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Hegel H190v
Designed with Purpose
Hegel has consistently set the benchmark for excellence in integrated amplifier design. The evolution of the classic H190 amplifier takes our best-selling product of all time to new heights, offering a perfect blend of power, refinement, and versatility. Positioned in the heart of our integrated amplifier lineup, it is designed to cater to audiophiles who seek an all-in-one solution without compromise.
Crafted with precision and minimalist elegance, the amplifier is housed in a solid steel chassis featuring a thick aluminium front with aluminium knobs. Available in both black and white, the amplifier is designed to complement any interior aesthetic. However, underneath its minimalist exterior, it is packed with advanced features. With 150W class AB power in 8 Ohms, a damping factor of 4000, and a large toroidal transformer paired with high-quality output transistors, this amplifier delivers power and precision in equal measure. A dedicated and improved power supply for the preamp and DAC section creates a pitch-black background ensuring that the focus remains on the music, where every nuance is delivered with precision and control. It offers a taste of high-end sophistication at a sensible price point.
Vinyl to Streaming, All in One
By incorporating a state-of-the-art phono preamplifier, users can connect turntables with MM cartridges directly to the amplifier. The phono input is a scaled-down version of the highly acclaimed V10 phono preamplifier, delivering a detailed, expansive, and powerful sound that breathes new life into any vinyl collection. For those who appreciate a personal listening experience, it boasts a 6.3mm headphone output with a high-quality dedicated headphone amplifier. Capable of driving even the most demanding headphones, this feature ensures that every nuance of your music is faithfully reproduced. The inclusion of a comprehensive list of streaming options further enhances the amplifier's versatility. With support for AirPlay, Spotify Connect, Roon Ready, and DLNA/UPnP, it transforms your space into a hub for seamless music playback.
Smart, Adaptable, Connected
It is highly customizable to ensure it suits any environment. The volume can be limited so that it suits your max volume preference. With remote-control feature, you can program the amplifier to be commanded by common TV remotes, eliminating the need for using two remotes and making it easier for all household members to get great TV sound. Most inputs can also be set as a fixed high-level Home Theater input, making it easy to combine it with surround receivers or multi-room devices. For more advanced users, it also features IP control for smart home integration with brands like Control4, Crestron, and Savant. Additionally, it offers a host of inputs and both fixed and variable outputs for connecting external devices, such as subwoofers, providing a customizable audio experience.
A Complete Audio Solution
Whether you are a vinyl aficionado, a streaming enthusiast, or someone who just appreciates the immersive power of high-fidelity audio, it is the perfect companion, delivering an unparalleled listening experience that goes beyond expectations. It is more than just an integrated amplifier; it's a complete audio solution. With a high-end DAC, an exceptional phono stage, a top-tier headphone output, and an array of streaming options, it is designed for those who simply crave more music.
Dealers selling Hegel near you
Hegel's H190v is a consummate all‑in‑one integrated amplifier that pairs 150Wpc Class‑AB power with a high‑resolution streamer, DAC and an onboard MM phono stage. It delivers a confident, neutral sound with exceptional bass control and grip, a clear, well‑resolved midband and a refined, extended treble; imaging is wide and deep. Reviewers such as Alan Sircom and Tom Martin praised its dynamics and versatile digital and analogue connectivity, including Roon Ready, AirPlay and balanced inputs. The beefed‑up power supply and revised board layout boost transparency and make the phono stage a genuine value add. Built in a solid chassis with quiet operation, the H190v suits listeners who want a compact, high‑performance hub for two‑channel listening and vinyl, offering strong price‑to‑performance.
Pros
- Exceptional bass control and speaker grip driven by a very high damping factor and upgraded power supply, giving tight, punchy low end and excellent transient control.
- Extensive, modern connectivity and streaming features (Roon Ready, AirPlay, Spotify Connect, USB/coax/optical, balanced XLR) make it a flexible system centerpiece.
- Well‑executed onboard MM phono stage based on Hegel’s V10 design; reviewers found it adds real vinyl capability without the need for a separate phono preamp for many users.
- Robust build and low noise operation — revised board layout and beefier supplies yield improved transparency and a quiet background.
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Cons
- Phono stage accepts moving‑magnet cartridges only; moving‑coil owners will need a separate step‑up or head amp.
- Sound can be noticeably more reserved on unbalanced RCA inputs versus the more involving balanced (XLR) connection on some recordings.
- While powerful for its class, the H190v may need a more powerful amplifier to produce the largest orchestral peaks in very large rooms or with very low‑sensitivity speakers.
Sound Quality
92/100
Dynamics
93/100
With 150Wpc Class‑AB and a very high damping factor (>4000) reviewers reported authoritative, punchy bass, excellent transient control and impressive slam ('very close to state of the art' for bass; 'spectacular' involvement) (The Absolute Sound, The Ear). Comments such as 'powerful and controlled', 'never blurring bass and drum into a bass soup' and 'effortless' headroom support a top-tier dynamics score for its power class.
Soundstage Imaging
91/100
Multiple reviews noted a wide, deep and well-focused soundstage with instruments placed beyond speaker edges and good depth and solidity ('wide, natural stage', 'sense of depth is superb'; 'hi‑hats extend well beyond the outside edges') (SoundStage Solo, Audiophilepure, The Absolute Sound). Imaging is described as precise and stable, with convincing instrument placement and room-filling reverb tails.
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Build Quality
90/100
Reviewers highlight a beefed-up power supply, revised board layout, solid steel chassis and thick aluminium front — a well‑engineered package with thoughtful thermal and mechanical design (hi‑fi+, The Ear). The unit's heft and finish, plus Hegel's internal changes to support the phono stage, point to high-quality construction and component choices.
Features Connectivity
95/100
The H190v is richly featured: balanced XLR and RCA analog inputs, MM phono stage, high-quality onboard DAC with Hegel's upsampling/clocking, USB/coax/optical inputs, RJ45 streaming (Roon Ready, AirPlay, Spotify Connect, UPnP), fixed and variable outputs for subs/lines and remote control. This extensive set of modern digital, analogue and streaming features positions it as a fully‑featured all‑in‑one integrated amp.
Value for Money
93/100
Across reviews the H190v is repeatedly described as strongly justified at its $4,600 price: 'hard to think of something with a better balance of price and performance' (hi‑fi+), 'offers impressive value' and 'benchmark electronics package' (The Absolute Sound, SoundStage Solo). Reviewers felt the small premium for the v version and added phono stage delivered notable sonic upside, supporting a high value score.
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