The Hegel D50 DAC, known as The Raven, is a dedicated digital-to-analogue converter engineered with a singular purpose: to deliver music with unparalleled purity and precision. By stripping away unnecessary features such as network streaming or preamplification, Hegel has created a DAC that does one thing exceptionally well—convert digital signals into music with breathtaking clarity.

Refining over two decades of expertise in DAC design, Hegel has equipped the D50 with a state-of-the-art DAC chip, implemented with three precision master clocks to eliminate jitter and ensure perfect timing. The result is an expansive soundstage, astonishing detail retrieval, and an ultra-low noise floor, revealing every nuance of a recording with remarkable accuracy.

The D50 takes extraordinary measures to ensure the purity of its sound. Its dual low-noise toroidal transformers and advanced power filtration eliminate interference, while a carefully designed circuit layout ensures an ultra-clean signal path. Encased in a robust aluminium chassis, the D50 is built for both durability and optimal performance, minimising vibrations and electromagnetic interference.

With extensive connectivity options—including USB (32-bit/384kHz, DSD256), AES/EBU, coaxial, and optical inputs—the Hegel D50 integrates seamlessly into any system. Balanced XLR and RCA outputs provide flexible connectivity, ensuring a pristine listening experience whether you’re rediscovering old favourites or exploring new recordings.

The Hegel D50 is available to preorder now for delivery in May 2025. Download the Hegel D50 DAC manual to learn more about its features and options.

Inside the Hegel D50 DAC

Key Features

• Dedicated Pure DAC Design – No built-in streamer or preamplifier, ensuring optimal digital-to-analogue conversion.
• Advanced Clocking System – Three dedicated master clocks (for USB and SPDIF) eliminate jitter and timing errors.
• Low-Noise Power Supply – Dual toroidal transformers and advanced filtering eliminate electrical interference.
• Superior Digital Inputs – AES/EBU, USB, coaxial (RCA/BNC), and optical inputs support high-resolution formats.
• High-Resolution Audio Support – Handles PCM up to 32-bit/384kHz, DSD256 (DoP), and MQA decoding.
• Balanced & Unbalanced Outputs – True balanced XLR and RCA outputs for maximum system flexibility.
• Minimalist Aesthetic, Solid Build – Aluminium chassis with a clean, intuitive design and concealed control buttons.
• Intelligent Auto-Sensing – Detects incoming signals and powers on automatically for seamless operation.

Specifications

Digital Inputs

• 1 x AES/EBU – S/PDIF, 24-bit/192kHz, DSD64 (DoP), MQA 8x
• 1 x Coaxial (BNC) – S/PDIF, 24-bit/192kHz, DSD64 (DoP), MQA 8x
• 1 x Coaxial (RCA) – S/PDIF, 24-bit/192kHz, DSD64 (DoP), MQA 8x
• 2 x Optical – S/PDIF, 24-bit/96kHz, MQA 8x
• 1 x USB – 32-bit/384kHz, DSD256 (DoP), MQA 8x

Analogue Outputs

• 1 x RCA (Unbalanced, Fixed Output) – 2.5V
• 1 x XLR (Balanced, Fixed Output) – 2.5V

Performance

• Analogue Bandwidth – More than 0Hz–100kHz
• Signal-to-Noise Ratio – More than 100dB
• Noise Floor – Typically -150dB
• Distortion – Less than 0.0002%

Power Consumption

• Standby Power Use – Less than 0.5W
• Operational Power Use – Less than 20W

Physical Dimensions & Weight

• Dimensions (W x D x H, cm) – 43 x 30.5 x 9.9
• Dimensions (W x D x H, inches) – 17 x 12 x 3.9
• Weight (kg) – 6.6
• Weight (lbs) – 14.55