As the power generator at the heart of any system of hi-fi separates, the amplifier plays a key role in determining the quality and character of that system’s overall sound. So when it comes to buying one, it’s important to make an informed choice.
The good news is that there are plenty of models to choose from. Some, of course, are better than others, and because we are concerned with the ‘some’ and not the ‘others’, we have curated a shortlist of star performers within a popular price bracket to help you find the amp that’s right for you.
Our focus here is on affordable integrated amplifiers – that is, ones ranging from ₹50,000 to ₹1,50,000 and in which the preamplifier and main power amp (which are often housed separately in premium systems) are combined onto a single unit.
The seven models featured on the following pages are all What Hi-Fi? five-star products, so quality is assured. Your job is to settle on one that suits your source – or sources – and, if you have got that far, your stereo speakers. In part, that means deciding whether or not you need an onboard phono stage (not all of these have one), and selecting something that gives you the number and type of connections you need.
Features are important but so is design, especially if space is a consideration, so our selection includes half-width as well as full-width models – and even one that can stand upright if you want it to. So get set; it’s time to play the power-generation game.
Cambridge Audio AXA35
A musical budget amplifier with all-round appeal
₹51,000
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Esta historia es de la edición May 2024 de What Hi-Fi Sound and Vision India.
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The missing Link
\"Battery life on the Sony LinkBuds Open is excellent\"
Old school charmer...
\"It is sonically regimented, particularly through the low end where we expected issues\"
Home-theatre hero
\"Impressive is the way in which it manages to sound clean and o decongested, even during the most complex of passages.\"
Audiovector Trapeze Reimagined
\"The Trapeze Ri may resemble their famed ancestors, but in every other respect they are thoroughly modem\"
Linn Majik LP12 MC
\"We are having fun and encouraged to take a holistic view of the music rather than focus on the details\"
The playlist
Here are our carefully curated recommendations of the best music streaming service for those who value sound quality above all. Form an orderly queue...
MATCH FIT
Our ten recommended hi-fi systems are guaranteed to play together beautifully
THE TRUE PRO
Audio Pro's Director of EMEA Sales talks sustainability, Indian markets and the future of Audio Pro in India
Q Acoustics M40
A pair of powered baby floorstanders that have big shoes to fill
YG Acoustics Carmel 3
On paper, the Carmel 3 from Colorado-based speaker specialist YG Acoustics has a credibility problem. They cost a huge amount of money but are small, rather plain-looking two-way floorstanders.