Description

For listeners who care more about musical flow than feature lists

The Hegel P20 is a stripped-back, transparent preamplifier designed for people who want to hear more music and less equipment. It brings balance, depth and authority to any system — without adding noise, colour or distraction.

Built with premium components and a layout optimised for signal purity, the P20 strips the experience back to what matters: timing, dynamics and emotional engagement. With RCA and XLR inputs and outputs, a Home Theatre bypass, and a beautifully machined RC8 remote, it’s a flexible, elegant control hub for serious two-channel systems.

Pair it with a Hegel power amplifier — or a model from another brand — and you’ll unlock the full resolution of your sources while keeping the noise floor vanishingly low. It doesn’t try to impress with specs or features. It just gets out of the way and lets the music through.

Features

  • Silicon-germanium transistors for ultra-low noise
  • Balanced (XLR) and unbalanced (RCA) inputs and outputs
  • Home Theatre input for seamless AV integration
  • Short signal paths and low-output impedance for better control
  • RC8 solid aluminium remote included
  • Over 130 dB signal-to-noise ratio

Why Choose the Hegel P20?

  • It’s for listeners who don’t want their gear to get in the way
    The P20 removes noise and distortion so you can hear more of what matters.
  • It’s ideal for building a modular, future-proof system
    With its clean analogue design and flexible connectivity, it’s a great match for many power amps and DACs.
  • It works beautifully with the Hegel H20, H30A or other high-end amps
    You get tonal balance, timing precision, and deep dynamic control — no glare, no grain, no hype.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does the P20 include a DAC or streaming features?

No — it’s a pure analogue preamp, with no digital circuitry or unnecessary processing. Pair it with your preferred DAC or source for best results.

Can I use it with a non-Hegel power amp?

Yes. It has both XLR and RCA outputs and performs superbly with many high-end amplifiers. That said, it’s sonically matched to work especially well with Hegel’s H20 and H30A.

What’s the benefit over a Hegel integrated amp?

Separating the pre and power stages allows for better performance, greater upgrade potential and more flexible system design. The P20 is quieter, more transparent and more revealing than the preamp section in any Hegel integrated.

What’s the Home Theatre input for?

It allows you to pass a fixed-level signal from an AV processor straight through the P20. That means you can use your stereo speakers for both music and film, without constantly adjusting volume levels.

Can I demo it or try it at home?

Yes. We offer a 30-day return policy and in-person demos by appointment. Contact us to arrange a home trial or to discuss system matching.

Why buy from Strictly Stereo?

We’ve stocked Hegel for over a decade and know how to get the best out of their pre/power combos. Whether you’re pairing the P20 with a Hegel amp or using it in a multi-brand setup, we offer honest advice and real-world experience. We support every sale with a 30-day return window, UK-wide delivery, and help at every stage — from choosing the right cables to fine-tuning system synergy.

Specifications

Attributes Value
Brand

Hegel

Colour

Black

Audio Inputs

1 x balanced XLR, 4 x RCA unbalanced and Home Theatre inputs

Audio Outputs

1 x balanced XLR (variable), 1 x unbalanced RCA (fixed), 1 x unbalanced RCA (variable)

Signal-to-Noise Ratio

>130 dB in balanced mode

Crosstalk

<-100 dB

Distortion

<0.005%

Intermodulation

Less than 0.01% (19 kHz + 20 kHz)

Dimensions (WxDxH)

430 x 300 x 80 mm

Weight

10 kg

Try it with these…

Expert Advice

Call 0161 399 0993 or contact us anytime. We’ll be happy to help.

Authorised Dealer

Genuine UK stock with full manufacturer-backed warranty and support.

Free Delivery & Installation

Free delivery and expert installation by an experienced professional.

Free Returns

Try at home risk free with free 30-day no hassle returns.

Part Exchange

Trade-in available on orders over £1,000. Ask us for a trade-in quote.

Price Promise

We’ll match any competitor’s offer. Request a price match.