I did a bit of a flying visit to the Bristol Sound and Vision show yesterday, basically I wanted to visit because GIK were exhibiting for the first time, and I was interested in taking a look at some of their products and having a chat with them regarding some ideas and questions that I have. This much worked out well, in fact I am very glad I made the effort to go. Lets put it this way, I can look at GIK products on their website and pick the style and colour that I prefer, but when I see the actual products in the flesh, it is a different colour and style that really like. The internet is great but it has its limitations, if I had selected products on-line rather than seeing for real, I would not have made the best choices.
Anyway, Hegel were at the show and were doing a very interesting demo. They had a relatively small room, with the Hegel H190, H390 and H590 and a pair of KEF LS50's, they were playing a couple of tracks and then swapping the amps for comparison. When I was there I heard the H590, then the H190, and for me it was very interesting to hear the difference between the two, even with the relatively modest, perhaps price inappropriate, KEF LS50's.
I have to say that I thought that the H590 LS50 combo was actually amongst the very best sounding rooms in the show, quite impressive. Also, subjectively to my ears after a very quick listen, I would have to say that the H590 is quite a step up from the H190. The H190 LS50 combo was perfectly competent, but when H590 powered the system had some real magic, excellent resolution, speed and clarity. In fact, it struck me as sounding rather Devialet like! OK - this was in a converted hotel room at a show, so I cannot comment in detail, but when I read these comparative reviews of Devialet versus Hegel and positive stuff about the H590, I can now see why, to my ears it sounded like a really good product. It is now very clear to me why people are making the comparison to Devialet, they are both up there as excellent integrated amps for the money.
During the demo the Hegel rep made an interesting comment, he said that it has a fairly basic case, nothing expensive, as they like to focus the cost on the electronics to maximise value for money. An interesting comment I thought, as at a quick look the Hegel looks ok to me. A good product I think.
Anyway, Hegel were at the show and were doing a very interesting demo. They had a relatively small room, with the Hegel H190, H390 and H590 and a pair of KEF LS50's, they were playing a couple of tracks and then swapping the amps for comparison. When I was there I heard the H590, then the H190, and for me it was very interesting to hear the difference between the two, even with the relatively modest, perhaps price inappropriate, KEF LS50's.
I have to say that I thought that the H590 LS50 combo was actually amongst the very best sounding rooms in the show, quite impressive. Also, subjectively to my ears after a very quick listen, I would have to say that the H590 is quite a step up from the H190. The H190 LS50 combo was perfectly competent, but when H590 powered the system had some real magic, excellent resolution, speed and clarity. In fact, it struck me as sounding rather Devialet like! OK - this was in a converted hotel room at a show, so I cannot comment in detail, but when I read these comparative reviews of Devialet versus Hegel and positive stuff about the H590, I can now see why, to my ears it sounded like a really good product. It is now very clear to me why people are making the comparison to Devialet, they are both up there as excellent integrated amps for the money.
During the demo the Hegel rep made an interesting comment, he said that it has a fairly basic case, nothing expensive, as they like to focus the cost on the electronics to maximise value for money. An interesting comment I thought, as at a quick look the Hegel looks ok to me. A good product I think.
1000 Pro - KEF Blade - iFi Zen Stream - Mutec REF10 - MC3+USB - Pro-Ject Signature 12
