The Hegel H360 is a premium integrated amplifier with very high power outputs and is made to cater to modern-day listeners who want to have an exceptional music listening experience. In just a few short years, the H360 has garnered many praises from discerning critics and audiophiles. With all the newer models being produced by Hegel, will the H360 still stand among the best? We strongly believe it will, as long you have matching speakers which can bring out the Hegel H360 full potential.
As mentioned earlier, it has been a few years since H360’s debut and there are even more speaker options to choose from. How are we able to find the right pair of speakers to match with the Hegel H360? In order to do this, we will need to know how good this integrated amplifier sounds and what are the Hegel H360 characteristics. With a better understanding of its sonic performance, we can then make a list of the best speakers which you can go for and pair with your Hegel H360.
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Sound Characteristics and Important Specifications of Hegel H360
Using Hegel’s patented SoundEngine2 technology, the H360 is able to drive most speakers with finesse and wider dynamics. The rated power output of the Hegel H360 integrated amplifier is 250 Watts per channel into 8 Ohms and 420 Watt per channel into 4 Ohms. It has a frequency response of 5Hz to 180kHz and along with H360 extremely high power outputs, this does give us plenty of speaker choices to go for including those loudspeakers that can be demanding when it comes to power. There is also a built-in DAC that supports up to 24-bit/192kHz resolution (PCM) and native DSD (DSD64/128) high-res audio formats.
The high-quality D/A converter will help improve the sound quality of the music coming from Apple AirPlay and DLNA streaming sources. There is a USB input where you can use it to easily connect with your computers and also other digital connections which you can use. For listeners who own a home theater setup, you will be delighted to know it has Home Theater Bypass. If we were to nitpick though, then it will be the DAC as it is a bit outdated when compared to the latest integrated amplifiers with better D/A converters. Aesthetically, it should be quite easy to match with speakers including those with a vintage design.
We were pleasantly surprised by how refined the Hegel H360 is, it delivers a very detailed picture of the music we are listening to. Intricate details and subtle music nuances can be heard clearly, making each performer sound more intimate. Especially the vocal reproductions are filled with emotion and intimacy, not to mention, sounded very natural too. The musical instruments are authentically reproduced as well. The midrange prowess of the Hegel H360 is indeed impeccable and the agile bass performance helps to add the right weight to it. The overall bass reproduction of the H360 is accurate and clean, able to dig deep into the bass extension and deliver them out with just the right amount of impact.
The midbass performance is tight and full but never overwhelms the midrange which is great. We are not saying the Hegel H360 is polite when it comes to bass reproduction, it can actually land a powerful delivery that shakes the room when the music calls for it. The overall reproduction of the H360 integrated amp is neutral, never once sounded overly bright or too silky smooth. It is always accurate and is capable of delivering a faithful music presentation without sounding clinical. Listeners who are analytical audio enthusiasts will most probably say yes to this amazing integrated amplifier.
Is hard not to fall in love with this Hegel H360, the open spacious soundstage, and impeccable stereo imaging. The honest and revealing nature of the amplifier doesn’t sound too analytical due to its musicality and extraordinary finesse. Whether if you are a casual listener or a serious audiophile, the Hegel H360 will be ideal for you. We have enough data to prepare a list of the best speakers which you can go for and pair them up with your Hegel H360 integrated amplifier.
Hegel H360 Specifications
- Power Outputs: 250 Watts per channel into 8 Ohms, 420 Watt per channel into 4 Ohms
- Frequency Response: 5Hz-180kHz
- Inputs: 1 Balanced input, 1 Unbalanced input, 1 Home Theatre, 1 Coaxial input, 3 Optical inputs, 1 USB input, Ethernet
- Outputs: 1 Fixed Line Level (RCA), 1 Variable Line Level (RCA), 1 Coaxial (from digital inputs only)
- Dimensions (H x W x D): 150mm (with feet) x 430mm x 430mm | 5.9″ (with feet) x 16.9″ x 16.9″
- Weight: 20.5kg (45.2lbs)
Best Speakers to pair with Hegel H360
The Dynaudio Contour S 3.4 is one of the best floor-standing speakers to pair with the Hegel H360 amplifier. This pair of floor-standers excel in reproducing natural-sounding vocals and instruments. Furthermore, it is capable of delivering a faithful music presentation that is close to what the artists have intended for their audiences to hear. The sonic characteristics of the Dynaudio Contour S 3.4 are really similar to the Hegel H360 integrated amplifier. H360 itself has no problem driving these rather demanding floor-standing speakers. Both of them are a suitable match for each other and will bring out the best from one another.
The KEF Reference 3 is another amazing high-end floor-standing speaker that will match really well with the Hegel H360. It looks absolutely stunning and sounds even better. The powerful H360 is able to fully drive the Reference 3 speakers, making them sing. The overall sound reproduction of the KEF Reference 3 is clean and has pristine clarity. The low-end reproduction is deep and authoritative, providing us with immense sonic energy and musical presence. It is a very revealing speaker where no stones are left unturned and yet Reference 3 does not sound clinical. Even at low volumes, you can still enjoy listening to your music.
More Details at Amazon – KEF Reference 3 (Pair)
The Dynaudio Confidence C1 Signature is one of the best bookshelf speakers to pair with your Hegel H360. It is a difficult speaker to drive in which the H360 amplifier is up to the task and capable of driving the Confidence C1 Signature with ease. The timing and agility of these high-end stand-mounters are simply impeccable, the overall bass performance is incredible too. It can deliver powerful bass with exceptional accuracy and agility. All in all, the Dynaudio Confidence C1 Signature is a lively and punchy performer, it helps to add a bit more energy to the overall sound reproduction without compromising clarity and details.
The B&W 805 D3 is a pair of award-winning bookshelf speakers that uses diamond tweeters which will deliver crisp and clean sounding highs. It will be a worthy match to the Hegel H360 integrated amplifier. The Bowers & Wilkins 805 D3 scales really well with power and the H360 has an abundance of it. When playing at high volume levels, the music comes to life and will simply engage your mind immediately. The level of clarity and insights of these brilliant bookshelf speakers are astounding, revealing the subtlest of details and delivering them to us in a crystal clear sound quality. It might be a bit too bright for some listeners, we recommend having a listen first.
If you prefer warm-sounding speakers then the Wharfedale Evo4.3 will be an excellent choice to go for. It is modestly priced and the Hegel H360 amplifier can easily drive this pair of floor-standers. The Wharfedale Evo4.3 has a pleasing sound quality where no matter how bad the recording is, it will sound smooth with these speakers. They may sound a bit polite but their bass performance is full and entertaining. You can feel the low frequencies and they don’t overstay their welcome. The Evo4.3 bass handling is very impressive for a speaker at this price point. The Hegel H360 does help to add in a bit more insights and transparency to the overall sound reproduction.
More Details at Amazon – Wharfedale EVO 4.3 (Black Oak)
The KEF R3 will be another modestly priced speaker and will be an ideal match with your Hegel H360 integrated amplifier. The R3s are capable of producing high-resolution music presentations with an astonishing level of clarity and packed with subtle details. It has similar sonic characteristics as the Hegel H360 and the amp also helps to add in more dynamics that make the overall sound reproduction more engaging. They may be bookshelf speakers but they sure sound like compact floor-standers which is simply remarkable, not to mention, still retain the agility of a high-quality stand-mounter. The KEF R3 are outstanding speakers and will be a suitable match for the Hegel H360.
More Infornatuib at Amazon – KEF R3 (Pair, Black)
To Sum It Up
Even to this day, Hegel H360 still has the sound quality and sonic performance to stand among the best that Hegel has to offer. The speakers mentioned here are some of the finest on the market and will be a suitable match with the Hegel H360 integrated amplifier. It is highly recommended to hear them out first before making your final decision. Auditioning these speakers will allow you to learn more about their sonic performances and to find out if you like the sound quality they are producing. Do use a few of your favorite music or songs during these auditions. It would be best if they are from different music genres and has various levels of complexity.
