HEGEL MUSIC SYSTEM H400 Streaming Integrated Amplifier User Manual

: September 13, 2024
: HEGEL MUSIC SYSTEM

Table of Contents

H400 Streaming Integrated Amplifier
Specifications
Product Usage Instructions
Quickstart
General Use
- FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)
Q: How do I disable Sleep/Auto Standby mode?
Q: What are the available inputs on the H400?

H400 Streaming Integrated Amplifier

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Specifications

Power Output: 250 watts
Damping Factor: 4000
Features: DAC, Built-in streaming section
Origin: Developed in Oslo, Norway

Product Usage Instructions

Quickstart

Connect your speakers: Ensure equal distance between listener
and speakers for optimal audio experience.
Connect a source: Use the various input options available –
analog, digital, USB, network streaming, etc.
Connect the power cord: Plug in the power cord to a suitable
power source.
Power up the amplifier: Use the power switch to turn on the
amplifier.

General Use

Source Selector: Change sources by turning the
selector on the front panel. Use buttons for play/pause, menu
access, and navigation.

Volume Selector: Adjust volume by turning the
volume selector. Press to mute/unmute and to exit menus.

Power Button: Turn the amplifier on/off with
the power button located on the underside. Hold to reboot.

Sleep/Auto Standby: Device enters standby mode
after 15 mins without signal. Adjust settings in Device Menu.

FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)

Q: How do I disable Sleep/Auto Standby mode?

A: You can disable or change the Sleep/Auto Standby settings in
the Device Menu. Refer to the user manual for detailed steps.

Q: What are the available inputs on the H400?

A: The H400 supports various inputs such as unbalanced analog,
balanced analog, BNC digital, coaxial digital, USB, network
streaming, and optical digital. Refer to the user manual for more
details on connecting different sources.

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H400 User Manual

Congratulations on your new Hegel H400.
Hegel has been making award-winning audio products for more than 25 years. We are proud of our legacy of creating greatsounding amplifiers. We believe a significant part of our success is that all Hegel products are developed from the ground up by our team in Oslo, Norway. This allows us to use cost- efficient components without compromising on quality and performance and to integrate advanced technologies exclusive to Hegel.

With H400, we have created an amplifier that is truly a testament to our goal of making high-quality products that offer great value for money. Because H400 is not just a really good analog amplifier. It also features a top-tier DAC and a very capable built-in streaming section. With 250 watts of power, a damping factor of 4000, and loads of details and dynamics, this all-inone music machine will make you want to stomp your feet. So, hook it up to a pair of good speakers and enjoy.

All Hegel products are based on a simple philosophy: Add as little as possible. We work to keep the music signal as close to the original as possible. We are always looking for ways to lower distortion and noise so that the music is only limited by the quality of the recording.

Bent Holter Founder Hegel Music System

2

Index

A word from Bent

2

What’s in the box

4

Quickstart

5

General Use

8

Connections

9

Digital Inputs and Formats

10

Network Setup

11

Streaming and Control App 12

Device Menu

14

Remote Control

16

General Information

17

Safety Instructions

18

Warranty and Disclaimers

19

IMPORTANT: Before powering on the amplifier, make sure you have read and understood the safety instructions and
warnings on page 18!

3

What’s in the box

Amplifier

Power Cord

Accessory Box

Remote Control

User Manual

4

Quickstart
1. Connect your speakers
For the best audio experience, the distance between the listener and each speaker should
be the same.

FUSE HOLDER

xxAT

5

2. Connect a source
Unbalanced Analog Balanced Analog BNC Digital Coaxial Digital
USB Computer Network Streaming Optical Digital
6

3. Connect the power cord

FUSE HOLDER

xxAT

4. Power up the amplifier

Power Switch
7

General Use

Source Selector The source can be changed by turning the source selector on the front panel. Press to pause/play. Press and hold to enter the menu. Turn the wheel to navigate. Press to select or enter submenus.
Volume Selector The volume can be changed by turning the volume selector on the front panel. Press the volume selector to toggle mute on/off. Press to exit the menu.
Power Button The H400 amplifier can be switched on and off with the power button located on the underside of the amplifier, towards the front of the unit. When powered on, press and hold the power button to reboot the amplifier.
NOTE: When powering up, the H400 takes a few seconds to calibrate, the outputs are muted and the volume flashes to indicate that mute is on. This is normal and is part of the start-up procedure. When the H400 has been switched off, wait 30 seconds before powering it on again.

Sleep/Auto standby In compliance with the EU Energy Efficiency Directive, the Hegel device will automatically go into standby mode after 15 minutes without sensing a signal, or with a very low signal on the speaker outputs. You can disable or change the Sleep/ Auto Standby settings in the Device Menu. When in standby, a small light in the bottom left corner of the display is lit.
Wake on LAN By default, the amplifier will not automatically wake when receiving an ethernet (LAN) signal. You can activate this feature in the Auto In settings in the Device Menu.
Automatic Update When entering standby mode, the device will automatically look for and install new updates. With Wake on LAN enabled, updates will download and install while in standby.
Critical Updates In rare cases, a critical update may occur. These will download and install immediately, even if the device is in use.

8

Connections

FUSE HOLDER

xxAT

Always power the amplifier off before connecting input/output audio cables and the power cable.
Right Channel Speaker · Right outputs
Digital Out (DAC loop) · BNC: Output BNC
Digital Input · BNC: Input BNC · Coaxial: Input Coaxial/RCA · Optical1: Input TOSLINK/EIAJ Optical · Optical2: Input TOSLINK/EIAJ Optical · Optical3: Input TOSLINK/EIAJ Optical · Computer USB input · Home network connection (LAN – RJ45)
Left Channel Speakers · Left outputs

Analog Inputs · XLR: Standard balanced analog input (Pin 1 is Chassis Ground; Pin 2 is Positive Phase; Pin 3 is Negative Phase) · Analog 1 (RCA): Standard analog input · Analog 2 (RCA): Standard analog input
Line Level Outputs · Fixed Line level (RCA)
WARNING High level output · Variable Line Level (RCA)
AC Power Connection · AC Power connector with fuse holder:
230V/115V/100V AC depending on country.
Home Theater Most inputs on the H400 can be used as a Home Theater input, see Device Menu.

9

Digital Inputs and Formats

Input sense All digital inputs except USB have input sense. When the H400 detects a signal on one of these inputs it will turn on and switch to the active input.

MQA (Master Quality Authenticated) Hegel H400 includes MQA technology, which enables you to play back MQA audio files and streams, delivering the sound of the original master recording.

Please visit support.hegel.com for a detailed description.

Bit perfect DAC The DAC in the H400 is bit-perfect, meaning it will not alter the resolution or content of an incoming digital signal.

Maximum supported resolution

Coax/BNC:

24/192 + DSD64(DoP)

Optical:

24/96

USB:

32/384 + DSD256(DoP)

Network:

24/192 + DSD64(DoP)

“MQA” or “MQA.” in the display indicates that the product is decoding and playing an MQA stream or file, and denotes provenance to ensure that the sound is identical to that of the source material. “MQA.” indicates it is playing an MQA Studio file, which has either been approved in the studio by the artist/producer or has been verified by the copyright owner. “OFS” confirms that the product is receiving a decoded MQA stream or file. This delivers the final unfold of the MQA file and displays the original sample rate.

Supported formats UPnP MP3, WAV, FLAC, ALAC, AAC, PCM, MQA, Ogg
USB The Hegel H400 has a plug-and-play USB DAC that is designed to work with computers. Connect it to your PC or Mac and enjoy all your music.

Hegel H400 supports up to MQA 8X (352.8kHz/384kHz)
Visit mqa.co.uk for more information.

10

Network Setup
Connection To be able to use the amplifier’s network and streaming features, the amplifier needs to be connected to your local network. Connect your Hegel amplifier using an Ethernet cable (not supplied) from the network connection (LAN – RJ45) port on the back of the amplifier to your router.

First time setup To enable all the network features on this device, you need to download and install the Hegel Control app. This can be found on Apple App Store and Google Play. Once installed, please follow the instructions in the app.
For detailed information on the Hegel Control App, supported formats, and much more, please visit support.hegel.com.
NOTE: Some of the features of the Hegel device require an internet connection.

Status Indicators The Hegel device will display the network status in the lower left corner of the display.
Network status is OK:
Troubleshooting If you experience problems with connecting the amplifier to the network or have other network issues, when powered on, press and hold the device power button until the device reboots. If that does not help, disconnect the power chord for at least 30 seconds and then reconnect.

11

Streaming and Control App

AirPlay With Apple AirPlay, you can enjoy your favorite music or podcasts on your Hegel device.
Choose the Hegel device in the list of AirPlay speakers. Go to apple.com/airplay to learn how.

Tidal Connect Tidal is a digital music and video streaming service that offers high resolution audio. With Tidal Connect you can stream your favorite music seamlessly across supported devices, without any loss in quality.

Spotify Connect Spotify is all the music you’ll ever need. Millions of songs available instantly. Just search for the music you love, or let Spotify play you something great.
Spotify works on your phone, tablet, computer and home-speakers. So you’ll always have the perfect soundtrack for whatever you’re doing. Go to connect.spotify.com to learn how to play to your Hegel device.

Google CastTM Google Cast is a feature that lets you stream your favorite music from your phone, tablet or laptop right to your amplifier. Simply tap the Cast icon from apps you already know and love to start streaming.
NOTE: To enable Google Cast, it is nessecary to accept the Google Terms of Service and Privacy Policy. This is done in the Hegel Control app that can be found in Apple App Store and Google Play.

WARNING: When streaming to the Hegel device, always remember to check the player/device volume setting before pressing play. The Hegel device will change its
volume to the volume set in the player.
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Airable The airable service enables hifi systems to meet the changing and challenging online media expectations of consumers. Airable gives access to the market-leading airable radio and podcast catalogues. The airable catalogue contains more than 70.000 radio stations and 70.000 podcasts worldwide. Access airable in the Hegel Control app.

UPnP/DLNA UPnP is a widely used media streaming protocol that is supported by a host of media player products and applications. When using UPnP/DLNA you can stream from locally stored files or music streaming services to the Hegel device. For details on how to set up your media player, please refer to the user manual supplied with the player.

Roon Ready Roon is a music management and listening solution which is dedicated to high sound quality and exceptional user experience.
You can stream audio from Roon to the Hegel device. Go to hegel.com/roon to learn more.

Hegel Control App The Hegel Control app is used for first-time setup of some of the device’s streaming features. It can control streamed music, volume, and inputs. The app also gives you access to airable internet radio and podcasts, as well as network configuration.
NOTE: Hegel may release automatic feature updates for both the product and the app.
For an up-to-date and in-depth description of its streaming features, please visit support.hegel.com

13

Device Menu

Navigation To enter the device menu, turn on the Hegel device and press and hold the COMPUTER PLAY button for 5 seconds. To navigate the menu, use the PREV and NEXT buttons. To select a sub-menu or feature, press the PLAY button. To exit the menu, navigate to “Exit” and press PLAY. You can also use the source selector to enter and navigate the device menu. See General Use.
NOTE: Some menu features require a connection to the internet to work properly See Network Setup.

Info Information about the Hardware Version of your product and the Firmware Version currently running.
Network Information about the Network Device Name and the IP Address of your device.
Sleep By default, this Hegel device will automatically go into standby mode after 15 minutes without music, or with a very low signal on the speaker outputs. The Sleep timer can be adjusted or disabled in this menu.

STREAMING PW R DISP

Menu navigation
PREV – Up PLAY – Select NEXT – Down

Auto In Change how the device operates when receiving a signal on digital inputs except USB. Configure Wake on Lan, Auto input switching, and Wake from standby on digital signal.

Volume Adjust maximum volume and maximum startup volume.

In this submenu, you can also activate the USB Volume feature. This enables you to control the volume of the device with a connected USB source like a computer or a streamer.

Warning: Always remember to check the connected device volume setting before pressing play. With USB volume activated, the amplifier will change its volume to the volume setting on the connected device.

14

Remotes Enables you to use your TV remote to turn on your Hegel device and adjust its volume. You can also configure automatic input selection and automatic power on.
*Works with most newer Samsung, Sony, LG, and Philips IR and Smart TV remotes.
HT Most inputs can be configured to act as a Home Theater input. This will set the input volume at a fixed high volume level. Only connect sources with volume control.
DAC-loop/Digital out Your device comes equipped with a DAC-Loop function. The function makes it possible to upgrade the digital inputs of the amplifier with an external high-end DAC. This is done by connecting the jitterreduced coaxial (BNC) digital output of the amplifier to the external DAC. The output of the external DAC must be connected to the XLR input of the amplifier.

Reset Here you can reset the product to the default factory settings. This will not affect any firmware updates you have installed.
Exit Exit the menu
NOTE: The Hegel device menu can be updated with new features and options.
For an up-to-date and in-depth description of the menu and its features, please visit support.hegel.com

In the DAC-Loop submenu, the Network and USB inputs can be enabled separately. Both these inputs take full advantage of the internal synchronous master clock. For these inputs, we recommend leaving the DAC-Loop function disabled as it in most cases will not benefit the sound.

In this submenu, you can also enable the digital output to always be active.

15

Remote Control – RC8

STREAMING PW R DISP

Remote control buttons

PREV
PLAY
NEXT
DAC+ PWR DISP
PREV
PLAY NEXT
IN+ STOP VOL+ INMUTE VOL-

Skip backward on compatible USB or network media players Play/Pause on compatible USB or network media players Skip forward on compatible USB or network media players Input selector on DACs Standby on amplifiers Display on/off on amplifiers Hold for display off Skip backward on CD-players Hold to rewind Play/Pause on CD-players Skip forward on CD-players Hold to fast- forward Switch to next input Stop on CD-players Volume up Switch to previous input Mute on amplifiers Volume down

General information This Hegel device can be controlled with the included Hegel RC8 Remote Control. The RC8 also controls other Hegel products, such as CD players and preamplifiers, and most connected media players.
Batteries The remote control uses two standard 1.5-volt LR03 AAA batteries. To insert the batteries, use a crosshead (Phillips) screwdriver to remove the back lid. When reassembling, be careful not to overtighten the screws.

16

General Information

Connecting a subwoofer The most common way to connect a subwoofer is from the variable line output on your Hegel amplifier. If your subwoofer is equipped with “high-level” speaker wire terminals, you can also use this. Many subwoofer manufacturers recommend this type of connection if it is available.
Please consult your subwoofer manual for detailed instructions on how to connect and configure your subwoofer for the best audio result.
Power All electrical components should be turned off or set in standby mode when not in use. This is due to safety, because all electrical components can fail, and it is good for the environment. Leaving your product on all the time could also shorten the life expectancy of the product.
That being said, our products sound even better when they are warmed up, typically after about 15 minutes of listening at a moderate volume.
Connecting your TV The best way to connect your TV is by using one of the optical inputs. If there is no sound, try changing the sound output in the TV’s settings menu. The setting should be changed to “optical” or “digital out” and the signal should be “PCM” or “stereo”. Please consult your TV manual for detailed instructions. If you experience dropouts in sound, please use the Optical 3 input.
The volume on this device can also be controlled by certain TV remotes. See Device Menu for more information.

Technical Specifications H400 Streaming Amplifier

Power output
Minimum load Analog inputs
Digital outputs

2250W in 8 ohms Dual Mono 2 ohms 1Balanced (XLR) 2Unbalanced (RCA) 1Coaxial (BNC) S/PDIF

Digital inputs

24/192
1*Coaxial (BNC) S/PDIF

24/192, DSD64(DoP), MQA 8x
1*Coaxial (RCA) S/PDIF

24/192, DSD64(DoP), MQA 8x
3*Optical S/PDIF

24/96, MQA 8x
1*USB

32/384, DSD256(DoP), MQA 8x
1*Network

24/192, DSD64, MQA 8x

Line level outputs

1*Unbalanced fixed

(RCA)

1*Unbalanced variable

(RCA)

Streaming

AirPlay, Roon Ready,

Spotify Connect, Google

Cast, Tidal Connect,

airable radio and

podcast, UPnP

Streaming formats

MP3, WAV, FLAC, ALAC,

AIFF, DSF, DFF, AAC,

PCM, MQA, Ogg

Frequency response 5Hz-180kHz

Signal-to-noise ratio More than 100dB

Crosstalk

Less than -100dB

Distortion

Less than 0.005% @

50W 8 Ohms 1kHz

Intermodulation

Less than 0.01%

(19kHz + 20kHz)

Damping factor

More than 4000

(main output stage)

Power use in standby

(w / wo wake on LAN) <2W / <0,5W

Dimensions/weight 15 x 43 x 44 cm

(HxWxD), 20kg

Dimensions/weight US 5.9 x 16.9 x 17.3″

(HxWxD), 44.1 lbs

17

Safety Instructions

Unpacking and Packing Remove the top shock absorber. When lifting the amplifier, avoid holding the knobs or connectors. Slide the bag off/on the device. When packing, make sure the bottom shock absorber is placed at the bottom of the original cardboard box. Place the amplifier into the shock absorber. Place the top shock absorber on top of the amplifier.
Placement and Cooling The Hegel amplifier should be placed on a flat, hard surface for proper cooling. The amplifier must never be placed on a carpet or similar surface as this obstructs air circulation through the unit. To maintain proper ventilation, leave a space of a minimum of 10 cm from the rear, top, and side panels of the device. The front side of the enclosure should be left open.
If overheated, the amplifier will automatically switch itself off. When it cools down the amplifier will turn back on, and the volume will be set to 0.
Warning: The surfaces of the amplifier may become hot during use. If hot, do not touch the panels of the amplifier, and let the amplifier cool down before moving or lifting it.
Connecting the wires Incorrect connections or damaged wires can cause short circuits, which can damage the amplifier, cause electrical shock, and pose a fire hazard. Follow this manual’s installation instructions and ensure all wires are connected correctly before connecting the power source.

Power source Only use the power source specified on the back panel and ensure the voltage matches the voltage in your area.
High volume Do not listen to music at high volumes for extended periods of time as this can cause permanent hearing damage and the inability to enjoy this amplifier to its fullest.
Cleaning Unplug the amplifier from the AC outlet before cleaning. Fingerprints or stains can be removed with a cloth lightly damped with warm water or a mild detergent suitable for cleaning mirrors and windows.
Proper use Use the amplifier only for its intended purpose and do not modify or misuse it in any way. The product is designed for indoor use only and must not be exposed to rain or moisture.
Repair Hegel products should only be opened or serviced by certified technicians. The devices contain electronic components that may cause severe electric shock. Work performed on Hegel products by unqualified personnel may cause serious damage or personal injury.
Opening the product by non-authorized personnel will void the warranty.

18

Warranty and Disclaimers

Warranty All Hegel products come with a 2-year warranty against defective materials and workmanship. The warranty is limited to the region where it was originally purchased. There is no need to register the warranty. The purchase receipt will work as a start date for the warranty.
In case you need assistance with your Hegel product, please contact your nearest dealer or distributor. These are listed on our website. Our dealers are carefully chosen for their expertise and should be able to help you with any Hegel-related issue.
You can of course always reach us directly by sending an email to info@hegel.com or by contacting us on our social media pages.
For more information about the H400, please visit www.hegel.com

Disclaimers
The Spotify Software is subject to third party licenses found here: www.spotify.com/connect/third-party-licenses
Use of the Works with Apple badge means that an accessory has been designed to work specifically with the technology identified in the badge and has been certified by the developer to meet Apple performance standards.
Apple, App Store, and AirPlay are trademarks of Apple Inc., registered in the U.S. and other countries and regions.
Google Play and Google Cast are trademarks of Google LLC.
Being Roon Ready means that Hegel uses Roon streaming technology, for an incredible user interface, simple setup, rock-solid daily reliability, and the highest levels of audio performance, without compromise.
MQA and the Sound Wave Device are registered trademarks of MQA Limited.© 2016

The TV remote functionality is not guaranteed to work with all TV remotes from the supported brands.

Technical specifications, streaming options, and features may change without notice.

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www.hegel.com
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