HI-FI AMPLIFIERS
THE BEATING HEART OF YOUR HI-FI SYSTEM
Rega io £379
Best stereo amplifier under £400, Awards 2021 ★★★★★
Those who are happy with a no-fuss, purely analogue amp and who prioritise entertainment should arguably consider the io their number one choice. Power 30W Inputs Line-in x2, MM Outputs Headphone
NAD D 3020 V2 £399
September 2018 ★★★★★
A 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
Marantz PM6007 £499
Best stereo amplifier under £500, Awards 2023 ★★★★★
Clearer and punchier than its Award-winning predecessor, Marantz’s latest entry-level amplifier never puts the formidable 6000 Series dynasty in doubt. Power 45W Inputs Line-in x4, MM, coax, optical Outputs 6.3mm h’phone
Mission 778X £549
March 2024 ★★★★★
Make no mistake, this is a well-rounded product that deserves plenty of success. Retro appeal or not, the Mission 778X convinces.
Power 45W Inputs Line-in x2, MM, coax, optical Outputs Pre-out, 6.3mm
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
Arcam A5 £749
Best stereo amplifier £500-£1000, Awards 2023 ★★★★★
It has been years since we’ve heard such a convincing stereo amp from Arcam. Thinking of buying at this level? This one has to go at the top of your shortlist.. Power 50W Inputs Line-in, coax, optical, MM, BT Outputs Pre-out, h’phone
Cambridge Audio CXA61 £750
Best stereo amplifier £500-£800, Awards 2022 ★★★★★
Justifies the price premium over the Audiolab 6000A and the Rega Brio by delivering a superior combination of sonic ability features and build quality. Power 60W Inputs Line-in x4 Outputs Preamp, speaker x2, headphone
Cambridge Audio CXA81 £999
Best stereo amplifier £800-£1500, Awards 2022 ★★★★★
Class leaders are constantly being replaced in hi-fi – but rarely is it done so soundly as by Cambridge Audio’s CXA81 integrated amplifier. Power 80W Inputs Line-in X4,XLR, USB Outputs Pre, sub, headphone
Arcam A15 £1099
Best stereo amplifier £1000-£1500, Awards 2023 ★★★★★
We worried a bit for the A15 when we heard how good the A5 was. But this is a clear step better than its sibling, delivering greater clarity, scale and precision. Power 80W Inputs Line-in x3, MM, optical, coaxial x2 Outputs Pre-out H’phone
Rega Elex Mk4 £1199
April 2023 ★★★★★
Revealing and faithful, the new Elex is capable in ways far beyond our expectations at this mid-tier price point. It’s a stunning amplifier.
Power 72W Inputs Line-in x4, MM, optical, coaxial Outputs 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
Rega Elicit Mk5i £2000
October 2022 ★★★★★
Just over 30 years on from the original, the Elicit integrated remains an excellent choice for those who prioritise sonic performance.
Power 105W Inputs Line-in x4, MM, opt, coax Outputs Preamp, headphone
Naim Nait XS 3 £2199
Best stereo amplifier £1500-£3000, Awards 2023 ★★★★★
A fit and forget product in the best sense, the Nait XS 3 slots into your system and does just what you want – delivers music with emotional impact intact. Power 70W Inputs Line-in x4 Outputs Preamplifier, headphone
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
Electrocompaniet ECI 80D £2899
June 2021 ★★★★★
Electrocompaniet’s entry-level integrated amp is a generously equipped and sophisticated-sounding performer.
Power 2 x 80W Inputs Line-in x2, coaxial x2, optical x3, MM, aptx B’tooth
Rega Aethos £3300
Best stereo amplifier over £3000, Awards 2023 ★★★★★
The Aethos retains all the verve of Rega’s established affordable integrateds, but adds a huge dose of extra clarity, precision and muscle to the recipe. Power 125W Inputs Line-in x5 Outputs Preamplifier, headphone
Naim Supernait 3 £3499
Best stereo amplifier over £2500, Awards 2019 ★★★★★
In adding a good-quality MM phono stage and tweaking the power amp section, Naim has made a great amplifier even better
Power 80W Inputs Line-in x5, MM, XLR Outputs Subwoofer, headphone
Rotel Michi X3 £4700
June 2022 ★★★★★
Add the exceptional build and comprehensive specifications to the hugely capable sonic performance and the Michi X3 is a must-have on your shortlist. Power 200W Inputs Line-in x3, MM, XLR, coax, opt Outputs Preamp, h’phone
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
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