CES 2013: Hegel Audio

Hegel HD25

Hegel HD25, rear
The HD25 DAC has a couple of cool features, primarily is the face-plate is also a touch-plate — tapping it changes the selected interface. I think it’s cool, but then, I’m easily impressed. This DAC is able to do 24bit files at up to 192kHz sampling — over all the interfaces, including USB (a USB 2.0 compliant interface — no drivers for Mac OS). Specs here, but pay attention to that noise number:
- DAC resolution: 32bit / 192 kHz multilevel sigma-delta DAC
0dBFS signal output: 2,5V RMS - Digital inputs: 1*USB soundcard, 2*coaxial and 1*optical S/PDIF
- Line outputs: 1 pair of RCA unbalanced, 1 pair of XLR balanced
- Frequency response: 0 Hz to 50 KHz
- Phase response: Linear Phase Analogue filter
- Noise floor: Typically -145 dB
- Distortion: Typical 0,0006%
- Power supply: Built-in torodial transformer, 30,000 uF capacitors
- Dimensions/weight US: 2,35″ x 8,3″ x 10,24″ (HxBxD), weight 7 lbs
On the other shelf was a new P20 preamplifier. The preamp has some trickle-down tech from the more expensive preamps, and some new stuff like the Silicon Germanium transistors also used in the HD25 DAC. It also comes with a hefty, bead-blasted metal remote (sha-wing!).
This gear isn’t cheap, by any means, but it’s also not expensive, at least not by comparison to products found in today’s high-end. That said, and I can’t say this strongly enough, Hegel Audio makes equipment that is embarrassingly good. And by embarrassing, I’m pointing my hairy eyeball directly at gear in that sub-$10k price point.
I compared Hegel P30 & H30 to Mcintosh amplification on TAD Reference One.
To my surprise: The difference was big. The winner was Hegel.
..and now he’s been nominated secretary of defense
I just bought a Hegel H30. I am “embarrassingly” happy! 🙂
That thing is a monster. Are you running it stereo or mono?