Hegel Viking Reference CD Player, Bit-Perfect, Balanced XLR, EISA 2023-2024

The Hegel Viking is a dedicated Redbook CD player built entirely around the standard 16-bit/44.1kHz CD format. It does not upsample or process the signal in any way. By committing to one format without compromise, Hegel was able to optimise every component specifically for that task. The Viking was awarded EISA High-End CD Player 2023-2024, the most significant recognition in audio electronics. ProHiFi is an authorised Hegel dealer in India.

A top-of-the-line slot-loading CD drive and laser ensure optimal reading of the physical disc. The DAC is controlled directly by Hegel's unique Master Clock system, a discrete quartz crystal circuit with very low phase noise and patented SoundEngine technology, which reduces jitter between the drive and the DAC to an absolute minimum. The analogue output stage uses Hegel's Line Driver technology for fully balanced, noise-free signal handling from the DAC to the output connectors.

The OLED display is specifically selected for its low noise contribution to the analogue stage, a detail typical of Hegel's approach to system-level interference reduction. Balanced XLR and unbalanced RCA analogue outputs are both fixed-level. A true 75-ohm BNC digital output allows the Viking's transport and DAC to be bypassed for connection to a separate converter. The RC8 solid aluminium remote is identical to the one supplied with the P30A preamplifier.

Stereophile listed the Viking as a Recommended Component. The Absolute Sound reviewed it on video alongside a full Hegel system. Stereopluss Norway concluded it processes audio from a CD in an incredibly impressive manner, and that it makes you think carefully about whether it was such a good idea to put your CDs in the basement. HiFi+ awarded it an Editor's Choice and praised its extraordinary resolution. Home Cinema Choice gave it five stars. VuMetre France called it exceptional. Darko Audio featured it in a dedicated video review.

Key Features

• Dedicated Redbook CD player; native 16-bit/44.1kHz; no upsampling
• Top-of-the-line slot-loading drive and laser
• Hegel Master Clock system; ultra-low jitter; direct drive/DAC control
• SoundEngine feedforward distortion correction
• Line Driver technology; fully balanced analogue output stage
• 1 x balanced XLR analogue output (fixed, 2.5V RMS)
• 1 x unbalanced RCA analogue output (fixed, 2.5V RMS)
• 1 x BNC digital output (true 75-ohm)
• OLED display (selected for low noise contribution)
• RC8 solid aluminium remote (same as P30A)
• Auto-standby (configurable)
• 100/120/230V AC; 99 x 430 x 305mm; 7.3kg; Black
• EISA High-End CD Player 2023-2024; Stereophile Recommended Component; HiFi+ Editor's Choice; Home Cinema Choice 5 Stars

Warranty:

1-year manufacturer's warranty

Why Consider the Hegel Viking

The Viking is the right choice for vinyl or streaming listeners who also have a CD collection and want to hear it at its absolute best. CD is a native 16-bit/44.1kHz format, and the Viking's design philosophy is that doing one thing perfectly beats doing many things adequately. The Master Clock, bit-perfect conversion, SoundEngine distortion correction, and Line Driver balanced output stage are all optimised for exactly this format and no other. EISA, Stereophile, HiFi+, The Absolute Sound, and Stereopluss have all confirmed that the result is exceptional. Stereopluss captured it precisely: the Viking makes you think carefully about whether it was such a good idea to put your CDs in the basement. Paired with the P30A, it forms the reference Hegel disc source and preamplifier combination, matched aesthetically and electrically.

Ideal for

• Audiophiles with a CD collection who want to hear it at reference quality
• Systems pairing with the Hegel P30A preamplifier for a matched reference front end
• Those who want a bit-perfect, no-upsampling approach to CD playback
• Systems using the BNC digital output to feed a separate DAC or compare conversion stages
• Listeners who value a slot-loading drive for its convenience and build elegance
• Hegel system owners who want the RC8 remote to control source and amplification together

Technical Specifications