I was dubious about Hegel Music Systems’ H590 integrated amplifier-DAC. Charging $11,000 for an integrated amp-DAC that looks a lot like your $6000 model is a bold move, especially for a company that’s built its reputation on financially accessible models. Yet the H590 delivers, and then some. Its massive power output makes it an unflappable partner for just about any loudspeaker, past or present, and it has a wealth of digital and analog inputs, including BNC and dual XLR. But most impressive is its magnificent D/A converter. Through its USB input, I enjoyed some of the finest reproduction of music ever to grace my listening room. Considered along with its excellent native support of MQA, improved AirPlay performance, and compatibility with Spotify Connect, there’s something here for every listener to love. The H590 may be expensive for a Hegel, but in the rarefied atmosphere of reference-level integrated amplifier-DACs, it’s a bargain. I’ve never encountered another amplifier that blends power, grace, and honesty with such consummate ease.

Hegel’s H590 is hugely powerful, but the vast power reserves are allied to total composure and the most sensitive signal handling that’s the key to bringing out the smallest, most subtle, dynamic details to give music so much presence and emotional impact. Sure, your speakers will probably sound better than they’ve ever sounded before, but this is incredible quality control rather than sheer brute force. £9,000 is a tidy sum for an integrated amplifier, but if I was told it was double this figure I wouldn’t have questioned it. It’s destined to beat at the heart of many top-flight audiophile systems across the world, and as such must be considered one of the best integrated amplifiers at this or any price.

Big, powerful and, yes, expensive, the Hegel flagship is anything but brutish, combining the confidence of clout in reserve with a delicacy and refinement you might not expect. It’s certainly high-end, but makes no concessions to ease of use or flexibility, not least thanks to its excellent digital platform. In fact, it’s one of the most ‘complete’ integrated amplifiers we have ever tested. Outstanding!

All up, the Hegel H590 ultimately asks some difficult questions of the audio amp world. This is the ‘straight wire with gain’ for the high-end world. More (in most cases) buys you a shinier case, a greater number of boxes and some extra hoops to jump through. Unless you need that kilowatt power amplifier to drive your difficult loudspeakers to PA levels, the Hegel H590 might just be all you will ever need.

The basic element, however, is the amplifier. Let's be clear—it controls the speakers better than most amps. It does not impose bass on us, but when it appears in the recording, it is shown in a very clear, selective fashion. But also, that's the other side of the coin, it is not an amplifier that tempts listeners with richness, warmth. It does not present strong, big foreground, but rather a huge space with remarkable depth. The image won't be particularly three-dimensional either. As always, it's a matter of choice. But that's what audio is about. Hegel has given you options that you won't find anywhere else.

Big, powerful and – yes! – expensive, the flagship Hegel H590 amplifier is not at all rude, it combines large internal reserves, and delicacy, and even sophistication that you do not expect from it. It certainly belongs to the High End segment, but it doesn’t compromise on usability and flexibility, not least thanks to its superior digital platform. In fact, this is one of the most “complete” integrated amplifiers we have ever tested. Impressive!

In general, Hegel products have complete functions, convenient usability, a simple-line-style appearance, and high-quality sound performance. Hege H590 network streameris a complete manifestation of these characteristics, plus an advantage: the unobstructed driving force.

Hegel H590 provides both the sound quality and the power of separate components in a single amplifier cabinet.