Overview

The Hegel Viking is a true native 16-bit/44.1 kHz CD player, developed from the ground up to play standard Redbook CDs as faithfully as possible. Because it focuses only on CDs, there are no trade-offs: every component is chosen for that one task. It's for listeners with a CD collection who want the simplest, most direct way to enjoy it, with sound that stays true to the original recording. Hegel calls it the best CD player it has ever made, and it won the EISA High-End CD Player award for 2023-2024.

The Viking uses a dedicated laser and CD drive for optimal reading of the disc, and a high-quality DAC that does no upsampling and doesn't tamper with the signal in any way. The drive and DAC are both controlled by Hegel's Master Clock system for perfect timing between the two, and the Hegel-designed discrete clock uses a very low phase noise quartz crystal and Hegel's patented SoundEngine technology to reduce jitter to an absolute minimum.

The analog stage was developed specifically for this model, combining Hegel's analog low-pass filter with its Line Driver technology for fully balanced, noise-free handling all the way to your amplifier. Even the OLED display was selected for low noise. The cabinet matches Hegel's P30A and H30A, and a reliable slot-in drive and solid build are made to last for years.

Simcoe Audio Video Insight

The Viking has balanced XLR and unbalanced RCA analog outputs, so connect it with XLR if your amplifier or preamp has a balanced input. Its BNC true 75-ohm digital output also lets you use the Viking as a transport into an external DAC with a BNC input. Auto-standby is built in, and the included solid aluminium RC8 remote can also control other Hegel products, so a Hegel system runs from one remote.

More Info

Why the Hegel Viking Stands Out

Buyer's Guide

Who It's For

• The CD Collector: Wants faithful playback of a physical collection.
• The Digital Purist: Wants no upsampling or signal tampering.
• The Hegel System Owner: Wants one remote and a matching design.

How It Compares

Where the Hegel D50 is a standalone DAC for streamers, computers and other digital sources, the Viking is a complete CD player with its own drive, DAC and analog stage. Its BNC digital output can also feed a separate DAC, such as the D50's BNC coaxial input, if you want to build your system around one converter.