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Hegel H120 or H190

Hello!

I’m considering getting an Hegel integrated amplifier. I like their sound, they are in my budget range and they feature the functions I will use. Because of my budget, I’m considering a H120 or a H190, used or new. H390 and H400 are out of my budget I think.

After several tests, I would say the H190 sounds slightly better (wider soundstage, more precision) but it’s not day and night though so I am still wondering what to do because it is also much more expensive, whether used or new.

I’d like to know your thoughts about that, if any of you had the two and used them over the course of several weeks or months.

Speakers are B&W CM1 (bookshelf); I’ll probably upgrade them within 2 or 3 years. I rarely listen to my music above 80 db and the room is about 17 square meters.

Thank you very much for your ideas!

boozendormi
boozendormi OP
12 posts
 

Thanks!

So you would recommend another amp, maybe less powerful but of better design?

I'm considering a speaker upgrade indeed but I first need an amp: the previous one failed and the repair is too expansive. So I'm ampless for now :)

grislybutter
3,028 posts
 

I have been looking buying the Hegel H90 and H120 but both are outside my budget. I believe they are very reliable and great sounding amps. So, recommending something else would be a bit of a tangent. (Plus, when you ask for a recommendation here of whatever amp, you will get a lot of "you must have what I have, regardless of budget, synergy, etc.)

I have tried a lot of amps and I feel I arrived back at the conclusion that the source and the speakers are way more important.

I would stick with the H120, they will drive any speaker for you room. My favorite source for recommendation and synergy is the British Audiophile

hilroy48
162 posts
 

I had a H190 and got rid of it, was very dull flat, sterile to be honest. I ended up buying a Kinki Studio EX-M1 way more musical of an amp. 250WPC if that matters, more than enough power to drive most speakers out there.

gkelly's avatar
gkelly
153 posts
 

If you are going to upgrade your speakers in a couple years. What might those speakers be? Research what amp that might be most synergistic with your new speakers. 🔊. I find there are a lot of switchbacks on this journey we take. 

fred60
131 posts
 

Try the Hegel H360 used.

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