Hegel’s new H400 could easily be an endgame purchase for many listeners. It’s the ultimate all-in-one package, boasting features that are increasingly expected in modern integrated amplifiers. With its built-in digital-to-analog conversion and streaming capabilities, it can handle almost every function a potential buyer would likely need. If you listen to vinyl, you’ll have to add a phono stage, but buyers of amplifiers at this price point would be inclined to do that anyhow, I suspect.
Over the past decade, the definition of a Hegel integrated amp has grown to include more and different input sources and functionality. Over the same period, the company's inflation-adjusted retail prices have dropped. In 2016, the Hegel H360 offered about the same power and analog input choices as the H400 at a retail price of $5700—about $7392 in 2024 dollars. Yet, the list price of the H400 is $6995. That's still a heavy lift for some budgets, but considering the amplifier's power, build quality, and full-function built-in streamer with app control, it's quite a value. Add the amplifier's excellent sound quality and tight control of various speaker loads, and the H400 is worth a close look if you're in the market for a future-facing integrated amplifier. It's a neat thing, comfortable on the internet.
Aug 13, 2024 | Full Review…
Hegel’s new H400 could easily be an endgame purchase for many listeners. It’s the ultimate all-in-one package, boasting features that are increasingly expected in modern integrated amplifiers. With its built-in digital-to-analog conversion and streaming capabilities, it can handle almost every function a potential buyer would likely need. If you listen to vinyl, you’ll have to add a phono stage, but buyers of amplifiers at this price point would be inclined to do that anyhow, I suspect.
Philip Beaudette
Oct 10, 2024 | Full Review…
Over the past decade, the definition of a Hegel integrated amp has grown to include more and different input sources and functionality. Over the same period, the company's inflation-adjusted retail prices have dropped. In 2016, the Hegel H360 offered about the same power and analog input choices as the H400 at a retail price of $5700—about $7392 in 2024 dollars. Yet, the list price of the H400 is $6995. That's still a heavy lift for some budgets, but considering the amplifier's power, build quality, and full-function built-in streamer with app control, it's quite a value. Add the amplifier's excellent sound quality and tight control of various speaker loads, and the H400 is worth a close look if you're in the market for a future-facing integrated amplifier. It's a neat thing, comfortable on the internet.
Tom Fine