Hegel H120 - Stereo Integrated Streaming Amplifier

The Hegel H120 Integrated Streaming Amplifier is a small step up from other entry level amplifiers in terms of price, but it is a solid step up in features and performance. The significantly larger power supply creates a more dynamic sound and for combining with large loudspeakers presenting more challenging drive loads.

The digital section is taken directly from its bigger siblings, and this is really the core of the H120. We see the typical user of the H120 as people who are into digital music streaming. For the money, we claim that the H120 does that better than anything else.

Hegel H120 Video Review - by Studio Incar

Digital-to-Analog-Conversion

The digital-to-analog conversion is of the highest quality in the H120, with technology crafted from the ground up by Hegel. You can take full control of the digital data stream, using technology developed from Hegel's absolute reference products, ensuring digital music delivery in its purest form. The result for you is perfectly natural sound, without any artifacts that make you want to turn the volume down.

Network Streaming Connectivity

The Hegel H120 has the following streaming capabilities:

• Apple Airplay
• Spotify Connect
• IP Control
• Control4
• UPnP (Universal Plug-and-Play) Streaming

More features are already in progress and will be offered at no cost, using the easy Firmware update functionality. All inputs are configurable for volume bypass, so you can integrate in a home theater. Whatever you want, you can do it with the H120.

SoundEngine 2 Technology

The H120 uses the Hegel SoundEngine 2 amplifier platform allowing a damping factor higher than 2000 together with extremely low distortion levels. In many ways it works like a noise cancelling headphone. It compares the output of the amplifier with the input. It detects all the sound pollution (distortion), and plays this forward into the speaker output, but in reverse phase.

Like 1 minus 1 equals 0. It cancels out all pollution in real time, leaving you with only the most natural sound. The SoundEngine technology has been developed over more than 30 years, from conception to where it is now. Millions of dollars were invested in initial development. It is what makes possible the sound performance for the money in the H120.

Is the Hegel H120 Roon Ready?

Yes. As of 3rd March 2022, Hegel released firmware update p5117.31, which includes Roon compatibilty. The H120 has been certified as Roon Ready and Roon tested.

See the Hegel amplifiers on Roon's Partner Page - Here

• Roon Ready - Roon Ready network devices have Roon’s streaming technology built in, and are certified by Roon Labs to provide the highest level of quality and performance in network streaming.
• Roon Tested - Roon Tested devices work over USB, HDMI, AirPlay, Google Cast, and other protocols. They have been profiled by the Roon team to ensure simple setup and effortless daily use.

When will the Hegel H120 have Apple AirPlay 2?

As of January 19th 2023, with Firmware update p5123.3102, the Hegel H120 is now AirPlay2 compatible.

Hegel H120 External Review

Hi-Fi Choice Magazine gave the Hegel 120 its Editors Choice Rating. Read the Full Review HERE.

What's in the Box?

• Hegel H120 - Integrated Amplifier
• User Manual
• Power Cable
• Hegel RC8 - Remote Control
• Accessory Box

Technical Specifications

• Power Output: 2 x 75 W into 8 Ω
• Minimum Load: 2 Ω
• Analog Inputs: 1 x balanced (XLR), 2 x unbalanced (RCA)
• Digital Inputs: 1 x coaxial (RCA), 3 x optical, 1 x USB, 1 x Network
• Line level Output: 1 x unbalanced variable (RCA)
• Frequency Response: 5 Hz - 100 kHz
• Signal-to-noise ratio: More than 100 dB
• Crosstalk: Less than -100 dB
• Distortion: Less than 0.01% @ 50 W/8 Ω/1 kHz
• Intermodulation: Less than 0.01% (19 kHz + 20 kHz)
• Damping Factor: More than 2000 (main power output stage)
• Dimensions incl feet: 10 cm x 43 cm x 31 cm (HxWxD), 12kg

Hegel Amplifiers Comparison Chart

Further Information

Hegel H120 - User Manual

HiFi Bundle offer available for the Hegel H120

At Studio Incar we offer expertly curated systems based off our personal listening experience and knowledge. These systems use components that, when combined, allow them to play to their strengths and compliment each other in the best possible way.

Analog Based System - 1

• Source - Pro-Ject X2 - Turntable - £1199
• Amplifier - Hegel H120 - Integrated Amplifier - £2400
• Speakers - Amphion Argon 3S - Standmount Speakers £2200 - 2350
• Cables - Chord RumourX - Speaker Cables - £20 per metre (bare cable)

Hegel 120 / Pro-Ject X2 / Amphion Argon 3S - HiFi Bundle - Product Link

Analog Based System - 2

• Source - Pro-Ject X2 - Turntable - £1199
• Amplifier - Hegel H120 - Integrated Amplifier - £2400
• Speakers - Dynaudio Special 40 - Standmount Speakers £2800
• Cables - Chord RumourX - Speaker Cables - £20 per metre (bare cable)

Hegel H120 / Pro-Ject X2 / Dynaudio Special 40 - HiFi Bundle - Product Link