Hegel Viking
Hegel launches CD player
Meet Viking, Hegel’s new reference CD player
Some years ago they had to discontinue their highly capable Mohican CD player because key components were no longer being produced.
Since then, they have been working on a replacement that would be even better.
Improving on perfection is not easy, but they have done it, and are proud to introduce Viking.
The best CD player they have ever made.
In a world full of options for downloading music, sound formats, compression methods, and streaming services, putting on some music can feel overwhelming.
What should be easy and enjoyable, suddenly becomes complex and stressful.
Playing a CD on the Viking is not.
It is only joy. Viking is a true native 16/44.1 CD player developed from the ground up for optimal performance on standard (Redbook) CDs.
It is designed to deliver the most faithful sound reproduction possible by optimising its components to deliver a high-quality output that is true to the original recording.
They have called their CD player Viking because, much like their ancient Norse forefathers, they are improving on existing technology.
When the Viking era began, boats had been around for thousands of years.
What the Vikings did was perfect the design.
Their longboats could not only sail near the coasts but also traverse the open oceans.
The improvements they made took the Vikings to new shores and even new continents.
The CD technology might be old, but they believe that when perfected, it is still the best digital medium available.
At first glance Hegel Viking might seem simple, but with simplicity comes excellence.
Because Viking is focused solely on playing Redbook CDs it can reach unprecedented levels of fidelity.
By doing only one thing there are no trade-offs.
Viking consists only of high-quality components designed specifically for the task, and that makes this CD player sound truly astounding.
Viking uses a dedicated laser and CD drive to ensure optimal reading of the data.
It is also equipped with a state-of-the-art DAC that delivers high-quality digital-to-analogue conversion with minimal distortion, making it possible to hear all the nuances and subtleties in the music.
The Viking does not upsample or tamper with the signal in any way.
Because by leaving the signal as it is on the disc, the already excellent DAC is optimised to perform at its absolute best.
The drive and the DAC are directly controlled by their unique Master clock system, ensuring perfect timing between the two.
Using a quartz crystal with very low phase noise and their patented SoundEngine technology, the Hegel-designed discrete clock in the Viking reduces jitter to an absolute minimum.
The Viking CD player also features an OLED display that is specifically selected for its low noise, resulting in a clearer and more detailed sound.
The analogue stage in Viking is developed specifically for this model.
It incorporates both their analogue low pass filter and Line Driver technology, ensuring fully balanced and noise-free handling of the signal all the way to your amplifier.
One of the most notable features of the Viking CD player is its cabinet design.
The sleek design of Viking matches the P30A and H30A for a modern and cohesive look.
But the design choices are not only aesthetical.
A very reliable slot in drive and a well-engineered and solid build means this player will last for years and years.
The Viking CD player has one pair of balanced XLR outputs, one pair of unbalanced RCA outputs, and one BNC digital true 75 Ohm output, making it easy to operate and integrate into any audio system.
The player also has an auto-standby feature for greater convenience, and it comes with Hegel’s solid aluminum RC8 remote that can also control all other Hegel products.
The Hegel Viking is a top-of-the-line CD player designed to deliver the most faithful sound reproduction possible.
With its mechanical design, advanced digital technology, their unique Master clock system, and superb analoue stage, Viking is a must-have for any audiophile who wants to experience music in its purest form.
Viking is a peak-performance machine. It is designed to do one thing and one thing only: To capture every single aspect of the music you are listening to. Hegel Viking is the best CD player we have ever made.
Key Features
Reference bit-perfect CD player
Dedicated top-of-the-line CD drive and laser with slot-in loading
Auto standby (configurable)
XLR, RCA, and BNC output
SoundEngine, MasterClock, LineDriver, and SynchroDAC
Specifications Hegel Viking
| Supported Discs | 12 cm Redbook CDs |
| Line Level Output | 1 unbalanced fixed (RCA) 1 balanced fixed (XLR) |
| Output Voltage Analog | 2,5V RMS |
| Digital Output | 1 BNC true 75 Ohm |
| Frequency Response | 0Hz-22 kHz |
| Distortion | Less than 0.0015% |
| Finish | Black |
| Dimensions/weight | 9,9 cm x 43 cm x 30,5 cm (HxWxD), 7,3 kg |
| Dimensions/weight US | 3,54” x 17” x 12” (HxWxD), 16,1 lbs |
New design, matching their P30A and H30A amplifiers
The early 90s were a period of initial prosperity for the brand.
First, they ensured the patented solution known today as SoundEngine.
Later a DAC was developed (1994) and the first CD Player came (1996). Over the next eight years, the company has steadily improved its product range and generated more profit year on year.
When the financial crisis came, most companies immediately took a defensive strategy which meant cutting costs. Hegel played differently. He hired new engineers to design devices. Sometime later, brand new D/A converters were born.
Today Hegel is one of the best-established brands on the Hi-Fi market. We produce integrated, pre and power amplifiers as well as CD players and some of the most modern and sophisticated D/A converters. SoundEngine Technology was just a start. Today there are six more original technical solutions in Hegel's portfolio. The company has dealers in 54 countries and its products are sold all over the world. Awards and press reviews speak for themselves
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