Owner review of Hegel H80 integrated amplifier

[JBLfan]

So I decided to do a review on the Hegel H80 after 3 months of ownership. How did I get here? While attending the Montreal audio show in late March I stumbled upon the Hegel H80 in a number of different speaker manufacturers systems. In each case the Hegel was used primarily for two reasons a) For the manufacturer to point out that you do not need to spend excessive amounts of money on amplification to make their respective speakers sound good and B) Simplicity – being an integrated amplifier with a built in DAC featuring multiple different digital inputs it makes for an easy, clean setup to promote the speakers. I was proof that using the Hegel H80 was a good choice – I could not believe what $2K of amplification sounded like on $ 5-10 even 15K speakers. The Hegel consistently delivered a sound that would have you believe it is an amplifier costing 3x – 5x more than it does. I knew after listening to the H80 at the show I had to have one.


My Hegel arrived with that very new smell still present. Like most quality integrated amplifiers it is of sufficient heft given the large toroidal power supply and all metal chassis. A few things upon first inspection is that while it is of standard width the depth is somewhat less than some components making it more rack friendly and it also has added height due to the three feet being over length to enhance ventilation and component cooling – (which seems to work as the Hegel does not “run hot”). Inputs in my view are finally in the modern era – meaning NO cassette inputs/rec.outputs and three analog inputs (one is balanced XLR) but most importantly (for me at least) 5 digital inputs. There are also very good quality speaker outputs directly in the middle on the rear – a nice touch as this allows speaker & source cables to be routed away from the power input on the far right corner – in some integrateds there can be conflicts due to poor location of the power and speaker terminals. The final point of interest is that the power on/off switch is located on the bottom front corner underneath the face plate. Hegel claims to do this in order to free up more front panel space for a larger front display. Given the taller feet this location works better than you might think and is easier to reach then rear mounted power switches.


How does it work? One thing to note about the Hegel H80 is that it is either on or off – there is no “standby” – meaning the unit must be physically shut on/off with the power button (on the unit) and cannot be powered on/off with the supplied remote control - this to some could be a minor inconvenience (PS my remote control arrived with a dead new battery that led to a few anxious moments before discovering the it was the battery and not remote that was DOA). The basic operation is very simple – one knob controls input source selection and the other knob controls volume – the blue only display will show source and volume level. The knobs are very smooth operating and are not the type that give decisive clicks between settings – some may like this others may not. The supplied el cheapo plastic remote (a more expensive metal version can be purchased separately) can also do all of these functions as well. One note on the volume – it is a 99 step attenuated with a digital display of the volume level however you will find that even on relatively efficient speakers you will need to be at least 40 for low level listening with 50-60 even 70 being more in the moderate range – I suspect for larger and more difficult to drive speakers you might find yourself wanting for Hegel’s larger & more powerful H300. Although rated by Hegel at 75 watts/ch into 8 ohms a Soundstage measurement test I found online rated the H80 to output 90.8 watts/channel in 8ohms and 135.8 watts/ch into 4 ohms – for some reason Hegel does not publish a 4 ohm rating


Misc. - While at the Montreal Audio show I met the Hegel Factory rep who explained some of the ideas about the H80 – for cost, consistency of sound & production efficiency Hegel uses one pre-amp section in all of its components however because the H80 costs less than Hegel stand-alone pre-amps Hegel does not provide separate pre-amp out/amp in connections on the rear so the H80 by design cannot be used as a stand-alone pre-amplifier. This was the same logic applied with the H80 onboard DAC – it is the same DAC as the stand alone Hegel HD11 (and can play 24 bit/192 kHz signals, via coaxial and optical inputs) but again cannot be used as a stand-alone dac/pre given lack of pre-outs on the rear. The same lack of pre-outs also means you cannot add more amplification – as the Hegel rep. explained the idea was to provide maximum value and given owners a taste of the “Hegel sound” but to add more power means upgrading to a larger and more expensive Hegel integrated like the H300 (or moving to Hegel separates) - I have to admit there is logic in Hegel’s thinking as I am already considering moving up to the Hegel H300


Sound? Sound is very subjective so I will not go too far down that road. Hegel, for those unfamiliar with the company, uses patented technology originally developed for the wireless cell phone industry. This patent is what Hegel calls “sound engine technology” and while I will not even attempt to understand the technical workings of it, the patent allows Hegel to boast a damping factor that exceeds 1000 – yes 1000 that is not a miss print. Suffice to say the “Hegel sound” must be heard to be appreciated – the “sound engine” patent has a way of voicing music that suggests you are listening to gear that is far more costly than it is. That is not to say that $2k for the Hegel H80 is a small amount of money however it is entry level to obtain the “Hegel Sound” that once you have heard, is in my view, a bargain

[Mike]

Great review! Thanks for sharing. The H80 sounds like a winner and sounds like its tempting you to move up to the H300. Congrats!


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[the professor]

Thanks for the review

[joeinid]

Very nice review. My H30 is an amazing amp. I heard the H300 and loved it. That's why I have the H30. Congratulations.

[MDP]

Hegel is one brand of amps that far, far exceed their sound quality to cost ratio !

They're simply world class amps at real world prices. i would advise anyone seeking world class performance to audition this line of amps.

[j3brow]

Hey guys ... My brother has just stepped into the wacky world of hi-end audio. He bought a pair of Sonus faber Venere 2.5 speakers (MSRP $2500) as the starting point after auditioning at our local Magnolia store.

He is thinking about trying out a Peachtree 125 ($1200)(I think that's the model) to anchor the system.

I was thinking stretch budget (or I assist) and reach for a H80.

Anyone have any experience with Hegel and Sonus faber??

There is a Hegel dealer here in town, he may have a H80 available for demo.

I will be giving him Transparent Music Wave Plus MM2 speaker cables to connect the integrated and speakers.

He will use a laptop as the source.


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[Mike]

First, congrats to your Brother for joining the wacky world of hi-end audio!

I had an Hegel H30 with my STRADS. Excellent combination! Hegel has a clean crisp sweet sound that pairs well with SF.

[j3brow]

Excellent! Thanks Mike!


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[Zero]

Hegel and Sonus Faber is such an easy combo. Just do it.

[Shadowfax]

JBLfan

It's always nice to read user reviews vs magazine reviews.

I know you stayed away from Sound comments, but would you mind at least listing some of the artists and tracks that you feel made this amp shine?

For me, too many reviewers never listen to anything I do so it's so hard to get a grip on whether I would like it or not based on those reviews.Thanks for taking the time to share your thoughts!

[sisko]

I received my H80 a week ago and my decision was inspired by JBLFans review. I liek to mention a change in hardware: my Hegel has a Variable Line Level Output. I like to confirm that I find myself on some CD recordings - mostly classical - turning up the volume to 80+.
If you have a bigger room or speakers that need more power, go for the H160. I am driving Elipson Planet L and it is a pleasure. It is a solid Amp and I am impressed by the "dark background" which I only new from Class D Amps.

[joeinid]

Welcome to the forum sisko, thank you so much for joining.