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Hegel H390 DAC

I hesitate to add yet another DAC related thread but I haven't seen this particular question asked before, so....

After owing an H390 for a year, I just got around to listening to it's onboard DAC. What?  Huh? Why? I was biased -- convinced I wouldn't like because it wasn't described by reviewers as overtly"warm", like my Aqua La Voce S2.

As someone who always advocates making buying decisions based on listening, I feel quite sheepish making this confession but as this is an audio forum, not group therapy, I'll move on to the main point.  

I was shocked to discover I actually prefer the Hegel's DAC to the Aqua. In my system, in my room, it is more transparent, smoother and more effortless. And, to my surprise, it conveys more emotion. 

The only downside is that the Hegel's DAC is somewhat leaner in the mids than I'd prefer.

Question: which outboard DACs have a similar but more fleshed-out sonic profile under 7K, new? 

 

 

 

 

stuartk
audphile1's avatar
audphile1
5,290 posts
 

Thanks!

I wouldn’t rush to swap for pass. Hegel is good. Different but good.
Back to your findings…

UNBAL 2 RCA Output 2.4 V RMS
BALANCED (asymmetrical output) 2 XLR Output : 4.8V RMS

what you’re hearing is due to higher output via XLR outs of your dac and that gives your lower noise and the more weight you’re hearing in the presentation is your dac driving the amp better. I always use XLR where possible.
Rhodium plugs take more than 72 hours to burn in. Are they made by Furutech? I would connect some source to the dac that you can spin 24/7 for at least one week while your hegel amp is on but on mute at times you are not listening. don’t turn anything off let it run.
Power cords on dac and amp will be critical.

audphile1's avatar
audphile1
5,290 posts
 

I just looked on the audio art site and it is furutech rhodium connectors. That’s going to be additional 200-225hrs. Forget 72hrs cooking. These plugs require around 300hrs. Run the system non stop. 

stuartk OP
2,959 posts
 

@audphile1 

Thanks for researching that.  That's quite a bit more burn-in. the Jay's remote has a repeat function. Unfortunately, last week I had to send mine to Tek Audio in Texas for repairs. While the Hegel remote will work for some functions on Jay's, repeat is not one of them. So this means I can only listen while I'm awake. Will do what I can. I appreciate your ongoing advice !

 

audphile1's avatar
audphile1
5,290 posts
 

Do you have an old dvd player you can connect to aqua and run 24/7 or just get WiiM streamer on Amazon and run into aqua via toslink. Send that garbage back when you’re done. Lol

stuartk OP
2,959 posts
 

@audphile1

Yes; I have an old DVD player.

I'm sorry but I don't follow your meaning. 

Could you please describe the signal chain you're suggesting, incorporating the dvd player ? 

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