P20

The P20 is a line-level preamplifier that controls volume and source selection and passes the signal on to a power amplifier. It was designed as a lower-cost entry to Hegel's separates range and carries over ideas from the larger preamplifier above it in the line. The circuit uses Silicon Germanium transistors together with high-frequency components that were not originally intended for audio.

There are five regular inputs: one balanced XLR and four unbalanced RCA. A separate Home Theatre input lets the unit be integrated into a surround system. Outputs include one balanced XLR, one unbalanced RCA and one RCA recording output. A fixed line-level output is also mentioned.

Volume, source and mute are operated from the supplied Hegel RC8 remote, which is milled from a single piece of aluminium with the same bead-blasted, anodised finish as the preamplifier. The unit is finished in black and weighs 10 kg.