Hegel H390
Contents
If you ask us what the Hegel brand stands for, a few words come to mind: all-in-one… …stable… …powerful… dynamic. Almost every Hegel we’ve had a the office knows how to convince in terms of stability, control and tranquillity. And yes… the H390 is no different. Everything we know about Hegel is also incorporated in this H390. And some more…
Newer… …better…
The H390 is the successor of the highly successful Hegel H360. An amplifier that is reasonably engraved in our memory. Partly because of the enormous dynamics and stability that the Hegel SoundEngine technology is responsible for. We’ve already written more about the SoundEngine. You can watch the video to learn more about this interesting ‘op-amp’ on steroids.
With the H360 and now the H390 the versatility is striking because of the built-in streamer and the (fine) dac. You can imagine that there are almost no competitors for such a device. After all, where do you buy a complete device with a powerful power amplifier, solid dac and a ROON-compatible streamer for just under 6000 euros? But before we jump straight to the test: a word about the versatility. Cause boy… what a list of connection possibilities. We see analog and digital, usb… everything. They are set out in the table.
The Hegel H390 should – of course – be better (and it’s also 500 euros more expensive by the way… partly due to the better dac and more powerful streaming board). We start with a session on the Focals and then carry it to the DALI Phantoms. We connect the Pavane-dac to the Hegel via a set of Grimm SQM XLR and plug an Ethernet cable into the port to be able to stream via ROON as well.
Strength
Immediately the power and control is noticeable with this Hegel. The punch at the bottom-end is simply impressive. Anyone who loves a ‘game of pumpin’ bass’ will immediately become friends with this Norwegian creation! Before you misinterpret “pumpin bass”… this is meant to be positive. The Hegel can be extremely hard without clipping or going into compression… that seems like the most normal thing in the world, but it’s not…
And we don’t mean to say that this Norwegian treats every song with the brute hammer. No. Detail and space is certainly audible. But honestly: there are models in this class that show a little more finesse. Think of the MOON 340i, Ayre EX-8 and the Yamaha A-S3000. Especially the last two are a bit more delicate. But yes: this is again at the expense of strength and punch in these models. The Ayre does come close… with a matching price tag… Without dac and streamer it’s already at 6500 euro.
Complete
Let’s be honest: for 5995 you get a very complete and good sounding device which as a total package is very hard to beat. The direct competitor we are thinking of – as a total package – is the MOON 340i which has a somewhat similar sound character, slightly more sophisticated, but it does lose on pure punch (not crazy with 100 watts instead of 250 watts) which can help with certain speakers and genres in the experience. The streaming solution of the MOON is better. So whoever is also looking for a solid streaming platform, better try the Canadians, as they offer multiroom with their own app and platform. There’s no need for ROON… Although the Hegel can also stream via UPnP (but no multiroom).
Judgement
Are you looking for a solution that offers everything: streaming, dac, power, dynamics… then the Hegel H390 is a partner that can make you very happy. The H390 offers a very complete package for just under 6000 euros. A package that sends a lot of music into the living room and pays little attention to the loudspeaker. Not only because of the ample power, but also because of the interesting SoundEngine technology. However, do not expect the same level of refinement in all areas… But it’s a lot of fun!
| Good for those who love | Less good for those who love |
| Punch | Lots of detail |
| Check | Super refinement |
| Simplicity |
Specifications
| Model | Hegel H390 |
| Inputs | 1 x balanced, 2 x single ended, 1 x coaxial, 3 x optical, 1 x USB, 1 x Ethernet. |
| Speaker terminals | Spades, banana, bare wire |
| Headphones | No |
| Exits | 1 x coaxial, 1 x single ended, 1 x XLR |
| Power | 2 x 250 watts in 8 Ohm, Solid State |
| Expandable | No. (Software updates, though) |
| Price | 5995 |
