Hegel Launches Viking Reference CD Player

Hegel's Viking CD player is not only a replacement for the brand's Mohican model, which was discontinued as crucial components were no longer being produced, but an improvement, according to the Norwegian company.

We are told that Viking is a true native 16/44.1 CD player developed from the ground up for optimal performance on standard (Red Book) CDs and, as Viking is focused solely on playing Redbook CDs, we are promised "unprecedented levels of fidelity" as "there are no trade-offs" with streaming components, for instance.

Hegel's new Viking uses a dedicated laser and CD drive to ensure optimal data reading alongside 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. Hegel underlines that Viking does not upsample or tamper with the signal in any way.

The drive and the DAC are directly controlled by Hegel's unique Master clock system, ensuring perfect timing between the two. This uses a quartz crystal with very-low phase noise and the company's patented SoundEngine technology, which should all reduce jitter to an absolute minimum.

Hegel tells us that the analogue stage has been developed specifically for Viking and incorporates an in-house designed low pass filter and Line Driver technology, which should ensure fully balanced and noise-free signal handling to your amplifier.

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 Viking CD player's cabinet design will match Hegel's P30A and H30A amplifiers with the OLED display chosen for its low noise. Finally, we are assured that the slot-in drive mechanism is well-engineered, and Viking's solid build means this player will last for years and years.

The player also has an auto-standby feature and comes with Hegel's solid aluminium RC8 remote that can also control all other Hegel products.

The Hegel Viking CD player is available now in black for £4,500.

Visit Hegel for more information