New Hegel H150 Prodigy: An All-in-One Streaming Amp with High-End DNA

When Hegel replaces a model in its lineup, it’s never just a cosmetic refresh. The new H150 Prodigy succeeds the much-loved H120 and instantly positions itself as one of the most compelling all-in-one amps in its price class. Compact, versatile, and sonically ambitious, the H150 is designed to be the beating heart of a modern music system — whether you’re streaming, spinning vinyl, or plugging in a pair of serious headphones.

Why “Prodigy”?

Hegel didn’t choose the nickname lightly. The H150 may be the entry point to the company’s range, but it behaves like a star pupil, borrowing innovations from its heavyweight siblings while adding features of its own. The result is an amp with a rare mix of power, polish, and practicality — a solution that feels far more expensive than it is.

With streaming built in, a dedicated MM phono stage, and even a brand-first USB drive input for direct playback, the H150 covers just about every listening habit without leaning on extra boxes. And thanks to its compact footprint — only 35 cm deep — it fits neatly into shelves and media cabinets where traditional amps struggle.

Design That Blends In, Sound That Stands Out

In typical Hegel fashion, the industrial design is understated but purposeful. Available in black or white, the H150 sports a thick, precision-milled aluminum faceplate, tactile control knobs, and a central OLED display that can be dimmed or switched off entirely. The steel top plate, perforated with vents, adds a touch of quiet confidence while keeping things cool.

It’s hi-fi that doesn’t scream for attention — until you hit play.

Amplifier Muscle

On paper, 2 x 75W into 8 Ohms might look modest. In practice, Hegel’s proprietary SoundEngine 2 technology turns those watts into something much more authoritative. With a damping factor of 2000 and stability down to 2 Ohms, the H150 grips loudspeakers with uncanny control.

This is a custom class AB amplifier, fed by a hefty low-noise toroidal transformer and ultra-fast capacitors, designed to deliver bursts of current instantly when the music demands it. The result? Bass with punch, mids with openness, and treble that feels precise without ever turning clinical. It’s the kind of amp that makes ordinary speakers sound better, and demanding speakers sound alive.

Digital Brains and Streaming Flexibility

Inside, a custom four-layer DAC (inspired by Hegel’s flagship Viking CD player) ensures that digital playback matches the amp’s analog prowess.

Streaming support is broad and forward-thinking: Spotify Connect, Tidal Connect, Qobuz Connect, Apple AirPlay, Google Cast, UPnP, and Roon are all built in. Firmware updates arrive automatically, so your amp evolves with new services over time. This isn’t just an amp — it’s a platform.

Connectivity Without Compromise

The H150 is as versatile as it is powerful. Highlights include:

• Digital inputs: 2x optical (one TV-optimized), coaxial, USB-B, network port

• USB-A input: for flash drives or external hard disks (music library browsable in the Hegel Control app)

• Digital output: coaxial, enabling DAC-loop or external speaker systems

• Analog inputs: 1x RCA, 1x balanced XLR, plus a dedicated MM phono stage for turntables

• Headphone output & variable line-out: for private listening or easy subwoofer integration

  
  

It’s the sort of Swiss Army knife flexibility that makes the H150 equally at home in a vinyl-first system, a streaming-led living room setup, or a hybrid hi-fi/home theater rig.

Ease of Use: Hi-Fi Without the Hassle

Despite its audiophile pedigree, the H150 is built for everyday life. Digital inputs and streaming services wake the amp automatically, instantly switching to the right source. Volume can be managed by most TV remotes, or via the sleek aluminum handset included in the box.

For deeper control, the Hegel Control app offers input switching, volume, internet radio, and podcasts, plus management of connected USB drives. Multi-room audio is supported out of the box via AirPlay, Google Cast, and Roon, with voice commands available through Google Home or Apple Home.

In short: anyone in the household can use it without needing to know a thing about hi-fi.

A Compact Giant

The Hegel H150 Prodigy is proof that greatness doesn’t only come in towering monoblocks or bank-breaking price tags. Compact, versatile, and deeply musical, it’s the kind of integrated amplifier that bridges worlds: audiophile performance with modern convenience, serious engineering with everyday usability.

For those who want a single box that truly does it all — and does it well — the Prodigy more than earns its name.