To Hans Wetzel,
Based on, among other things, your test of Hegel Music Systems’ H300, and also after listening to it, I bought the H300 shortly after it came on the market. And I do agree with you, it was indeed a good amplifier, although a bit clinical sounding on my Anthony Gallo Acoustics Reference 3.5 loudspeakers.
The H300 has now been changed in favor of the new H360. And what an amplifier this is. I would say it outclasses the old H300 in absolutely every possible way: it has a much more easy, floating sound; and its high frequencies are absolutely glass-clear. And the bass it produces is just fantastic. The overall sound is warmer from the H360 compared to the H300, which makes the H360 more enjoyable to listen to for a longer time.
I am running the H360 together with Hegel's HD25 DAC (using the Hegel’s DAC-Loop feature, the same way as with the H300). The sound this combo is producing is just fantastic, so open and spacious, it is a pure joy to listen to. I do look forward to your or one of your colleague's test of the Hegel H360. You are the professionals in this area of testing sound equipment, so I am eager to see if you value the H360 the same way as I do.
Best regards,
Bjørnar Berg
Norway
Since I wrote reviews on both the H300, and its little brother, the H160, Philip Beaudette will be handling the upcoming review of the H360. Seeing as his reference system includes Bryston’s excellent B135 SST2 integrated amp and BDA-2 DAC, I am very curious to hear Philip’s impressions. That said, I replaced my H300 with an H360 in the last few weeks, and have zero regrets. I generally agree with your comments about the H360’s sound. I never had an issue with the H300’s performance -- I loved it, actually -- but the H360 does sound like a clear step forward. I don’t want to say more since Philip’s review will be published in the next couple of months. I am glad to hear that you are enjoying the H360 as much I am, however! . . . Hans Wetzel
