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Hegel D50 – Reference DAC With Three Dedicated Master Clocks

21.02.2025 12:08 | ~1 minute read

Hegel has introduced its latest digital-to-analog converter Hegel D50. The model features extremely low distortion of 0.0002% and typically noise floor of record -150 dB, and uses three dedicated master clocks (one for SPDIF signals, and for USB, separate master clocks for 48k and 44.1k sample rates).

Hegel D50
Hegel D50. Image source - (c) Hegel

The power management circuit of Hegel D50 is designed to suppress noise and has filters at the input and a pair of low-noise toroidal transformers, each working on its own circuitry and additionally shielded with thick steel. The output of the transformers is also filtered.

Hegel D50
Hegel D50. Image source - (c) Hegel

The Hegel D50 uses innovative circuitry – for example, the AES/EBU input is equipped with a unique RS422 receiver balanced by a transformer RS422, which allows it to handle both weak and strong signals without jitter and time distortion, and work with SPDIF signals is carried out via a custom-designed card that unpacks the I2S data.

Hegel D50
Hegel D50. Image source - (c) Hegel

As already mentioned, decoded signals are reclocked using three dedicated master clocks, separate for different sample rates. The DAC chip itself is located on a separate board above the rest of the electronics, which also reduces noise and interference.

Specifications

This product is in the Hi-Fi and High End Electronics and Acoustics database

DACs — Hegel D50

  • Model name

    D50

  • Conversion type

    N/A

  • Engine

    N/A

  • DSD compatability

    N/A

  • Parameters

    N/A

  • Frequency response low +/- 3dB (Hz)

    0

  • Frequency response high +/- 3dB (Hz)

    100000

  • Gain (dBu)

    N/A

  • Output Level (balanced) (V)

    N/A

  • Output Level (single-ended) (V)

    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

  • Analog outputs

    N/A

  • Signal to Noise Ratio (dB)

    N/A

  • Total Harmonic Distortion + Noise (% at 22 kHz)

    0.0002

  • Dimensions (mm)

    430 x 305 x 99

  • Weight (kg)

    6.6

  • Official link

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