HEGEL announces H400 streaming integrated amplifier

Streamliner. That's the moniker Hegel has chosen for its newest 'mid-tier' streaming integrated amplifier: the H400 takes over from the H390, positioning itself between the H190 and the top-tier H600 in Hegel’s lineup. Let's explore further…

The H400 features a Class A/B circuit in a dual-mono setup, delivering 250 watts per channel into 8 Ohms. Hegel does not provide a 4 Ohm power rating; when queried, a Hegel representative mentioned that the company only provides 8 Ohm ratings. However, this is likely a non-issue, as the H400 is stable down to 2 Ohms, accommodating speakers that dip that low.

Hegel highlights the H400's damping factor of 4000, ensuring "tight control over your speakers, providing precise and dynamic sound.” They also note that “the absence of an equalizer preserves signal integrity, while our SoundEngine 2 technology offers instant distortion correction during amplification.”

Hegel states that the H400’s internal DAC is modeled after the one in the H600, offering bit-perfect playback without any upsampling.

Regarding streaming capabilities, the H400 supports Apple AirPlay 2, Roon Ready, Spotify Connect, Tidal Connect, and Google Cast (the new name for the Chromecast protocol). This extensive streaming capability indicates that Hegel has incorporated a Stream Unlimited board inside the H400, with certification managed by the Austrian board manufacturer. This ensures immediate functionality without any delays for Roon Readiness.

Additionally, Hegel is introducing the new Hegel Control app (iOS/Android) alongside the H400. This app allows users to control volume, input selection, internet radio, podcasts, and UPnP playback. The H400 can also automatically detect input signals and switch sources accordingly, a feature that more manufacturers should adopt, ideally with an option to disable it if desired.

The back panel of the H400 includes a variety of hard-wired inputs: one set of balanced analog XLR, two sets of unbalanced analog RCA, BNC S/PDIF, coaxial S/PDIF, three TOSLINK inputs, and USB. Bring your own phono stage. Subwoofers can be connected via the H400’s pre-amplifier outputs. For those missing HDMI ARC, the H400 can be programmed to accept infrared control signals from an existing TV remote.

Hegel H400