Hegel Unveils D50 'The Raven' DAC, Shipping May 2025
Hegel has unveiled the D50 digital audio converter, affectionately dubbed The Raven, drawing inspiration from Norse mythology to symbolize its intelligent and precise audio processing capabilities. Unlike many contemporary DACs that bundle streaming features and volume control, the D50 focuses solely on delivering pristine digital-to-analog conversion. This streamlined approach ensures that the D50 operates with minimal interference, providing audiophiles with an unadulterated listening experience. The Raven is set to begin shipping in May 2025, promising to elevate digital audio reproduction to new heights.
Central to the D50’s exceptional performance is its advanced power supply design, which significantly reduces noise levels. The converter employs two low-noise toroidal transformers: one dedicated to digital processing and standby power, and the other supporting analog and sensitive digital components. These transformers are housed within robust steel shielding and complemented by a surrounding topology that mitigates unwanted interference. Additionally, the sophisticated filtering system on the power input can enhance the performance of other devices on the same circuit when connected to a grounded power outlet, although this benefit depends on specific conditions.
Constructed with a sleek aluminum chassis and a machined front bezel, the D50 exhibits a minimalist aesthetic that hides its technical prowess. The central information display is both bright and subtle, featuring a dimming option to maintain focus on the music. Automatic signal detection allows the Raven to wake and switch inputs seamlessly in response to incoming signals, ensuring a user-friendly and distraction-free operation. Connectivity is comprehensive, with the D50 accommodating USB-B, two S/PDIF optical inputs, coaxial cinch, coaxial BNC, and AES/EBU connections for digital sources, alongside cinch and XLR outputs for analog integration.
The D50’s proprietary DAC chip is meticulously integrated into the overall circuitry to optimize sound quality. Mounted on a separate printed circuit board above the main electronics, the DAC chip benefits from reduced noise and interference, while maintaining short, direct signal paths. Multiple clocking systems are employed to minimize jitter and timing inaccuracies, featuring an RS422 receiver for AES/EBU inputs and separate master clocks for various SPDIF and USB sample rates. This precise clocking ensures accurate DAC conversion, supporting a range of formats including PCM up to 32-bit/384 kHz, DSD256 (DoP), and MQA decoding.
With a noise floor of -150 dB and a signal-to-noise ratio exceeding 100 dB, the Hegel D50 DAC delivers remarkable audio clarity and detail. Its analog circuits operate within a bandwidth of 0 Hz to 100 kHz, ensuring a wide and accurate reproduction of sound. Measuring 43 x 30.5 x 9.9 centimeters and weighing 6.6 kilograms, The Raven combines solid craftsmanship with cutting-edge technology. Priced at a recommended retail price of 4,895 euros, the D50 is poised to become a favored choice among audiophiles seeking a pure and detailed digital audio conversion solution.
