Norwegian audio brand Hegel Music Systems, previously known for its award-winning integrated amplifiers, pre-amplifiers, digital-to-analogue converters and CD players, will expand into the home theatre and distributed audio markets with its C5 Series of amplifiers.

Three models are available now, the C53, C54 and C55, which are configured as 3-, 4- and 5-channel amplifiers respectively.

Each model in the C5 Series is a Class AB monoblock analogue amplifier rated at 150W per channel. The amplifiers maintain a peak reserve capability that virtually doubles down to 2Ω, closing in at 600W per channel, making them quite capable of driving virtually any loudspeaker to its fullest capability and meeting a wide variety of installer’s needs.

For example, a solo C55 can drive a 5.1 surround sound theatre, with simply a few required to drive Dolby Atmos, Auro-3D, and DTS:X theatres. The pedigree and musicality of the amplifiers make them ideal for use in professional recording studios and the most demanding commercial and residential applications. They can also be used to bi-amplify speakers or mate with active cross-overs.

Hegel’s Proprietary SoundEngine2 Low-Distortion Technology
Incorporated in the C5 Series is Hegel’s patented SoundEngine2 low-distortion technology. Used in the company’s audiophile amplifiers, SoundEngine2 dynamically cancels out all distortion elements created within the amplifier’s circuits. It achieves this by playing them back in a negative phase, almost like a noise-cancelling headphone, resulting in high quality sound.

“The C5 is a hybrid between our H30 monoblock and H190 amplifiers,” says Hegel Music Systems vice president of sales and marketing Anders Ertzeid. 

“The C5 is based on the latest SoundEngine2 and the sound from the H190, yet with 50% more output transistors and individual massive toroidal power transformers on each channel. At the same time, it uses the same concept and layout at the output stage as the H30 monoblocks, resulting in unprecedented speed and slam. Even compared to our giant H590, when people hear the C5 they go ‘Wow… what was that?’.”

Versatility

The C5 also offers the installer the ability to switch phase individually for each channel as well as select different gain settings for each channel. For integration into a wide variety of systems, the amplifiers are equipped with both RCA line and balanced XLR inputs. In keeping with the custom residential channel, also incorporated are input and output control (triggers). This allows for daisy chaining and makes possible placement of the amplifiers in a separate room for remote on and off switching.

Measuring 3ru tall, the C5 amplifiers are equipped with large rack-mount ears integrated into the amp chassis, allowing them to fit in any rack. For added flexibility, also supplied are detachable/adjustable rear mount ears, as well as feet for use when placed atop a shelf or in a cabinet.  

“The majority of high-end speakers are 4Ω, and many will dip into 2Ω, requiring a lot of current to keep music and action peaks fully reproduced. However, many amps simply choke at that point,” says Hegel Music America national sales manager Brad Paulsen, who is leading the expansion of the brand in the US.

“The C5’s will easily deliver down to 2Ω and in a big way. These amps are flame-throwers that will seriously light-up any home theatre.”