Stereo amplifiers
THE BEATING HEART OF YOUR HI-FI SYSTEM
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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
Rega io £379
Best stereo amplifier under £400, Awards 2020 ★★★★★
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 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
Marantz PM6007 £499
Best stereo amplifier £400-£600, Awards 2020 ★★★★★
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
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
Cambridge Audio CXA61 £750
Best stereo amplifier £600-£800, Awards 2020 ★★★★★
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
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