Hegel H600
Commanding yet composed, H600 pairs iron-fisted speaker control with a jet-black background, effortless dynamics and expansive, sharply focused imaging. SoundStage Solo found its DAC unusually transparent and revealing, while The Absolute Sound praised its neutral, airy refinement. Extensive streaming, high-resolution DAC capability and 303W dual-mono muscle make this an exceptionally complete reference hub.
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Deliciously Crispy
Sound Quality
94/100
Build Quality
90/100
Features Connectivity
95/100
Value for Money
94/100
Pros
Effortless high-volume authority with exceptional grip, clean transients and powerful bass control.
Highly resolving, quiet presentation with strong separation, natural detail and refined imaging.
Integrated DAC and streaming platform are notably capable, complemented by extensive analogue and digital connectivity.
Cons
No built-in headphone output, Wi-Fi or Bluetooth; wired networking is required.
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What Reviewers Are Saying
SOUND QUALITY PERFORMANCE 94/100
Reviewers consistently describe an exceptionally clean, controlled and highly resolving presentation, combining major power with a composed, natural delivery. Its neutral Hegel character is widely praised for engagement and refinement, though a minority found it somewhat cool, lean or emotionally restrained with certain systems.
Transparency Resolution
96/100
SoundStage! heard a dead-quiet background, startling realism and distinctly separated instruments, while HiFi News praised greater detail and nuance than previous Hegel designs. The Ear likewise highlighted unusual resolution and smoothness, and reviewers repeatedly found that dense recordings were unpacked without strain.
Tonal Balance Musicality
90/100
Most listeners found the H600 neutral, natural, airy and refined rather than sterile, with rich instrumental textures and an engaging sense of musical flow. StereoLife dissented, calling it technically perfect but emotionally boring and slightly cool, while Stjernholm noted that its smooth, fine-grained character can sound lean with some speakers.
Dynamics
96/100
There is overwhelming praise for the H600's effortless headroom, transient speed and grip. The Ear called its attack and decay remarkable, while SoundStage! found it clean from near-whisper levels to very high output, and HiFi News reported massive punch and exacting control even at epic volumes.
Soundstage Imaging
94/100
The Absolute Sound described staging as wide, deep, high and well focused, and The Ear heard an immense, venue-revealing presentation. SoundStage! particularly praised space around instruments and sharp outlines, although one listening setup produced a wide but not especially deep stage.
Assessments of Build Quality, Usability, and Overall Propositions.
Build Quality
90/100
Reviews describe a rigid, well-designed aluminum enclosure with a solid base, ventilated double-layer top cover, substantial feet and refined, weighty controls. Audio2G found the scratch-resistant cabinet excellently crafted, while The Absolute Sound praised the elegant and rigid enclosure; reviewers say less about long-term ownership durability.
Features Connectivity
95/100
The H600 is unusually comprehensive: balanced and unbalanced analog inputs, extensive optical, coaxial, BNC and USB digital connectivity, network playback, a high-quality internal DAC, preamp outputs and broad streaming support including Roon Ready, Tidal Connect, Spotify Connect, AirPlay and Google Cast. Signal sensing, programmable TV-remote control and home-theater integration add everyday convenience, although The Ear noted the lack of a headphone output, Wi-Fi and Bluetooth.
Value for Money
94/100
At roughly $10,500-$13,800, several reviewers regard the H600 as unusually persuasive against costly separates and competing high-end integrated amplifiers. The Absolute Sound called it a terrific value and selected it as Integrated Amplifier of the Year, while its full review called it an incredible value; some reviewers still acknowledged that the purchase price is substantial and system-dependent.
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 303W in 8 ohms @ 1kHz 1% THD, 100/120/230V AC, Dual Mono
- Minimum load
- 2 ohms
- Analog inputs
- 2 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, MQA 8x
- Line level outputs
- 1 x Unbalanced fixed (RCA), 1 x Unbalanced variable (RCA)
- Streaming
- Spotify Connect (Lossless), AirPlay, Google Cast, Roon Ready, Tidal Connect, airable Internet Radio and Podcast, UPnP, JPLAY Certified
- Streaming formats
- MP3, WAV, FLAC, ALAC, AIFF, DSF, DFF, AAC, PCM, MQA, Ogg
- Frequency response
- 5Hz-100kHz
- Signal-to-noise ratio
- More than 100dB
- Crosstalk
- Less than -100dB
- Distortion
- Less than 0.005% @ 50W 8 Ohms 1kHz
- Intermodulation
- Less than 0.01% (19kHz + 20kHz)
- Damping factor
- More than 4000 (main power output stage)
- Dimensions/weight
- 17,1cm x 43cm x 44,5cm (HxWxD), 22kg
- Dimensions/weight US
- 6,74" x 16,93" x 17,52" (HxWxD), 48,51 lbs
Manufacturer's Description — Hegel
Reference Integrated Amplifier
H600 is our reference integrated amplifier. With its 303 watts in 8 ohms, a damping factor of 4000, and 2 ohms drive capability, this powerhouse of an amplifier can drive any speaker with confidence and ease. The amplifier is a dual mono design, bringing it as close as possible to the performance of two mono amps in a single box. It also boasts a state-of-the-art preamplifier with the extremely precise volume attenuator found in our reference P30A amplifier. All electronic circuitry is designed in-house, and we only use the best-quality components. This gives us unprecedented control over the amplification process. When we combine this with our SoundEngine2 correction technology, we are left with an audio signal that is as close to the original recording as possible. The result is an immensely wide and deep soundstage with incredible dynamic range and tremendous bass control. This amplifier reveals all the details and nuances in the music. All you have to do is connect a pair of really good speakers of your choice.
Built-in DAC
The H600's D/A Converter is a bit-perfect design, offering pure audio fidelity without any resampling or upsampling. The DAC has a large, dedicated power supply that ensures uncontaminated and stable performance, and it is shielded by a thick steel plate so there is no interference from other electronics inside the amplifier. The result is a cutting-edge D/A converter with incredible resolution and smoothness.
Sturdy casing for reduced vibrations
The chassis is made of aluminium for better audio performance. It includes a solid bottom chassis and top cover with vents milled in two layers for added rigidity and airflow. Big aluminium feet with an anti-scratch design ensure excellent stability and reduced vibrations, while high-quality RCA connectors and optimized positioning of the analog and digital connectors provide less noise and better channel separation. The large control knobs are equipped with touch control, making this amplifier effortless and intuitive to operate. They also have a very nice tactile feel, making every adjustment a delight.
Streaming Made Simple
At Hegel, we believe that great audio should not come at the expense of ease of use. That is why the H600 features a comprehensive list of streaming options. It supports UPnP streaming, Spotify Connect, Airplay, Tidal Connect, Google Cast™, and Roon Ready. This is however only the beginning. This highly advanced streaming engine will ensure the amplifier is always up to date with the latest options for you to stream your music. The H600 is also highly customizable to ensure it suits any environment. All digital inputs except USB have signal sense. This means that any device connected to these inputs can wake the amplifier and set it to the right input. In addition, the volume can be limited so that it suits your max volume preference.
Digital Connectivity
With our remote-control feature, you can program the amplifier to be commanded by common TV remotes, eliminating the need for using two remotes and making it easier for all members of the household to get great TV sound. Most inputs can also be set as a fixed high-level Home Theater input, making it easy to combine the H600 with surround receivers or multi-room devices. As with streaming, more features will be available in the future. These firmware updates are of course always free, and the amplifier will install them automatically when they are launched, ensuring your H600 is always up to date.
A true powerhouse
The amplifier boasts a large array of analog and digital connections to accommodate various audio sources. There are two pairs of True Balanced XLR inputs and two pairs of RCA inputs. On the digital front, it features a LAN network port, an USB 32/384 input (supporting DSD256/DoP), three optical inputs, a coaxial input, and a BNC true 75-ohm input. For analog outputs, it offers a pair of RCA fixed-level outputs and a pair of RCA variable-level outputs. Additionally, it provides a BNC fixed-level true 75-ohm digital output. The H600 is an extremely capable and great-sounding amplifier. It is highly versatile and delivers high-end sound and ease of use, all in a high-quality and minimalistic housing that fits any interior style. The H600 is a hub for your digital music, a home for all your connected sources, with a sound suitable for mansions. H600 is a powerhouse.
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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)
and 156 more verified dealers