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Any one with experience with Hegel?

12K views 9 replies 5 participants last post by  mjcmt 
G
#1 ·
Hi,

I am considering a Hegel sound system. Consisting of H1 and CDP2A.
Is there anyone in here that has heard these systems, and have any coments about them?

I will also be looking for speakers. If anyone have heard the system, do you have any suggestions on good speakers to go with the system?

Rgds
Kent
 
#5 ·
Just to throw in that I haven't heard of them either. Is there a reason why this combination appeals to you? I do like the minimalist look though.

As for speakers, my opinion (among the gazillion that are out there) is that I'd pick my speakers first, then my electronics. Also, to a large extent, we'd need to know what speakers you do like before offering a suggestion on what speaker to buy. You might want to read this.

Good luck and let us know how it turns out.

JCD
 
G
#6 · (Edited)
Hi,
I tested the Hegel system. I was very disaponted.
It is a system for very audiophile persons, with a big preference towards vocal music.

I tried the system with B&W 804s speakers. (Not sure about cables and power supply).

The setup was tried in the listening room of the distributor.

I feel the system is removing to much of the high frequency tones and most of the lower frequency. And there is absolutely no punch in the system.
To point at some of the positive sides, it has a very warm sound, and it is giving a great emphasis to the vocal.

I feel Hegel would be very nice if you are really into vocal music like Bossa Nova and vocal Jazz.

Considering the price tag, there are many other systems out there that would perform much better at a lower cost (considering I am not just listening to vocal music.)

How ever I am not very much into electronics so I am not able to give you all the graphs and all the values you will usualy see. I am using my ears to check the system, FULL STOP, simple and easy.
 
#8 ·
OK, I recieved the H360 2 month ago
Until now , I use the internal DAC of the Hegel, but I plan to try to use my external DAC (audio GD NF1 based on dual mono Sabre 918) later. I use a cambridge Drive CX (no DAC in it)
My previous system, was a 851 C,E and W combo (with the audio GD NF1 DAC instead the internal DAC of the 851 C)

The major difference is the Bass control : I have the feeling (and my wife and my daughter too), that there is more bass. The bass are deeper and more articulate . There is also a lot of punch, but there is nothing hard here, just respect of the CD file. Otherwise, the tonal difference is slighty different more balanced and natural.

Compared to my 851W (same weight, dimensions , but less power, 200/350 watts, instead of 250/420), the Hegel produce less heat.
I have absolutely no regret for this upgrade. The Hegel, took less place, is a better amplifier, with great bass (something lacking with my cambridge, lacking the iron fist that is necessary to drive the PBN audio Scanpeak 741 speakers) , a lot of dynamism, and a sweet sound.
The H360 is an iron fist in a velvet glove
 
#10 · (Edited)
I have a Consonance C-100 which is exactly a Hegel H1 (Consonance makes their boards and chassis for them). It's the best solid state integrated amp I've owned, and near the top of the best SS power amps too. Its musical and detailed w/o any harshness. Deep bass and extended smooth highs. I've very pleased with it and have no plans of selling it.
I'm actually going to upgrade my source to Yamaha's new Aventage BD-A1060 universal bluray player w/ balance audio output to take advantage of the amps balanced xlr input. I only have a 2 channel HT system.
 

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