Hegel Launches the Prodigy: The H150 Streaming Amplifier Redefines Value and Performance

Experience the Hegel H150, a streaming amplifier that blends power, versatility, and musicality—showing talent well beyond its price point.

A New Era Begins with the Hegel H150

When it comes to hi-fi gear, few things spark excitement like a fresh release promising to shake up the playing field. The Hegel H150 Streaming Amplifier, dubbed the "Prodigy," is exactly that kind of game-changer. As the successor to the beloved H120, this amplifier doesn’t just step forward—it leaps. Designed as a true all-in-one solution, the H150 manages to balance outstanding audio performance with user-friendly operation, all while staying surprisingly budget-friendly.

Hegel H150: A compact and sleek streaming amplifier designed to impress

What really sets this amplifier apart is how it shares the same advanced streaming platform and control app as Hegel’s flagship H400 and H600 models. Plus, the H150 includes a built-in MM phono stage and—for the first time ever in a Hegel product—a USB Drive input, so you can plug in a solid-state or traditional hard drive directly. But enough about specs; what really surprises is the H150’s sheer performance, delivering power and musicality that even seasoned audiophiles might not expect from such a compact package.

The Prodigy: Power and Versatility in One Compact Box

Nicknaming the H150 the Prodigy is no accident. It’s an entry-level model in Hegel’s lineup, sure, but its capabilities echo those of much pricier devices. Thanks to design inspirations pulled straight from Hegel’s top-tier references, this amplifier offers a user experience loaded with smart solutions and flexibility.

Think of the H150 as the Swiss Army knife of streaming amplifiers: it boasts a wealth of connectivity options and a robust, articulate amplifier section that can confidently drive nearly any loudspeaker. Whether you’re setting up a cozy apartment system or a more ambitious home setup, this device fits right in.

Streamlined Design Meets Robust Build

The H150’s design strikes a perfect balance between style and practicality. Full-width to match your standard hi-fi components, it sports a shallow depth of just 35 cm, making it a breeze to fit on shelves or inside media cabinets. Available in both black and white, its clean lines and understated look can complement virtually any room aesthetic.

The front panel is a testament to Hegel’s build quality—thick, precision-milled aluminum with control knobs that feel substantial under your fingertips. The steel top cover features heat vents, adding a subtle industrial touch while keeping things cool. And right at the center, an OLED display offers bright, clear readouts from across the room, with the option to dim or turn it off entirely if you prefer a darker ambiance.

Amplifier Performance: Power That Packs a Punch

At first glance, the 2x 75 W power rating might seem modest. But don’t let that fool you. The H150 is no run-of-the-mill amplifier. Its custom class AB design integrates Hegel’s patented SoundEngine 2 technology, boasting an industry-leading damping factor of 2000. That’s a fancy way of saying it controls speakers with pinpoint precision, even those with challenging 2-ohm loads.

SoundEngine 2 keeps musical details sparkling and dynamics vivid, creating a listening experience that feels alive and utterly engaging. Under the hood, a large, ultra-low-noise toroidal transformer and high-speed capacitors provide an instant current supply, giving the H150 the grip and punch it needs to handle demanding speakers without breaking a sweat.

A Custom-Built DAC for Crisp, Detailed Sound

The H150 houses a custom-designed, four-layer digital-to-analog converter (DAC), inspired by the acclaimed Viking CD player. This DAC isn’t just competent—it’s a powerhouse for extracting rich, detailed sound from any digital source you connect, as well as the internal streaming section. Whether you're playing high-resolution files or casual streams, the audio quality stays consistently impressive.

Streaming Made Effortless

Out of the box, the H150 is ready to party with a broad array of streaming options, including Spotify Connect, Tidal Connect, Qobuz Connect, Google Cast™ , Apple AirPlay, and UPnP. Essentially, whatever your favorite service, chances are this amplifier supports it natively.

The list of supported services grows constantly through automatic firmware updates, ensuring your Prodigy stays current as new streaming options emerge. It’s reassuring to know your gear won’t get left in the dust as the digital landscape evolves.

Digital and Analog Connectivity for Every Setup

Connectivity is where the H150 truly shines. Two optical inputs (including a TV-optimized one), a coaxial input, USB-B, and a network port cover all your digital needs—be it connecting your TV, streamer, games console, laptop, or network node.

And here’s a neat trick: the USB-A socket lets you plug in a flash drive or powered hard disk, with library browsing managed via the Hegel Control app. Want to share your digital inputs’ signal with another system or active speakers? The coaxial digital output can forward signals in DAC-loop mode, enabling you to upgrade your digital stage without losing any of the H150’s functionality.

On the analog side, the H150 doesn’t skimp either. It features both an unbalanced RCA input and a true electronically balanced XLR input for that extra audio fidelity. The highlight? A high-quality Moving Magnet phono input that elevates your vinyl listening by delivering detail and dynamics usually only found in dedicated phono preamps.

And if headphones are your go-to, the built-in output has you covered. Plus, there’s a variable line-level output to easily add subwoofers or external power amps to your system. You can explore headphones and accessories to complement your setup.

Everyday Ease: Designed for Everyone

The H150 was built to be intuitive. No need to dig through manuals—just plug in and play. The amplifier senses inputs automatically, waking up and selecting the right source without fuss. Adjustable auto-standby saves energy when not in use, and preloaded popular TV remote codes mean you can control volume and power with your existing TV remote.

For those who like to mix and match devices, any input can be fixed at a high output level, so controlling volume from your home cinema receiver or multi-room streamer is seamless. Multi-room audio setups are supported natively via AirPlay, Google Cast, or Roon, and voice commands work effortlessly with Google Home or Apple Home.

Control also comes in the form of a sleek aluminum remote or the free Hegel Control app, which manages inputs, volume, and even offers built-in internet radio and podcasts powered by airable. In short, the H150 makes sophisticated sound accessible to all household members.

Talent That Outshines Its Size

The H150 Streaming Amplifier proves that you don’t need a giant, expensive rig to experience greatness. It’s a compact powerhouse whose versatility and musicality stand tall—earning it the well-deserved title of a true prodigy.

Availability and Pricing

The Hegel H150 Streaming Amplifier will begin shipping in late October 2025. Review samples are available upon request.

• Recommended Retail Price:
• Euro: €2,995
• USD: $3,600

"The H150 delivers a level of power, scale, and musicality that continues to surprise even us." – Hegel

FAQ

• What is the power output of the Hegel H150?
  The amplifier delivers 2x 75 watts with a custom class AB design and SoundEngine 2 technology for excellent speaker control.
• Does the H150 support vinyl playback?
  Yes! It features a high-quality Moving Magnet (MM) phono input compatible with most MM turntables.
• Can I connect a USB drive directly?
  Absolutely. The H150 includes a USB-A input for solid-state drives or powered hard disks, with library browsing via the Hegel Control app.
• What streaming services are compatible?
  The H150 supports Spotify Connect, Tidal Connect, Qobuz Connect, Google Cast™, Apple AirPlay, and UPnP, with regular firmware updates to add more.
• How easy is it to control the H150?
  Very easy. It offers automatic input sensing, TV remote compatibility, a dedicated app, voice command support, and an elegant aluminum remote.

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