hegel will sound smootherActually, I completely disagree with this. If you are referencing the new K300i integrated, it has the new Krell sound, which is very smooth and lush. The highs are not bright or harsh at all, but very smoothed over.
krell bit brighter bass sound bigger (but not tighter) than hegel
B&W speakers err on bright side, suggest Hegel over Krell
The Hegel might sound a bit bright and harsh, to be honest.