Hegel D50 The Raven DAC

With the D50 DAC, Hegel has taken a bold leap forward in digital audio. This is not just
another DAC; it’s an exploration of what’s possible when technology is stripped to its
essentials. 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 would
introduce noise. This means there is no network input, streamer, or preamplifier. By focusing
solely on converting digital signals into music, we have created a machine that
soars above the competition. Meet the D50 DAC, affectionately named The Raven.
D50

At first glance, the D50 appears understated, with its minimalist black design. No flashy
details or unnecessary features distract from its purpose. Like the raven, it may seem
plain, but this DAC is a master of its craft. Beneath the sleek exterior lies a remarkable
ability to decode and deliver digital audio with breathtaking precision. The D50 unveils a
soundstage so expansive it feels as though you’re soaring high above the music, revealing
every intricate detail with stunning clarity. Whether you choose to focus on the smallest
nuances or simply let the music carry you, the D50 offers an unparalleled listening experience.

A Legacy of Mastery
Hegel has been perfecting the art of DAC design for more than two decades, and the D50
represents the pinnacle of that expertise. At its core lies the latest model DAC chip—a
sophisticated tool with immense potential. But like the raven, one of the few animals capable
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 the
full potential of the DAC chip, transforming it from a mere component into a masterful
instrument. The result is a design that uses this tool to its fullest, unlocking extraordinary
sound reproduction.

Power Purified, Noise Eliminated
The D50 takes extraordinary measures to ensure the purity of its sound reproduction. Its
power management is designed to silence noise and deliver clean energy to every part of
the device. Advanced filters on the power input eliminate noise from the mains, and when
connected to a grounded power outlet, this filtering can even enhance the performance
of other equipment in the same circuit. To eliminate electrical noise even further, the D50
employs two low-noise toroidal transformers. One delivers power to the noisier digital
processes and standby functionality while the other is dedicated to the sensitive analog
and digital components. Both transformers are shielded by thick steel and placed far from
any sensitive electronics and their output is also filtered, ensuring the D50 operates with
the purest power, allowing its performance to take flight.

Precision in Every Detail
At Hegel, we approach circuit board design with meticulous attention to detail, ensuring
the best possible performance. In the D50, even the routing features rounded corners to
minimize impedance drops and reduce radiation, reflecting our commitment to precision.
However, the real innovation lies in how the D50 processes incoming digital signals before
converting them to analog. The AES/EBU input features a unique RS422 receiver
balanced 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 unpacks
the I2S data. While this process is inherently noisy and prone to timing errors, the D50
addresses these issues with precision. The decoded signals are reclocked using three
dedicated master clocks: one for SPDIF signals, and for USB, separate master clocks for
48k and 44.1k sample rates. Strategically placed to minimize noise, these clocks deliver
a perfectly timed signal to the DAC chip, enabling the purest and most accurate digital-
to-analog conversion.

The DAC chip itself is thoughtfully perched on a separate board above the rest of the
electronics. This elevated placement reduces noise and interference while providing
short and unobstructed signal paths. With the D50, every aspect of the design has been
carefully 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 Craftmanship
The D50’s construction is as solid as it is purposeful. Its aluminium housing provides both
durability and a refined appearance and improves sound performance. Premium connectors
ensure reliable performance, while aluminium feet with rubber soles guarantee
stability. 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 you
need without drawing attention away from the music.

Intuitive Simplicity
Though the D50 operates with the precision of a masterful instrument, using it is effortless.
Its advanced input sensing can detect a digital signal and wake the device automatically.
You can customize how it responds to new signals, whether to switch inputs
or 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 set
up, the D50 becomes a seamless part of your system, ready to bring your music to life
with no distractions.

Complete Connectivity
The D50 offers every connection you might need, accommodating USB, optical, coaxial
RCA, coaxial BNC, and AES/EBU inputs. On the output side, it features true balanced
analog 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 Perspective
In 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 deciphers
the complexities of digital audio with absolute precision. Its innovative design
transforms raw data into music that is rich in detail, free from noise, and true to the original
recording. No detail is added or lost—just the purest, most accurate reproduction of
sound.

The Hegel D50 DAC represents the pinnacle of digital-to-analog conversion, delivering
music as it was meant to be heard—pure, detailed, and profoundly moving. Let it take
your music to new heights.

Specifications

Tech Specs
Digital inputs 1x AES/EBU S/PDIF, 24/192, DSD64(DoP), MQA 8x
1x Coaxial (BNC) S/PDIF, 24/192, DSD64(DoP), MQA 8x
1x Coaxial (RCA) S/PDIF, 24/192, DSD64(DoP), MQA 8x
2x Optical S/PDIF, 24/96, MQA 8x
1x USB 32/384, DSD256(DoP), MQA 8x
Line level outputs 1x Unbalanced fixed (RCA), 2.5V
1x Balanced fixed (XLR), 2.5V
Analog bandwidth More than 0Hz-100kHz
Signal-to-noise ratio More than 100dB
Noise floor Typically -150dB
Distortion Less than 0.0002 %
Power use in standby Less than 0.5W
Power use when on Less than 20W
Dimensions/weight 43 x 30.5 x 9.9 cm (WxDxH), 6.6 kg
Dimensions/weight US 17 x 12 x 3.9” (WxDxH), 14.55 lbs