Hegel D50 DAC

Input sensing

Display dimming

MQA 8x

Up to 32 bit/384 kHz

DSD 256 (DoP)

Affectionately known as The Raven, the Hegel H50 DAC is decidedly minimalistic in its unflashy black yet sleek design. Yet, under the hood is great attention to detail in all that matters from a sound quality perspective. The D50 decodes audio signals with exacting precision without feeling analytical. It extracts the detail you want to hear for a convincing musical experience but balances this presentation with beautiful fullness and weight. 

Extraordinary attention to detail has been taken to ensure purity of sound with power management that delivers incredibly clean energy for impeccable noise management. Hegel employs advanced filters on the power input to ensure low noise and when connected to a grounded outlet which could even help performance of other electronics on the same circuit. The D50 also utilizes two low-noise transformers. One is for the noisier digital processes and the other is purely dedicated to the sensitive digital and analogue components. Both transformers are very well shielded, placed away from sensitive electronics and have a filtered output to allow peak performance for critical components.

The design of the circuit boards and routing is all done to ensure low noise and precision. In addition, the key isn’t as much the digital to analogue conversion itself, but what happens prior that greatly affects performance. The AES/EBU input features a unique RS422 receiver with a transformer that allows for processing of the signal without jitter. The SPDIF inputs are received on a custom-designed card that unpacks the I2S data. This typically noisy process, which is prone to timing errors, is handled with precision. The decoded signal is then re-clocked using three dedicated master clocks: one for SPDIF signals and one for USB; separate clocks for 48k and 44.1k sample rates. These master clocks ensure a jitter free signal for the most accurate digital to analogue conversion. Then, the DAC chip is placed on a separate board above the other electronics to reduce any potential noise and interference. 

Build quality is solid with its aluminum housing and contributes to sound quality by mitigating vibrations. However, it’s not heroically overbuilt where you’re paying too much for the chassis and less on the internal components. Premium connectors and high-quality aluminum feet with rubber bottoms help ensure superior sound quality. The milled aluminum front plate conceals control buttons underneath to compliment the elegant design and keep it uncluttered. A bright but dimmable easy to read display provides all the necessary information you need.

In use, the D50 is very simple. With input sensing, it can detect a digital signal and wake up automatically. You can choose whether the signal just powers on the device or switches inputs as well. Automatic standby saves energy when not in use, but can be disabled if preferred.

USB

Optical

Coaxial RCA

Coaxial BNC

AES/EBU

Balanced XLR

Single-ended RCA