Recommended integrated amplifiers

The well-conceived IDA-8 delivers substance with plenty of gusto—and does so from an astonishingly quiet background. A great-sounding, stone-cold bargain, and a Golden Ear Award recipient.

This is the gear that we, the staff of Part-Time Audiophile, recommend. You get a fully digital integrated, top-loading CD transport, digital streaming, MM phono stage, Space Tune environmental adjustments, radio and unlimited connectivity with TVs and subwoofers. Nicely built, appropriately heavy and yes, it has that beautiful and slightly modern tube amp sound that is quite common these days—for two to three times the cost. The Living Sounds Audio crew are experts at scouring the world for the best audiophile values, and their expansive involvement throughout the supply chain is what keeps the VT so affordable—not cutting corners on the design. When we heard that Naim was going to release a new limited version of the classic NAIT amp, we pushed and shoved to the front of the line to get a better look and yes, one of us bought one. They only made 1, of them, to celebrate the year Naim Audio went into business.

Recommended integrated amplifiers

Estimated wait for next available agent :. You can even stream music through the sound bar you use for TV watching. I'm not knocking those handy options, but if you're like me — a music lover who really prioritizes sound quality — you may want to make an integrated amplifier the centerpiece of your primary sound system. The one you turn to when you settle into a comfy chair for a couple of hours of serious listening. An integrated amp is the right choice if you want to connect all of your music sources to a dedicated two-channel amplifier using one component. And most of them can accomodate wireless music streaming, too. We'll go over everything these versatile amps can do, and help you narrow down your choices until you find the perfect one for your sound system. The preamp lets you switch between wired and wireless sources and control the volume. The preamp may also include balance and tone controls. The built-in power amp lets you drive one or two pairs of bookshelf or floor-standing speakers. So what makes an integrated amp different from a stereo receiver , then? The answer is in the name of the latter component. If you're like me, and only listen to the radio while driving, you may prefer the streamlined functions of an integrated amp.

Recommended integrated amplifiers budget stereo amplifier Arcam is back in the affordable stereo amplifier market with a bang; the A5 is a superbly rounded performer for the money.

If you're looking to dig into the world of hi-fi systems that consist of a separate stereo receiver or integrated amplifier that powers a set of passive speakers — whether your passion is turntables and vinyl records, sweet CD sound, or streaming audio — then this list is the resource you need to get going. We also explain what an AV receiver is and how it fits in to all of this, but because they're a whole other beast, we have an entirely separate roundup for those as well. But back to what we're here for. With its substantial watts-per-channel output, the Cambridge Audio CXA81 has received accolades across the board for its ability to drive even the most demanding of speakers 4 to 8 ohms with full, deep bass, punchy mids, and detail, and definition on the highs that keeps its cool even in the upper volume ranges. And while it doesn't have a dedicated phono preamp a phono stage is required , the CXA81 is the go-to integrated amplifier for Digital Trends' turntable reviewer Derek Malcolm based on its well-balanced sound for all kinds of music.

Estimated wait for next available agent :. You can even stream music through the sound bar you use for TV watching. I'm not knocking those handy options, but if you're like me — a music lover who really prioritizes sound quality — you may want to make an integrated amplifier the centerpiece of your primary sound system. The one you turn to when you settle into a comfy chair for a couple of hours of serious listening. An integrated amp is the right choice if you want to connect all of your music sources to a dedicated two-channel amplifier using one component.

Recommended integrated amplifiers

The MKII version of the venerable RA, this Wpc Class AB powerhouse offered rock-solid musicality across all criteria, with a lush velvety character and a weighty, well-defined bottom end. The treble octaves were clean, relatively free of clutter or grain. At the treble extremes there was a minor reduction of air and harmonic bloom and a scarcity of depth cues, but these were trivial subtractions. Exactly what TAS has come to expect of an experienced, year-old brand that knows the audio terrain like few competitors in this segment. NG, Attessa is its first offering with integrated DAC plus network streaming capability and a fine mm phonostage too. Sonic performance registered high scores across all genres of music.

Cs go platforms

Perfect for anyone short on shelf space or room for big receivers and amps like the others on our list, the BT20A Pro's 5-inch by 5-inch by 1-inch frame can fit just about anywhere, leaving plenty of room for bookshelf speakers or your other decorating knickknacks. If not, you have a couple of options. Popular questions customers ask Toggle What is an integrated amplifier? McIntosh C Classic feature-packed preamplifier. Michael Bizzaco. A full or integrated amplifier, when both a power amplifier and a preamp are combined in one device, is the most popular product on the Hi-Fi electronics market. What's the difference between a stereo receiver and integrated amplifier? It does this with wide color and velvety textural contrasts, micro-detailing, harmonics, and a vise-like grip. What Hi-Fi? But you might have other priorities. Best premium stereo amplifier The Rega Aethos delivers an exceptional combination of insight, dynamics and rhythmic precision. All review verdicts are agreed upon by the team as a whole rather than an individual reviewer to eliminate any personal preference and to make sure we're being as thorough as possible.

High-end audio is so often about compromises, trading one characteristic for another. What sets the Soulution integrated apart is its ability to strike just the right balance of musical elements without compromise—and to manage to do so across so many recordings and styles. The company has somehow succeeded in keeping many of its best sonic characteristics, while paring down parts and pricing.

Bluetooth feature as well. It's also got a fantastic built-in headphone amp for private listening. AV receivers are a different breed altogether, as they add the all-important "V" for "Video" to the equation and are more commonly used for home theater systems for watching movies and TV. Without one, you simply don't get a sound, and which one you pick will greatly impact the sonic quality and character of your whole system. Best entry-level. Read more below. Its exceptional clarity, superb resolution, unflappable transient fidelity, unswervingly authentic tone, and virtually perfect broadband pitch definition are only closely matched by some mega solid-state amplifiers. Marantz Model 30 Black. Speaking of sound, if you live in a busy household where everyone does their own thing, you'll appreciate the ability to be able to connect your Bluetooth headphones directly to the TV for private, considerate listening. Digital inputs: Coaxial, optical.