Hegel H600 - User Manual

The Hegel H600 is a reference integrated amplifier designed to deliver high-end sound and ease of use within a minimalist, high-quality housing. Its core philosophy is to add as little as possible to the music signal, aiming to keep it as close to the original as possible by minimizing distortion and noise. This approach ensures that the music's quality is limited only by the recording itself. The H600 is a powerful amplifier capable of driving a wide range of speakers with confidence and ease, offering an immensely wide and deep soundstage, incredible dynamic range, and tremendous bass control to reveal all the details and nuances in music.

Function Description

The H600 serves as a central hub for a high-fidelity audio system, integrating amplification and a comprehensive suite of digital and analog inputs, along with extensive streaming capabilities. It functions as a digital media renderer, allowing users to stream from various sources.

Usage Features

General Operation:

The amplifier features a straightforward front panel with a source selector and a volume selector. The source selector is used to change the input source by turning the wheel. Pressing it pauses or plays, and pressing and holding it enters the device menu. The volume selector adjusts the output volume by turning the wheel. Pressing it toggles mute on/off, and it also serves to exit the menu.

Power Management:

The H600 can be switched on and off using a power button located on the underside of the amplifier, towards the front. Pressing and holding this button reboots the amplifier. Upon powering up, the device undergoes a brief calibration period, during which outputs are muted, indicated by a flashing volume display. It's recommended to wait 30 seconds after switching off before powering it on again.

Automatic Standby and Wake-on-LAN:

In compliance with EU Energy Efficiency Directives, the H600 automatically enters standby mode after 15 minutes of not sensing a signal or detecting a very low signal on the speaker outputs. This "Sleep/Auto Standby" feature can be adjusted or disabled through the Device Menu. Additionally, the amplifier supports "Wake on LAN," allowing it to automatically wake up when it receives an ethernet (LAN) signal. This feature is disabled by default but can be activated in the "Auto In" settings within the Device Menu.

Software Updates:

The H600 is designed to automatically check for and install new updates when placed in standby mode, ensuring it always has the latest features and performance enhancements.

Input and Output Connectivity:

The H600 offers a wide array of connection options:

Speaker Outputs: Dedicated outputs for right and left channel speakers.
Digital Out (DAC loop): A BNC output for connecting to an external DAC, allowing for an upgrade of the digital inputs.
Digital Inputs: Includes BNC, Coaxial/RCA, three Optical TOSLINK/EIAJ inputs, a Computer USB input, and a Network (LAN - RJ45) connection.
Analog Inputs: Two balanced XLR inputs and two unbalanced RCA inputs.
Line Level Outputs: Both fixed and variable unbalanced RCA outputs are available. The fixed output is a high-level output, so caution is advised.

Input Sense:

All digital inputs, except USB, feature input sense. This means the H600 can detect a signal on an input and automatically switch to that active input. This functionality can be configured in the "Auto In" settings of the Device Menu.

DAC Functionality:

The H600 incorporates a bit-perfect DAC, ensuring that the resolution and content of incoming digital signals are not altered. It supports a wide range of resolutions and formats across its digital inputs, including MQA (Master Quality Authenticated) for playing back MQA audio files and streams, delivering the sound of the original master recording. The display indicates when an MQA stream or file is being decoded and played.

USB DAC:

The plug-and-play USB DAC is designed for seamless integration with computers (PC or Mac), allowing users to enjoy music directly from their devices.

Network and Streaming:

To utilize its network and streaming features, the H600 must be connected to a local network via an Ethernet cable (not supplied) to a router. The amplifier has its own Network Configuration page, accessible by entering its IP address in a browser, where users can change network name and IP settings. The network status is displayed on the amplifier's screen.

Streaming Options:

The H600 supports a comprehensive list of streaming options:

UPnP/DLNA: Functions as a digital media renderer, allowing streaming from locally stored files or music streaming services.
Spotify Connect: Enables direct streaming from Spotify.
AirPlay 2: Allows users to stream music and podcasts from Apple devices.
Tidal Connect: Provides seamless streaming of high-resolution audio from Tidal across supported devices.
Chromecast built-in: Offers additional streaming capabilities.
Roon Ready: Integrates with Roon for an enhanced music management and playback experience.

Device Menu:

The Device Menu provides access to various settings and information. It is entered by pressing and holding the "PLAY" button on the remote for 5 seconds (or using the source selector on the front panel). Navigation is done using "PREV" and "NEXT" buttons, with "PLAY" to select.

Info: Displays hardware and firmware versions.
Network: Shows device name and IP address.
Sleep: Configures the auto-standby timer.
Auto In: Adjusts how the device responds to signals on digital inputs.
Volume: Allows setting maximum volume and maximum startup volume. It also enables the "USB Volume" feature, which allows controlling the amplifier's volume via a connected USB source.
Remotes: Configures the amplifier to respond to TV remotes for power and volume control, and enables automatic input selection and power on.
HT (Home Theater): Most inputs can be configured as Home Theater inputs, setting their volume to a fixed high level. This is intended for sources with their own volume control.
DAC-loop/Digital out: Activates the DAC-Loop function to connect an external DAC for digital input upgrades. It also allows enabling the digital output to be always active.
Reset: Resets the product to factory default settings without affecting firmware updates.
Exit: Exits the menu.

Connecting a Subwoofer:

The recommended method for connecting a subwoofer is via the variable line output. If the subwoofer has "high-level" speaker wire terminals, this option can also be used, and is often recommended by subwoofer manufacturers.

Connecting a TV:

The best way to connect a TV is through one of the optical inputs. If there's no sound, users should check the TV's sound output settings, ensuring it's set to "optical" or "digital out" and the signal is "PCM" or "stereo."

Remote Control (RC8):

The included RC8 remote control can operate the H600 and other Hegel products (CD players, preamplifiers) and most connected media players. It features buttons for streaming control (PREV, PLAY, NEXT), DAC input selection (DAC+), power/display control (PWR, DISP), CD player control (PREV, PLAY, NEXT, STOP), and input/volume control (IN+, IN-, VOL+, VOL-, MUTE).

Maintenance Features

Cleaning:

Before cleaning, the amplifier should be unplugged from the AC outlet. Fingerprints or stains can be removed with a cloth lightly damped with warm water or a mild detergent suitable for cleaning mirrors and windows.

Placement and Cooling:

For proper cooling, the H600 must be placed on a flat, hard surface, never on a carpet or similar material that could obstruct airflow. A minimum space of 10 cm should be maintained from the rear, top, and side panels, with the front side of the enclosure left open. If the amplifier overheats, it will automatically switch off and reset the volume to 0 when it cools down. The surfaces of the amplifier may become hot during use, so caution is advised when moving or lifting it.

Repair:

Hegel products should only be opened or serviced by certified technicians. Opening the product by non-authorized personnel will void the warranty due to the risk of severe electric shock and potential damage.

Warranty:

All Hegel products come with a 2-year warranty against defective materials and workmanship, limited to the region of original purchase. The purchase receipt serves as the start date for the warranty, and no registration is required. Support is available through dealers, distributors, or directly from Hegel via email or social media.

Hegel H600 Specifications

General

Frequency Response	5 Hz - 100 kHz
Signal-to-Noise Ratio	More than 100dB
Damping Factor	More than 2000
Minimum Load	2 Ohms
Total Harmonic Distortion	<0.005%
Inputs	XLR, RCA
Analog Inputs	2 x XLR, 2 x RCA
Digital Inputs	1 x Coaxial (S/PDIF), 3 x Optical (S/PDIF), 1 x USB, 1 x Network
Line Level Output	1 x Unbalanced Fixed (RCA), 1 x Unbalanced Variable (RCA)
Outputs	1 x headphone output