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Hegel comparison

I have the opportunity to buy either a Hegel 390 or 590.  Pricing to be negotiated, and there are no dealerships anywhere in my region that would allow me to hear either one before making a decision.

Does anybody have an opinion, based on live auditioning, re: the relative sonic profiles of these two products?

Thanks for any opinions based on first-hand experience.

 

cundare2
cundare2 OP
213 posts
 

@stuartk  and @soix  Thanks so much for the quick response.  I'll check out those links.

 

Is this the same Stu that was selling an H590 a few months ago? 

margaretha
25 posts
 

I was also looking at the hegel h390 at the end i go home with the gato 400s.

bigtwin's avatar
bigtwin
1,130 posts
 

@cundare2  I have owned both the 390 and 590. While the 390 is an excellent amp, the 590 just took everything to that next level of performance.  The video posted by @stuartk is on point.  From a value standpoint the 390 is hard to beat. 

rick_n's avatar
rick_n
120 posts
 

Both are great amps.  I've spent quite a bit of time with both and also the new 600.  The 590 will drive the bass harder and tighter but the 590 has a small dip in the midrange which makes the 390 sound "warmer" side by side.  I think it's the DAC in the 590 that causes the midrange dip.  I used an external DAC on the 590 and the dip vanished.  Good luck and cheers.  

hsounds
132 posts
 

They do sound a little different. I believe the 390 is a touch cooler sounding. 
the 590 is a big deal because it has true balance and an extra XLR input. Plus since they just came out with the 600 you should get a better discount percentage on the 590. Most people are working their way up the line from the 95 up. So why not just get the best. If you are near Chicago you can go to Holm Audio. You might want to call for prices anyways. They will ship it to you and have a great relationship with Hegel. I hope this helps. 

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