Denon HEOS Drive HS2 Multi-Zone Amplifier

The Denon HEOS Drive HS2 is a multi-zone amplifier for custom installation that supplies up to 4 independent stereo zones with 8 channels of HEOS streaming from a single rack unit.

Not a device for the living room table, but for the equipment closet: the Drive HS2 is built to split an entire house into several independent music zones – kitchen, bathroom, terrace, guest room – each zone with its own volume and its own source, controlled via the HEOS app or a smart-home system.

Why the HEOS Drive HS2?

Because it drastically simplifies the wiring of a multi-zone project. Instead of four separate amplifiers in four rooms, a 2U unit sits in the rack and distributes 8 channels of Class D amplification across 4 stereo zones – 60 watts per channel, or 130 watts per zone in bridged operation for two combined zones. In addition to the speaker terminals, each zone provides its own preamp output in case an external, more powerful power amp needs to be connected.

Two network connections with an integrated switch and four USB ports – one per zone – keep the installation tidy, even when several sources are integrated at once.

What you hear and get

Each of the 4 zones streams independently via HEOS – with its own music or in sync with the rest of the house, plus internet radio and playback from USB storage, all without a subscription. Additionally, external sources can be fed in via the analog and digital inputs (RCA, optical, coaxial) and distributed to any zone.

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

Built for custom install projects: new builds, renovations, or larger homes where several zones are meant to be cleanly wired from the start. Bottom line: For a single room or two rooms, the Drive HS2 is overkill and impractical – a HEOS Amp HS2 per room or a HEOS Link HS2 on an existing amplifier is the simpler and cheaper solution there. The Drive HS2 only pays off once you're planning a real multi-zone setup.

Our verdict

The HEOS Drive HS2 isn't a device you buy on impulse, but one you plan for. But if you want to equip an entire house with multiroom sound from the ground up, this is a well-thought-out, compact rack tool that serves four rooms at once without wiring up four separate devices.

Technical data

• Type: multi-zone amplifier with HEOS Built-in for custom install, 8 channels / 4 stereo zones
• Output power: 8× 60 W (8 Ω, 20 Hz–20 kHz, 0.05% THD, normal operation), or 4× 130 W in bridged operation (2 zones combined)
• Output level: speaker outputs fixed (integrated power amp per zone); plus 4 stereo preamp outputs (RCA, adjustable) to drive external power amps per zone
• Headphone output: not available
• Inputs: 1× analog RCA (line in), 1× optical, 1× coaxial (digital), 4× USB (1 per zone)
• Network: 2× RJ-45 (integrated switch), HEOS Built-in
• Supported formats: MP3, WMA, AAC, FLAC, WAV
• Signal-to-noise ratio: 95 dB (IHF-A weighted)
• Frequency response: 20 Hz – 20 kHz (±1 dB)
• Control: trigger out
• Dimensions (W × H × D): 430 × 88 × 402 mm (without rack ears)
• Weight: 7.3 kg (without brackets), 7.6 kg (with brackets)
• Power consumption: 160 W (Europe, operation), 0.3 W (deep standby)
• Included: HEOS Drive HS2, power cable, ethernet cable, rack mount kit (2 rack ears), quick start guide

Frequently asked questions

How many rooms can the HEOS Drive HS2 supply at once?
Up to 4 independent stereo zones from a single unit, each with its own music or in sync with the others. In bridged operation, two zones can be combined into one more powerful zone with 130 watts – then there are correspondingly fewer but more powerful zones.

Do I need an electrician or installer for the HEOS Drive HS2?
Not strictly necessary, but sensible: the unit is designed for permanent rack mounting and permanent wiring of several rooms. Our technician Mauri regularly plans and installs multi-zone projects like this one, from zone layout to wiring.

Can I connect more powerful external power amps?
Yes, each of the 4 zones has its own adjustable preamp output in addition to the speaker terminals. For rooms with high power demands or passive speakers with low efficiency, you connect an external power amp there instead of using the internal amp.

Does the HEOS Drive HS2 also run without a streaming subscription?
Yes. USB playback via the per-zone USB ports and internet radio work completely without a paid subscription. Tidal, Qobuz, or Spotify can additionally be integrated per zone, but they're not required for daily operation.

How many pairs of speakers does one HEOS Drive HS2 support?
4 pairs in normal operation (4 zones of 2 channels each), 2 pairs with higher power in bridged operation. Several units can be combined in the same HEOS system for larger properties with even more zones.

Why buy the Denon HEOS Drive HS2 at HD Zürisee?
Because a multi-zone project stands or falls with planning: which zones need how much power, where does the rack go, how is it wired? We accompany custom install projects personally, from design to on-site installation by our technician Mauri.

Goes well with

Unobtrusive on-wall speakers or bookshelf speakers suit the individual zones well, along with matching speaker cable for the wiring. Find the complete streaming range under streamers.