Amplifiers


Users without analog audio sources such as record players can resort to integrated amplifiers. Only those who have to amplify weak analog signals should resort to Pre-/Amp combos, since these offer better preamp technology. Standalone pre- and power amplifiers are also popular. In HiFi technology transistor amplifiers are common, while tube- and hybrid amplifiers are more rarely found. More...

  • Amplifiers (210)
  • Reviews (192)
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1
 Creek Evolution 5350
Listed since 04/2010
Integrated Amplifier; Surround Sound Amplifier
"... the bass doesn't quite have the 'slam' and definition that you hope to get from a monster monoblock power amp and the treble isn'  …
1 Review
 
 
2
 Luxman L-550AII
Listed since 09/2007
Integrated Amplifier
"For: Extensive features; Excellent phono stage; lively and natural sound. Against: Huge size; Some limitations with insensitive speakers."
1 Review
 
 
3
 Rotel RC-1580 / RB-1582 Set
Listed since 07/2010
Pre- / Power-amp Combo
Tech Radar really liked the Rotel combination of the RC-1580 and the RB-1582 describing them as ample and superbly  …
1 Review
 
 
4
 Krell S-1500 / S-1200
Listed since 06/2010
Power Amplifier
"For: Incredible rich detailed and natural sound; Oozes quality; Easy to use. Against: Low on additional features  …
1 Review
 
 
5
 Arcam Pre/Amp Combo (AV888 / P777)
Listed since 01/2010
Pre- / Power-amp Combo
"For: Top-flight movie sound; Genuine hi-fi music reproduction; Superb build; Easy to use. Against: Light on features  …
1 Review
 
 
6
 Astintrew AT2000
Listed since 02/2009
Integrated Amplifier; Technology: Hybrid
"For: A transparent- and realistic sounding integrated amplifier with a dynamic character that really engages.  …
1 Review
 
 
7
 Pure Sound A10
Listed since 03/2010
Power Amplifier; Technology: Tube Amplifier
"... Unfortunately, I cannot give an unconditional recommendation to the A10 as a perfect choice of amplifier  …
1 Review
 
 
8
 Gryphon Atilla
Listed since 02/2010
Integrated Amplifier
"For: Delicate, articulate and refined-sounding; Distinctive voicing; Very comfortable to listen to over a  …
1 Review
 
 
9
 Audio Analogue Armonia Crescendo CD Player + Amplifier
Listed since 04/2010
Integrated Amplifier
"... The only obvious negative we could detect, is that the pairing isn't completely compelling when  …
1 Review
 
 
10
 Digital Do Main B-1a
Listed since 04/2010
Power Amplifier
"... the B-1a's valve-style qualities extend to a slight emphasis on the midband, you hear a little more of a piano'  …
1 Review
 
 
 
 
11
 Onkyo THX Ultra2 System (PA-MC5500, BD-SP807, PR-SC5507)
Listed since 04/2010
Speaker Support: 9.2
"... Price-wise, it's comparable with the upper end of the integrated market, but in terms of performance, this THX Ultra2 duo will give most one  …
1 Review
 
 
12
 Audio Research Reference 5
Listed since 04/2010
Pre-amp
"For: Sonic naturalness, transparency and detail resolution; refinement with bite; plenty of inputs; good  …
1 Review
 
 
13
 Unison Research S9
Listed since 01/2010
Integrated Amplifier
"For: A sweet and seductive presentation; wonderfully revealing treble and midrange; lovely build. Against: Not the ideal amp to rock out with  …
1 Review
 
 
14
 Cambridge Audio Azur 650A
Listed since 07/2009
Integrated Amplifier
The obvious amp to choose when partnering the Cambridge Azur 650C CD player is the Azur 650A, which matches the  …
2 Reviews
 
 
15
 NAD C 326 BEE
Listed since 03/2009
AV Amp; Technology: Digital Amplifier
NAD's C326BEE has aesthetics and construction that can't easily be overlooked. Musicality in audio reproduction  …
2 Reviews
 
 
16
 Leema Tucana II
Listed since 10/2009
Integrated Amplifier
What Hi-Fi? Sound and Vision found the Leema Tucana II to be robust and powerful, yet subtle, impressing the reviewer  …
1 Review
 
 
17
 Naim Audio Nait XS
Listed since 02/2009
Integrated Amplifier
In the viewpoint of What Hi-Fi? Sound and Vision, the Naim Nait XS was excellently built, delivering a brilliantly  …
1 Review
 
 
18
 Rotel RA-1520
Listed since 07/2009
Integrated Amplifier; Technology: Transistor Amplifier; Number of Channels: 2
A great looking amp, Rotel RA-1520 has decent specs, and offers a spirited performance, with a revealing and intimate midrange and a well balanced low  …
1 Review
 
 
19
 Naim Audio Nait 5i
Listed since 02/2004
Integrated Amplifier; Technology: Transistor Amplifier; Number of Channels: 2
Bursting with energy and musicality, Naim Nait 5i offers a dynamic vigour for top grade integration, focus and separation of sounds, balancing fully  …
1 Review
 
 
20
Listed since 04/2010
Pre-amp
"... You do need to keep it away from tiny wandering hands and paws ... not only is the tube made from glass  …
1 Review
 
 
 
 

Reviews

"FiiO E7 Headphone Amplifier review"
1 Amplifier (approx. £60)
Know Your Mobile
Published on 8/2010
On test: FiiO E7
"We take a look at the FiiO E7 Headphone Amplifier – but will the portable sound amplifier make a marked difference or prove to be completely impractical for mobile use?" Review details: Single test.   → Test results
"Sonance Sonamp 275 SE Review"
1 Power Amplifier
Digital Trends
Published on 8/2010
On test: Sonance Sonamp 275 SE
"We review Sonamp's 275 SE stereo amplifier which features BBE sound enhancement and 75 watts per channel." Review details: Single test.   → Test results
"A delicate powerhouse"
1 Amplifier
What Hi-Fi? Sound and Vision
Issue 9/2010
On test: April Music Stello Ai 500
"This dynamic South Korean big-hitter will caress fragile voices or pump out sofa-shaking sounds - and its on-board DAC is the business." Review details: Single test.   → Test results
"Rotel RC-1580/RB-1582 review"
1 Amplifier
TechRadar UK
Published on 7/2010
On test: Rotel RC-1580 / RB-1582 Set
"An undisputed badge-winner, Rotel promises a great deal for the money and delivers... in spades." Review details: Single test.   → Test results
"Tsakiridis Devices Alexander/Artemis review"
1 Amplifier
TechRadar UK
Published on 7/2010
On test: Tsakiridis Devices Alexander / Artemis Combo
"Variations in performance levels of this pre/power combination are disappointing." Review details: Single test.   → Test results

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Amplifiers

HiFi/Audio amplifiers in the home range are normally distinguished by their size and the technology used for amplification. Integrated amplifiers, which take on both the preamplifier and power amplifier functions, have long since conquered this field. Given that the preamplifier function, which is to amplify weak signals from analog audio sources, is hardly ever needed now, the technology in these devices can be simplified accordingly and good sound quality can be obtained for a small cost. Those who still want to connect an analog sound source such as a cassette deck or a turntable can rely on so-called Pre-/Amp combos. These offer a matched system with visually distinct components whose preamp and power amplifier can also work separately from one another. During the pre-stage the weak input signal is amplified significantly, while the power amplifier provides for the final modulation of the amplified signal in the final stage. Proper standalone pre- and power amplifiers are popular however among tinkerers, and here we can find three types: the tube amplifier, the transistor amplifier and the hybrid amplifier. Transistor amplifiers are normally used in the HiFi arena, as they represent the most cost-effective solution. Since the signal should be amplified with as neutral a sound as possible, the more expensive tube technology is rarely used compared to its application in music instruments, since the different possibilities of overdrive that tubes offer barely play a part here. Lastly, hybrid amplifiers combine both technologies.
This category contains tests on Amplifiers, amp, amps.