HEGEL 190, 390-400, 590-600


What would make the 600 sound better than the 400 and better than the 190. Is it the higher power? Better parts? - Considering only Preamp and Amp section (ignoring the DAC) and assuming not crazily inefficient or large speaker - for argument sake a Harbeth 7 XD .... would one be able to A/B/C correctly and crown the 600 over 400 and 400 over the 190? I always wondered about it - never had the pleasure to audition the upper level - would love to hear real life experience. -Thx

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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”. 

And even more:

”The Hegel H590’s new volume control offers several benefits that enhance its usability and sound quality:
    1.    Digital Control: Unlike a standard potentiometer, the H590 uses a digitally controlled switched resistor network, which provides more precise volume adjustments and reduces potential signal degradation.
    2.    Volume Presets: Users can set a switch-on volume level, ensuring the amplifier starts at a consistent volume every time it is powered on, regardless of the last used setting. This feature helps prevent unexpected loud volumes when turning on the device.
    3.    Maximum Volume Limit: The volume control allows users to set a maximum volume limit, protecting speakers from being overdriven and preventing excessively loud playback that could disturb neighbors or damage equipment.
    4.    Low Distortion and Channel Separation: The custom-designed volume attenuator in the H590 ensures the lowest possible distortion and optimal channel separation, even at low volume levels, contributing to a cleaner and more detailed sound.
These features make the H590’s volume control both user-friendly and capable of maintaining high audio fidelity”. 

“The Hegel H390’s dual mono design, often referred to as dualamp technology, significantly enhances sound quality by providing separate power supplies and circuits for each channel. This setup effectively creates two independent mono amplifiers within a single chassis, which offers several benefits:
1. Improved Channel Separation: By isolating the left and right channels, the H390 minimizes crosstalk between them. This results in clearer stereo imaging and more precise soundstage reproduction.
2. Enhanced Power Delivery: Each channel having its own power supply ensures that they can deliver power independently without interference. This improves the amplifier’s ability to handle dynamic shifts in music with greater control and stability.
3. Reduced Distortion: The separation of channels helps in reducing distortion and noise, leading to a cleaner and more natural sound.
These features collectively contribute to a more detailed and immersive listening experience, distinguishing the H390 from other amplifiers that do not employ such a design”.

I suggest you install the free version of Perplexity AI and do additional research. Please install it from the App Store.  

“The Hegel H400 integrated amplifier, nicknamed “Streamliner,” is designed to deliver exceptional audio quality with a focus on efficiency and user experience.
    •    Power Output: Provides 250W per channel into 8 ohms, ensuring dynamic and precise sound with a damping factor of 4000 for tight speaker control .
    •    SoundEngine2 Technology: Features instant distortion correction, preserving signal integrity and delivering detailed, agile sound .
    •    Dual Mono Construction: Offers superior sound quality through separate power supplies for each channel, enhancing channel separation and reducing interference .
    •    Versatile Connectivity: Supports popular streaming platforms like AirPlay, Spotify Connect, and Roon Ready, ensuring seamless integration with various audio sources”.