HI-FI AMPLIFIERS

THE BEATING HEART OF YOUR HI-FI SYSTEM

Marantz PM6006 £279

December 2016 Another fine amplifier from Marantz. It’s a clear improvement over the PM6005, our only disappointment is the scarcity of digital sources. Power 45W Inputs 5 line-in, MM Outputs headphone

Onkyo A-9010 £200

Best stereo amplifier under £300, Awards 2017 Our favourite budget amplifier, this is arguably the most entertaining affordable amp around. It is agile and has a wicked sense of rhythm. Power 44W Inputs 5 line-in, MM Outputs speaker, headphone

Cambridge Audio CXA60 £580

Awards 2016 This is a lively performer with expressive dynamics and a surefooted sense of rhythm. The build quality is impressive too. Power 60W Inputs 4 line-in Outputs Preamp, 2 x speaker, headphone

Rega Brio £600

Best stereo amplifier £300-£700, Awards 2017 An upgrade on the Brio-r, this incredibly talented stereo amplifier offers a sound that’s subtle, precise and engaging. Power 50W Inputs 4 line-in Outputs 6.3mm, headphone, record

Rega Elex-r £900

Best stereo amplifier £700-£1500, Awards 2017 Arguably the best-value amp Rega makes, with insight and a precise handling of rhythms that’s hard to better even at double the price. Power 72W Inputs 4 line-in, MM Outputs Speaker, preamp

Roksan K3£1250

February 2015 This lively effort from Roksan delivers a sound that’s big, expressive and agile. It even performs capably on a Bluetooth connection. Power 150W Inputs 5 line, MM, B’tooth Outputs Spkr, preamp, h’phone

Naim Nait 5si £1029

January 2015 Naim’s starter amp is an exceptionally polished performer which combines drama with the insight and subtlety to match the very best. Power 60W Inputs 3 line-in Outputs speaker, headphone

Moon 240i £1990

Best stereo amplifier £1500-£2500, Awards 2017 A gorgeous piece of kit that puts in a stunningly revealing and dynamic performance. The Moon 240i is in a class of its own. Power 50W Inputs 2 RCA, MM, 2 Opt, 2 Coax Outputs RCA, 3.5mm

Roksan Caspian M2 £1900

October 2013 A supremely rounded product with solid build, classy aesthetics and a brilliant all-round sound that works well with all types of music. Power 85W Inputs 5 line-in Outputs Speaker, preamp

Lavardin ISX Reference £3890

November 2017 The most informative, entertaining and musical integrated amplifier we’ve heard in years; it’ll keep you listening for hours on end. Power 50W Inputs 4 line

Naim Supernait 2 £3100

December 2013 A terrific integrated amplifier. It’s punchy, with a low-frequency performance that brims with authority. Dynamics are strong too. Power 80W Inputs Line x 5 Outputs Speaker, headphone, preamp

Roksan Blak £2800

Best stereo amplifier £2500+, Awards 2017 A well equipped all-rounder with a powerful and energetic sound. It’s happy to work with a wide range of systems and musical genres too. Power 150W Inputs Balanced XLR, RCA x 3, USB, MM, aptx B’tooth

Audio Research GSI75 £14,500

April 2017 This can stand toe-to-toe with the finest pre/power combos at this price; it’s a well equipped one-box solution for high-end purists. Power 75W Inputs Line x 3, MM, MC, USB Outputs Speaker, h’phone

Leema Tucana II Anniversary Edition £4995

March 2017 It looks no different to its 2010 incarnation, but this remains a top-class amp that works across a wide range of systems and music. Power 150W Inputs Line x 7 Outputs Speaker, preamp

Gamut D3i £6150

January 2015 This Gamut D3i is a brilliant performer with excellent detail and superb transparency. It isn’t packed with inputs, but will cope with most set-ups. Inputs Line x 3 Output Balanced, single-ended DAC No

Burmester 808 MK5 £22,242

February 2013 Burmester’s masterpiece may be decades old but a string of upgrades have kept it relevant. Sound quality remains exceptional. Inputs Line, MM, MC (opt) Outputs Balanced, single-ended DAC No

Burmester 956 Mk2 £8440

January 2017 Paired with the 099 preamp, this impeccably built power amp offers a smooth, engaging and full-bodied sound that needs to be heard. Power output 115W Mono/stereo Stereo Inputs XLR

Gamut D200i £8500

January 2015 The D200i combines transparency, muscle and agility better than any alternative we’ve heard. Build and finish are excellent. Power output 220W Mono/stereo Stereo Inputs Phono, XLR