Hegel Music Systems Pushes Into CEDIA Channel with Modular High-Current Class-AB Mono-Block Amplifiers

Norwegian audio brand Hegel Music Systems today announced the launch of its first amplifiers aimed at the home theater and distributed audio markets. Called the C5 Series, three models are available, the C53, C54 and C55, which are configured as three-, four- and five-channel amplifiers, respectively. With pricing starting at $6,000, depending on configuration, the amplifiers ship to dealers beginning November 2018.

Each within the C5 Series are Class AB mono-block analog amplifiers rated at 150 watts per channel. The amplifiers maintain a peak reserve capability that the company claims doubles down to 2 ohms, closing in at 600 watts per channel.

For example, a solo C55 can drive a 5.1 surround sound theater, with a few required to drive Dolby Atmos, Auro-3D, and DTS:X theaters.

Incorporated in the C5 Series is Hegel’s patented “SoundEngine2” technology. Used in the company’s amplifiers, SoundEngine2 claims to cancel 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, rendering a unique purity and musicality.

The C5 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 3u tall, the C5 amplifiers are equipped with rack-mount ears integrated into the amp chassis. Here are all the detailed specs.