Pre- & power amplifiers

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

Chord Blu MKII £7995

January 2018 ★★★★★

The most informative and enjoyable sound we’ve heard from the CD format. Partner it with the DAVE and we doubt you can do better. Type CD transport Outputs Coaxial x2 Inputs Coaxial, USB

Chord Qutest £1195

Best DAC £500-£1200, Awards 2020 ★★★★★

As with the 2Qute, the Qutest is a superior DAC which sets a new benchmark at this price with its clear and precise performance.

Inputs Coax x2, opt, USB Size 4 x 16 x 7cm Res 32-bit/768khz PCM, DSD512

Chord Hugo 2 £1799

Best DAC over £1200, Awards 2020 ★★★★★

The Hugo 2 has a hefty price tag but, at this level, there isn’t another DAC near that can communicate so unambiguously or so effortlessly. Inputs Coax, opt, USB, BT Size 2 x 10 x 13cm Res 32-bit/768khz

Chord DAVE £7995

Awards 2016 ★★★★★

The uniquely named DAVE costs a lot, but we’d argue it’s the best DAC money can buy. Build quality is excellent and the sound is very special. Inputs Coaxial x2, opt x2, XLR Size 6 x 34 x 15cm Res 32-bit/768khz

DCS Rossini Dac/rossini Master Clock £22,608

July 2018 ★★★★★

An expensive Dac/clock combination that justifies its price tag with a performance of exceptional detail, organisation and fine dynamics. Inputs Coaxial x2, opt x2, USB x2 Res 24-bit/384khz

Nagra HD DAC/MPS £23,600

September 2018 ★★★★★

An effort that boasts a natural, fluid and informative sound. If you’re in the market for the ultimate DAC, this would certainly be a frontrunner. Inputs Coax x2, opt, AES/EBU x2, USB Res 24-bit/384khz