Hegel H590 is the top model in the Norwegian company’s line. The Hegel H590 integrated amplifier produces up to 300 W of power (8 Ohms, damping factor – 4,000). The new product is not just an amplifier: it also combines the capabilities of a streamer that works via UPnP (DLNA) and supports AirPlay (the amplifier is not equipped with Wi-Fi, but is recognized as an AirPlay receiver when connected to a local network with a wireless router).
In general, the Hegel H590 amplifier works stably even with a two-ohm resistance, and taking into account the damping factor of more than 4000, you don’t have to worry not only about the sound pressure level, but also about the quality of the bass. However, one should not be surprised by such parameters: after all, a dozen hand-selected transistors work in each channel of the final amplification stage, and the proprietary SoundEngine2 technology is used in the circuitry of the device. Instead of deep feedback, circuitry uses direct feedback. The device received a new power supply with two toroidal transformers, one of which serves to power the DAC and preamplifier. Dual mono circuit topology is used. All transistors in the input stage are matched in pairs, which minimizes harmonic distortion, and fast output stages now provide higher current performance.
On the slightly convex aluminum facade of the amplifier there are only the most necessary elements: a display with blue symbols (displays the power indicator, the selected input, etc.), a source selector and a volume control. The power button is built into the bottom of the case. To control the integrated device, you can use a standard metal remote control or an application installed on a mobile device.
You can connect up to three unbalanced and a pair of balanced sources to the device. In addition, of course, there are also digital inputs: three optical, coaxial and USB, the latter with DSD support. It would be strange if an amplifier of this level did not support streaming technologies: Spotify, UPnP and AirPlay are present here. Multi-room capabilities have not been forgotten either. Out of the box, the device supports Control4, but in addition to this, any other duplex IP protocol can be implemented.
Big, powerful and – yes! – Hegel’s expensive, flagship amplifier combines large internal reserves, delicacy, and even sophistication that you do not expect from it. It is undoubtedly high-end, but does not compromise on ease of use and flexibility, not least thanks to its excellent digital platform. In fact, this is one of the most complete integrated amplifiers we’ve seen. Impressive!
Specifications Hegel H590
Amplifier Class AB, Dual Mono, DualAmp, Dual Power, Sound Engine 2. 24 pcs 15A 200W high-speed, low-distortion bipolar transistors
Power 300 W at 8 Ohm, at 600 W at 4 Ohm
Frequency range 5 Hz – 100 kHz
Signal-to-noise ratio more than 100 dB
Channel crossover less than -100 dB
Total harmonic distortion (THD) less than 0.005% at 50 W 8 Ohm 1 kHz
Intermodulation distortion (IMD) less than 0.01% (19 kHz + 20 kHz)
Damping factor more than 4000
Analog inputs 2x XLR, 3x RCA
Analog outputs 1x RCA with constant level, 1x RCA with variable level
Digital inputs 1x BNC, 1x coaxial, 3x optical, 1x USB, 1x RJ45
Additional functionality AirPlay and DLNA. Integration with Control4 and Savant. Built-in DAC and network audio streamer. Remote control
Dimensions: W 430 mm H 171 mm D 445 mm
Weight 22 kg
