Norwegian audio electronics specialist Hegel reaches for the Patrick O'Brian lexicon in describing its 'ultimate' H590 dual-mono integrated amplifier as 'a master at musicality' and 'ttie commander of any set of loudspeakers'. Chunky at 430×171×445mm (whd) and weighing a substantial 22kg, the H590 is rated - unusually precisely - at 301W/80hm.Power output'into 4ohm loads isn't quoted but the minimum load impedance is specified as 2ohm - the output stages featuring a dozen ultra-fast high power output transistors per channel. Two balanced (XLR) and three unbalanced (RCA) analogue inputs are offered and use hand-matched transistor pairs to ensure low distortion. Digital input is availablevia coaxial S/PDIF (BNC and RCA options), optical (three inputs), USB and Ethernet. Via the USB link, DSD is supported as well as PCM and, as the H590 is software-upgradable, ongoing enhancements to its functionality are promised. The UK price is estimated at £9000.
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