Denon HEOS Link HS2 Streaming Preamplifier, Silver

The Denon HEOS Link HS2 is a network preamplifier that turns any existing system into a streaming system via HEOS – with no power amp of its own.

Do you have a tube amp, an old integrated amplifier with character, or a power amp driving active speakers, and still want to stream Spotify, Tidal, Qobuz or internet radio? That's exactly what the Link HS2 is built for. It hooks onto your existing amplifier via RCA or digitally and brings HEOS multiroom into play – your amplifier stays the sound character, the Link supplies the source.

Why the HEOS Link HS2?

Because it bridges the gap between an "old amplifier" and "modern streaming" without you having to replace your existing power amp. The pre-out can be set to fixed or variable: fixed, if your amplifier itself handles the volume – variable, if you connect the Link directly ahead of a power amp or active speakers and want to control the volume via the HEOS app.

On top of that comes a subwoofer output for extra bass and a trigger output that automatically wakes external power amps when music starts. Small, unobtrusive, and yet the link for an entire multiroom system.

What you hear and get

Hi-res playback up to 24-bit/192 kHz (WAV, FLAC, ALAC) and DSD up to 5.6 MHz, plus HEOS Built-in for up to 32 rooms at once, AirPlay 2 and Bluetooth. Internet radio and music from your own network server run completely without a subscription – streaming services are an option, not a requirement.

Who is the HEOS Link HS2 for? (and who isn't it for)

Ideal for anyone who already owns a good amplifier or power amp and just needs the missing network source – or who wants to connect a second room via HEOS with no amplifier of its own, if active speakers are already in place there. Straight talk: if you want a complete, standalone amplifier with speaker outputs, the HEOS Amp HS2 is the right choice – the Link HS2 doesn't drive passive speakers itself, so a power amp behind it is always required.

Our verdict

The HEOS Link HS2 is the most unobtrusive and affordable way to make an existing system HEOS-capable. No frills, no superfluous power amp you don't need – just the source, done cleanly. If you already have a system that sounds great, you shouldn't have to replace it just for streaming, only add to it.

Technical data

• Type: Network preamplifier / streaming preamp with no built-in power amp
• Output level: 1× RCA pre-out, switchable fixed or variable; when line-out level is set active, coaxial out and optical out are disabled
• Headphone output: not available
• Digital outputs: 1× coaxial, 1× optical
• Subwoofer output: 1× RCA (pre-out for an active subwoofer)
• Inputs: 1× analogue RCA (line in), 1× 3.5 mm AUX, 1× USB-A, 1× Ethernet (LAN)
• Network/streaming: HEOS Built-in, Wi-Fi (802.11a/b/g/n/ac, 2.4/5 GHz), Bluetooth
• Supported formats: WAV/ALAC/FLAC up to 24-bit/192 kHz, DSD up to 5.6 MHz, AAC/MP3 up to 320 kbit/s, WMA up to 192 kbit/s
• Control: IR out, trigger out (12 V) for external power amps
• Signal-to-noise ratio: 100 dB
• Frequency response: 10 Hz – 100 kHz (+1/–3 dB)
• Dimensions (W × H × D): 155 × 74 × 150 mm
• Weight: 1.3 kg
• Power consumption: 20 W (operation), 0.3 W (deep standby)
• Included: HEOS Link HS2, power cable, RCA cable, setup cable (3.5 mm), Ethernet cable, IR cable, quick start guide

Frequently asked questions

Does the HEOS Link HS2 need an additional amplifier?
Yes. The Link HS2 has no built-in power amp and therefore doesn't drive passive speakers directly. It supplies the network source and a variable pre-out – behind it you always need an amplifier, a power amp, or active speakers with their own amplifier input.

Can I adjust the volume directly on the Link HS2?
Yes, if you set the output to "variable", you control the volume via the HEOS app or a compatible remote control – ideal ahead of a power amp with no volume control of its own. If the output is set to "fixed", your existing amplifier handles the volume.

Does the Link HS2 work without a streaming subscription too?
Yes. Internet radio and music from a network server or USB stick play entirely without a subscription, once the unit is set up on your network. Tidal, Qobuz or Spotify are an additional option as soon as you want to use them, but not a requirement for daily operation.

What's the difference to the HEOS Amp HS2?
The HEOS Amp HS2 has a built-in power amp (2×100 watts) and speaker terminals – it drives passive speakers directly. The Link HS2 is a pure preamp: smaller, with no power amp, for anyone who already owns an amplifier.

Can I combine several HEOS Link HS2 units around the house?
Yes, HEOS devices can be freely linked into a multiroom system – up to 32 rooms at once, synchronised or with different music per room. That way, even the room with your old favourite amplifier gets its own streaming connection, with no need to replace it.

Why buy the Denon HEOS Link HS2 at HD Zürisee?
Because the question "does it fit my existing amplifier?" is answered faster on the phone than on your own. Our experienced team knows which combination of old amplifier and new streaming source actually works, and our technician Mauri helps with connection and setup.

Goes well with

The Link HS2 lives off what's already there: a good integrated amplifier or a power amp behind it, plus a clean RCA cable for the connection. If you don't yet have an amplifier, the range also includes ready-made streaming amplifiers with a built-in power amp.