Liberty - Annette Askvik and Trouble's what you're in - Fink are both part of my songs I use for gear testing/comparison. You are awesome. Greetings from Germany.

That was EXCELLENT... you 3 work well together... Thank you!!!

Thanks for sharing your thoughts on these units fellas!

Great review. I think that if the sound is fairly close, I would definitely go with the NAD. Who doesn’t love VU meters and album art?

I really like this comparison. I’m in the Hegel camp for its SQ. The simplicity in its looks I had to think over but after a couple weeks it simply fades away from the scene which I really appreciate now. I opted for the bigger 390 but the 190 and below I think look amazing in proportion.

@valentinladin8047

4 жыл бұрын

Yeah, i'm thinking I'll go the 390's as well. Do you think the 120 would power Dynaudio confidence 30? Probs not. Also, did you hear both 390 / 120? Impressions?

@labalo5

4 жыл бұрын

Valentin Ladin only did a H190 demo. Can’t go wrong with these amps, just have to demo for yourself if you like their house sound. Some people don’t and they’re shocked that other people so agree with their authority haha!

Awesome! And surprising. My first integrated amp was an NAD 3020 in 1983 or 1984. Since then, I have not seen anything from NAD that compares. I expected the Hegel to stomp over the NAD... and it kinda did. But the NAD seemed to hold its own while taking a beating in sound. Another FUN and helpful review! The heck with that hater dude and his mindless commentary! You guys are GREAT!

09-14-2022. Thank you for your excellent explanation of this Hegel H120 Integrated Amplifier and its similarity to the H190 knowing that it is more powerful; but with the same features and about 1000 Euros (Spain) more in price, tell us that with a power of 75W per channel in our homes it is enough to obtain that NATURAL AND TRANSPARENT SOUND THAT WILL GIVE US THE HEARING CHARM, Thank you once again and I WILL BUY THE HEGEL H120 without a doubt... CONGRATULATIONS AND CONGRATULATIONS... Hegel Client Future Buyer... Greetings to all.

I like that terminology, ‘I like my gear to disappe’, I’m going to start over using it! Hegel and Kef have always made good bed partners. I have Kef! I almost purchased the Hegel 590, but in the went for the Kinki Studio preamp and monoblocks, after many positive reviews, non more so than your own. I have had the Kinki gear plumbed in for 5 months, still no sign of the car!

Thanks for the great feedback on the 2 amplifiers. I purchased a Hagel 190 yesterday for $3200. They went on sale. I returned the NAD that I had purchased because I felt the Hegel 190would do a better job for my 705 s2.

Thanks for the review. I have owned NAD amps since the early 90’s, but I believe they went down in quality after the BEE series. My D7050 is sitting in a corner because the power supply went out after a year. I’ll stick with my C375 BEE until it dies then move on. The Hegel looks like it’s next on my list.

Hey guys as an old dude by comparison to you three. There's was a saying when I was growing up at your age and into cars American Muscle cars. It was "All Show And No Go" And though you all agree the NAD is not quite all show I think it still fits. And lastly yes the NAD on looks is definitely more appealing, but substance over looks wins all the time so my vote is for old school Hegal. It's great to see a new generation keeping this hobby alive.

@KeithHeinrich

3 жыл бұрын

How it sounds? What they failed to mention is they PERFORM. The NAD in particular is a different animal completely with Dirac enabled. It's like judging the performance of two cars by the way they look as they drive down the street without considering anything else. I suspect the small form factor of the NAD may give the wrong impression. It's a properly powerful and extremely capable unit in a small box. Class D for the win there.

@puebloygenteandaressaberll9631

Жыл бұрын

09-14-2022. Thank you for your excellent explanation of this Hegel H120 Integrated Amplifier and its similarity to the H190 knowing that it is more powerful; but with the same features and about 1000 Euros(Spain) more in price, tell us that with a power of 75W per channel in our homes it is enough to obtain that NATURAL AND TRANSPARENT SOUND THAT WILL GIVE US THE HEARING CHARM, Thank you once again and I WILL BUY THE HEGEL H120 without a doubt... CONGRATULATIONS AND CONGRATULATIONS... Hegel Client Future Buyer... Greetings to all.

I appreciate you starting with there price. No kidding. If it is more than I paid for my car, I can save time. And I do like the comparative reviews. Thx.

Hi Jay, did you use Dirac in that comparison? Trying one atm with kef ls50 meta and have had the h120. Impressive. Cheers Simon

Great video guys. I would suggest a tripod for your Cam. The format and content is really good guys.

It’s nice to see young ‘uns like you guys carrying the HiFi torch. Keep up the good work guys. Why not talk about if the meters are responsive and accurate, rather than say you either like or don’t like how they look? Looks should be secondary, although I do understand how the aesthetics of a piece of gear can sway a possible purchase. I’m certainly not trying to be a jerk or a troll, just a suggestion. Again, thanks guys!

thank you for sharing your experience. I own a Hegel Rost and have added a Bleusound Node 2i. The fact that the prices are the same (as you say in the video) is not correct, since I added the Node 2i for € 550.00. BluOS is integrated with the M10, no extra costs. I am still considering switching to the M10, but the fact that my current set sounds good makes the choice difficult. thnx, Jos Amsterdam, Netherlands

Like a couple of others have said, did you use and try the Dirac Room correction?

I really liked this video! I appreciated the fact that you had 2 other opinions and that you performed back to back AB comparisons of the 2 amps. You didn't mention if you had Dirac setup on the M10 though (I'm assuming you didn't?). As it so happens both of these amps are on my "short list" for my Kef R7's.

@Massive77G

4 жыл бұрын

I have m10 with kef ls50 and svs sb1000 sub all audioquest cables. in small 13'x 13' gaming room/office. Dirac live make big difference. want to test out the dirc live bass control coming out soon too. If had kef r7 i would get the new NAD M33 coming out soon if in you budget or Anthem STR Integrated Amplifier.

@kristwi37

4 жыл бұрын

@@Massive77G HEGEL is better. NAD not as enjoyable with KEF Speakers.

@srbmckenzie

4 жыл бұрын

Good as the NAD is, it doesn't have the grunt to really make the Kef's sing... I have R5's and the Hegel just held on so much better to the music. Dirac is great and i love the BluOS... but for me the Hegel is a far better buy for you

@unklecorky2181

Жыл бұрын

@@srbmckenzie I didn’t know dirac was on the m10. Interesting.

thanks for your analyse. I buy hegel 190 because ... you re argument is very good. I reseent the music like you ( sorry for my english i m french lol)

@Jayiyagi

4 жыл бұрын

merci pour ta parole

I have the Gato dia 250 NPN streaming integrated amp ,sounds fantastic

What about adding in the dirac room correction of the NAD to the equation?

Another good review! I've often wondered whether the all-in-one convenience of devices like these also deliver good sound. As a side note, i want to mention that I was happy that you listed the music you used for the review. I have lived with very good artists and music from pretty well every genre though out my life, but have never lost the interest to explore new artists. Of the ones you listed, London Grammar was the only one I was familiar with, and I spent a very enjoyable afternoon today listening to the other ones. Here's hoping you keep listing more artists and tracks for me to explore!

Lol! Great to see young people getting involved in the Hifi scene! Aspiring reviewers of audio components, it's a pleasure to hear your views without the biases many "professional" gurus have serving their masters, i.e. the hands that feed them.. Well done boys! Keep these videos coming.

I have the M10. I haven't heard the hegal. But I can say this...when I switch my Dirac setting on and off its a completely different sound, in a very good way. The imaging gets way better. The bass improves. Everything gets smoother too. I personally like a 4k dip so I have that as another setting when I want to use it. That smoothens out the vocals even more with a tad loss of info but I prefer it for vocals. Dirac has been the biggest improvement I've probably ever made. I don't have any acoustic treatment. It's my condo living room and not too keen on doing all of that so it's a great option. When I switch up speakers I will will re-do the Dirac setup and bam...I'll get the best of out the setup again. Not sure if there is a pre-amp out on the hegal, but the M10 does, and some day I'll get a Tube power amp (and then re-do the Dirac for it).

This is great. Could you do a comparison between NAD M33 vs HEGEL H390?

@audiophileuk1341

2 жыл бұрын

He can't afford them

Thank you for the video. Im conidering butying Hegel h120, but I wonder how would you compare the two settings with KEF LS50 Wireless?

Again a great review guys thanks. How where you streaming to each BT or direct from a service uding BluOs,Tidel ect. Can the Hegal connect to the internet directly?

What's a good amp to match with the Ares2? 🤔 That's what I'm on the hunt for to pair with the Triangle Borea Bro3/7. What do you think?

Nice review but limited to only one brand of speakers. Too bad as I am sure you know how different combos make all the difference some times. Still fun to get all three opinions on this setup thanks.

Love the reviews with the comparisons! Can you please review the NAD C658 network preamplifier?

@stephencosta6814

4 жыл бұрын

💯 Percent 👍👍💪💪

nice comparison. wish you had the SU-G700 for a three-way

Havent watched 100% but curious if boosting 300-400hz region slightly on M10 (via dirac) wd bring alot more warmth to presentation

To have a small footprint like the NAD have you heard about the Marashino King Amp? Curious to know how it compares although no pretty lights, but can disappear.

So... Hegel all the way... It reassures me because I am going to buy a Hegel H120 or H190.

Great video, Jay!...Please provide a comparison video of the best integrated amplifier: 1) Naim Unity Atom, 2) NAD m10 v2 and 3) Cambridge EVO150...

Hi... is Hegel H390 better than NAD M33? Please make a video comparision... Thanks

Ain't going to lie you boys know what you're talkin about kudos

"dB Ultra pro" iPad app on a dedicated ipad (I repurposed an old version of the iPad) gives me the meter experience without a heavy investment in hardware.

@The Next Big Thing Could a Hegel H90 handle the KEF R3's? Or do they have too less wattages?

3:17 “Still recovering from the punch of the NAD.” That’s funny!

Curious as to how the Nad would sound on a warmer set of speakers?

Thank you

Would have loved to have you guys have used Dirac on the M10 and then compared to see if that would have changed opinions. Personally I think either are really good, I have owned both, but have a Luxman currently.

Great video! I wonder what would happen if you ran Dirac Room correction on the M10 and then compared it to the Hegel 120 and your original impressions of the NAD M10?

@jsmctch

4 жыл бұрын

I just scrolled down to the comment to say exactly that.

I know its hard comparing amps , because they all sound different on different speakers and your room accoustics . So how it may sound on a Klispch speaker may be different than a Rel speaker , just like different sounds in my bedroom compared to my living room . 😆

Hey Guys excellent comparison and this is the kind of real world assessment I and quite some of my friends like. One more thing, although probably OT, is: what are the panels on the wall behind your listening area which look like absorbing/diffusing panels? Are they custom-built or readily available somewhere? Thanks.

@Jayiyagi

4 жыл бұрын

Hi P Chan. I think you are referring to the ones behind thujan? Those are from vicoutics and you can enquire and purchase them from funallaudio.com. (full disclosure; they were gifted from funall audio for promotional purposes). their contact: info@funallaudio.com

Interesting video, curious to have those compared with the Naim Atom which is also similarly priced

@Massive77G

4 жыл бұрын

John Darko has short vid on m10 compares to the atom

I just got this Onkyo TX-8390 Network Stereo Receiver - half the price - wonder how it would compare?

One of the selling points of M10 is DIRAC, and you guys didn't even tested it. I understand it is a "as is" subjective comparison, however, it would be nice if you guys decided to at least include with the review.

You gotta mention BlueOS and user friendliness dudes. For real world users who'll live with these amps for years, it can be quite important.

@Jayiyagi

4 жыл бұрын

This isnt a full on review. this is just the comparison between sound as the title suggest. Reviews are coming !

@oysteinsoreide4323

4 жыл бұрын

Hegel supports Airplay which makes use of iphone or ipad with the Hegel amp very user friendly.

Hi - im looking for any experience between Hegel H120 and NAD C399 (with Blu-os & Dirac) with KEF R3s?

Hey, I know this is an older video, but thought I would ask you here, I’m looking to put together a home theater system with Buchardt or Dynaudio speakers. I thought I had my mind made up on a class d Hypex amp and NAD or Arcam or Anthem processor. Should I just get a Hegel instead? Or any other recommendations for amps and a simple left right center speaker setup?

Even a NAD D 3020 packs a good punch.

This is setting the standard for what a hi-fi review should provide in terms of objective and subjective opinions. KZread is cluttered with “reviews” which sound like advertising. No manufacturers image was harms, strengths and weaknesses highlighted leaving viewers to decide. I own a Bluesound powernode and the comments about the NAD sound similar.

Nice comparison, will be curious how the Naim Uniti Atom compares?

@Massive77G

4 жыл бұрын

John Darko did short vid on m10 vs uniti atom

Try NAD with Dirac??

We’ve ( since 1984 or so) always called it by the letters N.A.D. Not sure which is right but “ nad” reminds me of nuts “ ouch’ watch the nads “

@trevormeyer5592

4 жыл бұрын

New Acoustic Dimension

Could you reviews the musical fidelity m5si ?

HELLO ! im buying a hegel amp but dont know exactly wich one . i woudl like to go for the hegel120 because its my pricerange. my loudspeakers are KEF LS50 Meta. is that a doable match ? i never listen very loud btw. Maybe the hegel 95 is already ? enough

Hallo Tarun I recently bought a Hegel h190 for my r7 with rel sub … I found the top end is not coming live , very rolled off . I am happy with mids and especially low end . What could be my possible best solution to get the hifi bliss I am looking for . I don’t listen my music too loud too.. please help

Two things to consider in favor of the NAD. It uses the BluOS Application which is one of the best. You can natively stream just about anything from Qobuz to Tidal to Deezer. Sound quality wise the NAD has an ace up its sleeve in the form of Dirac Live room correction. It will take a rooms dimensions and your listening position into account and then optimize the sound for that room. What were you guys using as a source? The reason I ask is because I believe the NAD will digitize the incoming signal from its two sets of RCA inputs using its internal DA convertor. The Hegal RCA inputs do not do this and remain all analog. This would account for added differences in sound between the two amps.

@Jayiyagi

4 жыл бұрын

as mentioned in the video, we used just the units. Sources would be their streamers. Nothing external was used. Just each units hooked up to Kef R3 speakers. (as indicated in the descriptions)

Screen adds noise?

When you say the NAD was more in focus, do you mean it didn't separate the instruments as well as the Hegel? Don't understand the term.

YBA Heritage A100 vs Hegel 120 - which is better, I wonder... would be an interesting test. Currently own A100.

@danhammer78

3 жыл бұрын

Bent Rasmussen I auditioned a YBA Heritage A200 with KEF R3’s and its an amazing amp - does the A100 have good power? Which speakers do you currently use?

@BentRasmussen

3 жыл бұрын

Danny Warner I use Dynaudio Special 40. I am quite happy with the current sound but one wonders with all the great reviews of Hegel. YBA Heritage A100: 100W @ 8 Ω per channel 150W @ 4 Ω per channel

Cool shirt dog. I like NAD

Do you think the h120 has been enough juice to power kef ls50 passives? Or is the h190 a better choice?

@ufarkingicehole

3 жыл бұрын

More is more but double the watts equals 10% louder. The built in DAC maybe more of the difference. If you have your own DAC you like the 120 would be awesome

@hclandscapes

3 жыл бұрын

@@ufarkingicehole is the dac in the h120 not any good? Im thinking of getting this hegel h120 for my ls50's also

@ufarkingicehole

3 жыл бұрын

@@hclandscapes I am not sure if the 120 has a Dac but the 190 apparently has a really good one. I would imagine a 120 with Ares 2 dac would be an interesting battle vs 190.

@andreasmoller9798

3 жыл бұрын

@@ufarkingicehole twice the Power gives you 3 db higher volume, h190 Also has better basscontroll than h120, and can drive more difficult loads

@ufarkingicehole

3 жыл бұрын

@@andreasmoller9798 good point. again...more is more. The question would be how much will a better Dac make vs more power?

It sounds like you can never achieve a large soundstage and a pinpoint image at the same time........ Is there any amp can do that, or it depends on the DAC actually?

Hegal and Kef have been bed partners for some time now. They are going to marry well. I have the big brother of the R3, so I know it’s sonic characteristics. I also have the big brother of the H120. They are a class leading combination. A colleague of mine has the Nad, which he pairs with B&W 702 speakers. His listening room is a bit on the small side, but the combo seems to work. I prefer the Hegel!

How about comparing these amps with the LRS speakers? People say class D are not good with Magnepans, so it would be interesting to actually AB compare this.

@Jayiyagi

4 жыл бұрын

The hegel h120 will drive the lrs. The nad m10 will not

I also really want a Hegel (probably H90) but you can't get or test it anywhere here, so I'll probably end up with a Yamaha A S-1100

@philipgardiner2003

3 жыл бұрын

If you haven’t already, buy the Hegel H90! You won’t regret it.

The NAD M10 is the best amplifier ever!

brought a Nad amp once only lasted for three years needed repairing also had a nad cd player that wouldn't play alot of cds that's enough to put me off nad .

@ericjensen9091

4 жыл бұрын

NAD's quality control seems to have slipped a bit the past 10 to 15 years. Disappointing, considering their awsome start years ago as a great value brand.

@seanrichards9569

3 жыл бұрын

Justin Parkman I’ve had to replace my power supply in my d7050 twice in 5 years, caused because you can’t power the unit off yet it regularly loses its network connection, the only solution being to unplug it from the wall. A design flaw in my view, and a broken unit because the power supply keeps dying on me. If NAD would take responsibility for this I’d be more understanding but they don’t, so my first and likely only NAD experience now that other products do what the d7050 does.

Get yourself a Crown XLS 1002 and try to compare it to the Hegel. The cost vs sound is amazing. Very clean and neutral. for 10 time less in price.

@andreasmoller9798

3 жыл бұрын

Crown gives great Bang for buck, but its not as good as hegel,

Special 40 review coming? ;)

what about a naim atom would be cool to know as what you think to these 2 🤷🏻‍♂️👋

Interesting, focus is the first thing I noticed when going from class AB (AA Puccini Anniversary) to class D (Nord Hypex NC500 + Primaluna tube pre)! Using tube pre with class D output can probably take it closer to Hegel sound, with that warmth and musicality, but with class-D bass control. But NAD has Dirac Live if Im not mistaken, and that can do *a lot* of good to the sound, specially in sub-200Hz area. Did you try that?

You need the NAD C388 👍

My question is did you apply the room correction on the M10? And if not, why not? Also, NAD has HDMI, soooo🤷🏿‍♂️

@Massive77G

4 жыл бұрын

They said NO in one of comments. M10 has tone controls, bluos and much more. dirac live can be upgraded to full version

Hegel is the better option, i had nad before they do sound good for the price But the quality on the amp is not high

@hclandscapes

3 жыл бұрын

Very unreliable too

@andreasmoller9798

3 жыл бұрын

@@hclandscapes yes thats true, i has a nad c375bee and It broke down in 4 years

@jlappin6277

Жыл бұрын

Agreed

You guys summed up what I consider to be the "NAD sound" - a little 'loaded' at the top and bottom.

@Massive77G

4 жыл бұрын

nad m10 has tone controls plus dirac live makes a big difference as well. m10 can be upgraded to dirac live full version for $99

But what about the timbre? Did you check non electric musical instruments?

Hi another great vid from you guy's.. I use a sugden a21 signature (class a) and a primare 30.2 (class d) for my amplification how would the hegel compare to these as I'm thinking of treating myself to another amp.. No snarky comments plz lol

Just recently listen to b&w 702 towers that i want to upgrade to from 683 s2, very impressive detail and control driven by denon pma 2500ne, when we Switch over to nad m10 everything went sideways, the m10 sounded bright harsh, lack of soundstage and No bass output to speak of, turning up the volume just make everything even worse, their is much better amps for that money, its pretty weak amp, even h120 has less power in 8 ohms it drives speakers so much better so does the denon

A comparison of sound quality without taking advantage of the M10’s Dirac Live room correction??

I’m not entirely clear what your source was. Your phones?

👏👏👍👍Hey Jay hello boys I'm sure the Hegel does sound better but you did not engage the Direct live room correction if you did the M10 would probably blow the Hegel out of the water you should have really taken advantage of this important feature of the NAD M10🤔🤔🤗🤗

@Massive77G

4 жыл бұрын

i have m10 and dirac live make a world of difference. other brands added room correction to stereo pre amps and integrated amps for a good reason. Most people don't have a prefect music listen room or sound treatments. room correction makes big difference in sound stage etc. If anyone has ever had custom car audio system or heard one with dsp with custom tunes it makes the world of difference. you make cheap system sound ten times better. just like if you have a surround sound system with room correction makes the world of difference for home theater.

Has Hegel become warm and organic? Hmmm. They have never been that before. Had the H80. It was very dry, kinda cold and a little bright in the top.i got peachtree instead at that time and it was so much more pleasing. But if it is like you guys say. Maybe they are worth checking out again.

@andreasmoller9798

3 жыл бұрын

Thats more true on the smaller hegel amps, the larger models are neutral

A useless review due to the omission of Dirac during the comparison. It's there for a reason. Sorry guys.

@alexherceg9496

3 жыл бұрын

Have you tried setting up room correction? Dirac is the most fiddly one...even Darko called in reinforcements. It’s not as straightforward as it sounds. I have Lyngdorf’s latest one and I turn it off (if speakers are placed properly)

Hegel h95 vs m10. Still hegel is the winner?????

That focus is a result of different amounts of crosstalk. Crosstalk is controversial. Some music sound like shit with high negative crosstalk. Singers can sound on one side and not the other. But on tracks where it was recorded properly (youd be surprised how many aren't considerate of this effect) this high negative amount of crosstalk is amazing and allows extremely good focus on individual instruments

can you make review with H120 vs NAD C388? thank you! :)

@andreasmoller9798

3 жыл бұрын

Hegel is on a higher level

@mondipedragosa2300

3 жыл бұрын

@@andreasmoller9798 I know, but did you actually test it? :) how was the comparison?

@mondipedragosa2300

3 жыл бұрын

@@andreasmoller9798 higher level in what matter? price?

@andreasmoller9798

3 жыл бұрын

Mondi Pedragosa price sound quality bass response all better on the hegel,

@mondipedragosa2300

3 жыл бұрын

@@andreasmoller9798 what speakers did you test for both amp? sorry, I really want to hear the Hegel H120 with my Evoke 20.

Guys, the comparison is flawed. Why didn't you compare the Hegel to the NAD M10 V2 (improved version)?

I can’t even imagine how much this video makes you cringe…. You’ve come a long way 💪🏼

Start from the specs. All subjective comments have to be bound within the objective specs or they are just nonsense. Nelson Pass has a lifetime of experience to impart to you if you go listen to him.Science doesn't care about feelings. Where the cost is ridiculous say it is ridiculous or you will sound ridiculous.

@Jayiyagi

4 жыл бұрын

Cables matter ! Oops I meant... Specs can be found in the links provided. Rock on !

@allanpowell7208

4 жыл бұрын

Be good. We'll talk again. Enjoy yourself

Its N A D Not nad...lol 😏 Canadians..... great shootout idea though . NAD pioneered these types of newer digital Set ups

@nnaaeee

4 жыл бұрын

for all I know, its N A S A, and not Nasa. It's K E F, and not Kef. Come on, people make things easier to say and remember all the time

@brydon10

4 жыл бұрын

NAD is a Canadian company.

@joachimsautter

4 жыл бұрын

brydon 10

i bet hegel sponsered this video!

for me nad m10 is interesting but lacks a few important things: remote, balanced outputs, volume knob, usb input. on top of that, i dont want to buy gear with Bluetooth and mqa support.

@Massive77G

4 жыл бұрын

check out the new NAD M33

@vlax543

4 жыл бұрын

@@Massive77G for that amount of money I can by a decent car

You didn't do the comparison properly, as you used different phones as sources. In order to do a proper comparison the source must be the same. Or, use both phones as sources and switch.

Weird cause listened to the Hegel 95 and did not like it at all and my cheaper Denon and Marantz sound way better so hegel is not my kind of sound.