Recommended integrated amplifiers

If you're looking to dig into the world of hi-fi systems that consist of a separate stereo receiver or integrated amplifier that powers a set of passive speakers — whether your passion is turntables and vinyl records, sweet CD sound, or streaming audio — then this list is the resource you need to get going, recommended integrated amplifiers. We also explain what an AV receiver is and how it fits in to all of this, but because they're a whole other beast, we have an entirely separate recommended integrated amplifiers for those as well.

The well-conceived IDA-8 delivers substance with plenty of gusto—and does so from an astonishingly quiet background. A great-sounding, stone-cold bargain, and a Golden Ear Award recipient. JM, VF, The Quad Vena II is small and gray with a matte finish, though the optional case adds a very nice gloss. The amp is rated 45Wpc into 8 ohms, and includes a phono section, two analog inputs, a pre-out, and a plethora of digital inputs. The Quad strikes the perfect balance between classic analog inputs and modern digital capabilities.

Recommended integrated amplifiers

Estimated wait for next available agent :. You can even stream music through the sound bar you use for TV watching. I'm not knocking those handy options, but if you're like me — a music lover who really prioritizes sound quality — you may want to make an integrated amplifier the centerpiece of your primary sound system. The one you turn to when you settle into a comfy chair for a couple of hours of serious listening. An integrated amp is the right choice if you want to connect all of your music sources to a dedicated two-channel amplifier using one component. And most of them can accomodate wireless music streaming, too. We'll go over everything these versatile amps can do, and help you narrow down your choices until you find the perfect one for your sound system. The preamp lets you switch between wired and wireless sources and control the volume. The preamp may also include balance and tone controls. The built-in power amp lets you drive one or two pairs of bookshelf or floor-standing speakers.

Rega's Elicit MK5 is a similar but superior-sounding proposition that'll set you back a bit more.

This is the gear that we, the staff of Part-Time Audiophile, recommend. You get a fully digital integrated, top-loading CD transport, digital streaming, MM phono stage, Space Tune environmental adjustments, radio and unlimited connectivity with TVs and subwoofers. Nicely built, appropriately heavy and yes, it has that beautiful and slightly modern tube amp sound that is quite common these days—for two to three times the cost. The Living Sounds Audio crew are experts at scouring the world for the best audiophile values, and their expansive involvement throughout the supply chain is what keeps the VT so affordable—not cutting corners on the design. When we heard that Naim was going to release a new limited version of the classic NAIT amp, we pushed and shoved to the front of the line to get a better look and yes, one of us bought one.

This is the gear that we, the staff of Part-Time Audiophile, recommend. You get a fully digital integrated, top-loading CD transport, digital streaming, MM phono stage, Space Tune environmental adjustments, radio and unlimited connectivity with TVs and subwoofers. Nicely built, appropriately heavy and yes, it has that beautiful and slightly modern tube amp sound that is quite common these days—for two to three times the cost. The Living Sounds Audio crew are experts at scouring the world for the best audiophile values, and their expansive involvement throughout the supply chain is what keeps the VT so affordable—not cutting corners on the design. When we heard that Naim was going to release a new limited version of the classic NAIT amp, we pushed and shoved to the front of the line to get a better look and yes, one of us bought one. They only made 1, of them, to celebrate the year Naim Audio went into business. Cosmetically close to the original, the new NAIT 50 has more power 25 wpc , more modern connectivity options, and a killer inboard headphone amp taken from their top of the line streamers. Best of all, they kept the superb MM phono stage.

Recommended integrated amplifiers

High-end audio is so often about compromises, trading one characteristic for another. What sets the Soulution integrated apart is its ability to strike just the right balance of musical elements without compromise—and to manage to do so across so many recordings and styles. The company has somehow succeeded in keeping many of its best sonic characteristics, while paring down parts and pricing. This integrated gets out of the way of the music in the right ways, but also delivers the right stuff. The exquisite Soulution may still cost a pretty penny especially if you add the superb, optional phonostage or DAC boards , but if you have the coin, we highly recommend auditioning it. JM, Conventional wisdom states that integrated amps are hopelessly compromised at birth.

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So I'd give Rotel the slight edge there. We also explain what an AV receiver is and how it fits in to all of this, but because they're a whole other beast, we have an entirely separate roundup for those as well. Reading Best integrated amplifiers of Choosing the very best. Massive lack of Hegel amps particularly as one reviewer rated the H above two more expensive amps on that list , as well as YBA and Norma Audio which would easily compete with most on that list. Trying to locate a nice integrated amp to precisely push the Definitive Technology BP speakers for my music listening room. It outputs Wpc and utilizes Hypex NCore Class D amplification, which means it has plenty of power and runs cool and efficient. It's not the most highly-specced stereo amp we've seen: there are no digital inputs something Rega is now starting to add in its newer releases , nor is there a phono stage for a turntable, which is perhaps the more surprising omission. In the Rotel Michi X3 S2 integrated speaker , the company has made a clear step forward in terms of sound quality — the stage has expanded further, and the dynamic range of the model has become completely crazy. There are a few common types of digital audio inputs:. Best high-end 8. Every stereo amplifier we test takes up residency in one of our two reference hi-fi rooms for the duration of its review.

The MKII version of the venerable RA, this Wpc Class AB powerhouse offered rock-solid musicality across all criteria, with a lush velvety character and a weighty, well-defined bottom end.

An amplifier at this level has a difficult balancing act to perform. A stereo amplifier is the beating heart of any hi-fi separates system; the necessary middleman between a source such as a CD player, turntable or streamer and a pair of passive loudspeakers. Not every stereo receiver or amplifier has to cost an arm and a leg. The sound is smooth, full-bodied and balanced, with a pleasing spaciousness, making it another quality hi-fi amplifier from Marantz that should please most people and systems. We also explain what an AV receiver is and how it fits in to all of this, but because they're a whole other beast, we have an entirely separate roundup for those as well. Hi Stuart, thanks for your questions. I give credit to the Rotel signature: a custom-made toroidal transformer inside that provides watts of clean power to drive just about any speakers you choose to hook up. This is the first Class D amplifier a hybrid with a pair of 12AU7 tubes in the preamp section that RD feels offers true world-class sonics. And don't forget, free lifetime tech support is included with your Crutchfield purchase. Which of the two Arcams would you recommend? The amp is rated 45Wpc into 8 ohms, and includes a phono section, two analog inputs, a pre-out, and a plethora of digital inputs. The amp does have a nice DAC in it, and connections for digital sources, plus a Pure Analog setting that disables its digital circuitry. Sets the bar for subtlety and dynamic expression. Reasons to avoid - Runs warm. I chose Anthem STR both power amp and the integrated as a pair.