Having enjoyed a faultless experience with Hegel’s H400, notably its sonics but also because it has the benefit of the amazing Hegel control app, I am reluctant to return it – it’s that good that I would be happy to have it as the heart of my system.

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.

It's extremely quiet, which lets a lot of inner detail through. With the Super Pensil 12 speakers, the H400 projected an impressive soundstage.

While what it offers is predictable, thanks to Hegel’s consistently top-notch engineering, the new DAC stage does make the ‘Streamliner’ more accomplished than many rivals (and the H390).

Hegel’s H400 provided a faultless user experience during the review period. Its combination of visual appeal and well-thought-out ergonomics is unusual. Sonically, it’s very special, too, sounding controlled without being brutal, while delicate without being limp - and always musically engaging. A fully immersive sonic experience, this is an amplifier that you can listen to for days on end – fatigue-free yet highly engaging; it’s always friendly and fun.

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.