Hegel H360 early impressions

[Everest Audio]

Being quite familiar with both the H160 and H300, this is going to be a very nice step up. With only about an hour of play so far, there's a long way to go on break-in, but there's enough experience with these Hegel integrated amps to have a pretty good idea how this is going to flush out. The H300 delivered a sense of power plus slightly warmer tonal balance and body that the H160 didn't quite match, however, the H160 countered with a top end that was more extended and provided better detail. So, depending on the system, it wouldn't be hard to imagine that someone might prefer the H160 and another person would prefer the H300. From what I can tell so far, and has been indicated by early news on this piece, it seems like it really will combine the best of both and then go a step further yet. The built-in DAC seems to be a step up, you get the top end sparkle that the H160 had and the body, power and control of the H300. Yet, it still takes everything up a notch with a level of detail beyond the previous integrated amps. I'm expecting, when fully broken in, this to be a nice step up from the H300. The bonus of course too is the Ethernet input that the H300 lacked, which is such a huge feature, in my opinion.

 

[Everest Audio]

With the better part of two weeks of play on the Hegel H360, it's easy to say this is in another league versus the H300 or H160. It takes the best aspects of both and goes quite a bit further. It is considerably smoother, more detailed and better controlled across the board. The DAC section is an obvious step up. There's a beautiful tonality to the integrated coupled with the midrange clarity common to Hegel amps. The added current is appreciated as the bass is potent, yet always in control. The pairing of this with the ATC SCM19 works very well. It would be incredible as well with our Roksan Darius S1 speakers. The Roksans are currently being used in another system as their potent bottom end can prove to be a lot for this small room. How much more will the Hegel break-in? I'm not sure, but it is immensely impressive. A good customer of mine that picked one up a week ago said that it seems his speakers were waiting for this amp. He's absolutely astounded with the improvement over what he had been using.

 

[Ritmo]

Excellent! Like the simplicity and sound of Hegel designs. Looks good!