Hegel D50 DAC
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Hegel D50 DAC
Overview
The Hegel D50 DAC is a dedicated digital-to-analog converter that takes the digital signal from a streamer, CD transport, TV, computer or network player and turns it into clean, detailed analog sound for your amplifier or preamplifier. Hegel nicknames it the Raven, and it draws on more than two decades of the company's DAC design work. It's for listeners who already have a good amplifier and want their digital sources to sound as natural and open as their best records.
The D50 handles PCM up to 32-bit/384 kHz and DSD256 over USB, and up to 24/192 with DSD64 on its AES/EBU and coaxial inputs, with MQA decoding across all of them. Incoming signals are reclocked by three dedicated master clocks, one for S/PDIF and separate clocks for the 48k and 44.1k sample-rate families over USB, so the DAC chip receives a precisely timed signal.
Much of the work goes into keeping noise out. Two low-noise toroidal transformers split the power supply, one for the noisier digital and standby circuits and one for the sensitive analog and digital sections, each shielded in thick steel and filtered. The DAC chip sits on its own raised board for short signal paths, and an aluminium housing with a milled aluminium front plate and aluminium feet keeps the design solid and understated.
Simcoe Audio Video Insight
The D50 is a fixed-output DAC, so it's built to feed an integrated amplifier or preamplifier with its own volume control rather than drive power amplifiers directly. Use the balanced XLR output if your amplifier has one, especially on longer runs. Its input sensing can wake the D50 and switch to a source as soon as it detects a digital signal, and you can set whether it switches inputs or simply powers on. Automatic standby and display dimming keep it out of the way once it's set up.
More Info
Why the Hegel D50 Stands Out
Three Master Clocks
Precise timing for S/PDIF and USB.
Dual Toroidal Transformers
Separate, shielded digital and analog supplies.
Raised DAC Board
Short signal paths, less interference.
Up to 32/384 and DSD256
Over USB, with MQA decoding.
Six Digital Inputs
AES/EBU, BNC, RCA coaxial, 2 optical, USB.
XLR and RCA Outputs
True balanced and single-ended.
Buyer's Guide
Who It's For
- The Separates Builder: Wants a dedicated DAC for an existing amplifier.
- The Multi-Source Listener: Has a streamer, transport, TV and computer to connect.
- The Detail-Focused Listener: Wants low noise and precise timing from digital files.
How It Compares
The D50 is a standalone converter, so it suits a system built from separates. Pair it with an amplifier or preamplifier you're already happy with and you add AES/EBU, BNC coaxial and three dedicated master clocks without replacing anything else in the chain.
Hegel D50 DAC Specifications
| General Information | |
|---|---|
| Model | D50 |
| Brand | Hegel |
| Product Type | Digital-to-analog converter (DAC) |
| Colours Available | Black |
| Digital Inputs | |
| AES/EBU | 1 x S/PDIF, 24/192, DSD64 (DoP), MQA 8x |
| Coaxial BNC | 1 x S/PDIF, 24/192, DSD64 (DoP), MQA 8x |
| Coaxial RCA | 1 x S/PDIF, 24/192, DSD64 (DoP), MQA 8x |
| Optical | 2 x S/PDIF, 24/96, MQA 8x |
| USB | 1 x, 32/384, DSD256 (DoP), MQA 8x |
| Outputs and Performance | |
| Line Outputs | 1 x unbalanced fixed (RCA), 2.5 V; 1 x balanced fixed (XLR), 2.5 V |
| Analog Bandwidth | More than 0 Hz - 100 kHz |
| Signal-to-Noise Ratio | More than 100 dB |
| Noise Floor | Typically -150 dB |
| Distortion | Less than 0.0002% |
| Power and Physical | |
| Power Use (Standby) | Less than 0.5 W |
| Power Use (On) | Less than 20 W |
| Dimensions (W x D x H) | 43 x 30.5 x 9.9 cm (17 x 12 x 3.9 in) |
| Weight | 6.6 kg (14.55 lb) |
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