The H95 is probably the best of all the small Hegels we've seen lately in terms of sound quality.

When it comes time to settle down and listen to music, what we ideally want is a hifi that gets out of the way. The Hegel H95 pulls off this disappearing act in such a convincing manner, you may just find yourself exploring music instead of hifi. I can think of no higher praise.

Hegel is giving the H95 the tagline “Intelligence is Change, “ which is loosly interpreted from a quote by Albert Einstein: “The measure of intelligence is the ability to change.” While Hegel’s pithy version has a touch of Orwell’s Ministry of Truth about it, it does sum up what the H95 has done pretty neatly. The change made to the amplifier is intelligent, and the results are significant. I think Einstein would approve!

Hegel H95 integrated amplifier maintains HEGEL’s consistently simple and low-key black appearance. H95 has a network streaming function (supports UPnP, AirPlay, built-in Spotify Connect) and a complete digital converter function (with USB, coaxial, and optical digital audio input). A HEGEL H95 is equivalent to the combination of “digital source + amplifier,” plus a pair of speakers can form a digital stream audio system.

The Hegel success story continues with this entry-level amplifier, combining a streaming capability with the company's usual simplicity of design and superb sound. This isn't quite a giant-killer in the mould of the H390, but it's still a remarkable amplifier for the money, with power, poise and above all a hugely involving presentation. If your budget will only stretch this far, you will not be disappointed.

t was no surprise I’m sure to anyone reading this, that I was going to enjoy the H95. I’m already being an open fan of the Hegel sound, but it really was a surprise how much this H95 steps up from the H90 and for anyone not looking to drive an overly large room, or monolith scale speakers (Try the H190 or upwards for that) and who wants clean aesthetics, great streaming and digital transport options, enough analogue inputs for a turntable and maybe a CD and that wonderful low noise floor and beautiful organic and detailed signature Hegel do best, this must be on your audition list. Hegel I think are continuing to be a “one to watch” manufacturer who, if they continue on this line of quality and focus, can only go on to even bigger things. The upgrades on the already great H90 are well-considered and re-position the H95 as a front running contender in any race at this price point, or somewhat above I would say.

Hegel’s entry-level amplifier has just got quite a lot better. Of course, the new H95 is not a universal panacea – the answer to everyone’s problems – yet it still gets an awful lot very right at its price. The lovely build quality and ergonomics of its pricier siblings come as standard, alongside the benefits of wide connectivity and decent speaker driving ability. Most importantly though, across all inputs, it is genuinely pleasing to listen to – which for me is what really counts in large amounts.

Whether you’re using the onboard digital converter or feeding a high-quality source through one of its analog inputs, the H95 provides an exceptionally clean, extremely detailed, super-dynamic, musical sound through speakers or headphones. Provided you don’t exceed its power limits, it’s comparable with integrated amps and separate preamps and power amps of pretty much any price. I encourage you to try Hegel’s H95 -- you may not get all the features and all the power possible, but it will provide you with a level of sound quality punching way above its modest price of $2000.

If your room is not too big, and you do not play with sound levels that bother the neighbors, then Hegel H95 will satisfy almost all requirements such as the hub of a stereo system. Whether you play music from PC or mobile. Or if you have a CD player. If, on the other hand, you have a turntable, you need an RIAA step in between, and the amplifier does not have built-in internet radio or Bluetooth. You will still easily find a good way to get the music out.