Hegel H190v Integrated Amplifier – Just add Speakers
The new Hegel H190v Integrated Amplifier, which the Norwegian hi-fi manufacturer is now presenting as the successor to the Hegel H190 Integrated Amplifier, can offer everything from streaming to a phono preamplifier.
- Hegel describes the new Hegel H190v Integrated Amplifier, the successor to the Hegel H190 Integrated Amplifier, as a true all-rounder.
The Hegel H190 Integrated Amplifier from Norwegian hi-fi manufacturer Hegel Music Systems was presented in 2017 as a stereo integrated amplifier that stood for strength and authority. Now, the new Hegel H190v Integrated Amplifier is the successor, which retains the virtues of its predecessor but has been designed to be even more versatile and flexible. Above all, a very high-quality integrated phono preamplifier is now one of the special features of the new Hegel H190v Integrated Amplifier.
In principle, everything you would expect from a modern stereo integrated amplifier is available here, from streaming to digital and analogue inputs through to the integrated phono preamp. It is not for nothing that the manufacturer refers to this as a true all-in-one system, which can also be categorised as a just-add speaker.
Hegel H190v Integrated Amplifier – The all-rounder
Whether vinyl or streaming, the Hegel H190v Integrated Amplifier is always the right choice, Hegel Music Systems promises, and what’s more, this solution always guarantees impressive sound and therefore describes the new stereo integrated amplifier as the perfect solution for all those looking for a truly High-end HiFi solution for a wide variety of tasks at an attractive price.
The new Hegel H190v Integrated Amplifier offers everything you need to enjoy music more, regardless of the source.
More music – All-in-one stereo integrated amplifier
During the development of the new stereo integrated amplifier, Hegel Music Systems even gave it the nickname More music, whereby it is certainly taking on a difficult legacy, as its predecessor, the aforementioned Hegel H190 Integrated Amplifier, is regarded as the most successful Norwegian product to date.
Analogue and digital, streaming and phono preamp as well as headphone amplifier
As already mentioned, the new Hegel H190v Integrated Amplifier is intended to be a particularly flexible solution, meaning that it can boast a wide range of possible applications.
This starts with analogue interfaces, with two pairs of RCA sockets for connecting unbalanced sources and one pair of XLR sockets for connecting balanced sources. Selected inputs can also be set as a fixed high-level home cinema input so that the new stereo integrated amplifier can be easily combined with surround sound receivers or multi-room devices, as the manufacturer explicitly states.
For digital sources, a coaxial S/PDIF interface is initially available, which processes signals in Linear PCM with up to 24 bits and 192 kHz. However, the three optical S/PDIF interfaces, which the Hegel H190v Integrated Amplifier also offers, are limited to signals in Linear PCM with only 24 bits and 96 kHz, in line with the standard.
The Hegel H190v Integrated Amplifier can be connected directly to a PC or Mac via a USB Type B, whereby signals in Linear PCM with up to 24 bit and 96 kHz can also be processed here.
The stereo integrated amplifier is particularly flexible when it is integrated into a network, with an RJ45 Ethernet interface available for this purpose. In the network, it initially functions as a dlna-certified UPnP streaming client, but also supports Spotify via Spotify Connect, Apple AirPlay 2 and is labelled as Roon Ready.
For vinyl lovers, as already mentioned, an integrated phono preamp is now available, which is said to be at the same high quality level as the external Hegel V10 solution and is designed for drives equipped with an MM cartridge system.
The new Hegel H190v Integrated Amplifier also has a 6,3 mm stereo jack on the front panel, which conceals a high-quality headphone amplifier.
Even finer sound
Another feature of the new Hegel H190v Integrated Amplifier compared to its predecessor is a significantly improved power supply for the D/A converter as well as the preamplifier, which should be immediately noticeable in an even smoother sound.
The basis for the considerable output of two times 150 watts into 8 ohms of the amplifier circuit in Class A/B with a damping factor of 4.000 is said to be a potent toroidal transformer, which is supported by high-quality output transistors for corresponding line reserves and therefore perfect timing with maximum precision.
It should be mentioned that the new stereo integrated amplifier not only has a preamplifier output with a fixed level, but also a corresponding output with a variable level.
Flexible control options
First and foremost, the new Hegel H190v Integrated Amplifier can of course be controlled directly via the two rotary encoders on the front, which flank a generously sized and therefore always easy-to-read display. The scope of delivery also includes a suitable remote control. However, the amplifier can be programmed via a learning function so that it can be controlled directly with the remote controls of common televisions.
For all those who want to integrate the new Hegel H190v Integrated Amplifier into complex control solutions, all options are open, as it not only has IP control, but can also be directly integrated into solutions such as Control4, Crestron or Savant.
The new Hegel H190v Integrated Amplifier features a metal housing with a proven timelessly elegant, almost purist design language, which is available in either black or white. It measures 43 cm in width, 41 cm in depth and 12 cm in height, weighing in at 14,2 kg.
Prices and availability
The new Hegel H190v Integrated Amplifier will be available from specialist retailers from May 2024, but initially only in the black version. The white version should be available from June 2024. The manufacturer’s recommended retail price is € 3.795,-.
Getting to the point
The new Hegel H190v Integrated Amplifier is a true all-rounder that can rightly be categorised as Just add Speakers and is aimed at music lovers who, according to Hegel Music Systems, want to access the widest possible range of content, be it streaming, vinyl or fine sound while watching TV. More music, this motto was therefore the focus during development, and the perfect blend of performance, sophistication and versatility was realised at a thoroughly audiophile level of quality.
| PRODUCT | HEGEL H190V INTEGRATED AMPLIFIER |
|---|---|
| Price | € 3.795,- |
| Brand | HEGEL |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer | Hegel Music Systems |
| Distribution Austria | GP Acoustics GmbH |
| Distribution Germany | GP Acoustics GmbH |
| Distribution Switzerland | Soundrevolution Sàrl |
| More about this manufacturer at HIFI BLOG |
