This year I finally started putting together a proper high-end audio system. For once it wasn’t about headphones but about loudspeakers, and after investing in a pair of KEF Q750 floorstanders, the next step was finding the right amplifier. That search led me to the Hegel H95 — the entry-level network integrated amplifier from the Norwegian brand. Priced around $2000, the H95 promises an all-in-one solution: integrated DAC, streaming support, and Hegel’s proprietary SoundEngine 2 technology. But can it truly live up to the hype?
Hegel H95 Review: Nordic Precision with an Emphasis on Control and Transparency
Design & Build
At first glance, the H95 looks unmistakably Hegel. The design has barely changed in decades: a minimalist black chassis with two oversized knobs, a central OLED display, and a curved front panel. The unit weighs about 10.6 kg, which feels substantial for its compact size (8 × 43 × 31 cm). Cooling is handled via generous ventilation slots on the top and bottom, with the whole unit resting on three tall rubber feet for stability and reduced resonance.
The remote control is basic plastic, but functional, with quick access to volume, input switching, and playback. Nothing fancy here, but it does the job.
Everything you need is included in the kit.
Connections & Features
Despite its simplicity, the H95 packs in a lot of functionality:
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Analog: 2 × RCA inputs, 1 × RCA variable output
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Digital: 1 × coaxial, 3 × optical, 1 × USB-B
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Network: Ethernet with UPnP, Spotify Connect, AirPlay 2 (no Wi-Fi or Bluetooth)
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Headphones: 6.3 mm output on the front panel
The built-in AK4490EQ DAC handles digital conversion, and the amplifier delivers 2 × 60 W into 8 ohms, with a damping factor over 2000. In standby, power draw is just 2 W, peaking at 250 W under load.
This isn’t just an integrated amp — it’s a proper network hub, though Hegel deliberately avoids wireless modules, arguing that wired connections minimize interference and preserve sound quality.
The design of the Hegel H95 , like all products from the Norwegians, has not changed for at least 20 years.
Everyday Use
One neat trick: you don’t even need to press the power button. Start playback from AirPlay or Spotify, and the H95 wakes up automatically. In daily use, it feels more like a modern media appliance than a traditional amp. The OLED screen is bright and clear, showing inputs and volume steps (100 in total).
The rear panel is equipped with a large number of not only analog, but also digital outputs
Sound Quality
Here’s where things get interesting. I tested the H95 with my KEF Q750 floorstanders and also with Sennheiser HD 800S headphones.
With Speakers
Via USB-B, the H95 sounds at its best: dynamic, energetic, and detailed. Bass is fast, articulate, and well-controlled, with enough authority to handle rock, electronic, or hip-hop with ease. The midrange is clean and transparent, while the highs are crisp and extended. The soundstage is wide and coherent, though not the deepest I’ve heard.
But there’s a catch. With the Q750s — already quite bright and revealing — the H95 can come across as too lean and forward. At lower volumes (~30–40%), it feels balanced and even slightly warmer, but when pushed harder the presentation turns sharp and fatiguing. The “wow” factor was strong at first, but over time I found myself wishing for more body and warmth. Pairing it with darker-sounding speakers (or cables) would likely yield better synergy.
The Hegel H95 is built on a classic Class A/B amplification scheme, but with the company’s proprietary improvements.
With Headphones
The headphone output is more of an afterthought. With the HD 800S, the H95 sounded clean but uninspiring: lacking mid-bass weight and overall warmth. It’s usable in a pinch, but serious headphone listeners will want a dedicated amp.
Verdict
The Hegel H95 is a beautifully engineered compact network amplifier that delivers a lot in a single box: high-quality DAC, streaming support, excellent build, and most importantly, a sound signature that is fast, neutral, and highly detailed.
That neutrality is both its strength and its weakness. Paired with already bright or analytical speakers like the KEF Q750, it can tip into harshness and listener fatigue. With warmer, darker speakers, however, it will shine — offering a clean, powerful, and emotionally engaging performance.
Pros
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Sleek, timeless design
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Excellent build quality and ventilation
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Wide range of digital and analog inputs
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Integrated DAC and network streaming
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Energetic, detailed, and controlled sound
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Useful OLED display and auto-wake feature
Cons
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No Wi-Fi or Bluetooth
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Headphone output is underwhelming
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Can sound too sharp with bright speakers
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Remote control feels cheap for the price
Bottom line: The Hegel H95 is an impressive all-rounder for those who want a compact, no-nonsense integrated amplifier with modern network features. Just make sure to pair it with the right speakers — and it could easily be the heart of your hi-fi system for years.
