Hegel is a manufacturer of high-end audio components that started in 1988 in Norway. Now, they are popular for building some of the best DACs and amplifiers. The Hegel D50 DAC represents the Norwegian manufacturer’s latest offering in the high-end audio component market. The D50 aims to deliver Hegel’s signature sound while introducing several new features. In this article, we will review the Hegel D50 Digital to Analog Converter, and see if it is a good choice for your home theatre or speaker system.
Review
You cannot get the best performance out of your speaker system if you don’t have a DAC. A digital-to-analog converter is a device that translates digitally stored information from a laptop, a phone, or another device into the analog sound that we can hear.
The new Hegel D50 DAC is nicknamed “The Raven”, and it retails for $4900. Unlike the HiFi Rose RD160 which is a DAC and Preamp, the Hegel D50 is a pure DAC, which is better as it will do its job more accurately. The DAC has a simple design, with a black aluminum chassis and a screen that displays inputs and other information like sample rates on the front. There are some buttons on the bottom panel, which you can use for basic controls like changing the inputs. You also get a remote control with the D50 if you want to control it remotely.
On the back panel, you have ports for almost every device. There are two optical inputs, a USB-B input, a Coaxial RCA input, a Coaxial BNC input, and an AES/EBU input. You also get a set of balanced XLR outputs and single-ended RCA connections.
Let’s get into the features and technology of the Hegel D50 DAC. It has an ESS 9039Q2M DAC chip, which is on a separate circuit board above the rest of the electronics. This elevated placement reduces noise and interference while providing short and unobstructed signal paths.
The Hegel D50 DAC has three master clocks to reduce jitter and timing errors. Two clocks handle USB signals, and one handles AES/EBU signals. These clocks keep the digital signal accurately timed before it is converted into analog, keeping the music clear and natural. Strategically placed to minimize noise, these clocks deliver a perfectly timed signal to the DAC chip, enabling the purest and most accurate digital-to-analog conversion.
The D50 is powered by two low-noise toroidal transformers, one handles the digital processing, and the other handles the digital and analog components. Both transformers are shielded by thick steel and placed far from any sensitive electronics and their output is also filtered, ensuring the D50 operates with the purest power, allowing its performance to go to the max.
There is also a filtering system in place that removes noise and prevents it from tampering with the signals. This filtering system can also filter out noise from other components connected to your speaker system, improving performance.
The AES/EBU input features a unique RS422 receiver balanced by a transformer, allowing it to handle both weak and strong signals flawlessly, free of jitter and time delays. The DAC can also automatically go into standby mode when the music stops, saving energy.
The Hegel D50 Digital to Analog Converter also has a feature called input sensing. This can detect a digital signal and wake the device automatically. You can customize how it responds to new signals, whether to switch inputs or simply power on. The D50 can utilize a feature called DAC Loop and seamlessly connect with external amplifiers like the Hegel H95.
The Hegel D50 exceeded my expectations. The D50’s reproduction of orchestral works revealed exceptional layering and spatial awareness. When playing Mahler’s Symphony No. 2 (24-bit/192kHz), the positioning of instruments within the soundstage maintained remarkable stability and accuracy. The strings exhibited natural warmth without sacrificing detail, while brass instruments retained their distinctive bite and resonance without becoming harsh.
The D50 handled dynamic contrasts with remarkable finesse. During explosive passages in Hans Zimmer’s “Interstellar” soundtrack, the DAC maintained composure even at high volumes, delivering impact without compression while simultaneously preserving subtle background elements. This dynamic capability was equally evident with acoustic jazz recordings, where the nuanced brushwork on cymbals remained clearly defined against double bass fundamentals.
What stood out most was how the D50 creates a real sense of space in the music. When listening to live recordings or special recordings, the sound seemed to come from all around me, not just from where the speakers sat. The music felt like it filled the whole room, creating a 3D effect that made me feel like I was there with the performers. This worked just as well when playing music quietly at night as it did at higher volumes, making for enjoyable listening experiences without losing that sense of being surrounded by the music.
Verdict
The Hegel D50 DAC delivers exceptional performance that justifies its premium price point. With its meticulous circuit design, triple master clock implementation, and dual-transformer power supply, the D50 transforms digital audio into a remarkably natural and detailed listening experience. The expansive soundstage, precise instrument placement, and punchy yet controlled bass response represent a significant upgrade for any high-end audio system. While the $4,900 investment places it firmly in the premium category, the Hegel D50 delivers reference-quality conversion capabilities that discerning audiophiles and music enthusiasts will appreciate for years to come. With its high price, you will need high-end speakers to get the most out of this DAC, and I would only recommend this to experienced audiophiles. For those seeking uncompromising audio reproduction from their digital sources, the Hegel D50 DAC earns our highest recommendation.