SKU: 18255170607

Hegel Preamplifier P20

Sale price$1890.00 Regular price$2100.00
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Description

Hegel Preamplifier P20Hegel P20 Preamplifier The Hegel P20 is the entry level preamplifier from Hegel Music Systems (Oslo, Norway), available at Vinyl Sound in Toronto, Canada. Sharing the same design philosophy as the reference P30A and achieving a signal to noise ratio exceeding 130 dB in balanced mode, the P20 offers a genuine entry point into Hegel's reference separates line at a significantly more accessible price. Built around innovative Silicon Germanium transistors

Hegel P20 Preamplifier

The Hegel P20 is the entry-level preamplifier from Hegel Music Systems (Oslo, Norway), available at Vinyl Sound in Toronto, Canada. Sharing the same design philosophy as the reference P30A and achieving a signal-to-noise ratio exceeding 130 dB in balanced mode, the P20 offers a genuine entry point into Hegel's reference separates line at a significantly more accessible price. Built around innovative Silicon Germanium transistors and high-frequency components repurposed in ways unique to Hegel, the P20 delivers the enormous soundstage, deep rhythmic bass, and precise timing that define the Hegel sound in a compact, beautifully finished chassis.

Reference Preamplifier Performance at an Accessible Price

Hegel considers the preamplifier the most delicate and most critical component in any audio system. Because signal levels at the preamplifier stage are so low, even the smallest amounts of noise or distortion obscure fine detail and collapse the soundstage. Designing the P20 to match the P30A's 130 dB SNR figure required Hegel to develop entirely new approaches rather than simply scaling down the reference design. The answer was Silicon Germanium transistors, a material with superior noise and linearity characteristics compared to conventional silicon, combined with high-frequency components not originally intended for audio, implemented in circuit topologies that had never previously been applied in preamplifier design. The result is an open, natural, and remarkably detailed sound at a price point that sets a new standard for the category.

Key Features

  • Signal-to-Noise Ratio Greater Than 130 dB (Balanced): Matches the reference P30A's SNR figure, delivering a pitch-black background in any system regardless of price
  • Silicon Germanium Transistors: Superior noise and linearity characteristics versus conventional silicon transistors, enabling reference-grade quiet operation at an entry-level price point
  • Balanced XLR Input and Output: True balanced signal path for minimal noise when used with balanced power amplifiers and source components
  • 5 Total Inputs: 1 x balanced XLR, 4 x unbalanced RCA, plus a dedicated Home Theater bypass input
  • Home Theater Bypass Input: Fixed-level input for seamless integration with a surround processor as part of a home theater system
  • Balanced XLR, Unbalanced RCA, and Fixed Recording Outputs: Simultaneous connectivity to power amplifiers, subwoofers, and recording devices
  • RC8 Solid Aluminium Remote Control: Milled from a single piece of aluminium with bead-blasted and anodised finish matching the preamplifier; controls volume, source selection, and mute; also controls all other Hegel products
  • THD Below 0.005%: Reference-grade distortion figure shared with the P30A
  • Bead-Blasted and Anodised Aluminium Chassis: Premium surface finish with a tactile quality that matches the P30A aesthetic at a more accessible scale

Technical Specifications

Signal-to-Noise Ratio > 130 dB (balanced mode)
Crosstalk < -100 dB
THD < 0.005%
Intermodulation Distortion < 0.01% (19 kHz + 20 kHz)
Analogue Inputs 1 x XLR Balanced, 4 x RCA Unbalanced, 1 x Home Theater (fixed level)
Analogue Outputs 1 x XLR Balanced, 1 x RCA Unbalanced, 1 x RCA Fixed Recording
Remote Control RC8 solid aluminium; volume, source, mute; controls all Hegel products
Finish Black (bead-blasted and anodised aluminium)
Dimensions (H x W x D) 8 x 43 x 30 cm / 3.2" x 17" x 12"
Weight 10 kg / 22 lbs

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Hegel P20?

The Hegel P20 is the entry-level preamplifier in Hegel's reference separates line, delivering a signal-to-noise ratio exceeding 130 dB in balanced mode and THD below 0.005%. It features Silicon Germanium transistors, a balanced XLR input and output, five total inputs including Home Theater bypass, and Hegel's RC8 solid aluminium remote control. It is the most accessible entry point into Hegel's separates preamplifier lineup.

What is the difference between the Hegel P20 and the P30A?

Both the P20 and P30A achieve a signal-to-noise ratio exceeding 130 dB in balanced mode and THD below 0.005%. The P30A adds a fully balanced dual-amplifier architecture per channel with hand-matched FET transistors selected by Hegel's chief engineer, SoundEngine feed-forward distortion correction, a second balanced XLR input, and additional output flexibility including a configurable fixed-level output. The P20 uses Silicon Germanium transistors and a more streamlined circuit to achieve the same headline figures at a lower price point. For most listeners the P20 represents exceptional value; the P30A is the choice for those building an uncompromising reference system.

What power amplifier pairs best with the Hegel P20?

The P20 works with any Hegel power amplifier via its balanced XLR or unbalanced RCA outputs. The Hegel H20 stereo power amplifier is a natural and well-matched partner at a comparable price level. The P20 is also fully compatible with third-party power amplifiers. Contact Vinyl Sound Toronto for a personalised system recommendation based on your speakers and budget.

Does the Hegel P20 have a phono input?

No. The P20 is a pure line-level preamplifier with no built-in phono stage. Vinyl listeners should add a dedicated phono preamplifier such as the Hegel V10, connected to one of the P20's four unbalanced RCA inputs or its balanced XLR input.

Can the Hegel P20 be used in a home theater system?

Yes. The P20 includes a dedicated Home Theater bypass input that accepts a fixed-level signal from a surround processor, allowing the P20 and a partnering stereo power amplifier to serve as the front-channel stage in a home theater setup without interfering with the P20's volume control in two-channel mode.

What is the RC8 remote control and what does it do?

The RC8 is Hegel's solid aluminium remote control, milled from a single piece of metal with the same bead-blasted and anodised finish as the P20 chassis. It controls volume, source selection, and mute on the P20, and also operates all other Hegel products in the system including integrated amplifiers and CD players, eliminating the need for multiple remotes.

Where can I buy the Hegel P20 in Toronto or Canada?

The Hegel P20 is available at Vinyl Sound in Toronto, Canada, an authorised Hegel dealer. Contact us to arrange an in-store audition or to discuss pairing the P20 with a Hegel power amplifier and speakers suited to your room and listening preferences.

Shipping Notes
  • Free Standard Shipping on $100+ Orders to the USA.
  • Except Preorder products are shipped in 48 hours.
  • Delivery to the USA:
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Exchange/Return Notes
  • We offer a 30-day return/exchange service after receiving.
  • Final sale items are not eligible for returns or exchanges.
  • To process your return/exchange, please contact us at [email protected]
  • Please click here for more details>>> Return & Exchange Policy
SKU: 18255170607

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Jessica Ward
West Palm Beach, US
★★★★★ 5
Perfect Enrichment for my Puppy
Size: Small, Number of Items: 1
Amazing!! Super durable and exactly what I was looking for! My dog loves this and it keeps him very busy! It fits about half a cup inside and can be used anywhere.
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Reviewed in the United States on June 1, 2026
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Gerald B
Belleville, US
★★★★★ 4
Can't be clean but provides fun.
Size: Small, Number of Items: 1
It's well made and our pup really does like it. The only thing is, it doesn't fully open to clean it out. I wouldn't buy it again for that fact. It's tough plastic and sturdy.
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Reviewed in the United States on April 13, 2026
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Susan Goforth
Battle Creek, US
★★★★★ 5
Best dog toy!!
Size: Large, Number of Items: 1, Size: Large, Number of Items: 1
Best dog toy ever. They stayed occupied and have fun !
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Reviewed in the United States on June 8, 2026
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D. Gilbert
Charlottesville, US
★★★★★ 3
Good contruction but needs a couple revisions
Size: Small, Number of Items: 1
Searching for an interactive toy to feed my beagle his meals from, I first tried the . It split open too easily in rough play and only had the capacity to hold half of a meal. Next I tried for it's larger capacity but it broke at the lid (to Premier's credit they replaced it but I feared it would simply break again). Now on to the Bob-A-Lot. This is a heavy, well made product. I was surprised by the weight. My dog can pick it up but can't carry it for very long. I feel it's not going to break like the others did. That said, the extra weight makes it a noisy toy especially on hard wood floors. The small Bob-A-Lot holds a little over 1 cup of food (large holds 3 cups) but there is a caveat. This is the capacity of the lower chamber. There is actually a separate chamber in the top of the toy that only holds about quarter cup. As a result I have to shake and shake the toy myself to get the food to drop into the lower chamber to load in a complete meal. It's either that or insert food 1 piece of kibble at a time. I wish this toy screwed apart like the IQ Treat Ball or Tug-A-Jug. Despite it's appearance, it does NOT screw apart in the middle. Also slightly annoying is the bottom door doesn't stay fixed into position well. The IQ Treat Ball smartly has several positions for the door to stay locked in. The Bob-A-Lot door is fully adjustable but has often come open more than I want during feeding. As a result the kibble will spill out faster which ruins the challenge. I inquired to Starmark support and they suggested that I use a bit of cardboard or some such to try and jam the door into a specific position. This right here tells me that some additional design could be used. I'd say that the Bob-A-Lot was designed with dogs in mind but not humans. It's a chore to load in the food. And then the door opens too much giving the dog an easy meal. I might even guess that it takes less time for my dog to empty it than it takes for me to fill it. Overall it's the best option I've found but I'm still searching for the perfect combination of all 3 of the toys.
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Reviewed in the United States on July 30, 2011
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DrM
Dallas, US
★★★★★ 5
Aggressive chewer approved
Size: Large, Number of Items: 1, Size: Large, Number of Items: 1
Got this to help amuse my 90lb GSD while I was out of town for a month. He gets one meal a day in it, and really enjoys the work. It’s easy, not a puzzle, no frustration, just a “job.” He chewed on the yellow top pretty aggressively while I was gone, and it still works fine. This is a dog that destroys even the most durable chew toys in minutes to hours when he’s anxious, and I imagine he experienced some anxiety while I was gone especially during periods when he was alone. So, I’m quite pleased with the durability. This will definitely stay in the meal service rotation and I will replace it if necessary. One thing to note: the fill hole is pretty small. His kibble is small enough that one might think it would easily pour right in, but no. At some point I’ll get annoyed enough to pull out my drill and make that hole larger.
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Reviewed in the United States on March 22, 2026

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