HEGEL H150

The Hegel H150 is conceived as the perfect synthesis of tradition and innovation, an integrated amplifier with a streamer that combines the power of analog design with the refinement of the latest digital solutions. It represents the direct evolution of the renowned H120, introducing substantial improvements that bring it closer to the flagship models of the Norwegian brand, such as the H400 and H600, positioning itself as a privileged entry point into the Hegel universe while delivering truly high-end performance. Internally, it is nicknamed The Prodigy, a name that aptly reflects its surprising nature: compact, elegant, and endowed with mature, refined musical control.

The construction of the H150 reflects the brand’s minimalist philosophy: clean lines, high-quality materials, and the absence of unnecessary elements. The machined aluminum front panel houses two side knobs and a high-contrast central OLED display, which can be adjusted or turned off for distraction-free listening. With a shallow depth and available in black or white finishes, the unit integrates discreetly into any environment, transforming technology into functional elegance. Beneath its restrained aesthetic lies a solid mechanical structure with a steel chassis and optimized ventilation system, designed for stability and long-term reliability.

At its core beats a class AB amplifier delivering 75 watts per channel into 8 ohms, capable of supplying instantaneous and controlled current even into demanding loads down to 2 ohms. Hegel’s proprietary SoundEngine2 technology ensures absolute speaker control, reducing distortion to imperceptible levels while maintaining natural and fluid dynamics. A damping factor above 2000 demonstrates the H150’s authority over any speaker type, providing balanced, deep, and transparent sound. The power supply relies on an oversized, ultra-low-noise toroidal transformer and high-speed capacitors, delivering precise and immediate energy.

The integrated DAC, developed in-house on a four-layer circuit and derived from the reference Viking CD player, is not a mere accessory but a key component of the design. It offers digital-to-analog conversion rich in detail, with natural timbre and a wide, stable soundstage. The H150 handles any source, analog or digital, with ease and adapts seamlessly to modern listening habits through its comprehensive streaming platform. It natively supports Spotify Connect, Tidal Connect, Qobuz Connect, Apple AirPlay, Google Cast, and UPnP, and is ready for Roon Ready certification, ensuring maximum compatibility with leading digital ecosystems.

The connectivity section is among the most versatile in its category. The rear panel hosts optical, coaxial, USB-B, and USB-A inputs, the latter allowing direct connection of external drives such as flash drives or hard disks. The high-quality MM phono input further extends the unit’s versatility, making it ideal for both vinyl enthusiasts and users who prefer high-resolution streaming. Balanced XLR and unbalanced RCA inputs complete a connectivity suite capable of integrating into any home or professional setup.

Everyday usability has been carefully considered. The H150 powers on automatically when it detects a signal, selects the correct source, and can be controlled using standard TV remote codes. The auto-standby system reduces power consumption while preserving component longevity, and configurable output levels allow integration into multi-room or home cinema setups. Each design choice simplifies user interaction, making the unit intuitive and ready for use while maintaining the precision demanded by discerning audiophiles.

Sonically, the Hegel H150 embodies the brand’s philosophy: no artificial coloration, absolute respect for the original recording, and natural, engaging dynamics. The result is a sound that delivers music in its truth, balancing power and delicacy while highlighting each instrument’s character and the spatial depth of the recording.

Despite its power and technological features, the H150 maintains compact proportions — 43 cm wide, 31 cm deep, and 8 cm high — weighing only 9.5 kg. Its technical specifications confirm the excellence of the design: frequency response from 5 Hz to 100 kHz, signal-to-noise ratio above 100 dB, and total harmonic distortion and intermodulation below 0.01%. These numbers translate into impeccable reproduction accuracy and a clear, three-dimensional soundstage.

Offered at a competitive price relative to its build and performance, the Hegel H150 is more than an integrated amplifier: it is a true home music hub, capable of growing with the user’s system and adapting to any future technological evolution. It combines strength and refinement, tradition and modernity, becoming a benchmark for those who wish to hear music as it was intended. In every detail, the H150 lives up to its nickname The Prodigy, a small but extraordinary marvel of musicality and Nordic engineering.

Technical specifications:

• Power output: 2 x 75 W into 8 Ω @ 1 kHz, 1% THD
• Minimum load: 2 Ω
• Analog inputs: 1 balanced (XLR); 1 unbalanced (RCA)
• Phono input: 1 unbalanced (RCA) for MM cartridges
• Digital outputs: 1 coaxial S/PDIF (24/192)
• Digital inputs: 1 coaxial (RCA) S/PDIF 24/192; 2 optical S/PDIF 24/96; 1 USB-B 24/192; 1 USB-A 2.0 for USB drives; 1 network (LAN) 24/192
• Line outputs: 1 unbalanced variable (RCA)
• Streaming: Spotify Connect (lossless), Tidal Connect, Qobuz Connect, Apple AirPlay, Google Cast, airable Internet Radio and Podcast, UPnP (Roon Ready pending certification)
• Supported formats: MP3, WAV, FLAC, ALAC, AIFF, AAC, PCM, Ogg
• Frequency response: 5 Hz – 100 kHz
• Signal-to-noise ratio: >100 dB
• Crosstalk: < -100 dB
• Total harmonic distortion: <0.01% @ 50 W, 8 Ω, 1 kHz
• Intermodulation: <0.01% (19 kHz + 20 kHz)
• Damping factor: >2000 (main output stage)
• Dimensions (WxDxH): 43 x 35 x 10 cm
• Weight: 9.7 kg