Audio T Verdict
The Hegel H600 is the company’s reference streaming integrated amplifier, combining a 303W-per-channel dual-mono Class A/B power amplifier, high-resolution network streamer, digital-to-analogue converter and reference-level analogue pre-amplifier.
It is designed for ambitious systems where loudspeaker control, dynamic headroom and overall refinement matter more than keeping the amplifier small or lightweight.
The H600 remains stable into loudspeaker loads down to 2 ohms and has a quoted damping factor greater than 4000. These figures make it a serious candidate for demanding standmount and floorstanding speakers, although a demonstration with the intended loudspeakers remains strongly recommended.
Its pre-amplifier uses the extremely precise volume attenuator developed for Hegel’s P30A reference pre-amplifier. This is combined with SoundEngine 2 distortion correction, DualAmp technology, symmetrical dual-mono construction and a separate transformer for the DAC and pre-amplifier sections.
The built-in bit-perfect DAC avoids resampling and upsampling. USB supports PCM up to 32-bit/384kHz and DSD256 through DoP, while the BNC and RCA coaxial inputs support PCM up to 24-bit/192kHz and DSD64 through DoP.
Network streaming includes Spotify Connect with Spotify Lossless, TIDAL Connect, Qobuz Connect, Google Cast, Apple AirPlay, Roon Ready, UPnP, JPLAY Certified playback and airable internet radio and podcasts.
The H600 has two balanced XLR and two unbalanced RCA analogue inputs, giving it greater analogue flexibility than the H400. Fixed and variable RCA outputs can accommodate a recording device, active subwoofer, external power amplifier or another suitably controlled system.
There is no phono stage, headphone output, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, USB-drive input or HDMI connection. Vinyl requires an external phono stage, network streaming requires wired Ethernet and television sound normally connects through optical digital audio.
The BNC digital output and DAC-loop mode allow the internal digital sources to be routed through an external DAC such as the Hegel D50. However, Hegel advises that the network and USB inputs already benefit from the H600’s internal synchronous master clock and may not always gain from being passed through an external DAC.
The H400 provides much of the same streaming and digital functionality with 250W per channel, a smaller enclosure and one balanced input. The H600 justifies its reference position through greater power, the P30A-derived volume attenuator, additional balanced connectivity and a more ambitious pre-amplifier and power-amplifier implementation.
For a suitably revealing pair of loudspeakers and a system capable of making use of its scale, control and resolution, the H600 is an exceptionally complete alternative to a separate streamer, DAC, pre-amplifier and power amplifier.
Hegel H600 Reference Streaming Integrated Amplifier
The Hegel H600 combines a network music streamer, high-resolution DAC, analogue pre-amplifier and 303W-per-channel dual-mono Class A/B power amplifier.
Connect a suitable pair of passive loudspeakers and it can reproduce streamed music, computer audio, television sound, CD and a wide range of conventional analogue or digital sources.
Control is available through the front panel, supplied Hegel RC8 remote, compatible streaming applications and the Hegel Control app.
303W-per-Channel Class A/B Amplification
The H600 produces 303W per channel into 8 ohms with both channels driven.
This provides substantial power and dynamic headroom for large listening rooms, less sensitive loudspeakers and music with demanding low-frequency or transient content.
The amplifier uses a linear Class A/B output stage rather than Class D amplification.
Power output alone cannot guarantee compatibility with every loudspeaker. Sensitivity, impedance, room size, listening distance and required volume should all be assessed.
Stable into 2-Ohm Loudspeaker Loads
Hegel specifies the H600 as stable into loudspeaker loads down to 2 ohms.
A speaker’s impedance can fall considerably below its nominal figure at particular frequencies, requiring the amplifier to supply additional current while remaining stable.
The H600’s current capability makes it suitable for consideration with demanding loudspeakers, but a proper system demonstration remains important.
Damping Factor Greater Than 4000
The main power-amplifier stage has a quoted damping factor greater than 4000.
Damping factor describes the relationship between the amplifier’s output impedance and the connected loudspeaker load.
A high figure can help the amplifier maintain electrical control over loudspeaker drive-unit movement, particularly through the bass region.
The final bass performance will also depend on the loudspeaker design, room acoustics, cabinet construction and placement.
Symmetrical Dual-Mono Construction
The H600 uses a dual-mono amplifier arrangement designed to bring the performance of two separate mono power amplifiers into one enclosure.
The left and right amplification channels are arranged symmetrically to reduce interaction between them.
This approach supports:
- Improved stereo separation
- Stable positioning of voices and instruments
- Consistent current delivery to both loudspeakers
- Reduced channel-to-channel interference
- Greater control during demanding musical passages
SoundEngine 2 Distortion Correction
SoundEngine 2 is Hegel’s patented local error-correction system.
The circuit monitors the amplifier’s output and compares it with the incoming music signal.
Where unwanted distortion is detected, an opposing correction signal is applied locally within the amplifier stage.
The system is intended to reduce:
- Crossover distortion
- Transistor distortion
- Dynamic distortion
- Errors caused as loudspeaker impedance changes
Hegel’s aim is to achieve the control associated with feedback without relying on a conventional high level of global negative feedback around the complete amplifier.
DualAmp Technology
Hegel’s DualAmp technology separates voltage amplification from current amplification.
The first stage increases the voltage of the incoming music signal. A separate current-gain stage then supplies the current required by the loudspeakers.
Keeping the sensitive voltage-gain circuitry away from the larger currents within the output stage is intended to reduce interference and distortion.
P30A-Derived Volume Attenuator
The H600 uses the highly precise volume attenuator developed for Hegel’s P30A reference pre-amplifier.
This allows the listening level to be adjusted in carefully controlled steps while maintaining channel balance and signal integrity.
The pre-amplifier section is an important part of the H600’s reference design rather than simply a basic volume control added in front of a large power amplifier.
Separate Power for DAC and Pre-Amplifier
The digital-to-analogue converter and pre-amplifier sections use a separate transformer from the main power-amplifier circuitry.
This helps isolate the sensitive low-level circuits from the large and rapidly changing current demands created by the loudspeaker output stage.
The DAC also has a substantial dedicated power supply and is shielded by a thick steel plate to reduce interference from other electronics within the amplifier.
Bit-Perfect Digital-to-Analogue Conversion
The H600 includes a bit-perfect DAC designed to preserve the resolution and content of the incoming digital signal.
It does not resample or upsample incoming audio as part of its standard conversion process.
The DAC is used by:
- The built-in network streamer
- The USB computer-audio input
- The BNC digital input
- The RCA coaxial digital input
- The three optical digital inputs
High-Resolution Network Streaming
The wired network input supports compatible audio at resolutions up to 24-bit/192kHz.
Network playback includes:
- Spotify Connect
- Spotify Lossless
- TIDAL Connect
- Qobuz Connect
- Google Cast
- Apple AirPlay
- Roon Ready
- UPnP and DLNA
- JPLAY Certified playback
- airable internet radio and podcasts
The available resolution depends on the streaming service, subscription, application settings, network and source material.
Spotify Connect and Spotify Lossless
Spotify Connect allows the H600 to receive music directly through the network while the Spotify application acts as the controller.
Hegel currently lists the H600 as compatible with Spotify Lossless.
The available audio quality depends on the customer’s Spotify account, application settings and current service availability.
Check the Streaming Volume
Spotify and other compatible streaming applications can communicate their current volume setting directly to the amplifier.
Always check the displayed level before beginning playback.
TIDAL Connect
TIDAL Connect allows the H600 to be selected as the playback device from within the TIDAL application.
The phone, tablet or computer acts as the controller while the amplifier receives the music directly through its network connection.
The available quality depends on the TIDAL subscription and playback settings.
Qobuz Connect
Qobuz Connect provides direct control from within the Qobuz application.
Select the H600 from the list of compatible playback devices and the amplifier will receive the music through its wired network connection.
The chosen subscription and quality settings determine the maximum available resolution.
Google Cast
Google Cast allows compatible applications on a phone, tablet or computer to send music directly to the H600.
Google Cast must first be enabled by accepting the relevant Google terms through the Hegel Control app.
Compatible Google Home functions can provide additional multiroom and voice-control options.
Apple AirPlay
Apple AirPlay allows music and podcasts to be sent from a compatible Apple device or application to the H600.
The Apple device and amplifier must be connected to the same local network.
Compatible Apple Home functions can provide further multiroom and voice-control options.
Roon Ready
The H600 is Roon Ready and can operate as a network-audio endpoint within a compatible Roon system.
Roon requires:
- A compatible Roon server
- An active Roon subscription
- A reliable home network
- A compatible controller device
Roon software and subscription are not included with the amplifier.
UPnP and DLNA Streaming
UPnP and DLNA allow the H600 to receive compatible music stored on the local network.
Music can be supplied by:
- A compatible NAS drive
- A computer running media-server software
- A dedicated music server
- A suitable UPnP control application
The selected server and application determine how albums, artists, playlists and folders are organised.
JPLAY Certified Playback
The H600 is JPLAY Certified and can be controlled through the compatible JPLAY application for iOS.
JPLAY can access locally stored network music and compatible streaming services, subject to the application’s current features and subscription requirements.
Other compatible UPnP applications can also be used.
airable Internet Radio and Podcasts
Internet radio and podcasts are provided through the airable catalogue within the Hegel Control app.
This gives access to stations and programmes from around the world without requiring a conventional FM or DAB aerial.
Station availability and programme listings are controlled by airable and the individual broadcasters.
Compatible Network Multiroom Playback
The H600 can form part of compatible multiroom systems using:
- Roon
- Apple AirPlay
- Google Cast
The required controller, accounts and compatible products depend on the selected platform.
Hegel Control App
The Hegel Control app is available for compatible iOS and Android devices.
It can be used for:
- Initial amplifier setup
- Enabling Google Cast
- Input selection
- Volume adjustment
- Network playback control
- Media-server browsing
- airable internet radio
- airable podcasts
- Network management
- Firmware information and updates
- Factory reset
Wired Ethernet Network Connection
The H600 connects to the home network through its rear RJ45 Ethernet socket.
Wi-Fi is not built in. A network cable must run between the amplifier and a router, network switch or compatible wired network point.
A wired connection can provide greater consistency than Wi-Fi, particularly with high-resolution playback and several network products.
No Built-In Wi-Fi
The H600 requires wired Ethernet for streaming, app control and internet firmware updates.
A separate wireless bridge or mesh-network adaptor may provide an Ethernet connection where direct cabling is impractical, but stability should be confirmed.
USB Computer Audio up to 32-bit/384kHz
The rear USB-B input allows a compatible Windows PC, Mac or dedicated music server to use the H600 as an external DAC.
Supported USB playback includes:
- PCM up to 32-bit/384kHz
- DSD64 through DoP
- DSD128 through DoP
- DSD256 through DoP
- MQA decoding up to 8x
The H600 must be selected as the audio-output device within the computer’s sound settings or playback software.
No USB-Drive Input
The USB-B socket is intended for computer audio rather than direct playback from a flash drive or portable hard disk.
Music stored on USB media requires a suitable computer, server, streamer or network-storage arrangement.
DSD Playback
The H600 supports DSD through compatible digital inputs.
Maximum support varies by connection:
- USB: DSD256 through DoP
- BNC coaxial input: DSD64 through DoP
- RCA coaxial input: DSD64 through DoP
- Network: DSD64
- BNC digital output: DSD64 through DoP
- Optical: DSD not listed
The source and playback software must support the appropriate transmission format.
MQA Decoding
Hegel lists MQA decoding up to 8x on the H600’s network, USB, coaxial and optical digital inputs.
Compatible MQA material can be decoded to a displayed output rate of up to 352.8kHz or 384kHz.
Playback depends on the source file, service, software and digital connection.
True 75-Ohm BNC Digital Input
The BNC socket provides a true 75-ohm coaxial S/PDIF input.
BNC is designed to maintain the specified digital impedance more consistently than a conventional RCA connector.
The input supports:
- PCM up to 24-bit/192kHz
- DSD64 through DoP
- MQA decoding up to 8x
It is particularly suitable for compatible transports such as the Hegel Viking Reference CD Player.
RCA Coaxial Digital Input
A conventional RCA coaxial S/PDIF input is provided for digital sources without a BNC output.
It supports:
- PCM up to 24-bit/192kHz
- DSD64 through DoP
- MQA decoding up to 8x
A correctly specified 75-ohm digital coaxial cable should be used where possible.
Three Optical Digital Inputs
Three Toslink optical inputs accommodate compatible televisions, games consoles, streamers, CD players and digital radio tuners.
They support:
- PCM up to 24-bit/96kHz
- MQA decoding up to 8x
DSD is not listed as supported through the optical inputs.
Optical 3 is optimised to accommodate unstable digital signals that can sometimes be produced by television optical outputs.
Connecting a Television
A television with a suitable optical or coaxial digital output can connect to the H600.
The television should normally be configured for:
- Optical or digital audio output
- Stereo PCM or LPCM
- Internal speakers disabled where required
Use Optical 3 if the television produces intermittent sound or repeated dropouts.
No HDMI ARC or eARC
The H600 does not include an HDMI connection.
Television sound must be connected through a compatible optical, coaxial or analogue output.
Dolby Digital, DTS and other multichannel formats should be changed to stereo PCM within the television settings.
Compatible Television Remote Control
The H600 can learn commands from many newer Samsung, Sony, LG and Philips television remotes.
Where compatible, the television remote can control:
- Volume
- Mute
- Automatic wake-up
- Selection of the chosen television input
- Standby through the appropriate mute command
Compatibility is not guaranteed with every television or remote-control model.
No Bluetooth Audio
The H600 does not include Bluetooth.
Wireless playback is provided through network platforms including AirPlay and Google Cast rather than a direct Bluetooth connection.
A separate Bluetooth receiver can be connected to a suitable analogue or digital input where required.
Two Balanced XLR Analogue Inputs
Two true balanced stereo XLR inputs are provided for compatible analogue source equipment.
Suitable sources can include:
- High-quality CD players
- Standalone DACs
- Network streamers
- External phono stages
- Other balanced analogue components
The first XLR input is also used as the return connection when adding an external DAC through DAC-loop mode.
Two Unbalanced RCA Analogue Inputs
Two stereo RCA line inputs accommodate conventional analogue sources.
These can include CD players, external DACs, radio tuners, cassette decks and separate phono stages.
The H600 does not contain a built-in turntable phono stage.
Connecting a Turntable
A turntable requires a suitable external phono stage between its cartridge and the H600.
The required phono stage depends on whether the cartridge is:
- Moving magnet
- High-output moving coil
- Low-output moving coil
The Hegel V10 MM/MC Phono Stage provides a matching Hegel solution for moving-magnet and moving-coil cartridges.
No Built-In Phono Stage
Do not connect a conventional turntable cartridge directly to an H600 line input.
A correctly matched external phono stage is required unless the turntable already provides a suitable line-level output.
Browse the Audio T turntable range and phono-stage range to explore suitable vinyl sources.
Variable RCA Line Output
A stereo variable RCA output follows the H600 volume control.
It can be used with:
- A suitable external power amplifier
- An active subwoofer
- Compatible active loudspeakers
- Another volume-controlled system component
Gain structure and connection suitability should be checked before adding external amplification.
Fixed RCA Line Output
A separate fixed-level RCA output does not follow the H600 volume control.
It can be used with:
- A recording device
- A second system with its own volume control
- Compatible monitoring equipment
- Another suitable line-level destination
The Fixed Output Is Not Volume Controlled
Do not connect the fixed output directly to a power amplifier or active speakers without a separate safe volume-control stage.
Changing the H600 volume will not reduce the signal from this output.
Adding an Active Subwoofer
The most common active-subwoofer connection uses the variable RCA output.
A suitable active subwoofer contains its own amplifier and line-level input.
Some subwoofers also support high-level speaker connections and may be connected to the H600 speaker terminals where recommended by the subwoofer manufacturer.
Subwoofer level, crossover, phase and room position should be adjusted carefully to integrate with the main loudspeakers.
No Headphone Output
The H600 does not include a headphone socket or dedicated headphone-amplifier circuitry.
A separate headphone amplifier can connect to the fixed or variable RCA output, depending on its own volume-control facilities.
Customers requiring a built-in headphone output may wish to consider the Hegel H150 Streaming Integrated Amplifier.
Home-Theatre Input Mode
Most H600 inputs can be configured for fixed high-level home-theatre operation.
This allows a compatible AV receiver, processor, streamer or multiroom controller with its own working volume control to feed the H600.
Fixed-Level Inputs Require Care
Home-theatre mode sets the chosen input to a high fixed volume.
Only connect a source with a functioning volume control. Connecting an ordinary fixed-output source could cause the system to play at an extremely high level.
Automatic Digital Input Sensing
The H600 can detect incoming signals on its BNC, coaxial, optical and network inputs.
The device menu can be configured to:
- Wake when network streaming begins
- Wake when a new digital signal is detected
- Switch automatically to an active digital input
- Return to the previously selected input when playback ends
The USB input does not use the same automatic signal-sensing function.
BNC Digital Output
A true 75-ohm BNC S/PDIF output sends compatible digital audio from the H600.
It supports:
- PCM up to 24-bit/192kHz
- DSD64 through DoP
- MQA up to 8x
The output can feed a compatible external DAC or digital receiving device.
DAC-Loop Upgrade with the Hegel D50
DAC-loop mode allows the H600’s digital sources to be routed through an external digital-to-analogue converter.
A typical connection with the Hegel D50 Reference DAC uses:
- The H600 BNC digital output connected to the D50 BNC digital input
- The D50 balanced XLR outputs connected to the H600 XLR 1 input
- The D50 set to its BNC input
- DAC-loop mode enabled within the H600 device menu
The H600 retains source selection and volume control, while the D50 performs digital-to-analogue conversion.
Network and USB DAC-Loop Guidance
Hegel states that the H600 network and USB inputs already take advantage of the amplifier’s internal synchronous master clock.
For these sources, Hegel recommends leaving DAC-loop disabled in many systems because an external DAC may not automatically improve performance.
Audio T recommends comparing the internal DAC and D50 through a demonstration rather than assuming the external DAC will be preferable for every source.
Automatic Firmware Updates
The H600 checks for and installs firmware updates through its wired network connection.
Updates are normally installed when the amplifier enters standby.
When Wake on LAN is enabled, updates can download and install while the amplifier remains in standby.
Critical updates may occasionally install immediately, including while the amplifier is operating.
Adjustable Automatic Standby
The default automatic-standby period is approximately 15 minutes without music or with a very low signal at the loudspeaker outputs.
The device menu can change this to:
- 15 minutes
- One hour
- Disabled
Standby consumption is below 0.5W with Wake on LAN disabled and below 2W when network wake remains active.
Maximum and Startup Volume Settings
The device menu allows a user-defined maximum volume to be set.
A separate maximum startup volume can help prevent the amplifier from powering on at an unexpectedly high level.
Streaming and USB applications may communicate their volume settings to the amplifier, so the displayed level should still be checked.
USB Volume Control
USB volume control can be enabled through the device menu for compatible computers and USB sources.
When active, changing the source-device volume can alter the H600’s listening level.
Check the Computer Volume Before Playback
When USB volume control is enabled, the H600 can adopt the volume setting of the connected computer or USB source.
Confirm that the level is suitably low before pressing play.
OLED Display and Touch Controls
The central OLED display shows the selected input, volume and relevant network or playback information.
The large aluminium source and volume controls include touch-sensitive operation as well as conventional rotary and push functions.
Display brightness can be set to:
The display can also be switched off and will illuminate temporarily when a setting is changed.
Hegel RC8 Remote Control
The supplied aluminium RC8 infrared remote can control the H600 and other compatible Hegel products.
For the H600, it provides:
- Power and standby
- Volume and mute
- Input selection
- Display control
- Network playback commands
- Device-menu access
Aluminium Chassis and Rigid Construction
The H600 uses an aluminium chassis with a solid bottom section and a ventilated top cover milled in two layers.
This construction is intended to provide:
- Greater rigidity
- Controlled airflow
- Reduced vibration
- Improved shielding
- A stable platform for the internal transformers and circuitry
Large aluminium feet include anti-scratch lower surfaces, while the rear analogue and digital sockets are positioned to support channel separation and reduce interference.
Placement and Ventilation
Place the amplifier on a firm, flat and stable equipment support capable of safely carrying its 22kg weight.
Allow at least 10cm of open space around the rear, top and side panels, with the front remaining unobstructed.
Do not place the amplifier on:
- Carpet
- Rugs
- Fabric-covered furniture
- Unstable shelving
- Surfaces that obstruct the ventilation openings
If the amplifier overheats, it can switch itself off automatically. Once it has cooled, it restarts with the volume set to zero.
Hegel H600 or H400?
Choose the H600 When
- 303W per channel is required
- The P30A-derived volume attenuator is a priority
- Two balanced XLR inputs are needed
- A reference integrated amplifier is wanted
- Very demanding loudspeakers will be used
- The larger 22kg enclosure is suitable
- Maximum performance matters more than price or size
Choose the H400 When
- 250W per channel is sufficient
- One balanced input is enough
- A smaller and lighter amplifier is preferable
- The same principal streaming services are required
- The same high-resolution digital formats are required
- The lower purchase price better suits the complete system
The Hegel H400 Streaming Integrated Amplifier provides much of the same digital and streaming functionality with 250W per channel.
Hegel H600 or H150?
Choose the H600 When
- Reference-level amplification is required
- Large or demanding loudspeakers will be used
- Two balanced analogue inputs are needed
- USB DSD256 and extensive digital inputs are priorities
- The system does not require an internal phono stage or headphone output
Choose the H150 When
- 75W per channel is sufficient
- A built-in MM phono stage is required
- A headphone output is important
- USB-drive playback is wanted
- A smaller, lighter and less expensive amplifier is preferable
The Hegel H150 Streaming Integrated Amplifier is better suited to less demanding systems requiring vinyl and headphone facilities within the amplifier.
System Matching
Well Suited To
- Reference standmount and floorstanding loudspeakers
- Demanding or low-impedance loudspeaker loads
- Medium, large and dedicated listening rooms
- Streaming, digital and television systems
- Roon, Qobuz, TIDAL and Spotify users
- Systems using the Hegel V10 or another external phono stage
- Customers considering separates but preferring one amplifier
- Systems requiring two balanced analogue inputs
Check Before Buying
- The equipment support can safely carry 22kg
- A wired Ethernet connection is available
- HDMI ARC or eARC is not required
- Bluetooth playback is unnecessary
- A separate phono stage is available for vinyl
- A separate headphone amplifier is available where required
- The television can output stereo PCM
- There is at least 10cm of ventilation space
Browse the Audio T loudspeaker range to explore suitable high-performance standmount and floorstanding partners.
Related Hegel Products and Audio T Guides
Key Features
- 303W per channel into 8 ohms
- Stable into 2-ohm loudspeaker loads
- Class A/B amplification
- Symmetrical dual-mono construction
- SoundEngine 2 distortion correction
- DualAmp technology
- Damping factor greater than 4000
- P30A-derived volume attenuator
- Separate transformer for DAC and pre-amplifier
- Bit-perfect DAC
- No resampling or upsampling
- Shielded DAC circuitry
- Network playback up to 24-bit/192kHz
- Spotify Connect
- Spotify Lossless support
- TIDAL Connect
- Qobuz Connect
- Google Cast
- Apple AirPlay
- Roon Ready
- UPnP and DLNA streaming
- JPLAY Certified
- airable internet radio and podcasts
- Hegel Control app
- Wired Ethernet connection
- USB-B computer-audio input
- USB PCM up to 32-bit/384kHz
- USB DSD256 through DoP
- True 75-ohm BNC digital input
- RCA coaxial digital input
- Three optical digital inputs
- TV-optimised Optical 3 input
- BNC digital output
- Hegel DAC-loop mode
- DSD64 through DoP on coaxial inputs
- Network DSD64 support
- MQA decoding up to 8x
- Two balanced stereo XLR inputs
- Two unbalanced stereo RCA inputs
- Variable stereo RCA output
- Fixed stereo RCA output
- Active-subwoofer connection
- Configurable home-theatre inputs
- Automatic digital-input sensing
- Wake on LAN
- Wake on digital signal
- Automatic digital-input selection
- Automatic firmware updates
- Adjustable automatic standby
- Maximum-volume setting
- Maximum startup-volume setting
- USB volume control
- Adjustable OLED display
- Touch-sensitive front controls
- Compatible television-remote control
- Hegel RC8 aluminium remote included
- Aluminium chassis
- Black finish
- Two-year manufacturer warranty
Frequently Asked Questions
How much power does the Hegel H600 produce?
Hegel specifies 303W per channel into 8 ohms, with both channels driven.
What is the minimum loudspeaker impedance?
The H600 is specified as stable into loads down to 2 ohms.
What is the damping factor?
Hegel specifies a damping factor greater than 4000 through the main power-amplifier stage.
Is the H600 dual mono?
Yes. It uses a symmetrical dual-mono power-amplifier arrangement.
Does it use technology from the P30A pre-amplifier?
Yes. The H600 uses the precise volume attenuator developed for Hegel’s P30A reference pre-amplifier.
Does the H600 include network streaming?
Yes. It supports Spotify Connect, Spotify Lossless, TIDAL Connect, Qobuz Connect, Google Cast, AirPlay, UPnP, Roon Ready and other network functions.
Does it support Roon?
Yes. The H600 is Roon Ready.
Does it support Qobuz Connect?
Yes.
Does it support Spotify Lossless?
Yes, subject to the customer’s subscription and current Spotify service availability.
Does it have Wi-Fi?
No. Network functions require a wired Ethernet connection.
Does it have Bluetooth?
No. Wireless playback is provided through network platforms such as AirPlay and Google Cast.
Does it have HDMI ARC or eARC?
No. Connect a compatible television through optical or coaxial digital audio set to stereo PCM.
Can I control it with my television remote?
Many newer Samsung, Sony, LG and Philips remotes are supported, although compatibility is not guaranteed with every model.
Can I connect a turntable directly?
Not unless the turntable already provides a line-level output. A conventional turntable requires a suitable external phono stage.
Does Hegel make a matching phono stage?
Yes. The Hegel V10 supports moving-magnet and moving-coil cartridges and can connect to an H600 analogue input.
Does it have a headphone output?
No. A separate headphone amplifier is required.
Can I add a subwoofer?
Yes. Use the variable RCA output or a compatible high-level connection where recommended by the subwoofer manufacturer.
Can I add an external power amplifier?
Yes. A variable stereo RCA output is provided.
Does it have a fixed line output?
Yes. A separate fixed stereo RCA output is provided.
Can it play music directly from a USB drive?
No. The USB-B socket is intended for a compatible computer or USB audio source.
What is the maximum USB resolution?
PCM up to 32-bit/384kHz and DSD256 through DoP.
What is the maximum coaxial resolution?
The BNC and RCA coaxial inputs support PCM up to 24-bit/192kHz and DSD64 through DoP.
What is the maximum optical resolution?
PCM up to 24-bit/96kHz.
Does it support DSD?
Yes. USB supports DSD256 through DoP, the coaxial inputs support DSD64 through DoP and network playback supports DSD64.
Does it decode MQA?
Yes. Hegel lists MQA decoding up to 8x.
What is DAC-loop mode?
It sends compatible H600 digital sources to an external DAC, such as the Hegel D50, before returning the converted analogue signal through XLR 1.
Will the D50 always improve the H600?
Not necessarily. Hegel states that the H600 network and USB inputs already benefit from its internal synchronous master clock and may not always gain from external DAC conversion.
Can an input be used with a home-cinema receiver?
Yes. Most inputs can be configured for fixed high-level home-theatre use, but only a properly volume-controlled source should be connected.
Does it enter standby automatically?
Yes. The default is approximately 15 minutes, and the period can be changed to one hour or disabled.
Is a remote control included?
Yes. The aluminium Hegel RC8 infrared remote is supplied.
Which finish is available?
Black.
What are the dimensions?
The H600 measures 171 x 430 x 445mm and weighs 22kg.
What warranty is provided?
Hegel provides a two-year warranty against defective materials and workmanship, subject to the applicable terms and statutory rights.
Why Buy From Audio T?
- Hegel H600 reference-system demonstrations
- Comparisons with Hegel H400 and H150 amplifiers
- Loudspeaker compatibility and system matching
- Wired network and Hegel Control app setup
- Roon, Spotify, TIDAL and Qobuz configuration
- Television optical-audio setup
- TV remote-control configuration
- Hegel V10 and other MM or MC phono-stage matching
- Active-subwoofer setup and integration
- Home-theatre input configuration
- USB computer-audio setup
- PCM, DSD over DoP and MQA guidance
- Hegel D50 and DAC-loop demonstrations
- Hegel Viking and digital-transport matching
- Firmware and device-menu assistance
- Equipment-support and ventilation advice
- Part exchange may be available on suitable equipment
- Hegel warranty guidance
- Ongoing product and system support
Contact your local Audio T store to arrange a demonstration or discuss loudspeaker, streaming, vinyl and system matching for the Hegel H600.