It can be argued that among the many fine attributes of Norway are the exquisite landscapes, the Nobel Peace Prize and Hegel Music Systems; not necessarily in that order.
In 1988, Bent Holter, a student at the Technical University in Trondheim decided to do a thesis on the design of transistors in amplifiers. Admittedly, this is not a unique start for an audio company, but it doesn't often result in numerous technical patents and a broad portfolio of products.
Several companies produce products in different categories. Only a few manufacture preamps, amps, integrateds, multi-channel amps, CD players and DACs; fewer still at the level of Hegel. Philosophy aside, choosing to name the company from the band in which he played tells you that music is at the core of all of Holter's designs.
Hegel, born of a spirit of music, technical innovation and a land of stunning beauty.