HD25 - Amplifier Hegel - Free user manual and instructions

Product Type	High End Digital to Analog Converter
Brand	Hegel
Model	HD25
Dimensions (H x W x D)	6 cm x 21 cm x 26 cm
Weight	3.5 kg
Power Supply	Internal toroidal transformer with 30,000 µF capacitors
Voltage Selection	115V or 230V (switchable)
Digital Inputs	2 coaxial (RCA), 1 optical (TOSLINK), 1 USB-B
Analog Outputs	Gold-plated XLR balanced and RCA unbalanced
Output Signal Level	2.5V RMS (at 0dBFS)
Frequency Response	0 Hz – 50 kHz
Distortion	Typically less than 0.0005%
Noise Floor	Typically -145 dB
DAC IC	32-bit
Digital Filter Modes	Two selectable (F1 normal, F2 minimum pre-ringing/low latency)
Volume Control	Built-in digital, range 0-100
Display	On/off via remote control
Remote Control	Included RC9 system remote
USB Resolution	Up to 192kHz/24bit (with driver on Windows)
Warranty	2 years
Placement	Flat hard surface, allow ventilation, not on amplifier
Cleaning	Cloth with warm water or mild detergent
Break-in Period	Approximately 100 hours
Warm-up Time	30 minutes for optimal performance

Frequently Asked Questions - HD25 Hegel

How do I change the input source on the Hegel HD25?

You can change the input source by double tapping the front panel or by pressing the INPUT button on the remote control (button 16). The inputs cycle in the order: COAX1, COAX2, OPTICAL, USB, and back to COAX1.

What is the purpose of the two digital filters (F1 and F2)?

F1 is the normal filter with standard performance. F2 is a minimum pre-ringing and low latency filter optimized for certain recordings or preferences. Switch using the FILT button on the remote.

Can I use the HD25 as a preamplifier?

Yes, the HD25 has a built-in digital volume control. Set the volume to 0 before connecting to a power amplifier, then adjust as needed. If using with an integrated amplifier or preamp, set HD25 volume to 100.

How do I connect the HD25 to my computer via USB?

Use a USB cable (not included) to connect the HD25 to your computer. On Windows, you may need to install a driver for high-resolution audio (192kHz). On macOS, it is plug-and-play. Ensure your computer is connected to the internet during installation.

What should I do if the touch input on the front panel is not working?

The touch circuitry needs to calibrate to the environment. After power-up or environmental changes, it may take a few seconds to work. Ensure you double tap firmly.

How do I clean the Hegel HD25?

Use a soft cloth slightly moistened with warm water or a mild detergent suitable for glass. Avoid harsh chemicals. Do not spray liquid directly onto the unit.

How do I set the correct mains voltage for my country?

Underneath the HD25, there is a red switch. Set it to 115V for 100-120V regions, or 230V for 220-240V regions. Check before use to avoid damage.

What is the default volume setting on the HD25?

The factory default volume is 100. If you turn off the unit with a different volume, it will start at that low level on next power-up. The display will flash the volume setting for 15 seconds.

Why is the display flashing for about 15 seconds after power-up?

This is part of the calibration and start-up procedure. During this time, the outputs are muted to prevent noise. After 15 seconds, the unit is ready.

How can I update the firmware of the HD25?

The HD25 does not have user-updatable firmware. Any updates would be performed by authorized Hegel service centers.

USER MANUAL HD25 Hegel

Congratulations on your new HEGEL product!

Every Hegel product is based on a simple philosophy:

The audio reproduction instrument shall reproduce the original musical sound, purely and naturally.

It shall use Scandinavian design reflecting natural music reproduction and styling to fit in with any interior.

The products shall be easy to operate and shall be manufactured according to the best quality principles.

All HEGEL products are created with acoustical instruments in a concert situation as point of reference. The music is reproduced exactly like the original and is limited only by the quality of the recording.

Our aim is to give you the best possible music experience!

SOUND ADVICE

The Hegel HD25 High End Digital to Analog converter is easy to connect and operate, and requires no prior technical knowledge. However, to get the most out of the converter's superior sound and music quality, we have provided a brief description of how to use the device in order to provide a total music experience.

We recommend keeping this user guide for future reference.

GENERAL USE – Front Panel

The HD25 DAC is controlled using the supplied RC9 system remote control

On/Off

The power switch is on the rear side of the D/A Converter, next to the mains input. When powered up, the HD25 will use 15 seconds to calibrate. During this time, the outputs will be muted.

NOTE: When powered up the outputs will be muted and the display will flash for approximately 15 seconds. This is normal, and is part of the start-up procedure.

Touch Input Selection

The input selection can be changed by double tapping the front panel.

The touch circuitry has to calibrate to the environment. Because of this, the touch functionality may not work for some seconds after power up or after environmental changes around the HD25.

GENERAL USE – Remote Control

The top four rows of buttons are Hegel system remote control functions that can be used to control most Hegel amplifiers and CD-players. Functionality may differ from model to model. The bottom two rows are designated DAC and computer controls.

Remote control buttons (starting top left)

1. Switches up to next input on your Hegel amplifier
2. Mute for Hegel amplifiers
3. Volume up for Hegel amplifiers
4. Switches down to previous input on your Hegel amplifier
5. ECO - will put certain Hegel equipment in low power mode (sleep)
6. Volume down for Hegel amplifiers
7. Filter selection button for HD25 and certain other Hegel products
8. Stop/Eject for Hegel CD-players
9. Display on/off for HD25 and certain other Hegel products
10. Skip to previous track on Hegel CD-players
11. Play. Starts playback on Hegel CD-players
12. Skip to next track on Hegel CD-players
13. Skip to previous track on most computers/media players
14. Play/Pause on most computers/media players
15. Skip to next track on most computers/media players

16. Input source selector button for the HD25

17. Volume Down button. Pressing and holding will decrease the output volume of the HD25.

18. Volume Up button. Pressing and holding will increase the output volume of the HD25.

Using the remote control to operate your HD25

The main buttons you will use to operate your HD25 are the buttons INPUT (16), VOL- (17) and VOL+ (18).

Input:

When you press the INPUT-button (16) or double tap the front panel, the HD25 will switch to the next source input in the following sequence: COAX1 – COAX2 – OPTICAL – USB – COAX1 – COAX2 and so on. On power-up the HD25 will remember the last used input.

Volume control:

The HD25 includes a built-in high quality digital volume control. This means that it can be used as a pre amplifier and may be directly connected to a power amplifier. The volume can be increased or decreased by pressing and holding the VOL- (17) and VOL+ (18) buttons. The minimum output volume setting is 0 (mute) and the maximum is 100.

When used together with a pre amplifier or integrated amplifier with its own volume control, the volume setting on the HD25 should be 100. This is also the default setting.

REMEMBER: Factory volume setting is 100. However, if the volume setting is lower than 100 when power is turned off, the unit will start at a low-level default setting on the next power up. When you power up the unit the display will flash the volume setting for approximately 15 seconds.

WARNING: The default volume setting is at maximum volume (100). If you plan to use the HD25 as a pre amplifier you MUST turn the volume down before starting to play music. Not doing so may cause severe damage to your amplifier and loudspeakers.

Filter:

The HD25 can be switched between two different digital filter modes.

This is done with the FILT (7) button.

By pressing FILT once, the current selected filter will be displayed. By pressing it again, the filter will change.

F.1 (default) is the normal filter.

F.2 is a minimum preringing and low latency filter

Display:

If you are listening in a dark room you may want to turn off the HD25's display. Pressing and holding the DISP-button (9) for approximately one second will turn the display off. A short press of the DISP-button will turn the display on again. If the display is turned off, any use of the HD25 function buttons will turn the display on temporarily to express the current status of the HD25. After a few seconds it will automatically turn off.

PC/MAC remote control functions and a word about USB

When you connect the HD25 to a computer with a USB cable (not included) it will automatically install itself as a USB soundcard on all newer versions of Windows and MAC OS. We recommend that your computer is connected to the internet during the installation process. We also suggest that you close all media players, such as iTunes or Windows Media Player before connecting the HD25. Please do not use a longer USB cable than necessary.

USB Mode Setting:

The USB mode selector switch on the rear panel determines the mode setting of the USB audio interface. Please note that the USB connector must be disconnected before changing this setting. With the switch set to “A” (default) the USB audio interface is set to plug & play mode, and up to 96kHz 24bits resolution can be achieved.

With the switch set to “B” the USB audio interface can achieve up to 192kHz and 24bits resolution. This mode is plug & play when using MAC. If you are using a PC running a Windows operating system, an additional driver has to be installed on the computer. To download and install the driver, please consult the HD25 section of the Hegel website.

Troubleshooting:

MAC – After installation you may need to go to “System Preferences – Sound – Output” and choose your USB Audio DAC as the output device.

24 bit Audio:

The HD25 can receive 24 bit music files through the USB interface. Getting 24 bit audio signals from your computer may require set-up in your media player. This may vary depending on operating system and media player. Please consult the FAQ section for your software. For playing CD-quality files (or lower) no additional set-up is acquired.

Rear Panel

From left to right the connectors are:

Unbalanced outputs Phono / RCA left / right

Balanced outputs XLR right / left

Digital input Phono / RCA - Coax 1

Digital input Phono / RCA - Coax 2

Digital input TOSLINK® / EIAJ Optical

USB mode selector switch

Digital input USB

Mains fuse

AC Power input

Main power switch (on/off)

We recommend connecting the signal cables when the D/A Converter and all other units of the audio system are switched off.

The D/A Converter has two types of analog audio outputs: unbalanced audio signal for RCA plugs (phono plugs) and true balanced audio signal for XLR plugs (pin 2 is positive phase, pin 3 is negative phase and pin 1 is chassis ground).

We recommend using the balanced XLR outputs from the D/A Converter, as this will give the highest level of sound quality.

USE & PLACEMENT

The HEGEL HD25 should be placed on a flat, hard surface for proper isolation from vibrations.

A certain space is required for air circulation above and below the D/A converter. The D/A converter must never be placed on a carpet or similar surface that obstructs air circulation through the unit. Nor must it be covered while in use or placed on a narrow shelf or in any other confined space. The D/A converter should not be placed on the top of an amplifier as the reduced airflow may cause damage to the D/A converter or the amplifier.

The D/A converter performs best after being switched on for about 30 minutes to allow the temperature of the internal circuits to stabilize.

The D/A converter will need “breaking in” for about 100 hours before maximum sound quality can be experienced.

CLEANING

Fingerprints or stains on the front panel or top cover can be removed with a cloth moistened with warm water or a mild detergent suitable for cleaning mirrors and windows.

TRANSPORT AND SHIPPING

If you are shipping the D/A Converter over a longer distance, please follow these instructions to prevent damaging it during transport:

1. First put a plastic bag around the D/A Converter
2. Fit the two shock absorbers on to the D/A Converter, one on the left side and one on the right side.
3. Then put it gently into the original cardboard box and secure it with adhesive tape to ensure that it does not open during shipment.

We wish you good luck in setting up your new D/A Converter and hope that it will give you many years of joyful natural sounding music experiences!

TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS

HEGEL HD25 High End D/A Converter

Digital inputs Up to 24bit 192kHz

DAC IC / Digital Filter 32 bit

Output signal level 2.5V RMS (at 0dBFS)

Digital inputs 2 coaxial, 1 optical and 1 USB-B

Analog outputs Gold plated XLR balanced and gold plated RCA unbalanced

Frequency response 0Hz - 50kHz

Phase response Linear phase analog filter

Noise floor Typically -145dB

Distortion Typically less than 0.0005 %

Power supply Internal toroidal transformer and 30.000μF capacitors

Dimensions / weight 6cm x 21cm x 26cm (HxWxD) / 3.5kg

The specifications may be subject to change without notice.

NOTE & WARNING

Hegel products should only be opened and / or serviced by certified Hegel technicians. The device contains electronic components that may cause severe electric shock. Work performed on Hegel products by unqualified personnel can cause serious damage and personal injury.

Opening of the product by non-authorized personnel will void the warranty.

The product must not be exposed to rain or moisture.

VOLTAGE SETTING

Underneath the HD25 there is a red switch to toggle between 115V (use for 100-120V) and 230V mains voltage. Please check and confirm that the setting is correct for your country before use. If you are uncertain of the correct setting, please consult your Hegel dealer.

WARRANTY

All Hegel products come with a 2-year warranty against defective materials and workmanship.

In case you should need any assistance with your Hegel product please find your nearest dealer or distributor by looking at the Hegel website: http://www.hegel.com

If you have any problems locating your dealer or distributor please e-mail to [e-mail]

www.hegel.com

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