Best stereo amplifier

Stereo amps come in several configurations, with different names attached. Though the connection options, features, best stereo amplifier, and forms vary for these amps, our tests confirmed that all of our recommendations here have the power to effectively drive a typical set of bookshelf speakers to satisfying levels.

A stereo amplifier is the beating heart of any hi-fi system. While loudspeakers and turntables get most of the attention, the humble stereo amplifier shouldn't be overlooked, as without it, your hi-fi would be sitting idly on your rack. As it's British Hi-Fi Week , we thought we'd take the opportunity to collect our favourite amplifiers from British hi-fi brands, stretching all the way back to We've seen some excellent amplifiers come by in those 44 years, with everything from top-of-the-range flagship amplifiers to brilliant budget offerings making this list. These are the amps that have left the biggest impression, whether that's down to their design, feature set or pure performance. Why you can trust What Hi-Fi?

Best stereo amplifier

We use affiliate links and may receive a small commission on purchases. Read more about us. An amp should be the center of your hi-fi world. Everything flows into it, and everything flows out of it. There's a lot of mystique that has sprung up around amps, and a lot of related jargon that has been created over the years, but the good news is that the standard is really high now - even for budget amps. Below, we've highlighted this year's top models, and no matter what budget you're on, there's a model here that'll supercharge your sound system. We're covering only integrated amps here - no discrete power or preamplifiers - and we've tried to keep prices sane. And to complete your system, check out our lists of the best bookshelf speakers and best floorstanding speakers. Peachtree Audio have quietly become one of the best amp makers on the planet. Their new Carina takes everything they learned from their Nova and Decco lines and shoves it into an absolutely gorgeous, wood-framed package. The audio quality is best described as thunderous, with taut and muscular bass and a crystalline quality in the highs that other pricey amps, like the similarly-priced Hegel H95, below, can only hint at. Paired with a good set of bookshelf or floorstanding speakers, the Carina quickly becomes essential. The amp gets extra points for the big, bright digital display that is easy to read from across the room. One thing to note is that the Peachtree Audio Carina does not have an included phono preamp in its guts.

It proved sharper and more detailed, and stamps its authority with that supremely confident Cambridge presentation. This refers to the overall volume of the amplifier over a long period of time — while this period varies, depending on the manufacturer, it's generally considered to be a good indicator best stereo amplifier how much power the amplifier will put out at average listening levels.

ZDNET's recommendations are based on many hours of testing, research, and comparison shopping. We gather data from the best available sources, including vendor and retailer listings as well as other relevant and independent reviews sites. When you click through from our site to a retailer and buy a product or service, we may earn affiliate commissions. This helps support our work, but does not affect what we cover or how, and it does not affect the price you pay. Indeed, we follow strict guidelines that ensure our editorial content is never influenced by advertisers.

We've often referred to a stereo amplifier as the heart of a hi-fi system, the rug that knits a system together. Considering its importance, it pays to pick a good one. A less than adequate performer could bring a system's potential down by a couple of notches. This list of the best stereo amplifiers of What Hi-Fi? Big or small, budget or high-end, functional or stylish, these amplifiers have left an indelible impression. MORE: Best stereo amplifiers The amplifier put the NAD brand on the map, such was the impact it had.

Best stereo amplifier

The list in brief 2. Best overall 3. Best entry-level 4. Best budget 5. Best mid-range 6. Best premium 7. Best high-end 8. Best for purists 9.

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If it does it badly, then you won't be able to pick out stereo separation, and things will sound muddled. The latter also gets upgraded circuitry. Cambridge Audio CXA Transparency is the name of the game here, the Cor delivering a faithful, balanced, neutral sound. And the results speak for themselves. Best mid-range. The T also has plenty of unexpected features such a toggle switch for 4 and 8 ohm loads, a pre out, four RCA inputs and one XLR input, and a pair of glowing meters on the front panel. They have become legends of the power amp world. Stereo Amp Classes Explained Don't get hung up on the different types of amps. On the other hand, if you want to use an independent phono preamp, connect it to your integrated amp through RCA as well. This amplifier fuses cutting-edge technology, current feedback HDAMs, and a toroidal transformer to deliver the iconic Marantz musicality. We are always impartial in our testing and ensure we hear every stereo amplifier at its optimum. It also helps that the AD 18 looks fabulous. It also rises above the science-project look of most mini amps, thanks to its brushed-metallic finish, fastener-free front panel, and bronze-colored volume knob.

Stereo amps come in several configurations, with different names attached.

He has worked on What Hi-Fi? Not every stereo receiver or amplifier has to cost an arm and a leg. It also has a full-range subwoofer output and a quarter-inch headphone jack. Best Bookshelf Speakers. As someone who has a preference for a decent sized, central, volume control as demonstrated on many an Arcam or Rotel amp, aesthetically some of these amps leave a lot to be desired. Stereo Amp Classes Explained Don't get hung up on the different types of amps. Enter your email. There are many very attractive choices, but probably a much […]. And please believe us when we say it's not complicated. The Cambridge does reply with a USB input, though, so if that's important to you then know it is a recommendable alternative. This issue was not a problem for its successor, a "supremely stable, confident-sounding" amplifier that boasted excellent bass performance and surefooted rhythms.