Hegel D50 D/A Converter

D50 - Sound in Perfection

The D50 impresses at first glance with its simple, black design. Without superfluous elements or eye-catching accents, it blends discreetly into any environment. But behind the minimalist design lies an impressive technical masterpiece. This DAC is designed to process digital audio data with the highest precision and present you with a sound stage of astonishing breadth. Every fine nuance is reproduced crystal clear so that you can experience music in its purest form.

technology at the highest level

Hegel has a long tradition of developing outstanding digital-analog converters. The D50 embodies the essence of this expertise and sets new standards in sound processing. At its heart is a state-of-the-art DAC chip embedded in a sophisticated circuit architecture. The real innovation, however, lies in the precise coordination of all components. Every aspect of the design has been optimized to exploit the chip's full potential and enable natural, detailed music reproduction.

Pure energy, undisturbed sound

A flawless power supply is the basis for excellent sound. The D50 relies on sophisticated energy management that minimizes noise and ensures a clean power supply to every component. Highly developed filters on the inputs eliminate mains interference, while two low-noise toroidal transformers ensure that sensitive components are optimally supplied. The separation between digital and analog sections and the targeted shielding prevent interference that impairs the sound.

Highest precision in signal processing

The D50 uses innovative technologies to minimize distortion and convert the digital signal into an analogue signal with maximum integrity. The AES/EBU input uses an optimized RS422 receiver with transformer balancing, which processes even weak signals without loss. SPDIF data is decoded with the highest precision on a specially developed circuit and synchronized with separate master clocks for different sampling rates. This precise clocking ensures exact signal processing and authentic music reproduction.

Robust and well-designed

The D50 was designed for durability and top performance. Its solid aluminum housing reduces vibrations and improves resonance properties at the same time. High-quality connections guarantee loss-free signal transmission, while stable aluminum feet with damping elements ensure safe positioning. The simple front elegantly conceals the controls, and the bright display provides all the important information without distracting from the music.

Simple operation, intelligent control

Despite the advanced technology, the D50 is extremely easy to use. The intelligent input detection automatically reacts to digital signals and activates the device when required. You can specify whether the DAC switches the inputs independently or is simply switched on. An energy-saving standby mode and adjustable display brightness ensure comfortable use. Once set up, the D50 fits seamlessly into your audio system and ensures an outstanding sound experience.

Flexibility through versatile connections

With its wide range of connections, the D50 can be integrated into almost any setup. USB, optical, coaxial RCA, coaxial BNC and AES/EBU inputs are available. The output side offers balanced XLR and unbalanced RCA connections so that you can optimally customize your audio chain. This versatility makes the D50 the ideal choice for demanding music lovers.

TECHNICAL DATA

Digital inputs:

• 1x AES/EBU S/PDIF – 24 bit / 192 kHz, DSD64 (DoP), MQA 8x
• 1x coaxial (BNC) S/PDIF – 24 bit / 192 kHz, DSD64 (DoP), MQA 8x
• 1x coaxial (RCA) S/PDIF – 24 bit / 192 kHz, DSD64 (DoP), MQA 8x
• 2x Optical S/PDIF – 24 bit / 96 kHz, MQA 8x
• 1x USB – 32 bit / 384 kHz, DSD256 (DoP), MQA 8x

Line outputs:

• 1x Unbalanced (RCA, Fixed Output) – 2.5 V
• 1x Balanced (XLR, Fixed Output) – 2.5 V

Technical performance data:

• Analog bandwidth: > 0 Hz – 100 kHz
• Signal-to-noise ratio: > 100 dB
• Noise level: Typically -150 dB
• Distortion (THD+N): < 0.0002 %

Power consumption:

• Standby mode: < 0.5 W
• Operation: < 20 W

Dimensions & Weight:

• Dimensions (W x D x H): 43 x 30.5 x 9.9 cm
• Weight: 6.6 kg