Hegel H95: Budget amplifier with high-end potential

To replace the youngest in the Hegel line of integrated amplifiers – the popular H90 model – audio gurus from Oslo have prepared a new device. “Intelligence is change.” It was under this motto that the Hegel H95 was presented to the general public. Indeed, in combination with the signature “Hegel” sound quality, the widest possibilities for upgrade were built into its design.

For all the undoubted merits of the H90 amplifier, three years into its production its streaming and digital processing capabilities gradually became obsolete. And the recently released older models – H190 and H120 – were built on a more advanced software platform. Both devices offer access to Spotify Connect and a much more stable UPnP connection, and upcoming updates will make them compatible with AirPlay2. When creating the H95, Hegel engineers sought to provide its future owner with most of the functionality of older models.

The main advantage of the new product is the digital-to-analog converter. Today, most of the music content an amplifier handles is digital. The Hegel H95 uses the same DAC as the H120 and H190. And this is a significant step forward compared to the H90.

The new device demonstrates a completely different level of digital-to-analog conversion. It has become smoother, more accurate and dynamic. While analog signal processing has become more advanced, in the digital domain it is now carried out fundamentally differently. Hegel’s proprietary technologies provide complete control of the data flow, transmitting digital music to speakers without distortion.

By updating the software in the future, it will be possible to implement new functionality that will allow the device to remain relevant for many years. The device’s firmware is updated via the Internet and the on-screen menu. In addition, the menu allows you to view the IP address and other information. All inputs can be configured individually. A function has been implemented to bypass the volume control circuit, which allows you to integrate the amplifier into a home theater system. Another popular option today is to set the maximum volume for the headphone output and separately for the speaker output. You can also set the initial sound volume – the level at which the device starts working after turning on.

Finally, the Hegel H95 wakes up from standby mode to operating mode via the local network. Even if the device is turned off, you can still select it in the interface of Spotify, AirPlay, etc. And bring it out of standby mode! The analog part of the Hegel H95 is in many ways similar to the proven H90 platform. The developers provided it with an improved power supply and an analog stage. Design improvements have also been made to reduce noise in the headphone output.

The basis for the impeccable sound of the new amplifier is provided by proprietary Hegel Sound Engine 2 technology. It guarantees an extremely low level of distortion. And a very impressive damping coefficient of over 2000! The device demonstrates a dynamic, agile and powerful bass response. And that is why 60 W of output power is more than enough for the confident sound of the most “complex” speakers.

In many ways, the SoundEngine 2 works like noise-canceling headphones. The output signal of the amplifier is compared with the input signal. The system detects all sound pollution (distortion) and transmits the signal to the acoustic outputs, but in antiphase – like “1 – 1 = 0”. This neutralizes any distortion. And only pure, natural sound remains. SoundEngine technology took more than 30 years to develop from concept to full implementation. Investments in it amounted to millions of dollars.

The traditional, ergonomic Scandinavian design with a solid front panel inspires confidence. And the finishing touch was a clearly readable, informative OLED display. The Hegel H95 amplifier is able to change with the times and keep up with your needs. This approach makes it almost the ideal “heart” of a modern music system. This is the most convenient product to use, the most universal in its equipment and the highest quality sound not only for its cost, but also in comparison with more expensive models.

Specifications Hegel H95

Output power 2 x 60 W into 8 ohms
Minimum load 2 ohms
Analog inputs 2 x unbalanced (RCA)
Digital inputs 1 x coaxial S/PDIF, 3 x optical S/PDIF, 1 x USB, 1 x Ethernet
Line level output 1 x Unbalanced Variable (RCA)
Frequency Response 5Hz-100kHz
Signal to Noise Ratio More than 100dB
Distortion Less than 0.01% at 25W 8ohm 1kHz
Intermodulation Less than 0.01% (19kHz + 20kHz)
Damping Ratio More 2000
Dimensions 8 cm x 43 cm x 31cm (HxWxD),
Weight 10.6kg