The stream team

Modern streaming amps show that many manufacturers have mastered the art of combining a music streamer and amplifier in one box. Here are four models we really like

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Loving music as we do here at What Hi-FI?, we will always value sound quality over convenience.

But if you can have both in one neat package, then what's not to like? And that, we are pleased to report, is what today's streaming amplifiers provide.

That has not always been the case. Until recently, despite the medium of streaming reigning unchallenged as the preeminent way of accessing music for well over a decade now, hi-fi manufacturers' attempts to combine a reliable music streamer with adequate amplification in the same box tended to produce less than impressive results. Products were usually significantly compromised in terms of sound quality and often suffered streaming dropouts and other technical glitches.

Things have improved greatly over recent years though, and you can now buy a wide variety of slick, good-quality streaming amps for prices that won't leave you poorer than a church mouse.

Of course, having your streamer and amplifier housed in separate units will always render the best results price-for-price, but for those keeping an eye on their budget and/or with space limitations, a streaming amp is the ideal solution. Just add speakers and off you go. Connectivity is generally good these days too, so if you want to expand your horizons and add other elements such as a turntable or CD player, feel free.

With the choice of quality streaming amps growing by the month, we decided that now was the time to put together a quartet of our favourite models to help you find the streaming amplifier to suit you and your pocket.

Our selection begins with the eminently affordable and easy to use WiiM Amp Pro (£399) and tops out with the seriously capable Naim Uniti Atom (£2299). All four of the models we feature here have Bluetooth as well as access to the main music-streaming services, while one - the excellent Technics SA-C600 - also has a builtin CD player and moving-magnet phono stage.