HOT AMPS! (WE LOVE YOU SO)

Six sizzling sub-£750 integrated amplifiers that deliver class-leading sound at the more affordable end of the market, and that you will love too

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Your stereo amplifier is the beating heart of any hi-fi separates system, and which one you choose will have a huge impact on the sonic quality and character of your whole system. It’s vital, therefore, that you put as much love and care into choosing your amp as possible.

Integrated amps can, like all hi-fi components, reach dizzying heights, price-wise, with a range of qualities that justify the price tag – but for most of us, there are plenty of affordable integrated amps that will do your system proud. These six What Hi-Fi? favourites are all five-star beauties that deliver wonderfully on our performance-to-pound metric.

Specifically, we are looking here at amplifiers retailing below £750. Most amps at this level will still have a good range of connectivity and a decent feature count, but what makes those in this test so special is their performance. The best of this group will have enough in the way of insight, dynamics and rhythmic drive to get the best from your sources.

When adding a new amp to your system, it’s worth considering the relative character of the kit you will be partnering your new amp with, connectivity with said kit, and compatibility with your speakers. Will the amp suit your headphone listening needs? And will you need to save some cash back for an external phono stage for vinyl replay, for example?

We have great amps from Cambridge, Rega, NAD and Marantz in our list, and we are sure you will find something to love in any of these five-star models.

Cambridge Audio AXA35

A musical budget amplifier with all-round appeal