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 £350 to £700 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
£349
Bu hikaye What Hi-Fi UK dergisinin April 2024 sayısından alınmıştır.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Giriş Yap
Bu hikaye What Hi-Fi UK dergisinin April 2024 sayısından alınmıştır.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Giriş Yap
WHAT HI-FI? AWARDS 2024
Presenting the very best hi-fi and home cinema gear you can buy right now - winners each and every one
RECORD PLAYERS ARE GETTING BETTER: IT JUST ISN'T OBVIOUS
Record replay continues to improve, but it does so in a subtle way, writes technical editor Ketan Bharadia
Hisense PX3-Pro
Gaming-focused UST projector that's great for films too
Cambridge Audio EXN100
Extensive features, refined performance
BenQ GS50
Prepare to be the talk of the campsite
Pro-Ject Debut Evo 2
An appealing turntable in looks and sound
Sony Bravia Theatre Bar 9
How do you follow a three-time Award-winning soundbar? This is how
Rotel A8
It's no-frills’, but this amp hits the mark
Samsung Q8OD (QE55Q80D)
Even without Mini LEDs, this Samsung mid-ranger hits the mark
Epos ES-7N
Small box, flexible nature and a huge talent