Winning friends already. Check out this video review of the newest Hegel all-in-one unit.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oiSc-yH0usY
Hegel say "The H150 Streaming Amplifier is our most impressive value proposition to date. We have nicknamed it the Prodigy because, while being at the entry level in our range, the H150 displays a level of performance and versatility usually reserved for far more expensive models, showing talent well beyond its price point. The H150 draws inspiration from the Hegel reference products, but also adds to the user experience with its own unique solutions. With a wealth of connectivity options and a powerful, articulate amplifier section, the H150 is a true all-in-one music solution. It fits seamlessly into a wide variety of spaces and can confidently drive almost any loudspeaker"
Our take is that Hegel are probably right; this is indeed their best value for money product. Although it is relatively affordable, it gives nothing away to units costing up to twice as much. For a start the 2 x 75 watts are real watts and the class A/B design means that it is potent and fast enough to drive most loudspeakers that are ever likely to be partnered with it (and plenty that won't).
We were thrilled to see a good MM phono stage join the analogue inputs, as well as a TV optimised optical input that gives some rarely seen features and usability.
The inbuilt DAC is far better than it has any right to be and is based on the Mohican tech. And the streamer covers all bases (all the important streaming services) and is Roon ready to boot.
We've spent some time with our demo sample and have auditioned it with three of our current favourite speakers. These are the Linn 119, the PMC Prodigy 5 and finally the Spendor D7.2. It handled each of the speakers very well indeed and we were surprised how easily it drove the Spendor's. It did so without trouble, without any brightness and with an exceptionally detailed and non fatiquing top end.
We could mention one or two more expensive alternatives that are not quite so poised and easy to listen to for long periods of time. But we won't. We'll leave that to your imagination.
One of the assumptions that people have about the Hegel units is often that they are superb amplifiers but the streamer and DAC sections are something of an afterthought. The H150 proves otherwise and does so exceptionally.
Hegel have a real winner here. Come and experience it for yourself.
Specs in full
Power output: 2x75W into 8 Ohms @ 1kHz 1% THD , 100/120/230V AC
Minimum load: 2 ohms
Analog inputs: 1x Balanced (XLR), 1x Unbalanced (RCA)
Phono input: 1 x Unbalanced (RCA) for Moving Magnet (MM)
Digital outputs: 1x Coaxial S/PDIF - 24/192
Digital inputs: 1x Coaxial (RCA) S/PDIF - 24/192, 2x Optical S/PDIF - 24/96, 1x USB B- 24/192, 1x USB A 2.0 - USB Drives, 1x Network - 24/192
Line level outputs: 1x Unbalanced variable (RCA)
Streaming: Spotify Connect (Lossless), Tidal Connect, Qobuz Connect, Apple Air- Play, Google Cast, airable Internet Radio and Podcast, UPnP (Roon Ready pending certification)
Streaming formats: MP3, WAV, FLAC, ALAC, AIFF, AAC, PCM, Ogg
Frequency response: 5Hz-100kHz
Signal-to-noise ratio: More than 100dB
Crosstalk: Less than -100dB
Distortion: Less than 0.01% @ 50W 8 Ohms 1kHz
Intermodulation: Less than 0.01% (19kHz + 20kHz)
Damping factor: More than 2000 (main power output stage)
Dimensions/weight: 43 x 35 x 10 cm (WxDxH), 9.7 kg
Dimensions/weight US: 17 x 13.8 x 3.93" (WxDxH), 21.4 lbs
