Hegel H190V Integrated Amplifier and Streamer at Vinyl Sound Buffalo, NY

The H190V is a streaming integrated amplifier from Hegel Music Systems (Oslo, Norway), available at Vinyl Sound in Buffalo, NY. Nicknamed "More Music," this evolution of Hegel's all-time best-selling H190 integrates 150 watts per channel of Class AB power, a V10-derived MM phono stage, a high-resolution DAC, a dedicated headphone amplifier, and full network streaming — including AirPlay, Spotify Connect, Roon Ready, and DLNA/UPnP — into a single solid-steel and aluminum chassis. A damping factor exceeding 4000 and a dedicated power supply for the preamplifier and DAC sections set the H190V apart from rivals at this level. The H190V carries a Hi-Fi+ Best Integrated Amplifier Up To £5k award for 2024, recognizing it as one of the finest all-in-one amplifiers available today.

SoundEngine Technology, Dual Power Supplies, and Class AB Output Stage

At the core of the H190V is a Class AB output stage delivering 2 x 150 watts into 8 ohms, supported by a large toroidal transformer and high-quality output transistors chosen for both power and precision. What separates the H190V from its predecessor is a second, fully independent power supply dedicated exclusively to the preamplifier and DAC sections. This architectural improvement lowers the noise floor to a level Hegel describes as pitch-black, ensuring that delicate low-level detail — ambience, decay, spatial cues — is never masked by power-supply contamination from the amplifier stages. The result is a damping factor of more than 4000, one of the highest in its class, delivering iron-fisted bass control that translates directly to better-defined low frequencies and effortless command of difficult speaker loads down to 2 ohms.

V10-Derived MM Phono Stage, Headphone Output, and Streaming Platform

The H190V marks a significant departure from Hegel's previous integrated amplifier philosophy by incorporating a Moving Magnet phono stage derived directly from the circuit topology of the award-winning V10 phono preamplifier. While the standalone V10 allows DIP-switch adjustment of gain, capacitance, and MC loading, the H190V's phono input is optimized specifically for MM cartridges, delivering the same expansive, dynamic character that made the V10 a critical success. A 6.3 mm front-panel headphone output drives demanding headphones from a dedicated amplifier stage. On the streaming side, the H190V connects to your network via Ethernet and supports AirPlay, Spotify Connect, Roon Ready, and DLNA/UPnP — with IP control for integration with smart-home systems from Control4, Crestron, and Savant. Most inputs can be set to fixed high-level Home Theatre mode, and the H190V can be programmed to respond to common TV remote codes, eliminating the need for a second handset.

Key Features

• 150W Class AB Amplification: 2 x 150 watts into 8 ohms with a damping factor exceeding 4000, delivering precise bass control and effortless drive of speakers down to 2-ohm loads.
• V10-Derived MM Phono Stage: The Moving Magnet phono input is built around the circuit topology of Hegel's EISA-awarded V10 phono preamplifier, giving vinyl listeners a genuinely high-end replay experience within an integrated design.
• Dedicated Preamp and DAC Power Supply: A separate power supply for the preamplifier and DAC sections eliminates noise contamination from the power amplifier, producing a pitch-black background.
• Built-In High-Resolution DAC: Accepts digital sources at up to 24-bit/192kHz via coaxial and network inputs, with three optical inputs at 24/96 and a USB input at 24/96.
• Full Streaming Integration: AirPlay, Spotify Connect, Roon Ready, and DLNA/UPnP built in; IP control compatible with Control4, Crestron, and Savant smart-home platforms.
• Dedicated Headphone Amplifier: A 6.3 mm front-panel output with a high-quality dedicated stage capable of driving demanding headphone loads.
• Home Theatre and Smart Home Ready: Inputs configurable as fixed high-level Home Theatre pass-through; programmable to accept common TV remote codes for single-remote convenience.
• Precision-Milled Aluminum Chassis: Solid steel enclosure with a thick aluminum front panel and machined aluminum knobs, available in black or white.
• Variable and Fixed Outputs: Both fixed and variable RCA outputs for connecting subwoofers, power amplifiers, or external devices.

Technical Specifications

Connections at a Glance

• 1 x XLR balanced analog input
• 2 x RCA unbalanced analog inputs
• 1 x RCA phono input (MM)
• 1 x RCA coaxial digital input (24/192)
• 3 x Optical digital inputs (24/96)
• 1 x USB digital input (24/96)
• 1 x Network (Ethernet) input (24/192)
• 1 x RCA fixed line output
• 1 x RCA variable line output
• 1 x 6.3 mm headphone output (front)
• IP control port (Control4, Crestron, Savant compatible)

Awards and Critical Recognition

• Hi-Fi+ Best Integrated Amplifier Up To £5k Award, 2024
• Reviewed by SoundStage! Hi-Fi, hi-fi+, and multiple European publications — consistently praised for bass control, soundstage, and all-in-one versatility

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Hegel H190V?

The Hegel H190V is a streaming integrated amplifier from Hegel Music Systems of Oslo, Norway, delivering 150 watts per channel of Class AB power with a damping factor exceeding 4000. It includes a V10-derived MM phono stage, a built-in high-resolution DAC, a dedicated headphone amplifier, and network streaming via AirPlay, Spotify Connect, Roon Ready, and DLNA/UPnP — making it a genuine all-in-one source, preamplifier, and power amplifier in a single chassis.

How does the Hegel H190V compare to the NAD M33?

The H190V and the NAD M33 are both streaming integrated amplifiers at a similar level, but they differ significantly in design philosophy. The H190V uses a pure Class AB analog output stage with a damping factor exceeding 4000 for highly controlled, tonally natural amplification, while the NAD M33 uses a Purifi-based Class D output stage with Dirac Live room correction built in. The H190V adds a V10-derived MM phono stage — absent on the M33 — making it the stronger choice for vinyl listeners. The M33 appeals to those who want digital room correction; the H190V suits audiophiles who prioritize pure analog amplification with a low noise floor and a broad feature set including phono replay.

Can the Hegel H190V work in a home theatre system?

Yes, the H190V integrates easily into a home theatre setup. Any analog or digital input can be configured as a fixed high-level Home Theatre pass-through, allowing a surround processor or AV receiver to control volume while the H190V handles the front left and right channels. It can also be programmed to accept common TV remote codes for single-remote volume and source control across the household.

What is the MM phono stage in the H190V based on?

The H190V's Moving Magnet phono stage is a scaled adaptation of the circuit topology used in Hegel's standalone V10 phono preamplifier, which won the EISA Phono Stage Award for 2021-2022. While the V10 provides user-adjustable gain, capacitance, and MC loading via DIP switches, the H190V's implementation is optimized specifically for MM cartridges, delivering the same character of open, dynamic, and detailed vinyl playback in a more streamlined integration.

Does the Hegel H190V support Roon?

Yes, the Hegel H190V is Roon Ready certified, meaning it functions as a full Roon endpoint and can be controlled and browsed entirely within the Roon interface. It also supports AirPlay, Spotify Connect, and DLNA/UPnP for listeners who prefer those platforms.

What smart home systems work with the Hegel H190V?

The H190V supports IP control and is compatible with Control4, Crestron, and Savant smart home automation platforms. This makes it straightforward to integrate the amplifier into whole-home audio systems, assign it to scenes or routines, and manage it alongside other connected devices.

Where can I buy the Hegel H190V in Buffalo, NY or the USA?

The Hegel H190V is available at Vinyl Sound in Buffalo, NY — an authorized Hegel dealer serving audiophiles across Western New York and the broader United States. Visit Vinyl Sound to audition the H190V alongside compatible speakers, sources, and cabling.