@arc999
So you listened to the two amps but not with the same speaker? If so, that's a big variable. I owned a CSIB (not the very latest, and lowest power- highest class A) and heard it with O/93, Spendor D7's, Cornwall IV's and Verity Leonores. It has the ability to be very transparent, but it depends on the speaker. For example I used it with the Gershman Studio 2, which is very thick and lacks transparency and it was great, but the speakers are "smooth and buttery" which is another was of saying not transparent.
I foolishly sold the CSIB and would strongly consider buying it again. I have never heard the Hegel but when I look at the line I see too many model numbers and lose interest- probably my loss but oh well.
It took a little while to adjust to the CSIB. The lights don't turn off when you power it down, and the volume button range took time to appreciate. With the Studio 2 I had to turn it to about 50-60 to hear anything and would push 80 to get the Gershman's moving. With the Cornwall's I came to appreciate the digital volume. It gave so much ability to fine tune it for early morning (24) mid day on phone (32) rock out (50) and I don't think I ever had it over 60.
If you buy it and don't like it hit me up, I might pull the trigger on a used or demo amp.