A major step forward in the field of digital audio. This is not just another DAC, but an exploration of what is possible when technology is reduced to the essentials. Hegel wanted to create a dedicated machine that would do one thing exceptionally well: turn ones and zeros into music. To achieve this, everything that could introduce noise has been avoided. This means no network input, no transmitter and no preamplifier. By focusing solely on converting digital signals into music, Hegel has conceived a machine that stands out among its peers.
At first glance, the D50 looks sober, with its minimalist black design. No flashy details or unnecessary functions distract from its purpose. Like the crow, it may look simple, but this DAC is a master of its craft. Beneath its sleek exterior lies a remarkable ability to decode and reproduce digital audio with impressive precision. The D50 reveals a soundstage so wide that you'll feel as if you're soaring above the music, revealing every intricate detail with stunning clarity. Whether you prefer to concentrate on the finer nuances or simply let yourself be carried away by the music, the D50 offers an unrivalled listening experience.
Hegel has been perfecting the art of DAC design for over two decades, and the D50 represents the pinnacle of that experience. At its core is the latest DAC chip model: a sophisticated tool with immense potential. But like the crow, one of the few animals capable of using tools with precision, the genius of the D50 lies in its handling of this technology. Every detail of the design and circuit layout has been meticulously crafted to extract the full potential of the DAC chip, transforming it from a simple component into a masterful instrument. The result is a design that takes full advantage of this tool, achieving extraordinary sound reproduction.
The D50 takes extraordinary measures to ensure the purity of its sound reproduction. Its power management is designed to mute noise and deliver clean power to every component of the device. Advanced filters at the power input remove mains noise and, when connected to a grounded outlet, this filtering can even improve the performance of other equipment on the same circuit. To further eliminate electrical noise, the D50 employs two low-noise toroidal transformers. One feeds the noisier digital processes and the standby function, while the other is dedicated to sensitive analogue and digital components. Both transformers are shielded with thick steel and located away from any sensitive electronic components. Their output is also filtered, ensuring that the D50 operates at its purest power, allowing its performance to reach its full potential.
At Hegel, their printed circuit boards are designed with meticulous attention to detail, ensuring the best possible performance. In the D50, even the routing features rounded corners to minimise impedance drops and reduce radiation, reflecting our commitment to precision. However, the real innovation lies in how the D50 processes incoming digital signals before converting them to analogue. The AES/EBU input features a unique, transformer-balanced RS422 receiver that allows it to handle both weak and strong signals flawlessly, without jitter or delay.
For SPDIF-based inputs, signals are received on a custom-designed card that decompresses the I2S data. While this process is inherently noisy and prone to synchronisation errors, the D50 solves these problems with precision. Decoded signals are resynchronised using three dedicated master clocks: one for SPDIF signals and, for USB, separate master clocks for 48k and 44.1k sample rates. Strategically placed to minimise noise, these clocks deliver a perfectly synchronised signal to the DAC chip, enabling the purest and most accurate digital-to-analogue conversion.
The DAC chip is carefully located on a separate board, above the rest of the electronics. This elevated location reduces noise and interference, while providing short, unobstructed signal paths. In the D50, every aspect of the design has been carefully engineered to ensure that the signal remains as true to the original as possible. The result is an unaltered digital-to-analogue conversion that is astonishingly accurate.
The construction of the D50 is as robust as it is functional. Its aluminium housing offers durability and a refined appearance, as well as improved sound performance. High-quality connectors ensure reliable performance, while aluminium feet with rubber soles guarantee stability. The thick milled aluminium faceplate conceals the buttons, creating a sleek and elegant façade. Meanwhile, a bright, easy-to-read display provides all the information you need without distracting from the music.
Although the D50 operates with the precision of a masterful instrument, it's simple to use. Its advanced input sensor detects a digital signal and activates the device automatically. You can customise its response to new signals, either to switch inputs or simply to turn it on. Features such as auto standby save power when the music stops, while the screen dimming option keeps your attention where it belongs: on the music. Once set up, the D50 integrates seamlessly into your system, ready to bring your music to life without distractions.
The D50 offers all the connections you could need, including USB, optical, RCA coaxial, BNC coaxial and AES/EBU inputs. On the output side, it features balanced analogue and single-ended RCA connections, giving you the flexibility to adapt to any system. The versatility of the D50's inputs and outputs makes it the perfect choice for any audio environment.
In Norse mythology, the ravens Hugin and Munin brought unparalleled knowledge to Odin, revealing the hidden truths of the world. Inspired by their precision and clarity, the D50 deciphers the complexities of digital audio with absolute accuracy. Its innovative design transforms raw data into music rich in detail, noise-free and true to the original recording. No detail is added or lost - only the purest, most accurate reproduction of sound.
The Hegel D50 DAC represents the pinnacle of digital-to-analogue conversion, delivering music as it was meant to be heard: pure, detailed and deeply moving. Let it take your music to new heights.
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