Hegel H120 is an integrated amplifier with network functions. And if you are tired of the standard black and silver “Hi-Fi colors”, you will appreciate the white Hegel H120 case. The clean lines here are complemented by a crisp OLED display with white symbols, making the overall amplifier very modern and minimalistic in design. The only downside to this fresh approach to style is that your other components may seem a little outdated compared to the newcomer. But this seems to only confirm Hegel’s philosophy of removing everything unimportant, leaving only the enjoyment of music. The Hegel H120 is literally begging to be the only hi-fi component in sight in the modern home.
The elegantly curved aluminum front panel is equipped with only a 6.35mm headphone jack and two controls that smoothly change the volume and allow you to select the input. On the rear there are inputs for analog signals on XLR and two pairs of RCA connectors, one of which can be switched to constant amplification mode (Home Theater input). Digital outputs are three optical, USB and one coaxial, as well as an Ethernet connector that allows the device to stream music via UPnP/DLNA or AirPlay. The Hegel H120 amplifier can be integrated into smart home systems controlled from a phone or tablet. The kit includes a remote control that allows you to control all functions and can even turn off the display.
Concluding the description of possible connections, it is worth mentioning the preamplifier outputs for connecting a power amplifier or subwoofer, as well as powerful speaker terminals that provide any type of
connection. SoundEngine 2 technology eliminates the traditional use of negative feedback, while employing a form of localized positive feedback that delivers outstanding results. Simply put, this proprietary technology allows for very low distortion levels, very high damping rates, providing total control over the speakers, far more efficient than you would expect from a 75-watt amplifier. Digital circuits support 24-bit/192kHz resolution over coaxial, optical and network interfaces, while USB input is limited to 24-bit/96kHz.
Hegel H120 has Apple Airplay, Spotify Connect, IP Control, Control4 and UPnP streaming. Additional features will be offered free of charge using a simple software update. All inputs are configured to bypass volume, so you can integrate them into your home theater or (for example) Bluesound or Sonos. Whatever you want, you can do it with H120.
Hegel has packed many of the benefits of its various components into one slim, stylish package. The Hegel H120 amplifier sounds much more powerful than you expect from it and copes with complex speaker systems without any problems.
