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Power amplifiers stereo — Hegel C55
Description, images, technical data and specifications
Hegel C55
Image source — © Hegel
The C55 is a stereo power amplifier from Hegel, built with an exceptionally high damping factor typical of the brand's house engineering. This model represents Hegel's dedicated power amplifier offering for a system built around separate preamplification, sharing the brand's characteristic measurement-focused engineering philosophy with the flagship H590 integrated amplifier.
Position in line
It sits alongside the C54 in Hegel's power amplifier range as a related design. This positioning alongside the C54 suggests Hegel offers a small family of dedicated power amplifiers, likely differentiated by specific output level or chassis refinement between the two models.
Key specs that matter
Rated output is 150 W into 8 ohms, doubling to 300 W into 4 ohms. Gain is 29 dBu. Rated bandwidth is 5 Hz to 100 kHz. Signal-to-noise exceeds 100 dB with distortion under 0.01%. Damping factor exceeds 2000. At 482 x 132 x 520 mm and 37.5 kg it is a substantial chassis, consistent with the clean doubling into 4 ohms this model achieves.
Sound and use context
Expect a highly controlled presentation with the very high damping factor and clean doubling into 4 ohms pointing to firm grip across a range of loudspeaker loads - a capable performer reflecting Hegel's characteristic engineering approach applied specifically to power amplification.
Pairing
The clean doubling into 4 ohms suits demanding or low-sensitivity loudspeakers without derating concerns, broadening the range of speakers this amplifier can comfortably serve.
Alternatives
The C54 sits alongside this model in Hegel's power amplifier range as a related design, worth clarifying the specific differences with a dealer before choosing between these two closely positioned Hegel power amplifiers. Hegel broader integrated amplifier catalogue, including the flagship H590, gives buyers a useful reference point for the brand overall house sound when considering this dedicated power amplifier for a separates-based system. A dealer demonstration alongside a matching Hegel preamplifier helps judge the full measure of the brand coherent engineering philosophy across separates. Overall this remains a capable power amplifier choice reflecting Hegel characteristic engineering philosophy. A dealer visit remains the simplest way to compare this model against the closely related C54. Cable and stand choices matter far less at this price point than getting the basic preamplifier pairing right.
Position in line
It sits alongside the C54 in Hegel's power amplifier range as a related design. This positioning alongside the C54 suggests Hegel offers a small family of dedicated power amplifiers, likely differentiated by specific output level or chassis refinement between the two models.
Key specs that matter
Rated output is 150 W into 8 ohms, doubling to 300 W into 4 ohms. Gain is 29 dBu. Rated bandwidth is 5 Hz to 100 kHz. Signal-to-noise exceeds 100 dB with distortion under 0.01%. Damping factor exceeds 2000. At 482 x 132 x 520 mm and 37.5 kg it is a substantial chassis, consistent with the clean doubling into 4 ohms this model achieves.
Sound and use context
Expect a highly controlled presentation with the very high damping factor and clean doubling into 4 ohms pointing to firm grip across a range of loudspeaker loads - a capable performer reflecting Hegel's characteristic engineering approach applied specifically to power amplification.
Pairing
The clean doubling into 4 ohms suits demanding or low-sensitivity loudspeakers without derating concerns, broadening the range of speakers this amplifier can comfortably serve.
Alternatives
The C54 sits alongside this model in Hegel's power amplifier range as a related design, worth clarifying the specific differences with a dealer before choosing between these two closely positioned Hegel power amplifiers. Hegel broader integrated amplifier catalogue, including the flagship H590, gives buyers a useful reference point for the brand overall house sound when considering this dedicated power amplifier for a separates-based system. A dealer demonstration alongside a matching Hegel preamplifier helps judge the full measure of the brand coherent engineering philosophy across separates. Overall this remains a capable power amplifier choice reflecting Hegel characteristic engineering philosophy. A dealer visit remains the simplest way to compare this model against the closely related C54. Cable and stand choices matter far less at this price point than getting the basic preamplifier pairing right.
Specifications
Model name
C55
Input sensitivity (mV)
N/A
Input impedance (balanced) (Ω)
N/A
Input impedance (single-ended) (Ω)
N/A
Output impedance (balanced) (Ω)
N/A
Output impedance (single-ended) (Ω)
N/A
Max current (A)
N/A
Output power (8Ω) (W)
150
Output power (4Ω) (W)
300
Gain (dBu)
29
Frequency response low +/- 3dB (Hz)
5
Frequency response high +/- 3dB (Hz)
100 000
Signal to Noise Ratio (dB)
>100
Total Harmonic Distortion + Noise (0% global feedback) (%)
N/A
Total Harmonic Distortion + Noise (100% global feedback) (%)
<0.01
Max power consumption (W)
N/A
Damping factor
>2000
Dimensions (mm)
482 x 132 x 520
Weight (kg)
37.5
Official link
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