Audio T Verdict
The Hegel V10 is a highly configurable standalone phono stage designed for both moving-magnet and moving-coil cartridges.
Separate MM and MC input stages use ultra-low-noise discrete JFET transistors, with four JFETs connected in parallel at the moving-coil input to reduce noise when amplifying the extremely small signal produced by a low-output MC cartridge.
Gain, moving-magnet capacitance, moving-coil impedance and the subsonic filter are configured through two rows of rear DIP switches, one for each audio channel. This allows the V10 to be matched much more closely to the chosen cartridge than a conventional fixed phono input.
The standard balanced-output gain settings range from 40dB to 52dB for moving magnet and from 60dB to 72dB for moving coil. The RCA outputs operate 6dB lower, providing a second set of gain ranges for systems that do not offer balanced analogue inputs.
Moving-magnet loading remains at the standard 47k-ohm resistance, with selectable capacitance. Moving-coil loading provides standard user settings of 100 ohms, 300 ohms or 47k ohms, while Hegel also provides broader dealer-assisted adjustment for more specialised cartridges.
The switchable subsonic filter can reduce very-low-frequency energy caused by record warps, turntable vibration or acoustic feedback. It is not intended to correct an incorrectly installed turntable, but it can help prevent excessive bass-driver movement in systems where infrasonic energy is present.
The V10 provides both fixed unbalanced RCA and true balanced XLR outputs. Hegel recommends the XLR connection where the partnering amplifier has a suitable balanced input, although the correct output should be chosen according to the complete system and required gain.
An external linear analogue power supply contains a custom E-core transformer in its own enclosure, helping keep transformer fields away from the sensitive cartridge-amplification circuits inside the V10.
The two input pairs are not independently selectable connections for two turntables. Only the input corresponding to the configured cartridge type should be connected, and Hegel specifically warns against connecting the MM and MC inputs simultaneously.
Its outputs are fixed level and the V10 does not contain a volume control. It must be connected to an ordinary line-level input on an integrated amplifier or pre-amplifier, not directly to a power amplifier or fixed-gain active loudspeaker system.
The Hegel H400 and H600 are particularly natural partners because neither amplifier includes a phono stage and both provide balanced XLR and unbalanced RCA line inputs. The H150 already contains an MM phono input, but the V10 adds moving-coil compatibility and a much broader range of cartridge adjustments.
For vinyl listeners who expect to change cartridges, require accurate loading or want to compare balanced and unbalanced connections, the V10 provides considerably more flexibility than the phono stage built into most integrated amplifiers.
Hegel V10 MM and MC Phono Stage
The Hegel V10 is a standalone phono pre-amplifier designed to amplify and equalise the low-level signal produced by a turntable cartridge.
It provides dedicated unbalanced RCA inputs for:
- Moving-magnet cartridges
- Moving-coil cartridges
The amplified and RIAA-equalised signal is available through fixed balanced XLR and unbalanced RCA outputs for connection to a compatible amplifier or pre-amplifier line input.
Why a Phono Stage Is Required
A conventional turntable cartridge produces a much smaller electrical signal than a CD player, streamer, DAC or other line-level source.
The signal recorded into a vinyl groove also uses RIAA equalisation. Bass is reduced and treble is increased during record cutting, allowing records to accommodate longer playing times and reducing some forms of noise.
A phono stage must therefore perform two essential functions:
- Increase the cartridge signal to a suitable line level
- Apply accurate inverse RIAA equalisation
The V10 then connects to a normal analogue line input on the partnering amplifier.
Separate Moving-Magnet and Moving-Coil Inputs
The V10 contains dedicated input circuitry for moving-magnet and moving-coil cartridges.
Moving-magnet cartridges generally produce a higher output voltage and normally require approximately 40dB of gain into a 47k-ohm load.
Low-output moving-coil cartridges produce a substantially smaller signal and normally require considerably more gain, together with a lower and more carefully selected load impedance.
Using separate inputs allows Hegel to optimise each input stage for the electrical requirements of its intended cartridge type.
Do Not Connect Both Inputs Simultaneously
The MM and MC sockets are not two switchable turntable inputs.
Connect the turntable only to the input that corresponds to the cartridge and DIP-switch configuration currently being used.
Hegel specifically warns against connecting the MM and MC inputs at the same time.
Ultra-Low-Noise Discrete JFET Input Stages
Both the MM and MC inputs use ultra-low-noise discrete JFET transistors.
JFET devices are particularly suitable for sensitive low-level analogue circuits because they can provide high input impedance and low current noise.
The V10 uses discrete devices rather than relying on a general-purpose integrated operational amplifier at the cartridge input.
Four Parallel JFETs for Moving Coil
The moving-coil input uses four JFET transistors connected in parallel.
Hegel uses this arrangement to reduce the input noise affecting extremely low-output moving-coil cartridges and to prevent unwanted bias current from feeding back into the cartridge coil.
Noise performance is especially important at the MC input because the cartridge signal may measure only a few tenths of a millivolt.
Dedicated Low-Noise Gain Stages
The signal from each input passes into a dedicated low-noise amplifier circuit.
The MM and MC gain stages use separate ultra-low-noise power-supply arrangements built with discrete bipolar transistors.
This is designed to provide the high gain required by a phono cartridge while keeping unwanted electrical noise below the level of the musical signal.
Internally Divided Chassis
The V10 chassis is divided into separate internal compartments.
The power-supply circuitry is physically separated from the sensitive input and amplification stages to reduce electromagnetic and electrical interference.
This internal separation is particularly valuable in a phono stage because the cartridge signal is much smaller than a conventional line-level source.
External Linear Analogue Power Supply
The V10 is supplied with the Hegel M30103 external power adaptor.
It is a linear low-noise analogue AC power supply containing a custom-designed E-core transformer.
Placing the transformer in a separate enclosure keeps its magnetic field and mechanical vibration away from the V10 input circuitry.
The low-voltage AC connection enters through a socket positioned underneath the phono stage.
Use the Correct Hegel Power Supply
Use only the supplied Hegel M30103 adaptor or a replacement specifically approved by Hegel for the V10.
An incompatible supply could cause noise, incorrect operation or permanent damage.
Plug-and-Play Moving-Magnet Configuration
The V10 is supplied in its default moving-magnet configuration.
This provides a straightforward starting point for a conventional MM cartridge, although the cartridge manufacturer’s recommended loading and the capacitance of the tonearm cable should still be checked.
Moving-coil cartridges require the DIP switches to be changed from the default MM position before use.
Rear DIP-Switch Configuration
Two rows of rear DIP switches configure the V10.
One row controls the right channel and the other controls the left channel.
The switches adjust:
- MM or MC cartridge selection
- Gain
- Moving-magnet capacitance
- Moving-coil impedance
- Subsonic-filter operation
The left and right rows use reversed switch numbering, so both channels must be checked against the diagram printed on the V10 and the Hegel setup guide.
Switch the V10 Off Before Changing Settings
Turn the V10 off before moving any DIP switch.
The left and right channel settings must match. An incorrect or unmatched configuration can alter channel balance, gain and frequency response.
Four User-Selectable Gain Settings
The standard XLR output gain is 40dB for moving magnet and 60dB for moving coil.
The rear switches can add:
This produces the following balanced XLR gain options:
- MM: 40dB, 45dB, 50dB or 52dB
- MC: 60dB, 65dB, 70dB or 72dB
The unbalanced RCA output operates 6dB lower:
- MM: 34dB, 39dB, 44dB or 46dB
- MC: 54dB, 59dB, 64dB or 66dB
The appropriate setting depends on cartridge output, amplifier input sensitivity, normal volume-control position and the acceptable level of background noise.
More Gain Is Not Always Better
Excessive gain can increase noise or overload the partnering amplifier input during loud musical peaks.
Use the lowest setting that provides a healthy listening level without requiring an impractical amplifier-volume position.
Moving-Magnet Load Resistance
The MM input provides the conventional 47k-ohm load resistance used by most moving-magnet cartridges.
This resistance is fixed, while capacitance is adjusted through the DIP switches.
The cartridge manufacturer’s recommended total load should be followed wherever it is available.
Adjustable Moving-Magnet Capacitance
The rear switches can add capacitance in several combinations between 0pF and 367pF.
Hegel describes the resulting internal MM capacitance range as approximately 100pF to 467pF at 47k ohms.
The complete capacitive load seen by the cartridge also includes:
- Internal tonearm wiring
- The turntable’s external phono cable
- Any adaptors or additional interconnects
- The V10 input capacitance
The correct switch setting should therefore be chosen by considering the entire signal path rather than the V10 figure in isolation.
When the MC input is being used, the MM capacitance switches should remain at their specified zero-added-capacitance positions.
Moving-Coil Impedance Settings
The standard user-selectable moving-coil load settings include:
- 100 ohms
- 300 ohms
- 47k ohms
The correct load depends on the cartridge generator, internal impedance, manufacturer recommendation and the tonal and dynamic result within the complete system.
Many moving-coil cartridges work well at 100 ohms, but this is not a universal requirement.
Advanced Moving-Coil Loading
Hegel provides additional internal adjustment for customers whose cartridges need a setting outside the standard DIP-switch options.
The current Hegel product information describes a broader moving-coil range between approximately 33 and 550 ohms.
This advanced adjustment is not part of the normal external DIP-switch setup and should be discussed with Audio T or another authorised Hegel dealer.
Advanced Moving-Coil Gain
The standard MC gain options reach 72dB through the balanced output.
Hegel’s manual also describes a further internal gain adjustment for unusually low-output moving-coil cartridges.
This is a dealer-level adjustment and should not be attempted by opening the product at home.
Switchable Subsonic Filter
The subsonic filter reduces very-low-frequency energy below the audible bass range.
Hegel specifies:
- -3dB at 20Hz
- -18dB at 10Hz
- -36dB at 5Hz
- An 18dB-per-octave slope
Very-low-frequency energy can be caused by:
- Warped records
- Turntable or support vibration
- Acoustic feedback
- Footfall
- Incorrect suspension setup
- Arm and cartridge resonance
These frequencies may not be heard directly, but they can cause exaggerated movement of the loudspeaker bass drivers and consume amplifier power.
When to Use the Subsonic Filter
The filter can be useful where the bass drivers move excessively during record playback or where low-frequency instability affects clarity.
It should not automatically be enabled in every system. A correctly installed turntable on a stable support may perform well with the filter switched off.
Persistent low-frequency movement should also prompt checks of:
- Turntable levelling
- Cartridge compliance
- Tonearm effective mass
- Tracking force
- Turntable suspension
- Equipment support
- Speaker-to-turntable distance
True Balanced XLR Outputs
A pair of true balanced XLR outputs provides the highest V10 output level.
Hegel recommends the balanced connection where the partnering amplifier or pre-amplifier provides compatible inputs.
The XLR pin configuration is:
- Pin 1: chassis ground
- Pin 2: positive phase
- Pin 3: negative phase
Balanced operation can be particularly useful with longer analogue cable runs or systems containing several mains-powered components.
Fixed RCA Outputs
A stereo pair of unbalanced RCA outputs accommodates amplifiers without balanced analogue inputs.
The RCA output is 6dB lower than the XLR output, which is reflected in the published gain specifications.
This lower level may be useful where the balanced-output gain would otherwise be excessive for the cartridge or amplifier.
Fixed Output Level
Both the RCA and XLR outputs are fixed level.
The V10 does not include a volume control, mute function for everyday listening or variable pre-amplifier output.
Do Not Connect Directly to a Power Amplifier
Connect the V10 to a normal line-level input on an integrated amplifier or pre-amplifier.
Do not connect it directly to a power amplifier or active loudspeaker system unless another safe and compatible volume-control stage is present.
Gold-Plated Connections
The signal inputs and outputs use gold-plated connections to provide a secure, corrosion-resistant contact.
The rear panel includes:
- Stereo RCA moving-magnet input
- Stereo RCA moving-coil input
- Stereo RCA fixed output
- Stereo balanced XLR fixed output
- Turntable ground connection
Custom Grounding Connection
A substantial ground terminal is provided for the earth lead fitted to many turntables and tonearms.
If the turntable has a separate ground wire, connect it to the V10 ground terminal before investigating other possible sources of hum.
Some turntables ground through the RCA cable and do not provide a separate earth lead.
The arrangement giving the lowest hum depends on the turntable, arm wiring, cartridge and wider system grounding.
Do Not Use Shorting Plugs
Hegel warns against using input-shorting plugs with the V10.
Unused MM or MC input sockets should be left unconnected rather than fitted with ordinary shorting connectors.
Power-Up Muting
When the V10 is switched on, its outputs remain temporarily muted while the front indicator flashes.
This delay allows the ultra-low-noise power supplies to stabilise before the outputs are connected to the amplifier.
Allow the startup sequence to finish before beginning playback or raising the amplifier volume.
Automatic Power-Off
The V10 automatically switches off after approximately 15 minutes without detecting a cartridge signal.
Three operating modes are available:
- Normal sensitivity
- High sensitivity
- Automatic power-off disabled
Normal sensitivity is the default and recommended setting.
High sensitivity can be selected if the V10 switches off during quiet music or while using a particularly low-output cartridge.
Changing the Automatic Power-Off Mode
With the V10 powered on, press and hold the front power button.
The indicator flashes in sequences of one, two or three to identify the available modes.
Release the power button when the required mode is reached. The indicator then confirms the selection.
Positioning the V10
Place the V10 on a firm, flat and stable equipment support.
Keep it away from:
- Large mains transformers
- Power amplifiers generating strong magnetic fields
- Mains distribution blocks
- Wireless routers
- Motor controllers
- Heat-producing equipment
- Damp or humid locations
Do not cover the V10 while it is operating.
The separate power adaptor can be positioned away from the phono stage and low-level turntable cables to reduce the possibility of interference.
Turntable and Cable Positioning
Keep the cable from the turntable to the V10 as short as practical because this connection carries the lowest-level signal within the system.
For a moving-magnet cartridge, the phono cable also contributes to the total capacitive load.
Keep the phono cable away from:
- Mains cables
- Power adaptors
- Large transformers
- Network switches
- Wireless transmitters
Matching the V10 to a Moving-Magnet Cartridge
A suitable moving-magnet setup should consider:
- Cartridge output voltage
- Required gain
- Recommended 47k-ohm loading
- Recommended total capacitance
- Tonearm and cable capacitance
- Amplifier input sensitivity
The Audio Note IQ III Moving-Magnet Cartridge, for example, specifies a 47k-ohm input and a defined total-capacitance range, so the complete cable and V10 load should be considered together.
Matching the V10 to a Moving-Coil Cartridge
A moving-coil setup should consider:
- Cartridge output voltage
- Internal coil impedance
- Recommended load impedance
- Required gain
- Tonearm compatibility
- Amplifier input sensitivity
The Rega Apheta 3 Moving-Coil Cartridge is one example of a low-output MC design requiring suitable moving-coil gain and loading.
The Ortofon MC X40 Moving-Coil Cartridge provides another example, with loading that should be chosen according to Ortofon’s recommendation and the result within the complete system.
High-Output Moving-Coil Cartridges
A high-output moving-coil cartridge may be intended for a moving-magnet input, a lower-gain MC input or another manufacturer-specified arrangement.
Do not select the V10 input solely from the words moving coil.
Check the cartridge output voltage, recommended load resistance and manufacturer guidance before choosing the input and gain setting.
Using the V10 with the Hegel H150
The Hegel H150 Streaming Integrated Amplifier already includes a dedicated moving-magnet phono input.
The V10 may still be appropriate when:
- A moving-coil cartridge is being used
- Adjustable MM capacitance is required
- Greater gain flexibility is needed
- Balanced XLR connection is preferred
- A separate phono stage is being compared with the internal input
Connect the V10 to the H150 balanced XLR or unbalanced RCA line input, not to the H150 phono input.
Using the V10 with the Hegel H400
The Hegel H400 Streaming Integrated Amplifier does not include an internal phono stage.
The V10 can connect through:
- The H400 balanced XLR input
- Either H400 unbalanced RCA line input
The balanced connection uses the V10’s higher-output XLR gain range and is Hegel’s recommended connection where compatible.
Using the V10 with the Hegel H600
The Hegel H600 Reference Streaming Integrated Amplifier provides two balanced XLR and two unbalanced RCA line inputs but no internal phono stage.
The V10 therefore provides a matching Hegel route for adding moving-magnet or moving-coil vinyl playback to an H600 system.
Its compact enclosure can be positioned away from the H600’s substantial internal power transformer, helping protect the low-level cartridge signal from magnetic interference.
Using the V10 with Other Amplifiers
The V10 is not restricted to Hegel amplification.
It can connect to any suitable integrated amplifier or pre-amplifier providing:
- A standard line-level RCA input
- A correctly wired balanced XLR line input
- A functioning volume-control stage
- Appropriate input sensitivity and overload margin
Do not connect the V10 output to another phono input, as the signal would be amplified and equalised twice.
V10 or a Built-In Phono Stage?
Choose the V10 When
- A moving-coil cartridge is being used
- Adjustable gain is required
- MM capacitance needs to be matched
- MC impedance needs to be adjusted
- Balanced XLR output is useful
- A subsonic filter is required
- Future cartridge changes are likely
- The amplifier has no internal phono stage
Use the Built-In Stage When
- It already matches the chosen cartridge correctly
- Vinyl is used only occasionally
- System simplicity is the priority
- No loading adjustment is required
- The rest of the system cannot reveal the difference
- The available budget is better used elsewhere
V10 or a Moving-Coil-Only Phono Stage?
Choose the V10 When
- Both MM and MC compatibility are useful
- Cartridges may be changed in future
- Balanced outputs are required
- Several gain options are needed
- Fine loading adjustment is important
- A matching Hegel system is preferred
Choose an MC-Only Stage When
- The system will remain exclusively moving coil
- Its fixed settings already match the cartridge
- A manufacturer-specific cartridge partnership is preferred
- A different feature set or sonic presentation is wanted
- Balanced outputs are unnecessary
Browse the Audio T phono-stage range to compare alternative moving-magnet, moving-coil and switchable designs.
System Matching
Well Suited To
- Moving-magnet and moving-coil cartridges
- Hegel H150, H400 and H600 systems
- Amplifiers with balanced XLR inputs
- Amplifiers with conventional RCA line inputs
- Customers likely to change cartridges
- Systems requiring adjustable gain and loading
- Turntables affected by infrasonic energy
- High-quality standmount and floorstanding systems
Check Before Buying
- The cartridge type and output voltage are known
- The recommended load impedance is available
- The required MM capacitance has been calculated
- The amplifier has a suitable line-level input
- A fixed phono-stage output is appropriate
- Only one V10 input will be connected
- The V10 can be positioned away from transformers
- Suitable phono and line-level cables are available
Related Hegel Products and Audio T Guides
Key Features
- Dedicated MM phono input
- Dedicated MC phono input
- Ultra-low-noise discrete JFET input stages
- Four parallel JFETs at the MC input
- Separate MM and MC gain circuits
- Discrete low-noise power supplies
- Internally divided chassis
- External linear analogue power supply
- Custom E-core transformer
- Default plug-and-play MM configuration
- Rear DIP-switch adjustment
- Separate switch rows for left and right channels
- 40dB to 52dB XLR MM gain
- 60dB to 72dB XLR MC gain
- 34dB to 46dB RCA MM gain
- 54dB to 66dB RCA MC gain
- 0dB, 5dB, 10dB and 12dB gain additions
- 47k-ohm MM input resistance
- Adjustable MM capacitance
- Standard 100-ohm MC loading
- Standard 300-ohm MC loading
- 47k-ohm MC loading option
- Advanced dealer-assisted MC loading
- Switchable subsonic filter
- -3dB filter point at 20Hz
- 18dB-per-octave filter slope
- True balanced XLR output
- Unbalanced RCA output
- Fixed output level
- XLR output 6dB higher than RCA
- Gold-plated connections
- Substantial turntable ground terminal
- Power-up output muting
- 15-minute automatic power-off
- Normal and high auto-off sensitivity
- Automatic power-off disabling
- RIAA accuracy within 0.2dB
- 2Hz to 20kHz frequency response
- 200-ohm output impedance
- Compact 210mm-wide enclosure
- Black finish
- Two-year manufacturer warranty
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the Hegel V10 support moving-magnet cartridges?
Yes. It has a dedicated moving-magnet RCA input with 47k-ohm loading, adjustable capacitance and four standard gain settings.
Does it support moving-coil cartridges?
Yes. It has a dedicated low-noise moving-coil input with adjustable gain and load impedance.
Can I connect two turntables at the same time?
No. Hegel warns against connecting the MM and MC inputs simultaneously. The two input pairs are for different cartridge types rather than independently selectable turntables.
How do I select MM or MC?
The cartridge type is selected through the rear DIP switches. The turntable must then be connected to the matching RCA input.
Should the V10 be switched off before changing the DIP switches?
Yes. Turn the power off and make sure the left and right channel settings match before switching the V10 on again.
What is the standard moving-magnet gain?
The standard balanced XLR gain is 40dB. Additional settings increase this to 45dB, 50dB or 52dB.
What is the standard moving-coil gain?
The standard balanced XLR gain is 60dB. Additional settings increase this to 65dB, 70dB or 72dB.
Why are the RCA gain figures lower?
The RCA output operates 6dB below the balanced XLR output.
Can I adjust moving-magnet capacitance?
Yes. The DIP switches add between 0pF and 367pF, while Hegel describes the resulting internal range as approximately 100pF to 467pF.
Does the turntable cable affect capacitance?
Yes. Tonearm wiring and the phono cable contribute to the total load seen by a moving-magnet cartridge.
Which moving-coil impedance settings are available?
The standard user settings include 100 ohms, 300 ohms and 47k ohms. Broader dealer-assisted adjustment is also available.
Does it have a subsonic filter?
Yes. The filter is switchable and is specified at -3dB at 20Hz with an 18dB-per-octave slope.
Should the subsonic filter always be switched on?
No. Use it where record warps, vibration or acoustic feedback produce excessive low-frequency movement. Turntable installation should also be checked.
Does it have balanced outputs?
Yes. A stereo pair of true balanced XLR outputs is provided.
Does it have RCA outputs?
Yes. A fixed stereo RCA output is provided.
Are the outputs variable?
No. Both outputs are fixed level and must connect to a volume-controlled amplifier or pre-amplifier.
Can it connect directly to a power amplifier?
Not safely without a separate compatible volume-control stage.
Can the V10 connect to an amplifier phono input?
No. Connect it to an ordinary line-level input. Using another phono input would apply excessive gain and RIAA equalisation twice.
Can it be used with the Hegel H150?
Yes. Connect it to the H150 XLR or line-level RCA input. It adds moving-coil compatibility and greater adjustment than the H150 internal MM stage.
Can it be used with the Hegel H400?
Yes. The H400 has balanced XLR and RCA line inputs but no internal phono stage.
Can it be used with the Hegel H600?
Yes. The H600 provides balanced and unbalanced analogue line inputs but no built-in phono stage.
Is the power supply external?
Yes. The supplied M30103 linear analogue power adaptor contains a custom E-core transformer in a separate enclosure.
Why does the light flash after power-up?
The outputs remain muted while the low-noise power supplies stabilise.
Does it switch off automatically?
Yes. The default period is approximately 15 minutes without a detected signal. Normal, high-sensitivity and disabled modes are available.
Does it include remote control?
No. The V10 is operated with its front power button and rear configuration switches.
Can I use shorting plugs on the unused input?
No. Hegel specifically warns against using shorting plugs with the V10.
Which finish is available?
Black.
What are the dimensions?
The V10 measures 60 x 210 x 280mm, including its feet.
What is the product weight?
Hegel currently specifies a unit weight of 2.2kg.
What warranty is provided?
Hegel provides a two-year manufacturer warranty against defective materials and workmanship, subject to the applicable terms and statutory consumer rights.
Why Buy From Audio T?
- Hegel V10 demonstrations
- Moving-magnet and moving-coil cartridge matching
- Gain and impedance configuration
- MM capacitance assessment
- Tonearm and phono-cable capacitance guidance
- Balanced XLR and unbalanced RCA comparisons
- Subsonic-filter setup
- Turntable ground and hum investigation
- Professional cartridge mounting and alignment
- Tracking-force and anti-skate adjustment
- Turntable support and isolation advice
- Hegel H150, H400 and H600 system matching
- External power-supply positioning
- Advanced moving-coil loading enquiries
- Part exchange may be available on suitable equipment
- Hegel warranty guidance
- Ongoing turntable and system support
Contact your local Audio T store to arrange a demonstration or discuss cartridge, turntable, amplifier and loading compatibility for the Hegel V10.