Integrated Amplifiers

On its website, Hegel makes sure to point out which of its streaming amplifiers support the new ‘Lossless’ playback mode from Spotify, namely those with its ‘advanced’ network audio platform – the H150 tested here, plus the H400 and H600. For subscribers to Spotify’s £12.99 per month ‘Premium’ tier (not those who listen to its free, ad-supported, streams), selecting the new ‘Lossless’ setting enables audio quality up to 44.1kHz/24-bit, depending on content.

This is a big deal for the streaming giant, as up until now it maxed out at 320kbps – but still leaves it in the shadow of Qobuz and Tidal, which both provide plans that stream in 192kHz/24-bit, for £12.99 and £10.99 per month, respectively. Spotify’s desktop player [pictured above] is a cut above, however, incorporating music video playback and six-band EQ!