Oslo, Norway’s Hegel make amplification products—pre, power, and integrateds—that are visually understated, reasonably priced, and very good sounding.
In play at Axpona 2022 was the company’s V10 MM/MC Phono Preamplifier ($1500) sitting atop the H390 Integrated Amplifier ($6000), while the larger and more powerful H590 Integrated Amplifier ($11,000) waited on deck. The Hegel amp drove a pair of KEF R3 3-Way Stand Mount Speakers ($2199.99/pair) with bottom end support from a KEF KF92 Subwoofer ($1999.99).
The curvaceous Acoustic Signature Typhoon NEO Turntable (from $17,995) mounted with the company’s MCX-4 Cartridge ($2995) took care of the vinyl.