Cambridge Audio CXA81 that was nice but not enough to take my Heritage Special at it's best i think . Still, i like to try a Hegel at one point but there is a great review on a Audio Van Alstine dva m225 that i really got to try this year. The Audia Flight is good but i just want to try other amps for piece of mind, part of the hobby i'm afraid.
@@morespinach9832 Audia Flight FL3s is not a bad amp either, perhaps a bit bright inducing, but should be ok for most cases except highly resolving speakers.
The Hegel V10, it’s a perfect match. Available here if you would like to get in touch - Info@studioincar.co.uk and we can have a conversation about alternatives if you would like.
@@Studioincar Thanks for your reply. Unfortunately, I live in Canada. We only have one Hegel dealer in my area and they seem to only carry a few Hegel integrated models. I'll ask if they can get a V10 for me to audition. I just saw that the V10 has balanced outputs which is great since the H190 is pretty limited when it comes to analogue inputs.
Thank for this waited H190 review, really appreciated it. I was considering the H120 and waiting for your unbiased and expert review for the earliest before considering the H120 with which would be best and most suitable matching Dynaudio range speaker or any other recommendations or will it be the H190 and which of Dynaudio range Best suit for this. Thanks in advance. All the best and Take care
@@Studioincar Hi Carl, Thanks for your reply, for your sound advice, much appreciated. I am still keen on the H120 or the H190 whichever will give the best result out of the wonderful speaker I owned from new and would like to keep unless proven otherwise of other new efficient speakers out there will be better for the H120 or H190, need your expert advice on this. FYI, My Speaker, I own from new 1987 (the specification is shown below): Make & model: Wharfedale E50 (E Series) E" stands for "Efficiency (3-way speaker unit) Power (Music Power): R.M.S 100W Power Handling: DIN: 70 Watts RMS; 15 W min - 130W peak Nominal Impedance: 8 Ohms Sensitivity: 95dB SPL / (1W /1m sinewave) Frequency Range: 40Hz-18KHz +/- 3dB Thanks in advance Kind Regards Matt
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??
Plinius make some magnificent kit, I'm a big fan myself. Sonically they present differently to the Hegel product, of course. It's disappointing to hear when someone doesn't like the sound of something that you do, but it happens. Whilst I can't really comment on your experience with the Hegel amp, it may just not be for you? It's rare that someone doesn't enjoy a Hegel amplifier but it does happen, as with every product. The H190 as per my review is kind of an oddball in the H series, presenting a different signature than the rest. I don't really know what to answer, or even if you're looking for an answer from me, but I will stand behind the reason it gets good reviews is that in its own right it's a good amp, just not your cup of tea I suppose. I'm trying my best here, ha! I too have reviewed products that I think sound dire, which have been reviewed extremely well across all the larger, more obvious hifi channels and it makes me question the ears of those that rave about them so I can understand your position. Of course, money and manufacturer funding/advertising comes into question with those types of reviews (in my view, at least) but in our case, this isn't what drives the review which I think brings a bit more integrity to the H190's reputation as a decent amp. The products I've eluded to above didn't even pass our listening tests, so we don't push/sell them, how could we.
I realize I'm late to the party, but better late than never. I just setup my new H190 yesterday. Wow! What a difference! Even after only one afternoon of playing, I am beginning to see what all the fuss is about. My Magnepan MG-12's are truly singing. I spent a couple thousand dollars on a decent sub a few months ago, without even thinking I would go up in quality to the H190 level. I could have spent the money elsewhere in my rig. My speakers are pulled out almost 6 feet from the front wall, and I still have more than enough deep tight bass from the MG-12's. Deep enough to not miss the sub anyways. It is pretty amazing what this integrated does with panel speakers. Thanks to your videos, and the down to earth way you reviewed these amps, I felt confident enough to pull the trigger on the 190. It's sound is right up my alley. Don't forget, we can all fine tune the end result with different interconnect and speaker cable combinations, if you aren't satisfied with it's tonality. I haven't been this happy with my HI-Fi in a long time(20 years or so). Thank you for this excellent video series! Keep em' coming. Subscribed. Enjoy the music!
Great news!! Really happy you're satisfied with the H190. Good amp :)
Had h190 for som years love it. Now bought h390. It was bigger upgrade than i expected. My b&w 702 s2 towers Sound even better with h390 with booth more detail and controll
Hi I got a h120 but i ll upgrade it as has a too high sound with my b&w 702 s3.. to have a more balanced and full sound (not forward) whould you recommend h190 or h390? Thanks!
390@@ruggeromoracchini1846
Thanks for the great show.I just got a great price from Hegel on the H190 for $3200 to pair off with a pair of B&W 705 S2 .the price on the speakers what was $2600 which made it a little easier explaining to wifey. Thanks again for reviewing this amplifier.
Merry Christmas brother T
Comparing the two speakers with one amp is important and you have the ability to do that; important you share the characteristics between the two speakers with the H190. I totally get that!
I just watched this video. Interesting- I’ve went out to review some amps in the $5K range and came back with an H190 from a super helpful dealer here in Connecticut. My speakers are the older Contour S1.4s and the H190 seems to be doing a lovely job on the end there. They are offering me a big discount for the amp at $3200 (same as the H120) which makes it a bargain. Thinking I can spend the savings on upgrading my Sonos Connect!👍
New subscriber here from Fall River, Massachusetts in the USA!
Thank you. Good comments.
Maybe the diffrence that you hear is in the inbuilt dac?
I have Dynaudio S40. Will the h190 play well both quietly in the evening and loudly during the day? I ask because many amplifiers sounded very poorly at low volume levels
I find the mix quite nice between these two, you would need to demo for your own requirements.
Thanks and enjoying all your reviews - Any chance in reviewing the Hegel H190V amplifier- Best wishes & Regards
It’s on the rack ready to go :)
Waiting - thank you in advance
Would like to know it sound difference compare to the the earlier H190 , if the so if the H190 v is better , especially if it a better Bass sound more defined and tighter and more powerful, etc… thanks
Hi am I right in assuming it would be better to connect my if Zen signature which I only use for blue tooth streaming .At the moment connected to my trusty Cyrus 7 seven amp with no dac .would I have to use a diff lead and where do I put it in to amp v confused hope you can help John
Hi John, you’d be better of using Airplay to stream to this amplifier than streaming via bluetooth.
Wish some has Buchardt s400 mk2 and matching with hegel and give opinions.
That would have to be a funded reviewer (take your pick) or an end user with the enthusiasm to post a self review. Unfortunately, it won't be something you'll find on this channel as we can't supply the Buchardt product.
Guilty as charged ✌️. I respect your reviews, glad I could inspire a bit. Take care and thanks for the vid.
Good video! I like amphion, but i think that older argon2 anniversary was better that new argons. Hegel its great and i wish that i could get H190. Now i have H100
How does hegel sound compared to copland , I am torn between the 2
Not to do with this video but my ultimate great speakers for a mid to big room are the Hyperionsound 938 speakers. Just saying if you can try these or get hold of these from 10+ years ago, don't hesitate. The sound stage is huge and it wows me everytime. Just my experience.
Thanks for the great review. Have you had a chance to pair H190 with Harbeth SHL5+? I would like to know how it sounds at low volume.
I haven't, unfortunately. I would love to, I bet they're a match made in heaven.
Great video! I have a question.. Is Hegel’s H190 DAC better than iFI Audio ZEN ONE Signature DAC? I want to buy the H190 and I already have ifi ZEN ONE. Should I keep it or sell it?
I would absolutely keep the ifi DAC and do some back to back tests of your own. It’s the only way!
I honestly think that the Amphion Argon 3sl will fix a lot of the disadvantages that a lot of the Argon 3s gives
Hi
I've a special 40 and I'm undecided between H190 and H390. My concern is that the H390 would deliver only a small gain?
I understand that with a confidence 20 instead, the H390 would unquestionably be the right choice.
Thanks
VL
The SP40 will level up very well with the jump from the 190 to the 390, it’s a safe purchase and future proofs for further speaker upgrades should you wish.
Hi Carl,
I took your advice and got the H390 and couldn't be happier.
I auditioned both and found the H190 nothing special. The H390 was a huge step up - it just had so much control, smoothness, dynamics, and grip.
I've watched all your videos and thoroughly enjoyed them. Your analysis of speakers and amplifiers is spot on and not exaggerated like others.
Cheers
VL
Hello, what is the brand and reference of the support feet. thanks in advance
Just bought a set of Maggie 1.7i and need an integrated amp. I'm between the Hegel H190 and a Anthem STR Integrated. Hegel is notirious for it's synergy with Maggies given it's damping factor. The Anthem is quite beefy and has a ton of flexibility. It has an ARC functionality that might make it a better options for Home Theater and dual sub integration.
@@Studioincar thanks. I bought the anthem str integrated yesterday after a brief in home demo. I got an a deal I could not refuse and the hegels were expensive and not available for demo. Thanks for your response
Considering the H190 for my KLH Model 5's. Any thoughts on the match? Thanks.
I’ve been wondering the same about that potential match. He mentions that a speaker with a sealed enclosure and a large bass driver may make a good pairing. Have you auditioned the amp with the model 5s?
Slightly different approach to reviews and quite informative. It is a pity you compared this amp to other Hegel amps, it would of been much more interesting to compare this amp to other amps of other brands in the same region of price bracket and features to see what Hegel brings to the table.
Good explained. Let's assume you listen music only late night which u think is the best combo amp/speakers?
Wow you can do a review on anything and be captivating
Can you review the Specialized Tarmac SL7 S-Works please
Thanks for your reviews
Hi. Do you think the Hegel H190 would work with Dynaudio Evoke 50 or is it to weak?
@@Studioincar Ok. Thank you for your answer
There isn't anything weak about this amp. Mine is pushing a pair of Maggies, which is a pretty heavy load. It hardly gets warm after 6 hours of 80Db+. Great amplifier!
I can show you how to use Audacity to remove the heater noise from your production audio if you like. It's super easy.
This was just on sale for about 1900$, was that a bargain or what?
Certainly looks like it!
H190 or H390 for Magnepan LRS?
Whichever sounds best to you. I've no experience with that speaker.
Do you think the H190 would pair well with Focal Aria 926 speakers?
Yes.
Give the Arcam SA20 a chance. Just one listen of a chance. I was mesmerized by what the Arcam Solo Music let the Aria 906 sound like 🤩🤤🤯
@@DigitalPhilosophers i wouldn't bother with the latest range of arcam amplifiers they are not in the same league as Hegel...
@@hclandscapes I guess you are right
@@hclandscapes Costing about have the price (SA30) or one forth the price (SA20) the Arcams are still hot. Especially at low volumes
I love your videos. Very informative. I was in a dilemma, almost bought a Hegel but went for a Audia Flight FL3s, before that i had a Cambridge Audio CXA81 that was nice but not enough to take my Heritage Special at it's best i think . Still, i like to try a Hegel at one point but there is a great review on a Audio Van Alstine dva m225 that i really got to try this year. The Audia Flight is good but i just want to try other amps for piece of mind, part of the hobby i'm afraid.
You’ve spent on heritage speakers but are cheaping out on amp? Get a Hegel or Accuphase or luxman.
@@morespinach9832 Audia Flight FL3s is not a bad amp either, perhaps a bit bright inducing, but should be ok for most cases except highly resolving speakers.
Thank you for this video. Can you suggest a good phono stage to pair with the H190 please? Thank you.
The Hegel V10, it’s a perfect match. Available here if you would like to get in touch - Info@studioincar.co.uk and we can have a conversation about alternatives if you would like.
@@Studioincar Thanks for your reply. Unfortunately, I live in Canada. We only have one Hegel dealer in my area and they seem to only carry a few Hegel integrated models. I'll ask if they can get a V10 for me to audition. I just saw that the V10 has balanced outputs which is great since the H190 is pretty limited when it comes to analogue inputs.
Have you tried the H190 with Spendor? I have the A7's. They have a slightly lean character so I wonder if the Hegel might add some weight?
@@Studioincar Using a Rega integrated. I don't like it. Soundstage is too thin.
Do you guys do a home loan??
We certainly do. Info@studioincar.co.uk
Looking for an amplifier for my special forty...this video made me confused hehe
Thank for this waited H190 review, really appreciated it. I was considering the H120 and waiting for your unbiased and expert review for the earliest before considering the H120 with which would be best and most suitable matching Dynaudio range speaker or any other recommendations or will it be the H190 and which of Dynaudio range Best suit for this. Thanks in advance. All the best and Take care
@@Studioincar Hi Carl, Thanks for your reply, for your sound advice, much appreciated. I am still keen on the H120 or the H190 whichever will give the best result out of the wonderful speaker I owned from new and would like to keep unless proven otherwise of other new efficient speakers out there will be better for the H120 or H190, need your expert advice on this. FYI, My Speaker, I own from new 1987 (the specification is shown below):
Make & model: Wharfedale E50 (E Series) E" stands for "Efficiency (3-way speaker unit)
Power (Music Power): R.M.S 100W
Power Handling: DIN: 70 Watts RMS; 15 W min - 130W peak
Nominal Impedance: 8 Ohms
Sensitivity: 95dB SPL / (1W /1m sinewave)
Frequency Range: 40Hz-18KHz +/- 3dB
Thanks in advance
Kind Regards
Matt
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??
Plinius make some magnificent kit, I'm a big fan myself. Sonically they present differently to the Hegel product, of course. It's disappointing to hear when someone doesn't like the sound of something that you do, but it happens. Whilst I can't really comment on your experience with the Hegel amp, it may just not be for you? It's rare that someone doesn't enjoy a Hegel amplifier but it does happen, as with every product. The H190 as per my review is kind of an oddball in the H series, presenting a different signature than the rest. I don't really know what to answer, or even if you're looking for an answer from me, but I will stand behind the reason it gets good reviews is that in its own right it's a good amp, just not your cup of tea I suppose. I'm trying my best here, ha!
I too have reviewed products that I think sound dire, which have been reviewed extremely well across all the larger, more obvious hifi channels and it makes me question the ears of those that rave about them so I can understand your position. Of course, money and manufacturer funding/advertising comes into question with those types of reviews (in my view, at least) but in our case, this isn't what drives the review which I think brings a bit more integrity to the H190's reputation as a decent amp. The products I've eluded to above didn't even pass our listening tests, so we don't push/sell them, how could we.
@Studioincar do you find it sounding dark?