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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
gano
157 posts
 

@boozendormi

I think you should buy the H120. Even the H90 would be fine, but the H120 would be a no brainer.

I tried 7 integrated amps in two months in search of my next best amp. What I found was that they matter the least. The source and the speaker make a much bigger difference.

Don’t buy the speakers first. You need to match the speakers TO THE AMP, not the other way. In your room size, the Hegel will do everything you need. Any 2-3K bookshelf speaker from Dynaudio or Wharfedale or alike would be a huge upgrade to the B&Ws

cmrbkk
7 posts
 

It's a bit of a shame you've ruled out the H390. Now that the H400 is replacing it, I fortunate enough to pick up one in a new/open box condition very recently for $4,500 and a new H190 is I think something like $4,200. Thinking ahead, if you can find  a new or used H390 in that range, the relatively small extra dollar stretch is definitely worth it. It will drive whatever speakers you get in the future admirably and the gobs of quiet clean power it has will just sound better at lower listening volumes with your current speakers. On the other hand, stereo gear is just like bikes. There is always something better for just a little bit more money.  My bottom line is go with the most power in their lineup you can swing. I  really like the sound Hegel amps produce and no matter where you end up in their lineup, I predict you will be a happy camper.

grislybutter
3,529 posts
 

quiet clean power it has will just sound better at lower listening volumes

I seriously doubt that

macg19
966 posts
 

Take this with a grain of salt as I dont know what kind of music you listen to, but a quick search on USAM turned up a pair of Harbeth C7ES and a Hegel h190 for around $4600 (separate ads) which are thought to have good synergy.

I based your budget on a new h190 listing at $4200.

grislybutter
3,529 posts
 

along the lines of previous suggestions: buy a bee farm. It has nothing to do with your question just like many of the comments here 

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