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Hegel

D50 DAC

SKU: D50

$5,900.00

Free Shipping Available On Orders Over $150*


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Processing/Shipping Time

All online orders are typically processed within 1-2 business days. Orders received after 1pm EST or on weekends will be processed on the next business day.

Our business hours are Monday to Friday from 10am to 5pm EST.

Due to our inventory management practices, we do not maintain a large stock of products; instead, most items are sourced from our suppliers upon order. We do focus on having a broad selection of brands and models for in store demo purposes. This may impact shipping times, as items are procured and prepared for shipment as soon as possible. If your item is not in stock, we will send you an email to update you on the status of your order. We appreciate your understanding and patience.

  • Standard Delivery for in stock items is between 2-3 business days within Ontario & Quebec, 3-5 business days for Eastern Canada and 4-7 business days for Western Canada. Northern or remote Canadian customers should contact us to confirm shipping availability and costs. During peak sales periods (for example Black Friday, Cyber Monday and Boxing Day/Week) up to an additional 5 (five) business days may be needed.
  • Items not in stock will be shipped to our Newmarket store and then shipped to you. Turnaround time may depend on the manufacturer/distributor. If a manufacturer or distributor has stock of the item, then we can normally expect to receive the product within 10 business days at which point we will immediately ship it to you.
  • If we become aware that delivery time to you will exceed 16 business days we will contact you to confirm the order or review options.

If your product is damaged, defective, or dead on arrival you are eligible for a refund or exchange within 15 days of the product being delivered to you.  

If you are not satisfied with your purchase and would like to request an exchange, please note the following:

  • All returns and exchanges will only be accepted on products with no damage due to misuse and have all original packaging, accessories, manuals and the original sales receipt.
  • Refunds paid by credit card/PayPal will be returned in the same method payment was received when possible. Wire Transfer payments will be refunded in the form of company check or E-Transfer. For exchanges with a difference in value, the balance will be charged or refunded in the same method as the original payment was received.
  • Liptons Audio Video reserves the right to assess whether the product is defective or not. Products with physical damage will not be accepted for refund or exchange.
  • Exchanges will be offered only on non-special order items with return shipping at the buyer's expense and must be shipped with insurance reflecting the transaction value and must ship via a trackable courier/delivery company. Exchanges will only apply to unopened products received in new condition
  • Products with non matching serial numbers to either the packaging or the recorded Serial number associated with the transaction are not eligible for refunds or exchanges
  • Products with modified or missing serial numbers/UPC codes or other identifying information are not eligible for refunds or exchanges
  • Products that are not returned with all original packaging, equipment, accessories, manuals and software will not be refunded or will be charged a restocking fee at the discretion of Liptons Audio Video.
  • Products must be new and show no signs of use. Any sign of use – Including installation, scratches or other signs of use such as physical marking, painted grills, screw holes, cut wires or similar would not be returnable
  • Equipment sustaining damage from operation or misuse will be deferred to the manufacturer's warranty and replacement policies. 
  • Replaced items will be exchanged for the same model
  • If a product you purchased from us proves to be defective within 15 days from purchase, we will replace it with an equivalent new unit at no charge. If the item is returned through shipping, the exchange will be processed once we receive the parcels & confirm that the product is not working. Exchange processing will take 10-20 business days from the day we receive the parcel.


Final Sale Items/Exclusions


  • Special order items including cut to length cabling and custom furniture
  • Headphones/earbuds/in-ear headphones for hygienic reasons
  • Turntable cartridges/styli
  • Projector lamps
  • Installed in-ceiling, in-wall speakers or subwoofers
  • No refunds or exchanges on products purchased for commercial use.
  • Clearance, consignment items.

Online Order Returns/Exchanges Process

Please contact us to begin our online return process at info@liptons.ca. Once we have received the details about your order, we will generate a Return Merchandise Authorization (RMA) number and send you the RMA form to be completed and sent back with the parcel.

Pack the item back in its original packaging with all parts, accessories and manuals. We recommend packing the item into an additional box meant for shipping. Return shipping costs are the responsibility of the customer. Any damages that incur during return shipping will also be the responsibility of the customer.

In the event the item was offered free shipping, the original shipping charges and handling fees, for the returned item(s), will be deducted from the refund. If the item is refused and returned to Liptons Audio Video without record of cause and evidence of damage any return freight costs will also be deducted from the refund.

In Store Returns & Exchanges

Returns on damaged, defective and DOA products, as well as exchanges can be made in store. Please note our store hours https://liptons.ca/pages/contact and be sure to bring your receipt or online order confirmation. 

Product Warranty

All new products carry full manufacturer warranty which varies for each product category and manufacturer. Refer to the manufacturer’s warranty information for exact details. 

Demo products come with either the full manufacturer warranty or the balance of manufacturer warranty unless otherwise specified.

Open Box products come with either the full manufacturer warranty or the balance of manufacturer warranty unless otherwise specified.

Used and Consignment pieces will have individually specified warranty.  If no warranty is listed, no warranty is available, but the unit has been tested in store and determined to be working properly unless otherwise specified.

Installation Warranty

All Liptons Audio Video installations come with a one-year warranty against workmanship performed by us. Defective equipment covered under manufacturer warranty is subject to a removal and reinstallation charge of one hour at our current installation rates. Installation warranty claims can be made within one year of installation date by phone at 905-898-7133 or email at info@liptons.ca

If you have any questions or concerns regarding product returns, exchanges and warranty claims, please call is at 905-898-7133 or email info@liptons.ca

'The Raven': At first glance, the D50 appears understated, with its minimalist black design. No flashy details or unnecessary features distract from its purpose. Like the raven, it may seem plain, but this DAC is a master of its craft. Beneath the sleek exterior lies a remarkable ability to decode and deliver digital audio with breathtaking precision. The D50 unveils a soundstage so expansive it feels as though you're soaring high above the music, revealing every intricate detail with stunning clarity. Whether you choose to focus on the smallest nuances or simply let the music carry you, the D50 offers an unparalleled listening experience.

Hegel has been perfecting the art of DAC design for more than two decades, and the D50 represents the pinnacle of that expertise. At its core lies the latest model DAC chip - a sophisticated tool with immense potential. But like the raven, one of the few animals capable of using tools with precision, the D50's genius lies in how it wields this technology. Every detail of the circuit design and layout has been meticulously crafted to extract the full potential of the DAC chip, transforming it from a mere component into a masterful instrument. The result is a design that uses this tool to its fullest, unlocking extraordinary sound reproduction.

The D50 takes extraordinary measures to ensure the purity of its sound reproduction. Its power management is designed to silence noise and deliver clean energy to every part of the device. Advanced filters on the power input eliminate noise from the mains, and when connected to a grounded power outlet, this filtering can even enhance the performance of other equipment in the same circuit. To eliminate electrical noise even further, the D50 employs two low-noise toroidal transformers. One delivers power to the noisier digital processes and standby functionality while the other is dedicated to the sensitive analog and digital components. Both transformers are shielded by thick steel and placed far from any sensitive electronics and their output is also filtered, ensuring the D50 operates with the purest power, allowing its performance to take flight.

At Hegel, we approach circuit board design with meticulous attention to detail, ensuring the best possible performance. In the D50, even the routing features rounded corners to minimize impedance drops and reduce radiation, reflecting our commitment to precision. However, the real innovation lies in how the D50 processes incoming digital signals before converting them to analog. The AES/EBU input features a unique RS422 receiver balanced by a transformer, allowing it to handle both weak and strong signals flawlessly, free of jitter and time delays.

For SPDIF-based inputs, signals are received on a custom-designed card that unpacks the I2S data. While this process is inherently noisy and prone to timing errors, the D50 addresses these issues with precision. The decoded signals are reclocked using three dedicated master clocks: one for SPDIF signals, and for USB, separate master clocks for 48k and 44.1k sample rates. Strategically placed to minimize noise, these clocks deliver a perfectly timed signal to the DAC chip, enabling the purest and most accurate digital-to-analog conversion.

The DAC chip itself is thoughtfully perched on a separate board above the rest of the electronics. This elevated placement reduces noise and interference while providing short and unobstructed signal paths. With the D50, every aspect of the design has been carefully engineered to ensure that the signal remains as true to the original as possible. The result is an unaltered and breathtakingly accurate translation from digital to analog.

The D50's construction is as solid as it is purposeful. Its aluminium housing provides both durability and a refined appearance and improves sound performance. Premium connectors ensure reliable performance, while aluminium feet with rubber soles guarantee stability. The thick, milled aluminium front plate conceals the buttons for an unbroken, elegant facade. Meanwhile, a bright, easy-to-read display delivers all the information you need without drawing attention away from the music.

Though the D50 operates with the precision of a masterful instrument, using it is effortless. Its advanced input sensing can detect a digital signal and wake the device automatically. You can customize how it responds to new signals, whether to switch inputs or simply power on. Features like automatic standby save energy when the music stops, while a display dimming option keeps the focus where it belongs - on the music. Once set up, the D50 becomes a seamless part of your system, ready to bring your music to life with no distractions.

The D50 offers every connection you might need, accommodating USB, optical, coaxial RCA, coaxial BNC, and AES/EBU inputs. On the output side, it features true balanced analog and single-ended RCA connections, giving you the flexibility to suit any system. The D50's versatile inputs and outputs make it a perfect fit for any audio environment.

In Norse mythology, the ravens Hugin and Munin brought Odin unparalleled insights, revealing the world's hidden truths. Inspired by their precision and clarity, the D50 deciphers the complexities of digital audio with absolute precision. Its innovative design transforms raw data into music that is rich in detail, free from noise, and true to the original recording. No detail is added or lost - just the purest, most accurate reproduction of sound.

The Hegel D50 DAC represents the pinnacle of digital-to-analog conversion, delivering music as it was meant to be heard - pure, detailed, and profoundly moving. Let it take your music to new heights.

Technical Specifications

Digital inputs: 1 x AES/EBU S/PDIF, 24/192, DSD64(DoP), MQA 8x, 1 x Coaxial (BNC) S/PDIF, 24/192, DSD64(DoP), MQA 8x, 1 x Coaxial (RCA) S/PDIF, 24/192, DSD64(DoP), MQA 8x, 2 x Optical S/PDIF, 24/96, MQA 8x, 1 x USB 32/384, DSD256(DoP), MQA 8x
Line level outputs: 1 x Unbalanced fixed (RCA), 2.5 V, 1 x Balanced fixed (XLR), 2.5 V
Analog bandwidth: More than 0 Hz - 100 kHz
Signal-to-noise ratio: More than 100 dB
Noise floor: Typically -150 dB
Distortion: Less than 0.0002 %
Power use in standby: Less than 0.5 W
Power use when on: Less than 20 W
Dimensions/weight: 43 x 30.5 x 9.9 cm (WxDxH), 6.6 kg
Dimensions/weight US: 17 x 12 x 3.9" (WxDxH), 14.55 lbs

Power & Performance

  • Distortion (THD): Less than 0.0002%
  • Analog Bandwidth: 0Hz – 100kHz
  • Signal-to-Noise Ratio: More than 100dB
  • Noise Floor: Typically -150dB
  • Output Level: 2.5V (Fixed XLR and RCA)
  • Performance: Dubbed "The Raven," the Hegel D50 is a pure, no-compromise digital-to-analog converter. Eschewing volume controls and streaming modules to prevent signal contamination, it focuses entirely on precision conversion. It delivers an utterly quiet, smooth, and composed performance with a lifelike dynamic presence that sets a new benchmark for transparency in its class.

Audio Features & Processing

  • ESS 9039Q2M Architecture: Utilizes the latest flagship ESS Sabre DAC chip, but elevates its performance through a proprietary implementation that focuses on the surrounding circuitry rather than just the chip itself.
  • Isolated DAC Board: The DAC chip is mounted on a dedicated, elevated board separate from the main electronics to reduce electromagnetic interference and provide the shortest possible signal paths.
  • Three Precision Master Clocks: Features a sophisticated triple-clock system: one dedicated to SPDIF signals and two separate master clocks for USB (handling 44.1kHz and 48kHz families independently) to virtually eliminate jitter.
  • Custom I2S Unpacking: For SPDIF inputs, the D50 uses a custom-designed card to unpack I2S data, addressing timing errors and noise at the source before the signal ever reaches the converter.
  • Dual-Mono Power Strategy: Driven by two dedicated low-noise toroidal transformers—one for the digital processing/standby and one for the sensitive analog audio circuits—shielded by thick steel to prevent cross-interference.
  • Hegel DAC Loop Compatibility: Specifically designed to work with the "DAC Loop" feature on Hegel integrated amplifiers, allowing you to bypass their internal DACs and upgrade to the D50's superior resolution while maintaining remote-sync functionality.
  • 20 Independent Voltage Regulators: Incorporates twenty separately regulated power supply rails to ensure every stage of the conversion process has perfectly stable, ultra-quiet energy.
  • Transformer-Balanced AES/EBU: The AES/EBU input features a unique RS422 receiver balanced by a transformer, allowing it to handle signals with zero time delay or jitter.

Streaming & Connectivity

  • Digital Inputs: 1 x AES/EBU (24/192), 1 x BNC Coaxial (24/192), 1 x RCA Coaxial (24/192), 2 x Optical (24/96), and 1 x USB-B.
  • Analog Outputs: 1 x Balanced (XLR) and 1 x Unbalanced (RCA). Note: Outputs are fixed line-level.
  • High-Res Support: Native playback of 32-bit/384kHz PCM, DSD256 (DoP), and full MQA 8x hardware decoding.
  • Input Sensing: Features advanced circuitry that can detect an incoming digital signal and automatically wake the device from standby.
  • Pure Analog Focus: Does not include Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, or Ethernet; the D50 is a "racehorse" DAC built for the purist who uses a dedicated streamer or transport.

Installation & Dimensions

  • Unit Dimensions (W x D x H): 17.0" x 12.0" x 3.9" (430mm x 305mm x 99mm)
  • Unit Weight: 14.55 lbs (6.6 kg)
  • Power Filtering: Features an advanced AC input filter that removes mains noise. When connected to a grounded outlet, this filtering is powerful enough to improve the performance of other components on the same circuit.
  • Dimmable Display: A bright, high-contrast display provides sampling rate and input data, with the option to dim or turn off for a "lights-out" listening experience.
  • Auto-Standby: Selectable energy-saving mode that draws less than 0.5W when the music stops.
  • Accessories Included: Hegel system remote control, power cord, and user manual.

Design & Build

  • Minimalist Aesthetic: Features a thick, milled aluminum front plate with hidden buttons underneath for a clean, unbroken facade.
  • Acoustic Stability: The chassis sits on heavy-duty aluminum feet with rubber soles to guarantee mechanical stability and isolation from shelf vibrations.
  • Curved Trace Routing: Internal circuit boards feature rounded-corner traces to minimize impedance drops and reduce high-frequency radiation.
  • Steel Shielding: The power section is physically isolated from the audio boards by a thick steel internal wall to ensure the lowest possible noise floor.
  • Reference Pairing: Visually and sonically matched to the P30A / H30A reference separates or as an upgrade to the H600 integrated amplifier.
  • Made in Norway: Designed and engineered in Oslo, representing over two decades of Hegel's digital expertise.

Our warranty is 2 years from when you purchased the product from an authorized dealer. The warranty is limited to the region where it was originally purchased. There is no need for registering the warranty. The purchase receipt will work as a start date for the warranty.

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