Post by Owen Y on Aug 19, 2020 11:34:56 GMT 12
We talked about HEGEL, a Norwegian electronics company, previously. Just announced is the HEGEL H95, an upgrade of the HEGEL H90 model, the least powerful of HEGEL's integrated amplifiers. HEGEL describe the H95 as: " It is not just an amplifier, but also a complete streaming solution with both AirPlay and UPnP streaming. It fully caters to the modern digital streaming generation. " - 60Wpc @ 8 ohms Class AB amplification (stable down to 2 ohms load, reports DARKO) - HEGEL SoundEngine Class AB power amplifiers - Analogue (2) & digital (6) inputs - in-house designed, upgraded DAC (again, see DARKO) - Headphone output - Pre-output for subwoofer - Remote control - Spotify Connect built in - Online future-upgradable firmware/software (No phono input, no ROON Ready built in.) Price - US$2000 / £1500 / ~NZ$3295 So, this is a streaming Amp-DAC built to a very accessible price, but does it sound any good?  
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Post by Owen Y on Aug 19, 2020 11:56:13 GMT 12
Soundstage! HI-FI (15 Aug '20) review: " ... slightly smoother than that of the Schiit Ragnarok 2 ...the H95 delivered a bit more bass solidity, which in turn made the sound more forceful. " " ... there was nothing about the H95’s sound that I wanted to criticize. ...the sound in general so free of colorations, that I found it hard to believe I was listening to a system that retails for a total of well under $4000." ... supersmooth and highly detailed, it sounded incredibly lively ...the dynamics were great. ...visceral, forceful sound... " " Clearly, the H95’s headphone output is no afterthought. " " in a few areas it falls back, most notable for me being the limits of resolution of its USB input. "
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Post by Owen Y on Aug 19, 2020 12:09:16 GMT 12
HiFi Pig magazine (14 Aug '20) review: " The sound is refined and unmuddied, never over clinical or “shrill” – very organic without being too warm " " ... sheer neutrality of the H95 " " The transparency, especially around mid’s and highs, really is a joy and coming from warmer amps can actually take some time to get used to... " " incredibly low noise floor, clean but organic reproduction and feel and class-leading grip. Transparent, dynamic and crisp... "
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Post by Owen Y on Aug 20, 2020 10:32:46 GMT 12
It looks like HEGEL have mixed up (& pared-down) an attractive recipe of low distortion amp technology with very good resolution, low noise & dynamic punch. For a very 'moderate hi-fi level' price, in one tidy box you get decently 'versatile' power capability with ample digital wired inputs, combined with a better-than-entry-level D/A Converter & headphone sound quality. Not to mention a (variable) line output for say 'desktop' active 'monitors'. You can enjoy some 'serious' audio quality, without looking geeky with an audiophile rack of equipment  What's not to like? If you want a phono input, then either (i) your entry-level TT these days will have one in-built, or (ii) if you are more serious then you'll plug in your own phono stage choice.
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Post by Owen Y on Nov 25, 2020 20:15:37 GMT 12
HI-FI NEWS (16 Nov '20) - review: " The amplifier instantly establishes itself as being controlled, detailed and refined, but at the same time entirely exuberant in the way it launches into music. " " This isn't quite a giant-killer in the mould of the H390, but it's still a remarkable amplifier for the money, with power, poise and above all a hugely involving presentation. If your budget will only stretch this far, you will not be disappointed. " 
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Post by cartridgeguyonline on Nov 26, 2020 6:30:29 GMT 12
They dont advertise the fact they are made in China do they ?
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Post by Owen Y on Nov 26, 2020 8:21:40 GMT 12
Like the majority consumer hi-fi today, HEGEL - " Manufacturing takes place in China, leaving the Norway HQ for product development, circuit design, parts sourcing, testing, repairs and software coding. " ( DARKO Audio) QC is the key in China & when that is under control, then China nowadays can do it better & more efficiently than than anyone else. Some may recall a time when Taiwan was regarded as '2nd-rate Asian' manufacturing. No longer.
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Pundit
Post by cartridge on Nov 26, 2020 9:15:53 GMT 12
Malaysia and Indonesia are now seen to be 'the place' to make products as they offer stater of the art factories... but without the tarrifs!
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Post by Owen Y on Nov 26, 2020 9:36:59 GMT 12
Cambodia is the new frontier Romania for Europe?
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Pundit
Post by cartridge on Nov 26, 2020 11:36:26 GMT 12
India saw massive investment for white goods in recent years... basically, companies will go wherever labour forces are paid the least.
Now China is apparently 'concerned' with the environment, production costs are set to rise further and further.
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