Hegel P20 - Stereo Preamplifier

The P20 is our entry-level preamplifier and offers an affordable gateway into the Hegel Reference product line. Designing the P20 was not a task we took lightly. Many of the ideas and concepts were taken from its bigger brother. Although on a smaller scale, many of the good features remain: the huge soundstage, the deep rhythmic bass response, the perfect timing... In short, the feeling of being there with the performers.

The P20 comes with a high quality system remote control, machined from a single piece of aluminum. It has the same sandblasted and anodized surface finish as the preamp itself. You can really feel the quality of every part of the P20; not just hear it. There are a total of 5 regular inputs. Both balanced and unbalanced. Additionally, a special Home Theater input allows for integration into Home Theater systems. Finally, there are both balanced and unbalanced outputs, as well as a fixed line level output.

The idea behind the P20 was, as mentioned, to offer a more affordable entry into our line of separates. But more importantly, it was to set a new standard for price and performance in preamps. Something we think we’ve achieved. The preamp is perhaps the most delicate unit in an audio system. Because signal levels are so low, even the smallest levels of noise or distortion smear the image and mask the fine details that bring music to life.

In designing the P20, we achieved the highest sound quality at such a low price by using brand new technologies, such as silicon germanium transistors. We also implemented high-frequency components that were not originally designed for audio and used them in ways that had never been used before. The result is an open and natural sounding preamplifier at a very competitive price.