Integrated amplifiers — Hegel H150

Hegel of Oslo, Norway, builds the H150 streaming integrated amplifier, which was introduced in 2025 as the successor to the H120. Hegel describes it as an entry-level model and an all-in-one unit that combines amplification, a DAC, a network streamer and a phono stage in one case. It sits above the H95, which has no phono input, and below the H190v in the current integrated range. Launch prices were USD 3,600, GBP 2,750 and EUR 2,995.

Key specs that matter

Output is 2 x 75 W into 8 ohm at 1 kHz and 1 percent THD, and the minimum rated load is 2 ohm. Distortion is under 0.01 percent at 50 W into 8 ohm, intermodulation is also below 0.01 percent with a 19 kHz and 20 kHz test tone, signal to noise ratio is higher than 100 dB and channel crosstalk is lower than -100 dB. Bandwidth extends from 5 Hz to 100 kHz, and the damping factor is quoted as over 2,000. Analogue sources connect through one XLR input, one RCA line input and one RCA input for moving-magnet cartridges. Digital inputs comprise one coaxial and one USB-B port at up to 24 bit and 192 kHz, two optical ports at 24 bit and 96 kHz, a network connection at 24 bit and 192 kHz and a USB-A socket for drives holding up to 10,000 songs. The case is 43 cm wide, 35 cm deep and 10 cm high, weighs 9.7 kg and comes in black or white.

Engineering and use context

The power amplifier works in class AB and is corrected by SoundEngine2, Hegel's local error cancelling circuit. Two toroidal transformers feed the circuits, and the larger one serves the output stage alone with a separate winding for each channel, backed by four 10,000 uF smoothing capacitors. A coaxial digital output and a DAC loop function let an outboard converter be inserted in the chain. Streaming covers Spotify Connect in lossless form, Tidal Connect, Qobuz Connect, Apple AirPlay, Google Cast, airable internet radio and podcasts, UPnP and Roon Ready. Supported file types are MP3, WAV, FLAC, ALAC, AIFF, AAC, PCM and Ogg. A lightweight plastic remote handles volume and inputs.

Pairing

Because the H150 is stable into low loads, it can drive speakers whose impedance falls low, while an active sub hooks up through the variable RCA pre-out. A moving-magnet turntable connects straight to the phono input, and a front headphone jack takes over when speakers are not in use.

Alternatives

The Hegel H190v is the step above in the integrated line, with 150 W per channel into 8 ohm and a damping factor above 4,000.