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
Diese Geschichte stammt aus der April 2024-Ausgabe von What Hi-Fi UK.
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Diese Geschichte stammt aus der April 2024-Ausgabe von What Hi-Fi UK.
Starten Sie Ihre 7-tägige kostenlose Testversion von Magzter GOLD, um auf Tausende kuratierte Premium-Storys sowie über 8.000 Zeitschriften und Zeitungen zuzugreifen.
Bereits Abonnent? Anmelden
Yamaha True X
An enjoyable, energetic sound from a small package
Sennheiser Momentum Sport
Sport-friendly tech abounds, but what about the sound?
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Make the most of your shiny new record player
Meze Audio Empyrean II
In a relatively short time, Meze Audio has made quite some impact on the world of headphones.
System of the month
For our vinyl special, an affordable turntable set-up brought right up-to-date with streaming smarts
From voice to vinyl how records get their groove
Ever wondered how music actually gets onto your vinyl records? Let us take you now on a journey into sound…
STAGE RIGHT
Our pick of the best phono stages that will help your records bring the house down
Q Acoustics 5050
Grace and power at a really competitive price
Sony ULT Wear
Sony breaks from its winning wireless formula... with very mixed results
Denon AVC-X6800H
Denon delivers yet another feature-rich and powerful-sounding flagship AVR