Hegel C53 Three-Channel Power Amplifier
6 500,00 €
The Hegel C53 is a three-channel Class A/B power amplifier for home theater, studio, and restaurant speaker systems. It delivers 3 × 150 W into 8 ohms and can supply channels in a 5.1 or Atmos installation. Patented SoundEngine2 reduces distortion, while separate gain and phase settings aid integration. Each channel has XLR and RCA inputs, and the chassis mounts in a 19-inch equipment rack.
The Hegel C53 is a three-channel Class A/B power amplifier for home theater, studio, and restaurant speaker systems. It delivers 150 W per channel into 8 ohms. Its three independent channels can power speakers within a larger 5.1 or Atmos system.
Each channel has balanced XLR and unbalanced RCA analog inputs. Separate gain and phase settings help integrate the C53 with different speakers and system layouts. The amplifier also supports speaker bi-amping and systems with active crossovers.
The C53 belongs to Hegel’s modular C5 series, which includes three-, four-, and five-channel configurations. Its 19-inch rack mounting suits installations where several amplifier channels share an equipment rack. Removable rear mounting brackets allow adjustment during installation.
Benefits
- Three independent channels – Each channel supplies 150 W into an 8-ohm load for a separate speaker feed.
- SoundEngine2 technology – Hegel’s patented circuit counters distortion generated within the amplifier using an opposing-phase signal.
- Strong woofer control – The main power stage has a damping factor greater than 2000.
- Individual gain settings – Select 23 or 29 dB separately for each channel to suit the system.
- Individual phase settings – Each channel offers a choice of 1 or 180 for system integration.
- Linked power control – Trigger input and output connections coordinate power-on control across connected equipment.
- Flexible rack installation – Adjustable, removable rear brackets help fit the C53 into a 19-inch equipment rack.
Who Is the Hegel C53 For?
In a home theater, the C53 powers three speaker channels from a single chassis. One or more Hegel C5 series amplifiers can form part of a 5.1 or Atmos installation. Its independent channels also suit home audio systems requiring separate power for three speakers.
The C53 also suits speaker bi-amping and setups using active crossovers. Per-channel gain and phase selection provide adjustment when those systems need different settings across their amplifier channels. Check each connected speaker’s impedance against the C53’s 2-ohm minimum load.
In an audio production studio, three channels can feed multiple speakers. The same arrangement serves restaurant sound systems with several speaker feeds. Each channel accepts an analog source through its corresponding XLR or RCA input.
Package Contents
- Feet are included in the accessory box for placement outside an equipment rack.
Technical Specifications
| Specification | Hegel C53 |
|---|---|
| Product type | Three-channel Class A/B power amplifier |
| Power output | 3 × 150 W into 8 ohms |
| Minimum load | 2 ohms |
| Balanced analog inputs | 3 × XLR |
| Unbalanced analog inputs | 3 × RCA |
| Trigger input | 1 × mini-jack; 5-12 V activation signal |
| Trigger output | 1 × mini-jack; 11.9 V activation signal |
| Gain selection | 23 or 29 dB, selectable per channel |
| Phase selection | 1 or 180 setting, selectable per channel |
| Frequency range | 5 Hz-100 kHz |
| Signal-to-noise ratio | Greater than 100 dB |
| Channel crosstalk | Less than -100 dB |
| Distortion | Less than 0.01% at 100 W, 8 ohms, and 1 kHz |
| Intermodulation | Less than 0.01% at 19 kHz and 20 kHz |
| Damping factor | Greater than 2000 in the main power stage |
| Net weight | 28.5 kg; also listed as 61 lb |
| Packaged weight | 34 kg; also listed as 75 lb |
| Dimensions | 48.2 × 13.2 × 52 cm, width × height × depth; includes handles, excludes feet |
| Dimensions in inches | 18.97 × 5.2 × 20.47 in, width × height × depth; includes handles, excludes feet |
| Mounting | 19-inch equipment rack; adjustable, removable rear mounting brackets |
| Recommended rack clearance | 1U above and 1U below the amplifier |
| Construction | Modular, with separate gain and phase switches |
| Technology | Patented SoundEngine2 |
The listed chassis dimensions include the handles but exclude the feet. Consult the C53 user manual for precise installation measurements. Allow 1U of space above and below the amplifier when planning its rack position.
Why Choose the Hegel C53?
Three 150 W channels occupy one chassis, simplifying systems that need three separate speaker feeds. The modular C5 range also offers four- and five-channel configurations. That choice helps installers plan a larger system around the required channel count.
SoundEngine2 reduces distortion generated in the amplifier circuits. It also lets the Class A/B output stage operate with lower idle current. The resulting lower heat output supports the C53’s rack-mountable design.
Separate switches for gain and phase make each channel adjustable during integration. Meanwhile, trigger input and output connections link power-on control between components. Rear mounting brackets can be adjusted or removed to suit the rack installation.
FAQ
Can the Hegel C53 be used in a 5.1 home theater system?
- Yes. The C53 powers three speaker channels within a 5.1 system. Additional amplifier channels are needed for the remaining speakers.
Can the Hegel C53 be used in an Atmos system?
- Yes. One or more C5 series amplifiers can supply channels in an Atmos installation. The C53 provides three channels.
Is the C53 suitable for a recording studio or restaurant?
- Yes. Its three channels can drive multiple speakers in an audio production studio or restaurant sound system.
Which analog connections does each channel have?
- Each C53 channel has one balanced XLR input and one unbalanced RCA input. The amplifier has three of each input type.
Can I adjust gain and phase separately for each channel?
- Yes. Each channel offers 23 or 29 dB gain and a choice of 1 or 180 phase setting.
Will the C53 fit a 19-inch equipment rack?
- Yes. Adjustable, removable rear brackets support rack mounting. Plan for 1U of free space above and below the amplifier.
What speaker load can the C53 accept?
- The C53’s minimum load is 2 ohms. Check the impedance of each speaker before connecting it.
For three separately powered speaker channels, the Hegel C53 combines per-channel adjustment, analog input choice, and rack mounting. Its trigger connections also help coordinate startup in a larger system.