Audio T Verdict
The Hegel H150 is a compact but unusually complete streaming integrated amplifier, combining 75W-per-channel Class A/B amplification, network streaming, digital-to-analogue conversion, a moving-magnet phono stage and headphone output.
Its power rating may appear relatively modest, but the amplifier is stable into 2-ohm loudspeaker loads and has a quoted damping factor greater than 2000. This gives the H150 considerably more control than its headline wattage might suggest.
Hegel's SoundEngine 2 technology is designed to monitor the amplifier's output and correct distortion without placing a conventional global feedback loop around the entire amplifier. The intention is to retain the control associated with feedback while avoiding some of its potential timing and phase effects.
The streaming section is particularly comprehensive. Spotify Connect with Spotify Lossless support, TIDAL Connect, Qobuz Connect, Google Cast, Apple AirPlay, UPnP, Roon Ready and JPLAY Certified playback are all included.
The Hegel Control app adds input and volume control, network configuration, USB-library browsing, internet radio and podcasts through airable. Network connection is through wired Ethernet rather than Wi-Fi.
Vinyl users are provided with a dedicated moving-magnet phono input, while the balanced XLR and unbalanced RCA inputs accommodate additional analogue sources. A front 6.3mm headphone output and variable RCA line output broaden its usefulness further.
There is no HDMI ARC or eARC, Bluetooth or moving-coil phono input. Television sound must therefore be connected through optical audio, and a conventional low-output moving-coil cartridge requires an external phono stage.
The coaxial digital output and DAC-loop mode also provide a genuine upgrade path. The H150 can send its streaming and digital-source signal to the standalone Hegel D50 DAC, then receive the converted analogue signal through its balanced XLR input.
Customers with particularly demanding loudspeakers or larger rooms may benefit from the additional power of the Hegel H400 or H600. For a medium-sized system, however, the H150 offers an exceptionally well-judged combination of control, connectivity and everyday convenience.
Hegel H150 Streaming Integrated Amplifier
The Hegel H150 combines a network music streamer, high-resolution DAC, analogue pre-amplifier, moving-magnet phono stage, headphone amplifier and Class A/B stereo power amplifier.
Connect a suitable pair of passive loudspeakers and it can reproduce streamed music, vinyl, television sound, USB libraries, computer audio and conventional analogue or digital sources.
The H150 is positioned near the beginning of Hegel's current integrated-amplifier range but includes streaming and control features also found in the larger H400 and H600.
75W-per-Channel Class A/B Amplification
The H150 produces 75W per channel into 8 ohms with both channels driven.
Its Class A/B output stage is designed to combine the low-level refinement of a linear amplifier with sufficient current delivery for a broad range of domestic loudspeakers.
Wattage alone does not determine speaker compatibility. Loudspeaker sensitivity, impedance, room size, listening distance and preferred volume should also be considered.
Stable into 2-Ohm Loudspeaker Loads
Hegel specifies the H150 as stable into loudspeaker loads down to 2 ohms.
This does not mean that every loudspeaker is automatically an ideal match, but it indicates that the amplifier has been designed to remain stable when impedance falls below the conventional 8-ohm nominal figure.
The H150 should still be demonstrated with the intended loudspeakers wherever possible, particularly where they have low sensitivity or a demanding impedance curve.
Damping Factor Greater Than 2000
The main power-amplifier stage has a quoted damping factor greater than 2000.
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 the movement of the loudspeaker drive units, particularly at lower frequencies.
The final bass performance will also depend on the loudspeaker, cabinet design, listening room and placement.
Hegel SoundEngine 2 Technology
SoundEngine 2 is Hegel's patented local error-correction system.
The circuit monitors the amplifier's output and compares it with the incoming signal. Where unwanted distortion is detected, an opposing correction signal is applied.
The system is designed to reduce:
- Crossover distortion
- Transistor distortion
- Dynamic distortion
- Errors caused as the loudspeaker load changes
Hegel's aim is to preserve musical detail and dynamics without relying on a conventional high level of global negative feedback around the complete amplifier.
DualAmp Amplifier Architecture
Hegel's DualAmp technology separates voltage amplification from current amplification.
The first stage increases the voltage level of the incoming music signal. A separate current-gain stage then provides the current needed to drive the loudspeakers.
Keeping the sensitive voltage-gain circuitry away from the larger currents in the output stage is intended to reduce interference and distortion.
Large Toroidal Power Supply
The amplifier is powered by a large low-noise toroidal transformer and high-speed reservoir capacitors.
This power-supply arrangement provides the stored energy and current needed during sudden musical peaks.
Toroidal transformers can occasionally respond to direct-current contamination or other electrical noise on the household mains supply by producing a mechanical hum. This does not necessarily indicate a fault with the amplifier.
Custom Four-Layer DAC
The H150 includes a custom-designed four-layer digital-to-analogue converter.
Its development draws on digital technology used in the Hegel Viking Reference CD Player, with careful attention given to signal timing, circuit layout and the analogue output stage.
The DAC is used by the internal network player and all connected digital sources.
High-Resolution Network Streaming
The H150's network input supports compatible audio at resolutions up to 24-bit/192kHz.
Network streaming is available through:
- Spotify Connect
- Spotify Lossless
- TIDAL Connect
- Qobuz Connect
- Google Cast
- Apple AirPlay
- UPnP and DLNA
- Roon Ready
- JPLAY Certified playback
- airable internet radio and podcasts
Service availability, maximum quality and account requirements can vary by platform, subscription and country.
Spotify Connect and Spotify Lossless
Spotify Connect allows music to be selected through the Spotify application while the H150 receives the stream directly over the network.
Hegel currently lists the H150 among its products supporting Spotify Lossless.
The available quality depends on the customer's Spotify subscription, application settings and current service availability.
TIDAL Connect
TIDAL Connect allows the H150 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 through its wired network connection.
Check the volume shown in the TIDAL application before beginning playback, as supported streaming services may communicate volume changes directly to the amplifier.
Qobuz Connect
Qobuz Connect provides direct control from within the Qobuz application.
Select the H150 from the available playback devices and the amplifier will receive the stream through its network connection.
The selected Qobuz quality setting and subscription determine the maximum available resolution.
Google Cast
Google Cast allows compatible applications on a phone, tablet or computer to send music directly to the H150.
Google Cast must first be enabled by accepting the relevant Google terms through the Hegel Control app.
The platform can also provide compatible multiroom and voice-control functions through a suitable Google Home system.
Apple AirPlay
Apple AirPlay allows music and podcasts to be sent from a compatible Apple device or application to the H150.
The Apple device and amplifier must be connected to the same local network.
Compatible Apple Home functions can provide additional multiroom and voice-control options.
Roon Ready
The H150 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 suitable wired 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 H150 to receive compatible music stored on a local network.
Music can be supplied by:
- A compatible NAS drive
- A computer running media-server software
- A dedicated music server
- A suitable UPnP application
The selected server and control application determine how libraries are organised and browsed.
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.
Hegel Control App
The Hegel Control app is available for compatible iOS and Android devices.
It can be used for:
- Initial network setup
- Input selection
- Volume adjustment
- Network configuration
- USB-drive library browsing
- airable internet radio
- airable podcasts
- Firmware management
The phone or tablet must normally be connected to the same network as the amplifier.
Wired Ethernet Network Connection
The H150 connects to a home network through its rear RJ45 Ethernet socket.
Wi-Fi is not built in. An Ethernet cable must run between the amplifier and the router, network switch or another compatible wired network point.
A wired connection can provide greater consistency than Wi-Fi, particularly when playing high-resolution files or using several network products.
No Built-In Wi-Fi
The H150 requires a wired Ethernet connection for its network streaming, control-app and update functions.
A separate wireless bridge or mesh-network adaptor may provide Ethernet where a direct cable to the router is impractical, but compatibility and stability should be checked.
USB-A Music Library Input
The rear USB-A 2.0 socket accepts a compatible flash drive or externally powered USB storage device containing music files.
Hegel currently specifies support for libraries containing up to 10,000 tracks.
The connected library is browsed through the Hegel Control app, so the amplifier must also be connected to the home network.
The USB-A socket is not a computer-audio connection. Computers should use the separate USB-B input.
USB-B Computer Audio
The USB-B input allows a compatible Windows PC, Mac or dedicated digital source to use the H150 as an external DAC.
Hegel's current product information lists PCM support up to 24-bit/192kHz through USB-B.
The amplifier must be selected as the audio-output device within the computer's sound settings or playback software.
Native DSD and DSD through DoP are not currently listed as supported by the H150.
RCA Coaxial Digital Input
One RCA coaxial S/PDIF input supports compatible two-channel PCM at resolutions up to 24-bit/192kHz.
It can accommodate products such as:
- CD transports
- Network streamers
- Digital radio tuners
- Compatible music servers
- Televisions with coaxial digital output
A correctly specified 75-ohm digital coaxial cable should be used where possible.
Two Optical Digital Inputs
Two Toslink optical inputs support compatible stereo PCM at resolutions up to 24-bit/96kHz.
Optical 2 is optimised to accommodate unstable digital signals that can occasionally be produced by television optical outputs.
The optical inputs do not decode Dolby Digital, DTS or other multichannel cinema formats.
Connecting a Television
The recommended television connection is through one of the optical inputs.
The television should normally be configured for:
- Optical or digital audio output
- Stereo PCM or LPCM
- Internal speakers disabled where required
Try Optical 2 if the television produces intermittent sound or repeated dropouts.
No HDMI ARC or eARC
The H150 does not include an HDMI connection.
Television sound must be connected through a compatible optical, coaxial or analogue audio output.
TV Remote Control
The device menu contains remote-control settings for many newer Samsung, Sony, LG and Philips television remotes.
Where compatible, the television remote can control H150 volume, power and automatic input selection.
Compatibility is not guaranteed with every television or remote-control model.
No Bluetooth Audio
The H150 does not include Bluetooth.
Wireless playback is provided through network platforms such as AirPlay and Google Cast rather than a direct Bluetooth connection.
A separate Bluetooth receiver could be connected to one of the analogue or digital inputs where required.
Moving-Magnet Phono Stage
A dedicated moving-magnet phono stage allows a suitable turntable to connect directly to the amplifier.
The input includes a ground terminal for compatible turntable earth leads.
A turntable with an internal phono stage should normally be switched to phono-level output or connected to the standard RCA line input instead.
Moving-Magnet Cartridges Only
The built-in phono input is designed for moving-magnet cartridges.
A conventional low-output moving-coil cartridge requires a suitable external moving-coil phono stage or step-up arrangement.
An external phono stage must connect to the standard line input rather than the H150 phono input.
Explore the Audio T turntable range to compare suitable vinyl sources.
Balanced XLR Analogue Input
One electronically balanced stereo XLR input is provided for compatible source equipment.
The XLR input can be used with:
- High-quality CD players
- Standalone DACs
- Network streamers
- External phono stages
- Other balanced analogue sources
The XLR input is also used when adding the Hegel D50 through DAC-loop mode.
Unbalanced RCA Analogue Input
One stereo RCA line input is provided for conventional analogue sources.
Suitable products can include CD players, external DACs, radio tuners, cassette decks and external phono stages.
This input is separate from the dedicated moving-magnet phono connection.
Variable RCA Line Output
A stereo variable RCA output follows the H150 volume control.
It can be used with:
- A suitable external power amplifier
- An active subwoofer
- Compatible active loudspeakers
- Another volume-controlled system component
The output is variable only. A separate fixed-level record output is not provided.
Adding an Active Subwoofer
The most common subwoofer connection uses the variable RCA output.
A suitable active subwoofer contains its own amplifier and line-level input.
Some subwoofers also provide high-level speaker connections and may be connected to the H150 loudspeaker terminals where recommended by the subwoofer manufacturer.
Subwoofer level, crossover, phase and placement should be adjusted carefully to integrate with the main loudspeakers and room.
6.3mm Headphone Output
A 6.3mm headphone socket is positioned on the front panel.
Connecting headphones:
- Activates the headphone volume control
- Mutes the loudspeaker outputs
- Mutes the variable RCA output
Headphone sensitivity and impedance should be considered, particularly with unusually demanding designs.
Home-Theatre Input Mode
Most H150 inputs can be configured as a fixed high-level home-theatre input.
This allows a compatible AV receiver, processor or another source with its own volume control to feed the H150 power-amplifier section.
Fixed-Level Inputs Require Care
Home-theatre mode bypasses normal volume adjustment for the selected input by setting it to a fixed high level.
Only connect a source with a working volume control. Connecting an ordinary fixed-output CD player, streamer or DAC could cause the system to play at an extremely high level.
Digital Signal Sensing
The digital and network inputs can detect when a new signal becomes active.
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
Automatic behaviour can be changed or disabled to suit the system.
Coaxial Digital Output
A coaxial RCA S/PDIF output can send compatible digital audio at up to 24-bit/192kHz.
It can be used with:
- An external DAC
- Compatible active loudspeakers with digital input
- A second digital audio system
- The Hegel D50 in DAC-loop mode
The output can be configured for DAC-loop operation or set to remain continuously active.
DAC-Loop Upgrade with the Hegel D50
The DAC-loop function allows the H150's streaming section and digital inputs to continue operating while conversion is moved to an external DAC.
A typical connection with the Hegel D50 Reference DAC uses:
- The H150 RCA coaxial digital output connected to the D50 RCA coaxial input
- The D50 balanced XLR outputs connected to the H150 balanced XLR input
- DAC-loop mode selected within the H150 device menu
The H150 retains source selection, network streaming and volume control, while the D50 performs the digital-to-analogue conversion.
This provides an upgrade path without replacing the H150's streaming platform or adding a separate network transport.
Automatic Firmware Updates
The H150 checks for and installs new firmware when entering 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 in use.
Do not interrupt the mains supply while an update is being installed.
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 normally 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 maximum volume and maximum startup volume to be limited.
This can help protect loudspeakers, headphones and listeners from an unexpectedly high level.
Streaming applications may still communicate their current volume setting to the amplifier, so the displayed level should be checked before beginning playback.
OLED Display
The central OLED display shows information such as the selected input, volume and network status.
The device menu provides four brightness settings:
The display can also be switched off. It then illuminates temporarily when the volume or input is changed.
Hegel RC11 Remote Control
The supplied RC11 remote provides:
- Power and standby
- Volume adjustment
- Mute
- Previous and next input
- Display control
- Play and pause
- Previous and next track
- Device-menu navigation
Playback functions operate compatible network and USB media.
Compact Full-Width Construction
The H150 has a conventional 430mm Hi-Fi width but measures only 350mm deep.
Its construction includes:
- A thick precision-milled aluminium front panel
- Machined aluminium control knobs
- A ventilated steel top cover
- A central OLED display
- Black or white finish options
Current Hegel specifications give a cabinet size of 430 x 350 x 100mm and a product weight of 9.7kg.
Placement and Ventilation
Place the amplifier on a firm, flat and stable equipment support.
Hegel recommends leaving 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 its ventilation openings
If the H150 overheats, it can switch itself off automatically. Once it has cooled, it restarts with the volume set to zero.
Hegel H150 or H400?
Choose the H150 When
- 75W per channel is appropriate for the speakers and room
- A built-in moving-magnet phono stage is required
- A headphone output is important
- USB-drive playback is wanted
- A smaller and lighter amplifier is preferable
- Black or white finish options are required
- Streaming and digital flexibility are priorities
Choose the H400 When
- 250W per channel is required
- A dual-mono amplifier is preferred
- A damping factor greater than 4000 is wanted
- More analogue and digital inputs are required
- Higher-resolution USB and DSD support are important
- Fixed and variable analogue outputs are required
- The loudspeakers or room place greater demands on the amplifier
The Hegel H400 Streaming Integrated Amplifier provides substantially greater power and connectivity but does not include the H150's MM phono stage, headphone socket or USB-drive input.
Hegel H150 or H600?
Choose the H150 When
- A compact one-box system is the priority
- The loudspeakers do not require reference-level power
- Vinyl and headphone listening are important
- The available equipment support is limited
- The system budget should remain balanced
Choose the H600 When
- 303W per channel is required
- A reference dual-mono amplifier is wanted
- Very demanding loudspeakers will be used
- Two balanced and two RCA inputs are required
- The higher-performance DAC and pre-amplifier are priorities
- System size, weight and cost are secondary considerations
The Hegel H600 Reference Integrated Amplifier is intended for significantly more ambitious systems and loudspeakers.
System Matching
Well Suited To
- Medium-sized listening rooms
- High-quality standmount loudspeakers
- Moderately demanding floorstanding loudspeakers
- Streaming, vinyl and television systems
- Roon, Qobuz, TIDAL and Spotify users
- Customers wanting a one-box amplifier and streamer
- Turntables using moving-magnet cartridges
- Systems likely to add the Hegel D50 later
Check Before Buying
- 75W per channel is sufficient for the loudspeakers and room
- A wired Ethernet connection is available
- HDMI ARC or eARC is not required
- Bluetooth playback is unnecessary
- The turntable uses a moving-magnet cartridge
- The television can output stereo PCM through optical
- There is at least 10cm of ventilation space
- All required sources fit the available analogue and digital inputs
Browse the Audio T loudspeaker range to explore suitable standmount and floorstanding partners.
Related Hegel Products and Audio T Guides
Key Features
- 75W per channel into 8 ohms
- Stable into 2-ohm loudspeaker loads
- Class A/B amplification
- SoundEngine 2 distortion correction
- DualAmp technology
- Damping factor greater than 2000
- Large low-noise toroidal transformer
- Custom four-layer DAC
- Network playback up to 24-bit/192kHz
- Spotify Connect
- Spotify Lossless support
- TIDAL Connect
- Qobuz Connect
- Google Cast
- Apple AirPlay
- Roon Ready
- JPLAY Certified
- UPnP and DLNA streaming
- airable internet radio and podcasts
- Hegel Control app
- Wired Ethernet connection
- USB-A drive input
- Libraries containing up to 10,000 tracks
- USB-B computer input
- USB-B PCM up to 24-bit/192kHz
- RCA coaxial input up to 24-bit/192kHz
- Two optical inputs up to 24-bit/96kHz
- TV-optimised Optical 2 input
- Coaxial digital output up to 24-bit/192kHz
- Hegel DAC-loop mode
- Balanced stereo XLR input
- Unbalanced stereo RCA input
- Built-in moving-magnet phono stage
- Turntable ground connection
- Variable stereo RCA output
- Active-subwoofer connection
- 6.3mm headphone output
- Configurable home-theatre input
- Digital input sensing
- Wake on LAN
- Automatic digital-input selection
- Automatic firmware updates
- Adjustable automatic standby
- Maximum-volume setting
- Maximum startup-volume setting
- Adjustable OLED display
- Compatible TV remote control
- Hegel RC11 remote included
- Black or white finish
- Two-year manufacturer warranty
Frequently Asked Questions
How much power does the Hegel H150 produce?
Hegel specifies 75W per channel into 8 ohms, with both channels driven.
What is the minimum loudspeaker impedance?
The H150 is specified as stable into loads down to 2 ohms.
Does the H150 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 H150 is Roon Ready.
Does it support Qobuz Connect?
Yes.
Does it support TIDAL Connect?
Yes.
Does it support Spotify Lossless?
Yes, subject to current Spotify service availability and the customer's subscription.
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 an optical digital output 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?
Yes, when it uses a suitable moving-magnet cartridge and is not already outputting line level.
Can I connect a moving-coil cartridge directly?
A conventional low-output moving-coil cartridge requires a suitable external phono stage or step-up arrangement.
Does the H150 have a headphone output?
Yes. A 6.3mm headphone socket is fitted to the front panel.
What happens when headphones are connected?
The loudspeaker and variable RCA outputs are muted, and the volume control operates the headphone output.
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.
Can it play music from a USB drive?
Yes. Compatible USB storage can be browsed through the Hegel Control app, with Hegel currently specifying libraries of up to 10,000 tracks.
Can I connect a computer?
Yes. The USB-B computer input currently supports compatible PCM at up to 24-bit/192kHz.
Does it support DSD?
DSD is not currently listed among the H150's supported digital or streaming formats.
Does it decode MQA?
No. MQA support is not listed for the H150.
What is the maximum optical resolution?
24-bit/96kHz PCM.
What is the maximum coaxial resolution?
24-bit/192kHz PCM.
What is DAC-loop mode?
It sends the H150's digital signal to an external DAC, such as the Hegel D50, before returning the converted analogue signal to the amplifier.
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 setting can be changed to one hour or disabled.
Is a remote control included?
Yes. The Hegel RC11 remote control is supplied.
Which finishes are available?
Black and white.
What are the current dimensions?
Hegel currently specifies 430 x 350 x 100mm with a weight of 9.7kg.
What warranty is provided?
Hegel provides a two-year warranty against defective materials and workmanship. Registration is not required, and the purchase receipt establishes the warranty start date.
Why Buy From Audio T?
- Hegel H150 demonstrations
- Comparisons with Hegel H400 and H600 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
- Moving-magnet turntable matching
- External moving-coil phono-stage advice
- Headphone compatibility guidance
- Active-subwoofer setup and integration
- Home-theatre bypass configuration
- USB drive and computer-audio setup
- Hegel D50 and DAC-loop demonstrations
- 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, turntable, streaming and system matching for the Hegel H150.