Does anyone have a HEGEL amplifier?

[Tim]

As per the title, does anyone here own any HEGEL equipment - I'm particularly interested in the H190 integrated?

https://static1.squarespace.com/static/562bcd2ce4b0273764ef44b8/581714dc197aea6c5f1d1165/59e232f603596ea31174f5ab/1542016758014/H190Front.jpg?format=500w

https://www.hegel.com/products/integrated/h190#prettyPhoto

[Dave W]

I had one for a week while my amp was being repaired.

[Tim]

I had one for a week while my amp was being repaired.

Any views on it, good or bad?

[Dave W]

I have a Leema Quaser, and the Hegel is not a match for it IMHO. The digital side was on a par with mine, but when I used my pre-amp and turntable it was a big let down. The analogue side was lifeless and was missing the drive I get from mine. The digital side was good but not quite there, a little reserved and not as engaging as mine. It is a good amp but not as good as mine. Also took me 10 minutes too switch it on - the switch is under the unit and easily missed :doh:
If you are looking at buying new and spending that amount of money, go and try a Leema Quaser as well.

[Tim]

Thanks David, I did notice that there was no switch on the front :scratch:

Can you play Spotify Connect on the Quasar? I'm going towards the road of less is more, wanting an amplifier that I can attach to a network, with it's own a DAC that plays Spotify Connect (Roon Ready I understand is on the way for Hegel) and has a headphone output, so the Quasar might be a contender.

I like Leema Acosutics too, they are based in Wales. I'll check that out so thanks for the tip.

Just as an aside, do you use the Leema as a DLNA device, for example playing direct from a computer on the network with something like JRiver or Roon?

EDIT:
Just reading a review and I see it supports Spotify Connect ;)

[Dave W]

I have a Synology NAS and use DS Audio to play from it to the amp. The main app that Leema use for streaming is mcontrol, which uses your phone/tablet as the renderer. DS audio does not render, but is a remote streaming app.

[hifinutt]

leema have superb support and back up