HEGEL D50 The Raven > New DAC

Hegel D50 The Raven – More Than Just Another DAC
For over two decades, Hegel Music Systems has been at the forefront of digital-to-analog conversion technology. With the introduction of the Hegel D50, the company presents what it considers the pinnacle of its DAC development—a bold step forward in digital audio technology. What sets the D50 apart is its unwavering focus on pure signal processing, avoiding any features that could compromise its performance.
The Hegel D50 is a high-end digital-to-analog converter dedicated solely to transforming digital signals into music. Unlike many modern DACs, it deliberately omits streaming capabilities and does not function as a preamplifier. It is, in essence, just a DAC—but a truly exceptional one.

Beyond the DAC Chip: A Focus on Implementation

Hegel Music Systems diverges from the common industry practice of emphasizing DAC chip specifications. While the D50 is built around the high-performance ESS 9039Q2M DAC from ESS Technology Inc., Hegel insists that true audio quality depends on the meticulous execution of circuit design rather than the chip alone. Every aspect of the D50’s architecture has been fine-tuned to maximize the chip’s potential, transforming it from a standard component into a refined instrument.
The DAC chip is mounted on a separate circuit board to minimize interference, while signal paths remain as short as possible to prevent noise and other distortions that could degrade sound quality.

Optimized Signal Integrity

The Hegel D50 ensures optimal signal integrity by eliminating interference at the input stage. Its AES/EBU input features a specialized RS422 receiver, balanced via a transformer, to ensure jitter-free signal transmission.
S/PDIF inputs, known for their susceptibility to noise and timing errors, benefit from a custom-designed circuit that decodes I2S signals and employs three dedicated master clocks—one for S/PDIF and two for USB (one for 44.1 kHz and one for 48 kHz). This approach drastically reduces jitter and maintains the highest possible signal accuracy.
The D50 includes a broad range of digital inputs: AES/EBU, BNC S/PDIF, Coaxial S/PDIF, Two optical S/PDIF ports, USB.
AES/EBU, BNC, and coaxial S/PDIF inputs support PCM signals up to 24-bit/192 kHz, as well as DSD via DoP (DSD over PCM). Optical S/PDIF is limited to 24-bit/96 kHz. The USB input unlocks the full potential of the D50, supporting PCM up to 32-bit/384 kHz and DSD256 via DoP.
The D50 also includes support for MQA-encoded content, ensuring compatibility with high-resolution streaming formats. For analog output, it provides both unbalanced RCA and balanced XLR connections, offering flexibility in system integration.

Advanced Power Management

The D50’s power supply is engineered to deliver exceptionally clean power not only to itself but also to the entire audio system. Its sophisticated filtering system eliminates electrical noise from the power mains. When connected to a properly grounded outlet, this filtering can even enhance the performance of other connected equipment.
The D50 employs two low-noise toroidal transformers—one dedicated to control and standby functions, and the other exclusively for digital and analog signal processing. Both transformers are housed in shielding to prevent interference, and their outputs are independently filtered for optimal performance.

Precision Engineering and Elegant Design

The chassis of the Hegel D50 is designed to provide maximum isolation from external interference while maintaining an understated, sophisticated aesthetic. Its milled aluminum front panel and black aluminum housing exude refinement, while the unit rests on aluminum feet with rubber damping for stability.
A particularly noteworthy design feature is the use of rounded circuit board edges, which reduces impedance drops and electromagnetic radiation, ensuring superior signal precision. Additionally, the D50 includes intelligent input sensing, automatically detecting incoming signals and switching to the appropriate input. Users can configure automatic standby and display dimming for a seamless and intuitive experience.

Conclusion

The Hegel D50 High-End Digital-to-Analog Converter is a meticulously crafted device that prioritizes sonic purity above all else. With its cutting-edge circuit design, superior power management, and robust construction, it delivers an unparalleled listening experience. For those seeking a DAC that focuses solely on the art of digital-to-analog conversion, the D50 stands as a masterful achievement in audio engineering.

Hegel D50
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