Cheap and Good Home Stereo 2 Channel Preamp Reviews
Best stereo amplifiers 2022: the best integrated amps you can buy
Best stereo amplifiers 2022: Welcome to What Hi-Fi?'s circular-upwards of the best stereo amplifiers yous can purchase in 2022.
An amplifier is the beating heart of any how-do-you-do-fi separates system – the necessary middleman between a source (such every bit a CD player or turntable) and pair of speakers. Without information technology, you don't get a audio. Simples. If you've chosen to go down the simpler, most user-friendly and space-saving option of a 1-box stereo integrated amplifier as opposed to a pre/power combination (where preamp and power amp duties are housed in dissever boxes), yous've come to the correct place.
Hither, we've rounded up the market's all-time integrated amps, which offer a vast selection of features across a range of prices. Nosotros're confident there will be something here to conform all budgets and requirements, to become your music system singing whether it comprises a modestly priced turntable and entry-level speakers or college-end kit. And what better place to start than with the current What Hi-Fi? Award winners...
How to choose the all-time stereo amplifier for y'all
Stereo amplifiers aren't equally simple and stripped back as they used to be; the days of equipping them with only analogue inputs and outputs and a pair of speaker terminals are now no longer the norm.
With laptops, smartphones and music streaming services condign ever-more pop music sources, the integrated amplifier has indeed moved with the times. Many at present incorporate congenital-in digital-to-analogue converters (DACs) complete with digital inputs for connecting to laptops, hard drives and digital-savvy hullo-fi sources, while the vinyl revival has seen many integrate phono stages for turntables. Some even feature network streaming, making them a fully-fledged, only-add-speakers organisation (and for the best of those, yous'll desire to caput on over to our best hi-fi systems Best Buy). And then what you require will depend on your needs and the connectivity of whatever existing equipment yous have.
You should likewise consider your amp'southward partnership with your speakers. The speaker/amp relationship not only comes downward to an amp's power output simply also the speaker's impedance characteristics and sensitivity. So if you need clarification on system matching, you should head over to our thorough how to choose and ready up a stereo amp advice page.
The new Marantz PM6007 takes the winning formula of the Marantz PM6006 UK Edition, a formerWhat Hi-Fi? Award winner, and manages to squeeze fifty-fifty more performance out of it. The outcome: another award winner!
Allow's get the negatives out of the way first, though. There'due south no USB input or Bluetooth connectivity, which some users might need, but apart from this the PM6007 is pretty much faultless.
The PM6007 boasts trademark Marantz styling and is a solidly built, nicely-finished integrated amplifier with traditional hi-fi appeal.
Improvements include a new DAC and new filters, which can be switched between when you're using the amp'south digital inputs, plus new components in the ability amp and phono stages. The latter also gets upgraded circuitry.
And the results speak for themselves. The sound is smooth, total-bodied and counterbalanced, with a pleasing spaciousness. Some other quality hello-fi amplifier from Marantz.
Read the total review: Marantz PM6007
Despite some modest cosmetic tweaks, the CXA81 might look a lot like its predecessor, the CXA80, but all the improvements are where it counts: on the inside.
Cambridge Sound's engineers have upgraded the signal path, likewise every bit the capacitors in both the preamp and power amp sections. Also on lath is a new DAC and an improved USB input that supports hullo-res audio.
What does this all mean? Information technology means there'southward a earth of difference when information technology comes to functioning. It'due south as punchy as anything, with a bold, powerful audio. All the same detail is never sacrificed, and it's lean and agile enough to handle anything y'all tin can throw at it.
Add together in the improver of aptX Bluetooth for wireless playback, and you've got the best stereo amplifier around at this cost and a very worthy What Hi-Fi? Laurels winner. Information technology sets a new standard for hi-fi amplifiers in this toll bracket – one we can't see being surpassed any time soon.
Read the full review: Cambridge Sound CXA81
This excellent budget integrated amp borrows the power amp and moving magnet phono stage from its elder sibling, the Rega Brio, which you'll find in position six on this list. And information technology's quite obvious when you lot ability up the io, that it's a descendant of this excellent amp. It showcases a fantastic sense of rhythm, impressive dynamics, detail. It'south a whole lot of fun to listen to. In terms of stereo speakers, we'd look to partner the Rega with something like the Elac Debut 2.0 B6.2 or Bowers & Wilkins 606.
One slight drawback is that in club to accomplish this level of audio quality, Rega has made the determination to stick purely with analogue inputs. The lack of any digital connectivity might exist a hindrance to some, but information technology'southward not unheard of at this cost betoken, and it doesn't dampen our enthusiasm for what is one of the all-time stereo amplifiers nosotros've heard in 2020.
Read the total review: Rega io
This is the tertiary-generation instalment of a model first introduced in 2008. The XS three adds a moving magnet phono phase and better responsiveness, and that'due south about information technology. If that sounds negative, it shouldn't – the XS iii is a killer stereo amp, earning a well-deserved five stars, and picking upward a 2019 What Hi-Fi? Laurels for its trouble.
Why? Attention. To. Detail. Open it up and you lot'll run into what nosotros mean - at that place'due south immaculately assembled audio circuitry, with fantastic care shown in reducing the degrading issue of exterior interference and unwanted interactions between components.
And it shows. The sound is much crisper and more agile than its forebears, thanks in no pocket-size function to this exacting eye for particular (it even goes every bit far as the shape of the connecting wiring and the exact number and placement of tie clips holding it in place). Information technology might not exist enough of a deviation to justify upgrading from its predecessor, but it still makes for an awesome amp nonetheless.
Then not a massive change, as we say. Simply if information technology ain't bankrupt...
Read the full review: Naim Nait XS 3
The CXA61 is the lower-specced stablemate to the CXA81 at the meridian of this list, and successor to the CXA60, a winner of multiple What Hi-Fi? Awards. So it'southward in good company.
Thankfully, it doesn't let the side downwards: information technology has the same digital inputs and Bluetooth capabilities equally the CXA81, but simply outputs at 60W per channel instead of 80W, giving y'all less ability. Merely for almost listening scenarios, that won't be a deal billow.
What's more important is the sound quality. And nosotros're happy to report it's a real step on from the CXA60, being more transparent and fun, but e'er staying equanimous even when the music gets frantic. It's a presentation manner that works well across a wide range of musical genres and speakers, and should please all simply the nigh demanding of listeners. If that'due south y'all, you lot'll have to spend a little more to satisfy your sound taste buds.
Read the full review: Cambridge Audio CXA61
The Rega Aethos delivers an fantastic combination of insight, dynamics and rhythmic precision to produce a class-leading sound. It's not the most highly-specced stereo amp we've seen, though. There are no digital inputs, nor is there a phono phase for a turntable, which is surprising at this level. You do get five line-level inputs and a vi.3mm headphone socket, though.
IF yous tin can live with that, the Rega will advantage you with a captivating sound, that majors in clarity and dynamic fluidity. Its sense of timing is second to none at that level, which is office of the reason it's a What Howdy-Fi? Awards 2020 winner.
Read the full review: Rega Aethos
Chord Electronics has proven to have quite some talent in finding new marketplace niches. And the diminutive Anni desktop integrated amplifier is a perfect example of that.
Make no fault, this really is a proper Chord amplifier in miniature, using as it does the Ultima dual feed-forrard circuitry seen in the latest generation of the brand's high-end power amplification. All the same, this niggling box is just the size of the Chord Qutest digital-to-analogue converter – for the uninitiated, think smaller than a pair of coasters laid end-on – and it'south intended to be an ideal partner for that DAC and the company'southward Huei phono stage. The important thing to note is that it's designed for desktop utilize with either headphones or suitable speakers.
This is 1 of the most capable headphone amplifiers we've heard. It sounds clean, clear and articulate yet captures the manic energy of Nick Cave & The Bad Seed'due south Baby, I'one thousand On Fire superbly.
Use it as a desktop amplifier equally intended and it shines. Certain, in that location are operational quirks – something that's proving to exist a Chord trait – simply when the Anni sounds this good we tin forgive a lot.
Read the full Chord Anni review
If it's heritage y'all want, the Rega Brio has it in affluence. The original Brio launched in 1991, when Bryan Adams was topping the charts with (Everything I Do) I Do It For Yous. And it wears its heritage on its sleeve, with a redesign that harks back to those earlier models.
Information technology'southward now in its 6th generation, and we had to wait half-dozen long years for this model to bear on down. Thankfully, it was worth information technology.
Information technology takes audio performance to a whole new level at the money, making it the kind of amplifier we want to leave on and play our entire music drove through. Once more and once again.
Yes, your main inputs are limited to standard RCA sockets and a moving magnet phono phase, but we're willing to overlook this, given the amp'southward amazing sense of musicality. It sounds terrifically fluid with precision and scale in spades. In fact, near anything you play on it volition sound amazing. Even Bryan Adams.
Read the full review: Rega Panache
Accuse a person of lacking character and it's a harsh assessment. For a piece of hi-fi though, it'southward hugely positive. This Michi is a firmly 'easily-off' performer. It doesn't imprint a stiff sonic signature on annihilation it plays, leaving the grapheme of the sound to come from the recording or some other part of the system. Tonally, it sounds fifty-fifty-handed to u.s., delivering all parts of the frequency range with equal importance.
Particular levels are loftier, equally is the quality of stereo imaging. And one of the highlights is undoubtedly the Michi'south bass commitment, which makes nigh of the contest at this toll point sound a little soft and blurred in this region. The Cambridge Border A is perhaps the closest in terms of build and power, only while it has a more fluid and engaging presentation, the X3 however has the advantage when it comes to clarity, sonic precision and toll.
Ultimately, this Rotel is a formidable performer that's ready to mix information technology with the best at the toll. Add the exceptional build and comprehensive specifications to the hugely capable sonic operation and it's a must-have on your shortlist.
Read the full Rotel Michi X3 review
Equally far as flagship stereo amplifiers go, the Edge A is a stunning piece of kit. The casework looks slick thanks to its curved corners, while the knurled input selector band works with wonderful precision. It even comes with a classy remote handset. Features include an array of digital and analogue inputs including balanced XLRs and USB (blazon A), plus Bluetooth aptX HD, and even an HDMI ARC socket to help your Television receiver sound better.
And the Cambridge sounds like a truly complete amplifier for the money. It generates a huge sense of authority and scale, with amazing dynamic reach. The amp also has a fantastic grasp of low-level details, thank you to a display of clarity and control you'll struggle to beat at the price.
If you're looking for a fit-and-forget howdy-fi amplifier, we tin can't think of anything better at this level.
Read the total review: Cambridge Audio Border A
This is some other integrated amp with some serious pedigree. This tertiary-gen model doesn't interruption whatsoever moulds, but then it doesn't have to. A slight comeback on its predecessor would be enough to arrive one of the best effectually in its category.
And that's exactly what we have here. Changes over the previous version are limited to the addition of a (skilful quality) moving magnet phono stage and a tweak in the power amplifier section. It makes the Supernait a little more useful and a piffling fleck better. But such was the quality of its predecessor that that'south plenty to continue the Supernait at the cut edge at this level.
Some may baulk at the lack of digital inputs, but these can harshen the analogue performance. And they never sound as good equally a dedicated outboard unit similar a Chord Mojo. And so we back up Naim'due south decision to keep it strictly counterpart.
Information technology certainly shows when it comes to sound quality. In fact, we tin can't think of a more talented alternative when it comes to punch, dynamics and rhythmic drive.
Read the full review: Naim Supernait 3
Permit'south be honest, the globe of budget stereo amplifiers isn't exactly brimming with superstar products. So when we come across something as talented every bit Cambridge's AXA35 nosotros're especially pleased.
This is a well-congenital, cleanly styled production that packs all the essentials. Truthful, we'd similar to see Bluetooth also as a couple of physical digital inputs, but we're willing to overlook such things when the amplifier is equally sonically capable every bit this. And if you have a upkeep turntable, you can take advantage of its built-in moving magnet phono phase.
The AXA35 delivers a bold and equanimous audio that practically overflows with detail. It'due south an even-handed performer that'southward every bit happy playing a large-calibration Mahler symphony as it is Jay-Z'south latest, along with everything in betwixt. And when it comes to rhythmic drive and dynamic expression, few alternatives do amend.
At this price, you actually can't ask for more.
Read the full review: Cambridge AXA35
If yous want an interesting culling to the Marantz mentioned above, then we advise the NAD D 3020 V2. Information technology has a smaller design, and the fact it can stand upright means it'due south more versatile with positioning.
The NAD is too packed with useful features. There'due south Bluetooth for offline streaming and a moving magnet phono phase for connecting a turntable. Which give you far more options when it comes to sound sources. Plus you go optical, coaxial and RCA connections, along with a subwoofer out for calculation lashings of bass.
And if this wasn't enough, it's an enjoyable listen too. Dynamics and timing are up there with the best, while detail levels are impressive for this grade. Even if the Marantz does pip it for all-round sound quality, this NAD more than makes upwards for it in terms of features and ease of utilise. Definitely one for your shortlist.
Read the full review: NAD D 3020 V2
Arguably, this is the only stereo amplifier at this toll capable of troubling the Rega Panache (at no.6). And then needless to say the Audiolab 6000A is a very accomplished performer.
Information technology's well-equipped on the connections front - 4 digital inputs, three counterpart inputs, and a pair of moving magnet phono inputs. Add Bluetooth and a headphone output to the equation and you've got a listing of options the Rega simply can't lucifer.
Then how does information technology sound? Very practiced indeed. Though considering it uses applied science derived from the pinnacle-of-the-range 8300A series, and the same DAC chip equally the Award-winning Audiolab M-DAC, its prestige audio quality comes equally no surprise.
The 6000A'south open and airy presentation gives music plenty of room to breathe and there's bags of refinement on offering also. It'south make clean and articulate, with a gorgeous sense of clarity and an absolute tonne of detail to get your teeth into. Take it from us, the 6000A doesn't disappoint.
Read the full review: Audiolab 6000A
Allow's kickoff with the negatives. The Musical Fidelity M2si doesn't have the features list of most rivals – there are no digital connections, no phono stage and no wireless connectivity. In fact, it's i of the most stripped-back amplifiers we've ever tested. But that ways every penny you lot spend on it goes straight to making a bully-sounding amplifier.
So what exercise you get for your money? At that place's a remote control, vi line level inputs, including a tape loop and a dwelling house movie house bypass option to help integration into a environs arrangement. It feels ameliorate built than many rivals, likewise, while the simple, clean cut pattern will appeal to many.
Sound-wise, its performance is massively refined and pleasantly entertaining, and leaves enough of scope for upgrades. Information technology's a large-scale sound, packed with say-so and substance. It images very well, and dynamic expression is another stiff point.
In short, a superb all-rounder. Whatever you lot throw at information technology, information technology never disappoints.
Read the full review: Musical Fidelity M2si
Dan D'Agostino Master Audio Systems (to utilize the company's total name) only plays at the superlative table. Despite its hefty toll tag, the Progression Integrated amplifier is the starting bespeak for the brand's range, but that doesn't make information technology a diluted facsimile of products farther upwardly the concatenation. It's more like everything the brand knows in a condensed package.
At its well-nigh basic, this is a line-level analogue integrated amplifier, but add the optional digital module for an actress £5600 ($5000, AU$8995) and you get a good range of digital inputs aslope network streaming capabilities, making it a fully fledged just-add-speakers streaming organization. Regardless of whether you're after a direct high-stop integrated or something more fully featured, the Progression Integrated is something that must be heard.
Our fourth dimension with the D'Agostino had us trawling through our music drove, impatient to hear what all those familiar tracks sound like through it. It's rare to find such a powerful amplifier sounding so transparent and responsive.
Ultimately, it delivers a superb all-round performance. And its modular nature means it offers far greater flexibility than most rivals, too.
Read the full Dan D'Agostino Progression Integrated review
Copland doesn't innovate new products all that regularly, so the CSA 100 is a welcome add-on to its line-up and a welcome addition to our list of the best stereo amplifiers you tin can purchase.
The CSA 100 boasts a ataxia-free and elegant design, with digital module, headphone output and a phono stage all to be found within that well-constructed chassis. At its cadre is a hybrid electronic design that produces a solid 100W per channel (8ohm).
Connectivity includes a phono (moving magnet/moving whorl) plus single-ended (three) and balanced XLR (one) line-level inputs. As for digital, there's the usual trio of USB, coaxial and two optical sockets. The Copland's ESS Sabre ES9018 Reference DAC is compatible with up to 32-bit/384kHz PCM files and DSD128.
Sonically, the amp produces a nicely layered prototype with instruments sharply focused – its sonic precision and a sense of fluidity are hugely appealing. It's an impressively detailed performer that allows you to just sit down back and bask your music collection.
Read the total review: Copland CSA 100
This is another amazing (and multi-Honor-winning) stereo amplifier from Rega.
The Elex-R builds on the strengths of the excellent Brio (see earlier in this commodity), doubling down in areas such as item, dynamics and timing. Remember of the Brio on steroids, and you're pretty much there.
The build quality is as solid as nosotros would wait from Rega, and while the casework is functional rather than luxurious, it's finished neatly and everything feels like it will final for years. In fact, our unit has been beavering away in our test room for 3 years and counting, and we're nevertheless to encounter any issues.
Nosotros'd avoid sources and speakers that err too far towards brightness or harshness, simply otherwise this amp can't fail to polish. The ability output of 72W isn't enough to make the flooring shake in really large rooms, but most set-ups should benefit from this amp's many abilities. A great addition to virtually whatsoever organization.
Read the full review: Rega Elex-R
If it'southward smoothness, subtlety and sophistication that yous're after in a stereo amp, then the Moon 240i has you covered. It's Moon's entry-level integrated amp, though that certainly doesn't mean information technology comes cheap – Moon is i of those high-end audio brands whose cheapest products are nonetheless out of the reach of many. Simply information technology's a credit to itself that information technology looks and behaves like something pricier still.
The curvy silver edges and ii-tone consequence requite the amp serious presence, while the OLED screen is well-baked and clear. Information technology sounds like a serious piece of kit, too. Bass notes have a level of detail oft missed even by pricier amps, just the 240i doesn't feel the need to shout well-nigh it. Information technology'due south an understated, yet terrifically talented, amplifier - one that puts subtlety and dynamism to the fore.
The Moon also boasts an asynchronous DAC, which supports hi-res files up to an impressive 32-chip/384kHz also every bit DSD256 files.
Read the full review: Moon 240i
At that place'southward no two means nearly it, Musical Allegiance'southward M8xi is something of a monster. The integrated amplifier dwarfs most rivals when it comes to size and weighs in at a vertebrae-crushing 46kg. Possibly the nearly impressive number is that it has a huge claimed ability output of 550 watts per aqueduct in 8 ohms, which then rises to a dizzying 870 watts as the speaker impedance halves.
The M8xi is a poke in the eye for anyone that considers an integrated amp a compromised culling to a pre/power combination. Inside the Musical Fidelity's huge frame – xvi x 44 x 40cm (hwd), in instance you lot were wondering – is very much a modular design with DAC, preamp and two monobloc power amplifiers separated every bit much as possible with the casework.
The M8xi has power to burn and that shines through in its muscular and authoritative nature. You lot can throw pretty much anything at this amplifier and it'll never seem out of its depth, yet beneath all that muscle is a product that has enough emotional stretch to satisfy beyond a broad range of musical genres. The Musical Fidelity M8xi definitely belongs on the shortlist.
Read the full Musical Allegiance M8xi review
This might be an integrated amplifier, but it really is more like a split pre- and power amplifier in a single box rather than a compromised electrical design. Build quality is excellent. Thanks to its impressive ability amp circuitry, this is an amplifier that will have no problem driving difficult speakers to high volume levels. In other words, it'due south correct upwards our alley.
It might take a while to fully appreciate its understated presentation. But requite it fourth dimension, and come to appreciate it you will. This is a neutral, balanced delivery, served up with a stunning sense of purity and transparency. And we're specially impressed with the mode this amplifier tin can deliver deep bass with such texture, agility and power. Those difficult speakers we mentioned? They'll milk shake the room when pushed to high volumes.
If you're looking for a i-stop amplification solution for a high-end stereo arrangement, this Luxman is an fantabulous place to start.
Read the full review: Luxman Fifty-509X
Marker Levinson is i of the about prestigious brands in the loftier-end amplification infinite. The business firm helped institute the era of loftier-finish hi-fi in the 1970s, and is even so ane of its leading proponents.
So the No.5805 has quite some legacy to live up to. It's the company's entry-level model (not that you'd know it, from the toll tag), and is pretty well equipped on both the counterpart and digital front: yous get iii analogue line-level inputs, including a balanced XLR, alongside a quartet of physical digital connections. In that location's a choice of USB, coax and a pair of opticals and a nod to wireless modernity in the form of aptX HD Bluetooth.
Its sound doesn't catch the attending as firmly or every bit quickly equally some rivals in this list, but over time you tin can't aid merely fall for its many charms. The amp'due south presentation is refined, insightful and dynamic, while the feature set is admirably broad and useful. If yous're in the market for a premium integrated amplifier then the No.5805 is definitely one to consider.
Read the full review: Marker Levinson No.5805
How nosotros examination stereo amplifiers
We have state-of-the-art testing facilities in London, Reading and Bathroom, where our team of experienced, in-house reviewers test the majority of hullo-fi and AV kit that passes through our door.
What Hi-Fi? is all about comparative testing, so nosotros heed to every stereo amplifier nosotros exam against the current leader in its class to judge how it compares to the competition. We keep What How-do-you-do-Fi? Accolade-winning products in our stockrooms and so we can always pit new products against ones nosotros know and love. We do our best to review as many new models in as many markets as possible, ensuring our contextual knowledge is the best it tin be. And we run into fifty-fifty more during our What Hi-Fi? Awards judging, where we listen to every amplifier manufacturers submit.
We are always impartial in our testing and ensure nosotros hear every product – including stereo amps – at their optimum. So we'll use unlike partnering products – those in our loftier-end reference organization besides every bit more price-comparable ones – also as endeavour plenty of unlike types of music. Naturally, we give them enough of listening time (and time to run in).
All review verdicts are agreed upon by the team as a whole rather than an private reviewer to eliminate whatever personal preference and to make sure we're existence as thorough as possible. At that place'due south no input from PR companies or our sales team when it comes to the verdict, withWhat Hi-Fi? proud of having delivered honest, unbiased reviews for decades.
More than:
- How to choose and set up your amplifier
- How to build the perfect hi-fi organization
- The all-time stereo amplifiers of the 21st century
Source: https://www.whathifi.com/best-buys/hi-fi/best-stereo-amplifiers
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