By: Dipin Sehdev
Hegel has officially unveiled the H150 Streaming Amplifier, the successor to the much-loved H120, and the newest member of the company’s growing lineup of integrated amplifiers. First teased at High End Munich 2025, the H150 arrives with the weight of expectation. The H120 was long considered one of the most versatile and musically engaging amps at its price point—so what does the H150 bring to the table?
Hegel calls the H150 the “Prodigy”, a name meant to reflect its role as the entry-level full-width amplifier in the Norwegian brand’s stable while offering performance that exceeds its modest position in the hierarchy. And while it may be the “baby” of the family, the H150 borrows heavily from Hegel’s more advanced designs, blending trickle-down technology with practical features to create an amplifier that is as forward-thinking as it is musically satisfying.
Where the H150 Fits in Hegel’s Lineup
Hegel’s amplifier range is built on a clear progression. At the top sits the H600 (94% CE Critic Score), a powerhouse designed for demanding speakers and reference-grade systems. Just below that, the H400 (89% CE Critic Score) offers much of the same DNA but in a more attainable package. The H190 (91% CE Critic Score), long regarded as the sweet spot for many enthusiasts, strikes a balance between performance and price.
This leaves the H150 as the new entry point into Hegel’s full-sized streaming amplifiers—slotting in just below the H190, while replacing the outgoing H120. It is not Hegel’s least expensive product (that honor belongs to the compact H95), but the H150 marks the beginning of the brand’s “serious” amplifier family.
Hegel describes the H150 as an amplifier with the soul of its larger siblings, trimmed down for accessibility but uncompromising in performance. This makes it an appealing choice for listeners who want to step into the Hegel sound without immediately stretching to flagship prices.
Design and Build
At first glance, the H150 is unmistakably Hegel. Its full-width chassis (43 cm across) and minimalist Scandinavian aesthetic align with the rest of the lineup. However, its relatively shallow 35 cm depth makes it more shelf- and cabinet-friendly than bulkier high-end amps.
The front panel is machined from thick aluminum, giving it a reassuring solidity, while the top cover is steel with precision perforations for heat dissipation. Available in black or white, the amplifier carries Hegel’s signature clean lines—free of unnecessary clutter.
Front controls include two tactile knobs—one for volume, the other for source selection—and a central OLED display, which can be dimmed or switched off entirely for distraction-free listening. At 9.5 kg (20.9 lbs), the H150 strikes a balance between robustness and practicality.
Amplifier Performance: Don’t Be Fooled by the Numbers
On paper, the 2 x 75 W into 8 ohms specification might seem modest compared to higher-wattage rivals. But wattage alone is a poor indicator of real-world performance.
The H150 employs Hegel’s SoundEngine 2 technology, a patented feedback and error-correction system that preserves musical detail while dramatically reducing distortion. It delivers a damping factor of 2000, ensuring absolute grip and control over connected speakers. Importantly, the amplifier is stable into 2-ohm loads, a sign of serious engineering and current delivery.
Driving power is supplied by a large toroidal transformer and high-speed capacitors, giving the H150 ample current reserves for dynamic peaks and demanding bass passages. In practice, this means the H150 can control loudspeakers well beyond what its wattage rating might suggest.
For many systems, particularly in medium-sized rooms, the H150 will have more than enough muscle.
Digital Heart: A Custom-Designed DAC
Inside the H150 is a four-layer custom digital-to-analog converter (DAC), inspired by Hegel’s flagship Viking CD player. This DAC handles both external digital inputs and the internal streaming engine, ensuring consistent sonic character across sources.
By integrating the DAC directly, Hegel reduces jitter and signal path complexity, extracting the kind of detail and dynamic range typically associated with standalone converters. The design goal is to provide a clear, natural presentation that remains faithful to the recording.
Streaming Capabilities: Built for the Present and the Future
Hegel understands that today’s music consumption is dominated by streaming. The H150 comes equipped with a comprehensive streaming platform, supporting:
-
Spotify Connect
-
Tidal Connect
-
Qobuz Connect
-
Apple AirPlay
-
Google Cast
-
UPnP
Internet radio and podcasts are also built-in via the Hegel Control app, powered by airable.
The amplifier is Roon Ready (pending certification), and firmware updates are delivered automatically over the network to keep features current. This future-proof approach means the H150 can evolve with streaming ecosystems, protecting the investment of its owners.
Connectivity: Digital and Analog Versatility
The H150 is as versatile in connectivity as it is in streaming.
Digital inputs:
-
2 × Optical (one optimized for TV)
-
1 × Coaxial
-
1 × USB-B (for computers and streamers)
-
1 × USB-A (flash drives and hard drives)
-
1 × Ethernet (network connection)
Digital output:
-
1 × Coaxial S/PDIF (for active speakers, external DACs, or secondary systems)
Analog inputs:
-
1 × Balanced XLR
-
1 × Unbalanced RCA
-
1 × Moving Magnet (MM) phono input for turntables
Outputs:
-
1 × Variable RCA (for subwoofers or external amps)
-
1 × Headphone output
This connectivity suite ensures the H150 can serve as the hub of a modern audio system, accommodating vinyl enthusiasts, digital audiophiles, and casual streamers alike.
Everyday Usability
Hegel has put considerable thought into ease of use. The H150 includes:
-
Input sensing: The amp wakes automatically when a digital input becomes active.
-
Auto-standby: Conserves energy when not in use.
-
TV integration: Recognizes standard remote codes for seamless control.
-
Multi-room support: Works with AirPlay, Google Cast, and (once certified) Roon.
-
Voice control: Compatible with Google Home and Apple Home ecosystems.
For traditionalists, the H150 includes an aluminum remote, while app control provides more advanced features, including access to internet radio and podcasts.
The Nickname: “The Prodigy”
Hegel has nicknamed the H150 “The Prodigy”—a reflection of its ability to outperform expectations at its price point. The amplifier embodies the company’s philosophy of trickle-down engineering, where technologies from flagship models find their way into more accessible designs.
In Hegel’s words, the H150 is “our most impressive value proposition to date”. For many listeners, it may be the perfect balance of performance, features, and affordability.
Availability and Price
The Hegel H150 Streaming Amplifier will begin shipping in late October 2025. It will be available in black or white finishes.
-
Price: €2,995 (Europe) / $3,600 (US)
At this level, the H150 competes with integrated amps from the likes of Naim, Cambridge Audio, and NAD, but its combination of build quality, streaming support, and amplifier power gives it a distinctive edge.
Technical Specifications
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Power Output | 2 × 75 W into 8Ω (1kHz, 1% THD) |
| Minimum Load | 2Ω |
| Frequency Response | 5 Hz – 100 kHz |
| Distortion | <0.01% @ 50 W/8Ω/1 kHz |
| Damping Factor | >2000 (main power output stage) |
| Analog Inputs | 1 × Balanced (XLR), 1 × Unbalanced (RCA) |
| Phono Input | 1 × RCA (MM) |
| Digital Inputs | 2 × Optical (24/96), 1 × Coaxial (24/192), 1 × USB-B (24/192), 1 × USB-A 2.0, 1 × Network (24/192) |
| Digital Output | 1 × Coaxial (24/192) |
| Line-Level Output | 1 × RCA (variable) |
| Headphone Output | Yes |
| Streaming Services | Spotify Connect, Tidal Connect, Qobuz Connect, Apple AirPlay, Google Cast, UPnP, internet radio & podcasts |
| Supported Formats | MP3, WAV, FLAC, ALAC, AIFF, AAC, PCM, Ogg |
| Signal-to-Noise Ratio | >100 dB |
| Crosstalk | < -100 dB |
| Intermodulation | <0.01% (19kHz + 20kHz) |
| Dimensions (W × D × H) | 43 × 31 × 8 cm (17 × 12.2 × 3.15 in) |
| Weight | 9.5 kg (20.9 lbs) |
| Finishes | Black, White |
| Price | €2,995 / $3,600 |
| Availability | Late October 2025 |
Final Thoughts
The Hegel H150 may be the entry-level model in the company’s full-size amplifier range, but it carries itself with the confidence of its larger siblings. With serious amplifier muscle, a custom DAC, and comprehensive streaming support, it is an all-in-one solution that bridges audiophile performance with everyday usability.
The nickname “Prodigy” is well-earned. Much like its namesake, the H150 punches above its weight, offering refinement, flexibility, and sheer musical talent that is rare at this price. For listeners stepping into the Hegel ecosystem—or those simply looking for a future-proof, do-it-all integrated amplifier—the H150 may just be the sweet spot in the lineup.
