Hegel HD12 User manual
USER GUIDE
Congratulations on your new HEGEL product!
Every Hegel product is based on a simple philosophy:
The audio reproduction instrument shall reproduce the original musical sound, purely and naturally.
It shall use Scandinavian design reflecting natural music reproduction and styling to fit in with any
interior.
The products shall be easy to operate and shall be manufactured according to the best quality
principles.
All HEGEL products are created with acoustical instruments in a concert situation as point of
reference. The music is reproduced exactly like the original and is limited only by the quality of the
recording.
Our aim is to give you the best possible music experience!
SOUND ADVICE
The Hegel HD12 High End Digital to Analog converter is easy to connect and operate, and requires no
prior technical knowledge. However, to get the most out of the converter’s superior sound and music
quality, we have provided a brief description of how to use the device in order to provide a total music
experience.
We recommend keeping this user guide for future reference.
GENERAL USE –Front Panel
The HD12 DAC is controlled using the supplied Hegel system remote control
On/Off
The power switch is on the rear side of the D/A Converter, next to the mains input. When powered up,
the HD12will use a few seconds to calibrate. During this time, the outputs will be muted.
NOTE: When powered up the outputs will be muted and the display will flash for a few seconds. This
is normal, and is part of the start-up procedure.
Input Selection
The input selection can be changed by pressing the input selector button on the back of the right hand
side.
You can also use the INPUT button on the remote.
GENERAL USE –Remote Control
The top four rows of buttons are Hegel system remote control functions that can be used to control
most Hegel amplifiers and CD-players. Functionality may differ from model to model. The bottom two
rows are designated DAC and computer controls.
Remote control buttons (starting top left)
1. IN+ switches up to next input on your Hegel amplifier
2. Mute for Hegel amplifiers
3. VOL+ volume up for Hegel amplifiers
4. IN- switches down to previous input on your Hegel amplifier
5. ECO will put certain Hegel equipment in low power mode (sleep)
6. VOL- volume down for Hegel amplifiers
7. FILT filter selection button for HD12 and certain other Hegel products
8. Stop/Eject for Hegel CD-players
9. DISP display on/off for certain Hegel products
10. Skip. to previous track on Hegel CD-players
11. Play/Pause on Hegel CD-players
12. Skip to next track on Hegel CD-players
13. Skip to previous track on most computers/media players
14. Play/Pause on most computers/media players
15. Skip to next track on most computers/media players
16. INPUT source selector button for Hegel DAC’s
17. VOL- volume down for Hegel DAC’s
18. VOL+ volume up for Hegel DAC’s
Using the remote control to operate your HD12
The main buttons you will use to operate your HD12 are the buttons INPUT (16), VOL- (17) and
VOL+ (18).
Input:
When you press the INPUT-button (16), or the input selector button on the back of the right hand side,
the HD12 will switch to the next source input in the following sequence: COAX1 –OPTICAL1 –
OPTICAL2 –USB –COAX1 and so on. On power up the HD12will remember the last used input.
Volume control:
The HD12 includes a built-in high quality digital volume control. This means that it can be used as a
preamplifier and may be directly connected to a power amplifier. The volume can be increased or
decreased by pressing and holding the VOL- (17) and VOL+ (18) buttons. The minimum output
volume setting is 0 (mute) and the maximum is 100.
When used together with a pre amplifier or integrated amplifier with its own volume control, the
volume setting on the HD12 should be 100. This is also the default setting.
REMEMBER: Factory volume setting is 100. However, if the volume setting is lower than 100 when
power is turned off, the unit will start at a low-level default setting on the next power up. When you
power up the unit the display will flash the volume setting for a few seconds.
WARNING: The default volume setting is at maximum volume (100). If you plan to use the HD12 as
a pre amplifier you MUST turn the volume down before starting to play music. Not doing so may
cause severe damage to your amplifier and loudspeakers.
Display:
If you are listening in a dark room you may want to turn off the HD12’s display. Pressing and holding
the DISP-button (9) for approximately one second will turn the display off. A short press on the DISP-
button will turn the display on again. If the display is turned off, any use of the HD12function buttons
will turn the display on temporarily to express the current status of the HD12. After a few seconds it
will automatically turn off.
PC/MAC remote control functions and a word about USB
When you connect the HD12 to a computer with a USB cable (not included) it will automatically
install itself as a USB soundcard on all newer versions of Windows and MAC OS. We recommend that
your computer is connected to the internet during the installation process. We also suggest that you
close all media players, such as iTunes or Windows Media Player before connecting the HD12. Please
do not use a longer USB cable than necessary.
USB Mode Setting:
The USB mode selector switch on the rear panel determines the mode setting of the USB audio
interface. Please note that the USB connector must be disconnected before changing this setting.
With the switch set to “A” (default) the USB audio interface is set to plug & play mode, and up to
96kHz and 24bits resolution can be achieved.
With the switch set to “B” the USB audio interface can achieve up to 192kHz and 24bits resolution,
and native DSD64. This mode is plug & play when using MAC, with the exception of DSD. With
DSD you need additional software, please consult the HD12 section of the Hegel website. If you are
using a PC, running a Windows operating system, an additional driver has to be installed on the
computer on booth PCM and DSD. To download and install the driver, please consult the HD12
section of the Hegel website.
Troubleshooting:
MAC –After installation you may need to go to “System Preferences –Sound –Output” and choose
your USB Audio DAC as the output device.
24 bit Audio:
The HD12 can receive 24 bit music files through the USB interface. Getting 24 bit audio signals from
your computer may require set-up in your media player. This may vary depending the on operating
system and media player. Please consult the FAQ section for your software. For playing CD-quality
files (or lower) no additional set-up is acquired.
Rear Panel
From left to right the buttons/connectors are:
Input selector button
Unbalanced outputs Phono / RCA left / right
Balanced outputs XLR right / left
Digital input Phono / RCA –Coax 1
Digital input TOSLINK/ EIAJ Optical 1
Digital input TOSLINK/ EIAJ Optical 2
USB mode selector switch
Digital input USB
Mains fuse
AC Power input
Main power switch (on/off)
We recommend connecting the signal cables when the D/A Converter and all other units of the audio
system are switched off.
The D/A Converter has two types of analog audio outputs: unbalanced audio signal (RCA/phono) and
true balanced audio signal (XLR –pin 2 is positive phase, pin 3 is negative phase and pin 1 is chassis
ground).
We recommend using the balanced XLR outputs from the D/A Converter, as this will give the highest
level of sound quality.
USE & PLACEMENT
The HEGEL HD12 should be placed on a flat, hard surface for proper isolation from vibrations.
A certain space is required for air circulation above and below the D/A converter. The D/A converter
must never be placed on a carpet or similar surface that obstructs air circulation through the unit. Nor
must it be covered while in use or placed on a narrow shelf or in any other confined space. The D/A
converter should not be placed on the top of an amplifier as the reduced airflow may cause damage to
the D/A converter or the amplifier.
The D/A converter performs best after being switched on for about 30 minutes to allow the
temperature of the internal circuits to stabilize.
The D/A converter will need “breaking in” for about 100 hours before maximum sound quality can be
experienced.
CLEANING
Fingerprints or stains on the front panel or top cover can be removed with a cloth moistened with warm
water or a mild detergent suitable for cleaning mirrors and windows.
TRANSPORT AND SHIPPING
If you are shipping the D/A Converter over a longer distance, please follow these instructions to
prevent damaging it during transport:
1. First put a plastic bag around the D/A Converter
2. Fit the two shock absorbers on to the D/A Converter, one on the left side and one on the right side.
3. Then put it gently into the original cardboard box and secure it with adhesive tape to ensure that it
does not open during shipment.
We wish you good luck in setting up your new D/A Converter and hope that it will give you many
years of joyful natural sounding music experiences!
TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS
HEGEL HD12 High End D/A Converter
Digital inputs Up to 24bit 192kHz
DAC IC / Digital Filter 32 bit
Output signal level 2.5V RMS (at 0dBFS)
Digital inputs 1 coaxial, 2 optical and 1 USB-B
Analog outputs Gold plated XLR balanced and gold plated RCA unbalanced
Frequency response 0Hz - 50kHz
Phase response Linear phase analog filter
Noise floor Typically -145dB
Distortion Typically less than 0.0005 %
Power supply Internal toroidal transformer and 20.000F capacitors
Dimensions / weight 6cm x 21cm x 26cm (HxWxD) / 3.5kg
The specifications may be subject to change without notice.
NOTE & WARNING
Hegel products should only be opened and / or serviced by certified Hegel technicians. The device
contains electronic components that may cause severe electric shock. Work performed on Hegel
products by unqualified personnel can cause serious damage and personal injury.
Opening of the product by non-authorized personnel will void the warranty.
The product must not be exposed to rain or moisture.
VOLTAGE SETTING
Underneath the HD12 there is a red switch to toggle between 115V (use for 100-120V) and 230V
mains voltage. Please check and confirm that the setting is correct for your country before use. If you
are uncertain of the correct setting, please consult your Hegel dealer.
WARRANTY
All Hegel products come with a 2-year warranty against defective materials and workmanship.
In case you should need any assistance with your Hegel product please find your nearest dealer or
distributor by looking at the Hegel website: http:\\www.hegel.com
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