Pre- & power amplifiers
Naim Nait 5si £1099
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 Line-in x3 Outputs Headphone
Roksan K3£1300
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 Line-in x5, MM, BT Outputs Preamp, headphone
Moon 240i £1990
Best stereo amplifier £1500-£2500, Awards 2018 ★★★★★
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 Line-in x2, MM, optical x2, coaxial x2 Outputs 3.5mm
Roksan Caspian M2 £2000
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 Line-in x5 Outputs Preamp
Roksan Blak £2799
Best stereo amplifier £2500+, Awards 2018 ★★★★★
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, line-in x3, MM, USB, aptx Bluetooth
Lavardin ISX Reference £3890
November 2017 ★★★★★
The most informative, entertaining and musical integrated amplifier we’ve heard in years; it will keep you listening for hours on end. Power 50W Inputs Line-in x4
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-in x7 Outputs Preamp
Luxman L-509X £8500
June 2018 ★★★★★
Much more than an expensive retro throwback; its blend of build, features and performance is hard to better at this price. Power 120W Inputs Line-in x6 Outputs Headphone, preamp
Audio Research GSI75 £14,998
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-in x3, MM, MC, USB Outputs Headphone
Aesthetix Janus Signature/atlas Signature £20,000
January 2015 ★★★★★
It costs a lot, but this Atlas combo is exquisite, with class-leading resolution, refinement and composure. Great phono stage, too.
Power output 200W Mono/stereo Stereo Inputs Phono, XLR x6
Burmester 956 Mk2 £10,800
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
Burmester 808 MK5 £28,000
February 2013 ★★★★★
Burmester’s masterpiece may be decades old but a string of upgrades have kept it relevant. Sound quality remains exceptional. Inputs Line-in, MM, MC (optional) Outputs Balanced, single-ended
Nagra Classic Pre/power amp £29,000
August 2018 ★★★★★
Rivals have more muscle, but once in full flow the Nagra lets the music take centre stage. One of the finest pre/powers money can buy.
Power 100W Inputs Line-in x5, phono, XLR