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Hegel A200 & H200
Hegel is introducing two new integrated amplifiers built around the same core platform but aimed at different types of system. The H200, described by the manufacturer as "The Connected", combines a 2 x 150 W amplifier with a digital-to-analogue converter, network player, MM phono stage and headphone output. The A200, or "The Classic", retains the same power output and key circuit solutions, but is an entirely analogue design intended for use with external sources such as streamers and DACs. Both amplifiers employ a Class AB output stage delivering 150 W per channel into 8 ohms. The H200 and A200 are designed to remain stable into loads as low as 2 ohms, while the damping factor of their output stages exceeds 4000. Both models also feature Hegel's SoundEngine2 technology, which is designed to detect and reduce distortion at the point where it occurs, before it travels further through the signal path. The basic amplifier architecture is therefore shared, with the main differences concerning connectivity, features and the role each model is intended to play within a system. Rather than creating one heavily equipped amplifier for everyone, Hegel has developed two versions - a complete network-enabled model and a more traditional integrated amplifier without a digital section.
The more extensively equipped H200 has been conceived as the central component of a system, capable of accommodating both analogue and digital sources. Its analogue connectivity includes one balanced XLR input, two RCA inputs, fixed and variable line-level outputs and a headphone socket. The amplifier also features an MM phono input based on the corresponding section of Hegel's standalone V10 phono stage, using hand-matched FET transistors and carefully selected operational amplifiers. Hegel stresses that this is not simply a basic module added to extend the specification list, but a fully developed part of the analogue signal path. It is also worth noting that the H200 designation has appeared in the company's history before, although the new amplifier is an entirely different design.
The H200's digital section accepts signals via one coaxial input, two optical inputs, USB-B, USB-A and a network connection. The coaxial, USB-B and network inputs support signals up to 24-bit/192 kHz, while the optical inputs handle material up to 24-bit/96 kHz. The USB-A port allows music to be played directly from a storage device containing up to 10,000 tracks. Hegel says that the DAC, streamer and amplifier were designed as integrated parts of a single product. The development of the digital section therefore involved not only signal conversion itself, but also power supply design, grounding, clocking, filtering and the protection of the analogue circuitry from noise generated by the digital electronics. Key digital modules are mounted on separate circuit boards.
The H200 supports Spotify Connect Lossless, TIDAL Connect, Qobuz Connect, Apple AirPlay, Google Cast, Roon, UPnP, airable internet radio and podcasts. Playback can therefore be started directly from the application of the chosen service, without requiring the exclusive use of Hegel's own software. The Hegel Control app provides input selection, volume adjustment and playback control, as well as access to internet radio, podcasts, UPnP libraries and music stored on a USB drive.
Hegel has also equipped the H200 with several features intended to make everyday use more straightforward. Digital Input Sense can automatically switch on the amplifier and select the appropriate input when a signal is detected. The unit can learn volume commands from a television remote control, while a fixed volume level can be assigned to each input. This makes it easier to integrate the amplifier with an AV receiver or another component that controls the signal level independently. Users can also set the start-up and maximum volume, enable automatic standby and adjust the brightness of the display, including switching it off completely. The H200 is compatible with Control4, Crestron HOME and Crestron SIMPL automation systems, and is designed to receive firmware, app and feature updates automatically.
Another important feature is the coaxial digital output, which works with Hegel's DAC Loop function. This allows the signal to be sent to an external converter while the H200 continues to serve as the network player, source selector, volume controller and amplifier. The owner can therefore begin with a single unit containing all the main system functions and later add a separate DAC without giving up the H200's remaining capabilities.
The A200 has been developed for systems based entirely on analogue sources or digital components equipped with their own converters. It has no streamer, DAC or digital inputs. Hegel is targeting the model at users who already own an external converter or network player, listen through a turntable, disc player or tuner, or simply prefer systems in which every component performs one clearly defined task. The A200 is intended to leave the choice of sources entirely to the owner while concentrating on analogue amplification.
The rear panel carries two balanced XLR inputs and two RCA inputs. The amplifier also provides a fixed line-level output, which can be used with a recorder or a second system, and a variable output for components such as a subwoofer or external power amplifier. The specification is completed by a headphone output and an MM phono input based on the same design used in the H200. Compared with the network-enabled model, the A200 therefore offers one additional XLR input, but no digital connections.
Despite its more traditional architecture, the A200 retains most of the functions associated with everyday operation. A fixed volume level can be assigned to individual inputs, allowing the amplifier to be integrated with a home cinema system or another component with its own volume control. The A200 can also respond to volume commands from a television remote. Users can set the start-up and maximum volume, enable automatic standby and adjust the display brightness or switch the display off.
In terms of their core specifications, the two models are very similar. Frequency response extends from 5 Hz to 100 kHz, the signal-to-noise ratio exceeds 100 dB, channel crosstalk is below -100 dB and stated distortion remains below 0.01% at 50 W into 8 ohms at 1 kHz. Both amplifiers measure 43 x 41 x 12 cm. The H200 weighs 13.6 kg and will be available in black or white, while the analogue A200 weighs 13.5 kg and will be offered in black only. The H200 is due to begin shipping in late August and will cost €3,995. The A200 is scheduled to follow in October, priced at €3,295. Info and pictures by Hegel Music Systems.
