Hegel Amplifiers


Tried asking this on various forums, but did not get enough information. If anyone visited the recent audio fests and have listened to Hegel amps - especially the H20 - please describe how you found the sound of the Hegel amps. Any comparison? This is one amp I have shortlisted besides the Parasound A21. Also considering Classe 2200. Did not hear any particular one.
Any feedback is appreciated.
128x128milpai
Milpai,
I found the H200 sound very remarkable. One of the things that impressed me was the balanced sound at very low volume levels. Many amplifiers lose the quality of fullness and balance when the volume is turned down, in my experience. There is that "fade-away" feeling. Details and dynamics start to drop off. This was not the case when I heard the Hegel H200. Everything was there at low volume that was there at high volume. So, I found the sound very satisfying rather than having the feeling that I was straining to hear what was no longer there.

For the record, I had my ears checked recently and both ears are in excellent shape.
Sabai, you are right, and I do not know why Hegel is not known more. I guess it is up to us!
I have the H100, now I just place an order for the H200 wih the hd11 DAC promotion ongoing now,
Can't wai to have it,
Hegel is hard to match money for quality watts, excellent gear.
I guess I am one of few folks to own the H-30...it replaced Bryston 28ssts, I'm running it as a single amp; stereo mode. It has incredible depth, great sound stage; and lots of current. I found I've turned down the dial of my VAC preamp to get similar listening levels...its broken in; and I love it. Leave it on 24/7, no problems, has better detail, bass, and detail than the Bryston's...
I have had many Hegel amps in my store. H70, H100, H200, H20, H30. They have never failed to impress me (and I'm not easily impressed). I was lucky enough to have a pair of H30 monoblocks for a couple of months and I couldn't stop listening to them: seeminly unlimited power and bass extension, but also delicate finesse in the critical upper midrange. I currently have the H20 and--though not as powerful as the H30--it still rivals anything else I have in its ability to produce beautifully detailed imaging, strikingly sudden (but natural) transients, and a deep soundstage. Even the H70 integrated is a personal favorite of mine: it sounds much better than a $2000 integrated should. It's hard to properly describe, but when auditioned side-by-side with other brands, Hegel amps just tend to sound more "compelling": that is, they grip you and make you listen... deeply.