Hegel H400 Integrated Amplifier

The Hegel H400, nicknamed the Streamliner, is a high-performance integrated amplifier from Hegel Music Systems (Oslo, Norway), available at Vinyl Sound in Toronto, Canada. Delivering 250 watts per channel into 8 ohms in a dual-mono configuration, with a damping factor exceeding 4,000 and stability down to 2-ohm loads, the H400 shares its core architecture, streaming platform, and DAC lineage directly with Hegel's reference H600 integrated amplifier. It was awarded the EISA Premium Streaming Amplifier 2024-2025, recognising it as one of the finest streaming integrated amplifiers available at its level.

H600 DNA in a Streamlined Package

The H400 carries over three defining elements from the reference H600: the same dual-mono amplifier construction, the same robust streaming engine, and a bit-perfect DAC based directly on the H600's design. SoundEngine2 feed-forward distortion correction actively eliminates distortion during amplification in real time, resulting in a signal that is as faithful to the original recording as possible. The symmetrical layout and absence of any equalisation preserve signal integrity throughout. For listeners who want genuine reference-class Hegel performance in a more streamlined, value-conscious format, the H400 is the natural choice.

Streaming and Smart Home Integration

The H400 supports Spotify Connect (Lossless), Apple AirPlay, Google Cast, Roon Ready, Tidal Connect, UPnP, airable Internet Radio and Podcast, and JPLAY. Multi-room audio is supported natively via Roon, AirPlay, and Google Cast for synchronised playback across your home. Automatic signal detection switches to the correct input the moment a connected device begins playing. The Hegel Control App provides volume and input control plus access to internet radio, podcasts, and media server playback. All firmware updates are free and installed automatically.

Key Features

• 250 Wpc Dual-Mono (8 Ω), Stable to 2 Ω: Enough power and current delivery to drive any loudspeaker, including low-sensitivity and difficult-impedance designs
• Damping Factor Greater Than 4,000: Exceptional loudspeaker control, identical to the reference H600, for tight, fast, precisely defined bass
• SoundEngine2 Distortion Correction: Hegel's patented feed-forward technology corrects distortion instantly during amplification without the drawbacks of traditional negative feedback
• Dual-Mono Construction with Symmetrical Layout: Fully independent left and right channels for superior channel separation and soundstage precision
• Bit-Perfect DAC (H600-Based Design): No resampling or upsampling; USB supports 32-bit/384 kHz and DSD256 via DoP for the highest resolution sources
• Comprehensive Streaming Platform: Spotify Connect (Lossless), AirPlay, Google Cast, Roon Ready, Tidal Connect, UPnP, airable Radio and Podcast, JPLAY Certified
• Multi-Room Audio Support: Synchronised playback across multiple rooms via Roon, AirPlay, and Google Cast
• Automatic Signal Detection: Detects active digital sources and switches inputs automatically, no manual selection needed
• Home Theater Bypass: All inputs configurable as fixed high-level inputs for integration with surround processors and multi-room devices
• TV Remote Learning: Programs to respond to standard TV remotes for simplified whole-room control
• Hegel Control App: Volume, input selection, internet radio, podcast, and media server control from any smartphone or tablet
• Minimalist Front Panel: Two multifunctional knobs for source and volume; press to mute, pause, or navigate menus; power button discreetly located underneath
• Auto Standby and Energy Efficiency: SoundEngine2 minimises power draw at idle; auto standby reduces energy waste without any compromise to sound quality
• Free Automatic Firmware Updates: New streaming services and features added automatically as they become available

Connections at a Glance

• Analogue Inputs: 1 x Balanced XLR, 2 x Unbalanced RCA
• Digital Inputs: 1 x BNC Coaxial (24/192, DSD64, MQA), 1 x RCA Coaxial (24/192, DSD64, MQA), 3 x Optical (24/96, MQA), 1 x USB (32/384, DSD256, MQA), 1 x Network LAN (24/192, DSD64, MQA)
• Analogue Outputs: 1 x RCA Fixed, 1 x RCA Variable
• Digital Output: 1 x BNC Coaxial S/PDIF (24/192)

Technical Specifications

Awards and Critical Recognition

• EISA Premium Streaming Amplifier 2024-2025 — awarded by the European Imaging and Sound Association, representing over 60 specialist publications across 29 countries

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Hegel H400?

The Hegel H400, nicknamed the Streamliner, is a dual-mono integrated amplifier from Hegel Music Systems delivering 250 watts per channel into 8 ohms. It shares its core architecture, streaming platform, and DAC lineage with the reference H600, and won the EISA Premium Streaming Amplifier award for 2024-2025.

What is the difference between the Hegel H400 and the H600?

The H600 is Hegel's reference integrated amplifier at 303 watts per channel, featuring two balanced XLR inputs and the P30A-grade volume attenuator. The H400 delivers 250 watts per channel with one balanced XLR input and shares the same dual-mono design, SoundEngine2 technology, streaming platform, and DAC architecture as the H600. For most listeners and speaker combinations the H400 delivers performance that is extremely close to the H600 at a lower investment.

Is the Hegel H400 Roon Ready?

Yes. The H400 is fully Roon Ready certified and appears as a network endpoint in the Roon ecosystem, receiving bit-perfect audio directly over your home network without any additional hardware or converters.

What streaming services does the Hegel H400 support?

The H400 supports Spotify Connect (Lossless), Apple AirPlay, Google Cast, Roon Ready, Tidal Connect, UPnP, airable Internet Radio and Podcast, and JPLAY. New streaming platforms are added via free automatic firmware updates.

Can the Hegel H400 drive difficult or low-sensitivity speakers?

Yes. With 250 watts per channel, a damping factor exceeding 4,000, and stability down to 2-ohm loads, the H400 has the power and current delivery to drive virtually any loudspeaker confidently, including planars, electrostatics, and speakers with demanding impedance curves.

Does the Hegel H400 support multi-room audio?

Yes. The H400 supports synchronised multi-room playback natively via Roon, Apple AirPlay, and Google Cast, allowing you to play the same music in multiple rooms simultaneously as part of a wider smart home audio system.

Can the Hegel H400 be used with a home theater system?

Yes. All inputs on the H400 can be configured as fixed high-level Home Theater bypass inputs for integration with a surround sound processor or AV receiver. The TV remote learning feature also allows the H400 to be controlled by a standard television remote.

Where can I buy the Hegel H400 in Toronto or Canada?

The Hegel H400 is available at Vinyl Sound in Toronto, Canada, an authorised Hegel dealer. Contact us to arrange an in-store audition or to discuss building a complete system around the H400.