HEGEL 190, 390-400, 590-600

I asked Perplexity AI your question and its answer is below.   This is FYI only and I suggest you do additional research to include listening to these amps.  Please see below for background info only:

“The Hegel integrated amplifiers, including the H190, H390, and H590, are known for their high-quality audio performance and robust build.

Hegel H190

• Price and Positioning: The H190 is priced around $5,995 and is considered a solid choice for those looking for a balance between performance and cost.

• Sound Quality: It is praised for its warmth and clarity, making it a good option for those seeking an immersive sound without being overly analytical.

• Reliability: Users generally report good reliability, making it a reliable choice for long-term use.

Hegel H390

• Comparison with Other Models: The H390 offers more power and features than the H190 but is positioned below the flagship models like the H590.

• Sound Characteristics: It provides a significant upgrade in sound quality over entry-level models, offering more detailed and dynamic sound.

Hegel H590

• Power and Performance: The H590 is a powerhouse with 301Wpc into 8 ohms and about 580Wpc into 4 ohms. It features advanced circuitry that reduces distortion significantly, providing a high damping factor and low output impedance.

• Build and Features: It includes a new DAC design capable of natively decoding MQA, separate signal paths for MQA and non-MQA signals, and improved build quality over previous models.

• Market Position: Originally priced at £9,500, it has been reduced to £7,500 to clear stock, indicating its premium positioning in the market.

These models cater to different needs and budgets, with the H590 being suitable for audiophiles seeking top-tier performance”. 

More info:

”The Hegel H190 and H390 differ in several key aspects:
Sound Quality and Performance

• H390: Offers superior sound quality with better separation, imaging, and a warmer, more lifelike sound compared to the H190. It handles complex musical passages more effectively due to its advanced amplification and DAC capabilities.

• H190: While providing good performance, it is less refined than the H390, with a slightly more congested sound in complex tracks.
Design and Features

• H390: Features a dual mono design, which provides separate power supplies for each channel, enhancing channel separation and reducing interference. It also includes a more advanced DAC that supports higher resolution audio formats.

• H190: Does not have the dual mono setup, resulting in closer channel proximity and less robust power management compared to the H390.
Power Output

• H390: Delivers more power, which contributes to its ability to drive speakers with greater authority and dynamic range.

• H190: While powerful enough for most applications, it lacks the additional headroom provided by the H390.
These differences make the H390 a better choice for those seeking higher fidelity and more robust performance in their audio setup”

And more info:

“The Hegel H590 stands out in sound quality compared to the H360 due to several enhancements:
    1.    Power and Control: The H590 delivers over 300W per channel into 8 ohms, which is significantly more than the H360. This increased power allows the H590 to handle speakers with greater authority and dynamic range, providing a more robust and controlled sound.
    2.    Advanced Circuitry: The H590 features 12 ultra-fast, high-power output transistors per channel, compared to the H360’s eight. This contributes to its superior grip on speakers and ability to produce a more detailed and dynamic sound.
    3.    SoundEngine Technology: The H590 uses an advanced version of Hegel’s SoundEngine technology, which effectively reduces distortion and enhances dynamics. This results in a clearer, more natural sound with improved bass control.
    4.    DAC Improvements: The H590 includes a new DAC design that eliminates pre-ringing and allows the music signal to pass through in its original state, enhancing the naturalness and detail of the sound.
These improvements make the H590 capable of delivering a more transparent, detailed, and emotionally engaging listening experience than the H360”.