HEGEL H-160 INTEGRATED AMPLIFIER W/BUILT IN DAC - MINT CONDITION

This is a great amplifier on 3 counts – sound, versatility, and quality construction.

First and foremost of course is the sound. The Hegel 160 won the Product of the Year award by The Absolute Sound for 2015. That may not say it all, but it certainly says a lot. This amp is extremely powerful, dynamic, and capable of producing the music beautifully.

Here is what The Absolute Sound said:

"The Norwegian company Hegel Music Systems has sallied into the integrated market with its superlative H160. Much like the country it hails from, the compact H160 lands on the cool side of neutral. It’s a solid-state unit that never sounds strident or glassy but always provides a superbly transparent and controlled presentation. Much of this sonic purity is a product of Hegel’s innovative SoundEngine technology, which constantly adjusts the operating parameters of the Class AB amplifier’s output transistors for optimal performance. The aim of this technological wizardry is both to reduce distortion and improve damping in real time. Packed with a variety of features, including the ability to stream wirelessly via an Ethernet input, the H160 can drive most loudspeakers with ease. At its relatively modest price, it is a potent reminder of the rapid sonic advances that the high end has made over the past decade".

Next, the Hegel 160 is one of the most versatile amps you will find, with a slew of wonderful features.

The led display, showing the volume level, which is delineated in increments from 0 to 100, is invaluable for being able to fine tune the volume to the perfect level – for instance 52. Thus allowing you to easily return to that precise level, every time that song or album is played. It also enables you to know, just how loud your music is being played.

It’s quite surprising how a 1 or 2 digit change in volume can influence many of the characteristics of the sound. The rugged metal remote control will change the volume in 1 digit increments, with each press of the button. Plus you can program the amp to always start at whatever level you wish – say 47, when you turn the amp on.

On the other side of the display, an led shows the name of the current input you have selected for your source material, allowing you to quickly and easily change your music, from your CD player, turntable, music server, computer, or other source. All done from your listening position with the remote control.

The remote will also control most CD players, and even music streamed from your computer, via a usb cable. In many cases, this one simple uncluttered Hegel remote, can control your whole audio system.

The Hegel’s built in, high quality digital to analog converter (DAC), allows you to stream music from your computer or other digital source, directly into the amplifier, with only a usb cable. Plus, if you have a run-of-the-mill CD player with a digital output, connect it to the Hegel, and use the Hegel’s DAC instead of the cheap DAC in the CD player, to achieve significantly better sound.

Additionally the Hegel has an input for Home Theater integration and even an Ethernet input for your home network. You can even stream wireless music to it from devices with Apple AirPlay or DLNA.

And finally, the quality of the construction of this amp is superb. Elegant but rugged – as is evident the minute you lay your hands on it.

This particular Hegel 160, I purchased new, 1-2 years ago. The amplifier is all original, has not been repaired or modified in any way, and sounds just the way it did when new. Since I have always had multiple stereo systems, this Hegel 160 has had light use.

The Hegel 160 up for sale here, is rated at 9 out of 10. Audiogon's rating guidelines preclude a 10 out of 10 rating, for any item more than one year old. If that were not the case, I would rate this amplifier as a 10.

The amplifier is in pristine, perfect condition, both Sonically and Mechanically. Cosmetically, it appears perfect, as well, with no scratches, marks, or blemishes.

As the original owner, I personally unboxed the item, and placed it in its listening position, where it has remained until now. I am quite meticulous about my things (my wife would say anal). Please see the photos.

The amplifier has never fallen, been involved in any type of accident, or been mistreated in any way. It has been modestly used, at reasonable listening levels, and cared for by me personally, their one and only user.

Additionally, it has always been protected from sunlight, and resides in my non smoking, climate controlled home.

The only reason this amplifier is for sale is that I just upgraded this system, to a substantially more expensive Pass Labs INT-250.

Included in the sale in addition to the Hegel 160 amplifier is the original Hegel Shipping Carton; the original Hegel Remote Control Unit; the original Hegel power cable; and the original Hegel User Manual.

Technical Details

Power output spk: 150 w/pc into 8 Ohms, 250 w/pc into 4 Ohms

Power output hp: 270 mw/pc into 64 Ohms

Analog inputs: 1 balanced (XLR), 1 unbalanced (RCA), 1home theatre

Analog outputs: 1 fixed line level (RCA), 1 variable line level (RCA)

Digital inputs: 1 coaxial, 3 optical, 1 USB, 1 Ethernet (RJ45)

Headphone output: 6.3 mm Jack (front)

Frequency response: 5Hz-100kHz

Signal-to-noise ratio: More than 100dB

Crosstalk: Less than -100dB

Distortion: 0.005% @ 50W 8 Ohms 1kHz

Intermodulation: Less than 0.01% (19kHz + 20kHz)

Damping factor: More than 1000 (main power output stage)

Dimensions/weight: 12cm x 43cm x 41cm (HxWxD)/19kg (shipping)

Dimensions/weight: 4.7" x 16.93" x 16.15" (HxBxD)/42lbs (shipping)

Payment Methods Accepted:

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