HEGEL H190V - The Ear Review

Hegel H190v streaming amp for vinyl lovers

Having secured the very first UK review sample of the Hegel’s new H190v (v for vinyl), the immediate observation is that a moving magnet phono stage has been added and so we have an additional pair of RCA connectors alongside a ground tag on the rear panel. Other than that it’s cosmetically identical except that this one is in matte black whereas my reference H190 is white. That’s coming soon for the revised design although I think I prefer the black, it’s more discreet.

Sound quality
All the reports I’ve heard is that it works extremely well with an MM cartridge on a turntable, is very quiet and offers a rich, open sound. That input stage has sufficient gain for use with MC cartridges possessing high output voltage, alternatively any MC can be used with a suitable step-up transformer. For me, the digital and streaming operation and sound quality were of paramount importance since I’d got to know the old H190 so well over several years of daily use. I began with the new model hooked up to the new Morel Avyra 633 three-way floor-standers which generate such a lifelike presentation.

Conclusion

By all accounts the new phono stage can be counted as a real success story. I’ve heard it now a few times and, while not a turntable user myself, appreciate that it will open the product to a new market segment. It’s been questioned why Hegel has not done this before since their first phono preamp succeeds on all levels; especially as it has increased the final price by only £50 but provides much more added value.

I’m continuing to badger Bent and his engineers to incorporate internet radio into the products so that I can have a truly single-box audio solution. Meanwhile, the H190v is certain to find many new friends among vinyl aficionados while continuing to offer the wonderful digitally-based solution that it did before in its old guise. In new, as in old form, this is a fine amplifier which achieves so much, so well. A thorough and hearty recommendation is therefore commended to try the H190v for yourself.

Hegel H190V
The Ear