Company Hegel presents the reference CD player Viking. It perfectly complies with the RedBook requirements, describing the CD standard. It doesn't have any other additional functions or formats, but it's comprehensive.
Features:
- DAC based on AKM 4493SEQ;
- no oversampling;
- patented SoundEngine technology;
- specially designed Master Clock;
- proprietary LineDriver scheme;
- low output impedance and high currents;
- OLED display.
Why "Viking"? The Norwegian creators of the device pay tribute to the ability of their ancestors to improve existing technologies. Just like a Drakkar - essentially a large boat. However, the design of a Norman ship allowed Scandinavian Vikings to cross seas and oceans in search of new countries and continents. Similarly, even now: the compact disc appeared 40 years ago, but its sound can still be improved.
Besides the completely new mechanics, the system includes a DAC assembled based on AKM 4493SEQ and operating in a "pure" resolution of 16-bit/44.1 kHz, without any oversampling or enhancers. This solution guarantees high-quality digital-to-analog conversion with minimal distortions. A "carefully revised" Master Clock system on a "quartz" with reduced phase noise in combination with the patented SoundEngine technology is provided. It is promised that this discrete scheme "minimizes jitter to an absolute minimum".
The most important part of any CD player is the sync pulse generator. The more precise this generator, the better the sound. If the accuracy is insufficient, so-called jitter or "digital phase jitter" occurs. Often the generator is placed directly in the drive, essentially in the center of various noises and interferences, significantly reducing its accuracy. In quality implementations, the generator is located separately, synchronizing both the drive and the converter. This is how the MasterClock option used in Hegel is installed on the DAC board.
The SynchroDAC technology is used in conjunction with the aforementioned MasterClock. This approach minimizes the harmful effects of jitter. SynchroDAC involves working with a full balanced signal to preserve the original dynamic range and minimize distortion. The analog signal obtained after SynchroDAC is no less important and can easily be spoiled if handled incorrectly. First, high-frequency noise remaining after conversion needs to be filtered out. Then the proprietary LineDriver scheme is engaged. It ensures compatibility with interconnect cables due to its extremely low output impedance. This scheme has high current output and easily handles any cables without loss of quality. Naturally, to preserve resolution and reduce distortion, the Viking design uses balanced circuitry.
The display on the front panel is an OLED. It looks better than most similar models and generates less noise (from an electronic point of view). The analog output cascade has been redesigned from scratch. The connectivity panel includes balanced XLR outputs, unbalanced RCA outputs, and a 75 Ohm BNC digital output.
The Hegel Viking CD drive with a special laser ensures optimal data reading. Viking does not in any way increase the sampling frequency or distort the signal.
Package includes:
- CD player;
- remote control;
- power cable;
- manual.
