Stereo amplifiers

THE BEATING HEART OF YOUR HI-FI SYSTEM

Onkyo A-9010 £229

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 Line-in x5, MM Outputs Headphone

Marantz PM6006 UK Edition £369

Best stereo amplifier under £400, Awards 2018 ★★★★★

An already class-leading amplifier gets a few small, but telling, improvements that make it an even more compelling proposition.

Power 45W Inputs Line-in x4, MM, coaxial, optical x2 Outputs Headphone

NAD D 3020 V2 £399

September 2018 ★★★★★

A very likeable effort that features a full-bodied sonic performance with fine timing and dynamics and lots of useful features.

Power 30W Inputs Line-in, MM, optical, coaxial, BT Outputs Headphone

Audiolab 6000A £599

December 2018 ★★★★★

An extremely well-featured amplifier – it even has Bluetooth – that impresses with superb clarity, refinement, and a big, airy soundstage. Power 50W Inputs Line-in x3, MM, optical, coaxial Outputs Headphone

Cambridge CXA60 £599

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 Line-in x4 Outputs Preamp, speaker x2, headphone

Rega Brio £599

Best stereo amplifier £400-£700, Awards 2018 ★★★★★

An upgrade on the Brio-r, this incredibly talented stereo amplifier offers a sound that’s subtle, precise and engaging.

Power 50W Inputs Line-in x4, MM Outputs 6.3mm headphone, record

Musical Fidelity M2si £799

September 2019 ★★★★★

It doesn’t have the feature list of many of its rivals, but the M2si counters with an impressively refined and entertaining performance Power 76W Inputs Line-in x5 Outputs Preamplifier, tape loop

Rega Elex-r £949

Best stereo amplifier £700-£1500, Awards 2018 ★★★★★

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 Line-in x4, MM Outputs Preamp