Meet the D50, Hegel's New Reference DACWith the D50 DAC, Hegel has taken a bold leap forward in digital audio. This is not justanother DAC; it’s an exploration of what’s possible when technology is stripped to itsessentials. We wanted to make a dedicated machine that did one thing exceptionally well,converting ones and zeros to music. To achieve this, we have avoided anything that wouldintroduce noise. This means there is no network input, streamer, or preamplifier. By fo-cusing solely on converting digital signals into music, we have created a machine thatsoars above the competition. Meet the D50 DAC, affectionately named The Raven.D50 - The RavenAt first glance, the D50 appears understated, with its minimalist black design. No flashydetails or unnecessary features distract from its purpose. Like the raven, it may seemplain, but this DAC is a master of its craft. Beneath the sleek exterior lies a remarkableability to decode and deliver digital audio with breathtaking precision. The D50 unveils asoundstage so expansive it feels as though you’re soaring high above the music, revealingevery intricate detail with stunning clarity. Whether you choose to focus on the smallestnuances or simply let the music carry you, the D50 offers an unparalleled listening expe-rience.A Legacy of MasteryHegel has been perfecting the art of DAC design for more than two decades, and the D50represents the pinnacle of that expertise. At its core lies the latest model DAC chip—asophisticated tool with immense potential. But like the raven, one of the few animals ca-pable of using tools with precision, the D50’s genius lies in how it wields this technology.Every detail of the circuit design and layout has been meticulously crafted to extract thefull potential of the DAC chip, transforming it from a mere component into a masterfulinstrument. The result is a design that uses this tool to its fullest, unlocking extraordinarysound reproduction.Power Purified, Noise EliminatedThe D50 takes extraordinary measures to ensure the purity of its sound reproduction. Itspower management is designed to silence noise and deliver clean energy to every part ofthe device. Advanced filters on the power input eliminate noise from the mains, and whenconnected to a grounded power outlet, this filtering can even enhance the performanceof other equipment in the same circuit. To eliminate electrical noise even further, the D50employs two low-noise toroidal transformers. One delivers power to the noisier digitalprocesses and standby functionality while the other is dedicated to the sensitive analogand digital components. Both transformers are shielded by thick steel and placed far fromany sensitive electronics and their output is also filtered, ensuring the D50 operates withthe purest power, allowing its performance to take flight.Precision in Every DetailAt Hegel, they approach circuit board design with meticulous attention to detail, ensuringthe best possible performance. In the D50, even the routing features rounded corners tominimize impedance drops and reduce radiation, reflecting our commitment to precision.However, the real innovation lies in how the D50 processes incoming digital signals be-fore converting them to analog. The AES/EBU input features a unique RS422 receiverbalanced by a transformer, allowing it to handle both weak and strong signals flawlessly,free of jitter and time delays.For SPDIF-based inputs, signals are received on a custom-designed card that unpacksthe I2S data. While this process is inherently noisy and prone to timing errors, the D50addresses these issues with precision. The decoded signals are reclocked using threededicated master clocks: one for SPDIF signals, and for USB, separate master clocks for48k and 44.1k sample rates. Strategically placed to minimize noise, these clocks delivera perfectly timed signal to the DAC chip, enabling the purest and most accurate digi-tal-to-analog conversion.The DAC chip itself is thoughtfully perched on a separate board above the rest of theelectronics. This elevated placement reduces noise and interference while providingshort and unobstructed signal paths. With the D50, every aspect of the design has beencarefully engineered to ensure that the signal remains as true to the original as possible.The result is an unaltered and breathtakingly accurate translation from digital to analog.Solid CraftmanshipThe D50’s construction is as solid as it is purposeful. Its aluminium housing provides bothdurability and a refined appearance and improves sound performance. Premium con-nectors ensure reliable performance, while aluminium feet with rubber soles guaranteestability. The thick, milled aluminium front plate conceals the buttons for an unbroken,elegant facade. Meanwhile, a bright, easy-to-read display delivers all the information youneed without drawing attention away from the music.Intuitive SimplicityThough the D50 operates with the precision of a masterful instrument, using it is effort-less. Its advanced input sensing can detect a digital signal and wake the device auto-matically. You can customize how it responds to new signals, whether to switch inputsor simply power on. Features like automatic standby save energy when the music stops,while a display dimming option keeps the focus where it belongs—on the music. Once setup, the D50 becomes a seamless part of your system, ready to bring your music to lifewith no distractions.Complete ConnectivityThe D50 offers every connection you might need, accommodating USB, optical, coaxialRCA, coaxial BNC, and AES/EBU inputs. On the output side, it features true balancedanalog and single-ended RCA connections, giving you the flexibility to suit any system.The D50’s versatile inputs and outputs make it a perfect fit for any audio environment.The Raven’s PerspectiveIn Norse mythology, the ravens Hugin and Munin brought Odin unparalleled insights,revealing the world’s hidden truths. Inspired by their precision and clarity, the D50 de-ciphers the complexities of digital audio with absolute precision. Its innovative designtransforms raw data into music that is rich in detail, free from noise, and true to the orig-inal recording. No detail is added or lost—just the purest, most accurate reproduction ofsound.The Hegel D50 DAC represents the pinnacle of digital-to-analog conversion, deliveringmusic as it was meant to be heard—pure, detailed, and profoundly moving. Let it takeyour music to new heights.Tech SpecsDigital inputs 1x AES/EBU S/PDIF, 24/192, DSD64(DoP), MQA 8x1x Coaxial (BNC) S/PDIF, 24/192, DSD64(DoP), MQA 8x1x Coaxial (RCA) S/PDIF, 24/192, DSD64(DoP), MQA 8x2x Optical S/PDIF, 24/96, MQA 8x1x USB 32/384, DSD256(DoP), MQA 8xLine level outputs 1x Unbalanced fixed (RCA), 2.5V1x Balanced fixed (XLR), 2.5VAnalog bandwidth More than 0Hz-100kHzSignal-to-noise ratio More than 100dBNoise floor Typically -150dBDistortion Less than 0.0002 %Power use in standby Less than 0.5WPower use when on Less than 20WDimensions/weight 43 x 30.5 x 9.9 cm (WxDxH), 6.6 kgDimensions/weight US 17 x 12 x 3.9” (WxDxH), 14.55 lbs
