Hegel named their CD Player the Viking because, much like our Old Norse ancestors, they improve upon an existing technology. When the Viking Age began, boats had existed for thousands of years. But the Vikings perfected the design. Their longboats could not only sail close to shore but also traverse the open oceans. The improvements they made took the Vikings to new shores and even new continents. CD technology may be old, but we believe that when perfected, it is still the best digital medium available. At first glance, the Viking appears simple, but with simplicity comes excellence. Because the Viking focuses solely on playing Redbook CDs, the unit can achieve an unprecedented level of sound quality. By doing only one thing, there are no compromises. The Viking consists only of high-quality components specifically designed for the task, and this is what makes this CD player sound truly astounding.

The Viking uses a specialized laser and CD drive to ensure optimal data readout. It is also equipped with a state-of-the-art DAC that provides first-class digital-to-analog conversion with minimal distortion, thus allowing you to hear all the nuances and subtleties of the music. The Viking does not upsample and does not manipulate the signal in any way. By leaving the signal as it is on the disc, the already excellent DAC can perform at its full potential.

The drive and the DAC are directly controlled by Hegel's unique Master-Clock system, ensuring perfect timing between the two. By using a quartz crystal with very low phase noise and our patented SoundEngine technology, the discrete clock developed by Hegel in the Viking reduces jitter to an absolute minimum. The Viking CD player also features an OLED display, specially chosen for its low noise, resulting in clearer and more detailed sound. The analog stage in the Viking was specially developed for this model. It includes both the analog low-pass filter and the line driver technology, which ensures fully balanced and noise-free processing of the signal on its way to your amplifier.

One of the most remarkable features of the Viking CD player is its cabinet design. The sleek design of the Viking matches the P30A and H30A, creating a modern and coherent appearance. But the design choices are not only aesthetic. A very reliable slot-in drive and a mature and solid construction ensure that this player will last for many years. The Viking CD player features a pair of balanced XLR outputs, a pair of unbalanced RCA outputs, and a BNC digital output (75 Ohm), making it easy to use and integrate into any audio system. The player also features an automatic standby function and comes with Hegel's solid RC8 aluminum remote control, which can also control all other Hegel products.

The Hegel Viking is a top-of-the-line CD player designed for the most faithful sound reproduction possible. With its mechanical design, advanced digital technology, Hegel's unique Master-Clock system, and excellent analog stage, the Viking is a must-have for any audiophile who wants to experience music in its purest form. The Viking is a top-class device. It is designed for only one thing: to capture every single aspect of the music you listen to. The Hegel Viking is the best CD player Hegel has ever built.

Specifications

Supported Discs:

12 cm Redbook CDs

Line-Level Outputs:

1 unbalanced fixed (RCA) 1 balanced fixed (XLR)

Analog Output Voltage:

2.5V RMS

Digital Outputs:

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

GP Acoustics GmbH
Nordhofstr. 2, 45127 Essen, DE
hegel.de@kef.com
https://www.hegel.com/de/