Hegel H400
Commanding yet refined, the Hegel H400 brings taut bass, a whisper-quiet background and expansive, precisely layered soundstaging to an all-in-one streaming integrated. SoundStage Solo admired its smooth, transparent ease at high levels, while HiFi News highlighted its grip on demanding speakers. With 250W, a capable DAC and broad streaming support, it makes complex music feel effortlessly alive.
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Deliciously Crispy
Sound Quality
95/100
Build Quality
94/100
Features Connectivity
95/100
Value for Money
93/100
Pros
Exceptionally quiet, transparent presentation with clean detail and fatigue-free smoothness.
Powerful speaker control delivers taut, well-defined bass and remains composed with demanding loads.
Broad, deep soundstage with precise imaging and convincing scale.
Comprehensive streaming, DAC and input functionality make it a genuinely capable one-box system.
Cons
Network streaming requires a wired Ethernet connection; there is no Wi-Fi capability.
No built-in phono stage, so vinyl playback requires an external phono preamp.
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What Reviewers Are Saying
SOUND QUALITY PERFORMANCE 95/100
Reviewers consistently describe an exceptionally clean, neutral and involving presentation, combining very low apparent noise with substantial speaker control. It is praised for resolving complex recordings without harshness, with spacious imaging and power that remains composed under demanding musical and speaker loads.
Transparency Resolution
95/100
HiFi News heard clear-as-water amplification and an impeccably quiet background, while SoundStage Solo called the presentation clean, highly resolved and built on a black canvas. The Ear and StereoNET similarly praised its transparent, open and detailed delivery, particularly through the treble, without etch or fatigue.
Tonal Balance Musicality
94/100
StereoNET found a largely neutral palette that gets out of the music's way while remaining musically engaging, and The Ear praised natural, rich vocals alongside airy treble. SoundStage Solo found its smooth, liquid character easy to enjoy for long sessions, with no conspicuous sonic imprint of its own.
Dynamics
95/100
HiFi News found the H400 able to build a huge wall of sound, track dynamic shifts faultlessly and stop and start on a dime. SoundStage Solo heard effortless authority and clean delivery at elevated levels, while StereoNET reported that it never missed a beat across several speaker pairings. One reviewer accustomed to SET amplifiers found it slightly reserved dynamically, but still noted its quietness and inner detail.
Soundstage Imaging
95/100
The Ear heard a spacious stage extending beyond the speakers, with convincing depth, height and stable imaging. StereoNET highlighted especially strong stage depth and image placement, while HiFi News praised the combination of massive scale and focus. Other reviewers likewise noted broad staging, precise separation and a very dark backdrop around instruments.
Assessments of Build Quality, Usability, and Overall Propositions.
Build Quality
94/100
HiFi News describes excellent workmanship, improved control feel and a substantial anodised-aluminium remote, while The Ear found nothing flimsy about the solidly built 20kg chassis. StereoNET also notes thoughtful dual-transformer engineering and separate channel windings, complemented by a machined metal remote.
Features Connectivity
95/100
The H400 combines XLR and RCA analogue inputs with comprehensive optical, coaxial and USB digital connectivity, a capable DAC, fixed and variable line outputs, and extensive network streaming support. Roon Ready, Spotify Connect, Tidal Connect, AirPlay, Google Cast, UPnP, internet radio and app control make it unusually complete, although it relies on wired Ethernet and lacks both Wi-Fi and a phono stage; direct Qobuz support was also missed by one reviewer.
Value for Money
93/100
At roughly $7,000, reviewers regard the H400 as a persuasive all-in-one proposition rather than a stripped-back premium integrated. Stereophile calls it quite a value given its power, build and streamer, SoundStage Solo considers it a better value than the costlier H600 for listeners who do not need extra power, and The Absolute Sound calls it a lot of amplifier for the money.
Reviews & Sources
Professional reviews and sources for this product's Watt'n Potatoes analysis.
Online Reviews & Mentions
YouTube Reviews
Forum Mentions
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Specifications
- Power output
- 2 x 250 W into 8 Ω @ 1kHz 1% THD, 100/120/230V AC, Dual Mono
- Minimum load
- 2 Ω
- Analog Inputs
- 1 x balanced (XLR), 2 x unbalanced (RCA)
- Digital Outputs
- 1 x coaxial (BNC) S/PDIF 24/192
- Digital Inputs
- 1 x coaxial (BNC, S/PDIF 24/192, DSD64 (DoP), MQA 8x), 1 x coaxial (RCA, S/PDIF 24/192, DSD64 (DoP), MQA 8x), 3 x optical (S/PDIF 24/96, MQA 8x), 1 x USB (32/384, DSD256 (DoP), MQA 8x, 1 x Network (24/192, DSD64 (DoP), MQA 8x)
- Line level Output
- 1 x unbalanced fixed (RCA), 1 x unbalanced variable (RCA)
- Streaming
- Spotify Connect (Lossless), Roon Ready, Tidal Connect, Google Cast, AirPlay, airable Internet Radio and Podcast, UPnP, JPLAY Certified
- Streaming formats
- MP3, WAV, FLAC, ALAC, AIFF, DSF, DFF, AAC, PCM, MQA, Ogg
- Frequency response
- 5 Hz - 180 kHz
- Signal-to-noise ratio
- More than 100 dB
- Crosstalk
- Less than -100 dB
- Distortion
- Less than 0.005% @ 50 W/8 Ω/1 kHz
- Intermodulation
- Less than 0.01% (19 kHz + 20 kHz)
- Damping factor
- More than 4000 (main power output stage)
- Dimensions incl feet
- 15 cm x 43 cm x 44 cm (HxWxD), 20 kg unit weight
- Dimensions (US)
- 5.9" x 16.93" x 17.32" (HxWxD), 44,1 lbs unit weight
Manufacturer's Description — Hegel
Streamlined Design and Performance
The Hegel H400 amplifier, affectionately nicknamed Streamliner, is a masterpiece of streamlined design and performance. The H400 is engineered to deliver exceptional audio quality while maximizing efficiency and enhancing the user experience. Whether you are an audiophile or a casual listener, the H400 promises a remarkable listening journey.
Optimized Audio Signal Processing
The H400 is a Class AB amplifier, delivering 250W of power into 8 ohms, and is stable down to 2-ohm loads. With a remarkable damping factor of 4000, H400 ensures tight control over your speakers, providing precise and dynamic sound. H400's dual mono construction and symmetrical layout ensure superior sound quality. The absence of an equalizer preserves signal integrity, while our SoundEngine 2 technology offers instant distortion correction during amplification. This results in a detailed, agile sound, delivering both punch and finesse while maximizing power efficiency. Experience your favorite music with a new level of clarity and richness, as the H400 faithfully reproduces every nuance and detail.
Features Shared with the Reference Amplifier
The H400 incorporates many of the same advanced features found in our reference integrated amplifier, ensuring high performance and value. It includes the same Dual Mono design, the same robust streaming platform, and a high-quality bit-perfect DAC based on the one in the H600. These shared features mean that the H400 delivers similar high standards of sound quality and versatility, making it a remarkable choice for discerning listeners.
Efficiency Through In-House Development
Every aspect of the H400 has been meticulously developed in-house, ensuring unparalleled quality control and cohesive design. This streamlined approach eliminates unnecessary steps and complications, allowing our engineers to focus on innovation and performance. By keeping development under one roof, we guarantee that every component and feature is perfectly integrated, enhancing overall efficiency and reliability. This in-house development strategy also allows for faster implementation of new features and improvements, ensuring the H400 remains at the forefront of audio technology.
Environmentally Friendly
Built from high-quality materials and components, the H400 is designed for durability and reliability, ensuring a long life, and minimizing the need for frequent maintenance. The SoundEngine 2 technology makes the H400 energy efficient, consuming minimal power while delivering top-tier performance. This technology, and the amplifier's auto standby feature, reduces energy waste and environmental impact without compromising sound quality.
Enhanced Visual Design
Designed with simplicity and intuitive operation in mind, the H400 features a sleek, minimalist front with two multifunctional knobs for source selection and volume control. The knobs can also be pressed to mute, pause, or navigate the device menu. The central display is clear and easy to read from a distance, showing only essential information. To maintain a clean and uncluttered appearance, the power button is discreetly located underneath the amplifier. This thoughtful design ensures that nothing distracts from the beauty of your audio setup.
Optimized Connectivity
The H400 offers a comprehensive range of analog and digital inputs, ensuring seamless compatibility with various audio sources. Its impressive power, detail, and control means you can connect any speaker, even those very hard to drive. With automatic signal detection, the H400 instantly recognizes connected digital audio sources and switches to the correct input, eliminating the need for manual selection. All inputs can be set at a fixed high volume, enabling the use of home theatre preamps and multi-room devices. It even has a TV remote function that lets you use your TV remote to control the amplifier, making your home entertainment setup more intuitive and user-friendly.
App for Streaming and Control
The H400 is optimized for simplicity, supporting popular streaming platforms such as AirPlay, Spotify Connect, Roon Ready, Tidal Connect, Google Cast, and UPnP. Users can control the amplifier through these services directly. Additionally, our Hegel Control App provides volume and input control, and access to internet radio, podcasts, and media server playback, enhancing the overall user experience. Whether you are streaming your favourite playlist or exploring new podcasts, the H400 makes it easy and enjoyable.
Multi-Room Audio
The H400 supports multi-room audio via Roon, AirPlay, and Google Cast, enabling synchronized music playback in different areas of your home. Imagine having the same high-quality audio in every room, seamlessly integrated with your smart home system. Enhance your home entertainment experience with the flexibility and convenience of the H400.
Optimized Design, Optimized Sound, Optimized Use
The Hegel H400 exemplifies streamlined design, offering an exceptional audio experience with ease of use and high value at its core. Discover the perfect blend of form and function with the H400, where every detail is designed to enhance your enjoyment of music.
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- Aalen Hifi — in-store — Schwäbisch Gmünd, Baden-Wurtemberg, Germany (website)
- Accessories 4 less — online and in-store — Apopka, Florida, United States (website)
- Ajasom — online and in-store — Amadora, Lisboa, Portugal (website)
- All Elite Audio — online and in-store — Perry Hall, Maryland, United States (website)
- Alpha High End — online and in-store — Brasschaat, Vlaams Gewest, Belgium (website)
- Altitudo Audio — online and in-store — Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada (website)
- Anagram Audio — online and in-store — Bury St Edmunds, England, United Kingdom (website)
- Analogue Seduction — online and in-store — Whittlesey, England, United Kingdom (website)
- Area Hifi — online and in-store — L'Eixample, Comunidad Valenciana, Spain (website)
- Aris Audio — in-store — Salt Lake City, Utah, United States (website)
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