Hegel 190v Integrated Streaming Amplifier Review | Tom Martin Reports...

Tom reviews the modestly priced ($4200) but fiercely competitive Hegel 190v Integrated Streaming Amplifier.

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[middleearthltd]

For sure not a beginner budget price-point
I do agree that it has a lot of value crammed in it

[adsph]

Nice review. As a H190 owner I echo many of your observations. For the money it truly is quite a value.

[Odinz]

Thanks for a great video! This makes me want to listen to the 190v at the earliest possible opportunity. Also thanks for using music beyond the usual audiophile jazz to audition the amp. Great job - keep it up!

[jhschmidMD]

I cross shopped the H190 with the Parasound Hint 6 integrated. It was a close contest, and I was quite impressed by both. The Hegel's bass control ability (which you've highlighted in this review), especially with in-efficient speakers, was incredible. So fast!. However, The Parasound was nearly as good in that respect, but it was also better in every other way sonically (at least to my ears). The Hegel was neutral, but it also sounded a bit cold, whereas the Parasound, while not warm, was a pleasing neutral. I could just tell that the Hegel would be on in the background, where as with the Parasound, I would sit, listen, and enjoy. I went with the Hint 6. Thanks for your detailed review!

[philippebertrand]

I’ve heard some Hegel integrated and they sound very good. Two remarks: 1) it is build in China but they don’t write it on the back 2) they change the models quite often and they therefore rapidly get obsolete.

[davidrivera]

Thank you.You've just made us Hegel owners quite pleased and proud of our choice. Streaming using the onboard renderer is the wisest choice for most owners. You would definitely have to spend well over $2k to surpass the internal renderer/streamer and on board dac with separates.

[Lutznn]

Great review! I think it is also good to point out that Hegel has a handy no-nonsense smartphone app that works like a remote control. You can turn on the amp, change inputs and volume. Pretty bare bones but I use it often.

[JosephCrowesDIYSpeakerBuilding]

I heard the 190V at Montreal Audio show and it was superb.

[stephencosta]

❤ fantastic review your voice is very clear and you speak very nicely to listen to keep up the great work. I really enjoyed your video review of the Hagel.👍. Ps if I may ask you if you’re familiar with it what do you think of McIntosh’s entry level integrated amplifier? I believe I can pick up a new one for about $5000 would you choose the Hagel? or the McIntosh if you could answer that I would highly appreciate it.👍

[popcornl]

Loved your review. I learned a lot. ty

[gibtsnocheinenfreien]

And one more important thing: you can really listen to the Hegel for a long time without getting tired. It simply doesn't annoy, which you really can't say about all amplifiers...

[williamcanada]

Thank you !! Bill from Northeast France

[bomt]

Thank you for the review. I was hoping a little more information/thoughts on the built in phono preamp specifically and how it compared to the standalone V10 phono preamp. How close does the built-in phono preamp come to the v10 or similarly spec/priced phono preamp? It is this that is holding me up in either buying a used H190 vs a new H190v. Thank you

[BO-khiz]

0:40 You can tell whether the price of a hi-fi device really represents excellent value if you want to trade in a mint condition device or sell it on the second-hand market. That's when you can experience some "nice" surprises and a reality check.

[deanbrandon]

I have the H190 (not the v), but it is great. It does everything. What speakers would be best with this amp? The 88 dB sensitivity guideline helps.

[AlphaQ]

Cool looking turntable at the background

[TDSSLegacy]

Thanks! 🙏 What separates might you want to try with this if so inclined?

[JD-mmub]

How does Hegel H190V compare to the Hegel H390?

[Stuart-]

Hi Tom,

I'm looking to upgrade my amplifier and would love your advice. I currently have a Marantz PM8005 paired with KEF LS50 speakers in a small listening room. While I enjoy the sound, I find the treble a bit bright for my taste. I already have a streaming device, so I won't need the amp for that functionality.

Could you recommend whether the Hegel H90, H120, or H190 would be the best fit for my setup? I'm particularly interested in how they handle treble and overall sound quality in smaller spaces.

Thanks for your review!

[Skebetine]

Great review! Thank you. Would you be willing to share which speakers you auditioned the 190v with?