Hegel H400 Integrated Streaming Amplifier

Description

Hegel H400 Streaming Amplifier

The Hegel H400 is a powerful high-end integrated streaming amplifier designed to combine exceptional speaker control, refined sound quality and comprehensive digital connectivity in one elegant component.

Nicknamed the “Streamliner” by Hegel, the H400 delivers 250 watts per channel into 8 ohms from a substantial dual-mono amplifier design, together with Hegel’s SoundEngine2 distortion-cancelling technology, a high-performance DAC and a sophisticated built-in streaming platform.

For listeners looking to simplify a premium hi-fi system without sacrificing performance, the H400 provides amplification, digital conversion and network streaming in a single beautifully engineered unit.

250 Watts Per Channel

The H400 delivers 250 watts per channel into 8 ohms, giving it the power and current reserves required to drive a wide range of high-performance loudspeakers.

Its ability to operate with loads down to 2 ohms makes it particularly well suited to demanding floorstanding speakers, while a damping factor of more than 4000 gives the amplifier exceptional control over driver movement, particularly at low frequencies. The result is deep, controlled bass, excellent dynamic contrast and the confidence to handle complex musical passages without sounding strained.

Dual-Mono Amplifier Design

The H400 uses a dual-mono amplifier architecture, helping minimise interaction between the left and right channels. This improves stereo separation and allows the amplifier to create a wide, stable soundstage with precise placement of voices and instruments.

A separate transformer is also used for the DAC and preamplifier circuitry, helping isolate sensitive low-level signals from the high-current output stages.

Hegel SoundEngine2 Technology

At the heart of the H400 is Hegel’s proprietary SoundEngine2 technology. Rather than relying heavily on conventional global negative feedback, SoundEngine2 continuously monitors the amplifier’s output and corrects distortion dynamically.

This approach is designed to retain the speed and immediacy of the original signal while reducing crossover distortion and other unwanted artefacts, resulting in a clean, natural and highly controlled presentation.

Built-In High-Resolution DAC

The H400 includes a sophisticated digital-to-analogue converter based on technology developed for Hegel’s reference electronics.

Digital sources can be connected through USB, coaxial, optical or network inputs, allowing the H400 to act as the central digital hub of a high-end system.

USB supports audio up to 32-bit/384kHz and DSD256 via DoP, while network and coaxial inputs support high-resolution PCM up to 24-bit/192kHz.

Comprehensive Music Streaming

The H400 includes Hegel’s latest network streaming platform, allowing music to be played directly without needing a separate streamer.

Supported services include: Spotify Connect, Spotify Lossless, TIDAL Connect, Qobuz Connect, Apple AirPlay, Google Cast , Roon Ready, UPnP / DLNA, Internet Radio, Podcasts

The amplifier can also be controlled through the Hegel Control app, making it straightforward to select sources, adjust volume and manage playback from a compatible phone or tablet.

Roon Ready

For users with larger digital music libraries, the H400 is Roon Ready. This allows it to integrate directly into a Roon-based multi-room or high-resolution playback system, combining Roon’s library management with Hegel’s internal DAC and amplification.

Flexible Analogue Connectivity

The H400 includes both balanced and unbalanced analogue inputs. A single pair of XLR balanced inputs is joined by two RCA analogue inputs, making it easy to connect a high-quality external source such as a CD player, phono stage or dedicated DAC.

Fixed and variable RCA line outputs are also provided, allowing integration with external power amplifiers, subwoofers or other system components.

Extensive Digital Inputs

Digital connectivity includes:

1 x USB-B

1 x BNC coaxial

1 x RCA coaxial

3 x Optical

Ethernet network connection

There is also a BNC digital output, allowing the H400 to pass digital audio to another compatible component.

Designed for Simplicity

Despite its extensive capabilities, the H400 retains the understated Scandinavian design for which Hegel is known.

The front panel features two large control dials and a centrally positioned OLED display, keeping operation clean and intuitive while avoiding unnecessary visual clutter.

Its substantial 20kg construction reflects the size of the power supply and internal amplification required to deliver its considerable output.

Ideal for High-End Loudspeakers

With 250 watts per channel, exceptionally high damping factor and the ability to drive 2-ohm loads, the H400 is particularly well suited to premium floorstanding and standmount loudspeakers that benefit from strong amplifier control.

It offers the scale and authority required for large systems while retaining the low-level detail and refinement needed for more intimate listening.

Key Features:

• 250W per channel into 8 ohms
• Dual-mono amplifier design
• Damping factor greater than 4000
• Hegel SoundEngine2 technology
• High-performance built-in DAC
• Spotify Connect, Spotify Lossless ,TIDAL Connect, Qobuz Connect
• Apple AirPlay, Google Cast, Roon Ready
• Internet Radio and Podcasts

Powerful, Refined and Exceptionally Flexible

The Hegel H400 offers an appealing combination of high-end amplification and modern streaming convenience.

Its dual-mono design, substantial 250W output and exceptional damping factor give it the authority to control demanding speakers, while SoundEngine2 technology and Hegel’s advanced DAC architecture preserve the detail, timing and natural character of the music.

For anyone looking to build a serious two-channel system around a single premium component, the H400 is an exceptionally capable solution.