Stereo amplifiers
Amplifiers are all about the power to drive your speakers, and different amplifiers use different technologies to do that. Also you can’t just compare power ratings, because these are quoted in a myriad different ways (often overly favourably). And now amps are smart, with digital inputs and often streaming, so there’s much to consider. Here are our award-winning picks.
BLUESOUND POWERNODE 2i
W2020 ∕ $1549 ∕ www.bluesound.com.au
The benefits of NAD-derived power allow Bluesound to take the Powernode 2i’s streaming performance to the next level.
NAD M10
W2020 ∕ $4499 ∕ nadelectronics.com.au
A simply sensational smart amplifier, with high-level power taking the streaming multiroom BluOS platform to a new level.
NAD MASTERS M33
W2021 ∕ $8499 ∕ nadelectronics.com.au
It’s quality all the way with the M33 — it has the looks, the app, the streaming, the inputs, the control, and best of all, wondrous sound.
HEGEL H590
W2020 ∕ $14,995 ∕ advanceaudio.com.au
Immensely powerful, totally musical, focused fully on sound quality, the H590 shows why the Norwegian brand is gathering such praise.
CYRUS ONE CAST
W2021 ∕ $1999 ∕ www.indimports.com
With streaming, HDMI audio and voice control, the Cyrus One Cast is smart, while delivering power aplenty for a solidly musical hi-fi sound.
ARCAM SA30
W2021 ∕ $4995 ∕ www.advanceaudio.com.au
Recognisably Arcam still, though now under Harman and Samsung, the SA30 combines classic strengths with modern streaming.
KRELL K-300i
W2020 ∕ $11,499 ∕ www.indimports.com
Krell’s most affordable amplifier yet (and $2k cheaper without the digital input module) doesn’t lack for either power or finesse.
BOULDER 866
W2021 ∕ $20,500 ∕ www.absolutehiend.com
A unique amplifier, with a spectacularly powerful and musical performance and astounding control over bass frequencies.
CAMBRIDGE CXA81
W2021 ∕ $2499 ∕ www.synergyaudio.com
The Cambridge CXA81 is well-designed and equipped, while its amps drove music with the timing, separation and power of true hi-fi.
MARANTZ PM-KI RUBY
HC2020 ∕ $8490 ∕ www.marantz.com.au
The perfect pair for the award-winning Ruby CD player, the PM-KI amp uses Hypex Ncore amplification modified by the guru’s tuning.
MUSICAL FIDELITY M8xi
W2021 ∕ $12,000 ∕ audiomarketing.com.au
More power than you’ll ever need, super-low distortion, a great range of inputs, plus it sounds superb... this is serious amplification.
HALCRO ECLIPSE MONO x 2
W2020 ∕ $91,000 ∕ halcro.com
Aussie Halcro makes its return with a new pinnacle of amplification, staggeringly real and a thing of beauty in every way. The price here is for a pair.