Marantz 1030 Stereo Integrated Amplifier and Model 110 Am/fm Tuner Pair Reviews
Best stereo amplifiers 2022: the best integrated amps you can buy
All-time stereo amplifiers 2022: Welcome to What Hi-Fi?'south circular-upwards of the best stereo amplifiers yous can buy in 2022.
An amplifier is the beating heart of any hi-fi separates system – the necessary middleman between a source (such as a CD histrion or turntable) and pair of speakers. Without information technology, you don't get a audio. Simples. If you've called to get down the simpler, near user-friendly and space-saving option of a one-box stereo integrated amplifier as opposed to a pre/ability combination (where preamp and power amp duties are housed in divide boxes), yous've come to the right place.
Here, nosotros've rounded upwards the market's best integrated amps, which offering a vast pick of features beyond a range of prices. We're confident there volition be something here to conform all budgets and requirements, to go your music system singing whether it comprises a modestly priced turntable and entry-level speakers or higher-finish kit. And what better place to start than with the electric current What Hi-Fi? Award winners...
How to choose the best stereo amplifier for you
Stereo amplifiers aren't equally simple and stripped back as they used to be; the days of equipping them with just analogue inputs and outputs and a pair of speaker terminals are at present no longer the norm.
With laptops, smartphones and music streaming services condign ever-more than popular music sources, the integrated amplifier has indeed moved with the times. Many at present incorporate congenital-in digital-to-counterpart converters (DACs) consummate with digital inputs for connecting to laptops, difficult drives and digital-savvy hello-fi sources, while the vinyl revival has seen many integrate phono stages for turntables. Some even characteristic network streaming, making them a fully-fledged, just-add-speakers system (and for the best of those, you'll want to head on over to our best hi-fi systems Best Buy). And so what you require will depend on your needs and the connectivity of any existing equipment you have.
You should also consider your amp's partnership with your speakers. The speaker/amp relationship non only comes down to an amp'southward ability output only also the speaker's impedance characteristics and sensitivity. So if y'all need description on system matching, yous should head over to our thorough how to cull and set upwardly a stereo amp advice page.
The new Marantz PM6007 takes the winning formula of the Marantz PM6006 Great britain Edition, a formerWhat Hi-Fi? Award winner, and manages to squeeze even more performance out of it. The event: another award winner!
Permit's get the negatives out of the manner first, though. In that location's no USB input or Bluetooth connectivity, which some users might demand, just apart from this the PM6007 is pretty much faultless.
The PM6007 boasts trademark Marantz styling and is a solidly built, nicely-finished integrated amplifier with traditional howdy-fi entreatment.
Improvements include a new DAC and new filters, which tin can be switched between when you're using the amp's digital inputs, plus new components in the power amp and phono stages. The latter besides gets upgraded circuitry.
And the results speak for themselves. The audio is smooth, full-bodied and balanced, with a pleasing spaciousness. Another quality hi-fi amplifier from Marantz.
Read the full review: Marantz PM6007
Despite some minor cosmetic tweaks, the CXA81 might look a lot like its predecessor, the CXA80, but all the improvements are where it counts: on the inside.
Cambridge Audio's engineers have upgraded the point path, every bit well every bit the capacitors in both the preamp and ability amp sections. Also on board is a new DAC and an improved USB input that supports hi-res audio.
What does this all hateful? It means there's a world of departure when it comes to performance. Information technology's as punchy as anything, with a bold, powerful audio. Yet particular is never sacrificed, and information technology's lean and agile plenty to handle anything you can throw at it.
Add together in the improver of aptX Bluetooth for wireless playback, and you've got the best stereo amplifier around at this toll and a very worthy What Hi-Fi? Honor winner. Information technology sets a new standard for howdy-fi amplifiers in this cost bracket – 1 nosotros can't see being surpassed whatever time soon.
Read the full review: Cambridge Audio CXA81
This excellent upkeep integrated amp borrows the power amp and moving magnet phono phase from its elder sibling, the Rega Panache, which yous'll notice in position six on this list. And it'due south quite obvious when you lot ability upwards the io, that it's a descendant of this splendid amp. It showcases a fantastic sense of rhythm, impressive dynamics, detail. It'southward a whole lot of fun to listen to. In terms of stereo speakers, nosotros'd look to partner the Rega with something similar the Elac Debut 2.0 B6.2 or Bowers & Wilkins 606.
One slight drawback is that in social club to reach this level of audio quality, Rega has made the decision to stick purely with counterpart inputs. The lack of any digital connectivity might be a hindrance to some, but it'south not unheard of at this price point, and it doesn't dampen our enthusiasm for what is i of the all-time stereo amplifiers nosotros've heard in 2020.
Read the full review: Rega io
This is the third-generation instalment of a model first introduced in 2008. The XS 3 adds a moving magnet phono stage and better responsiveness, and that'south about it. If that sounds negative, it shouldn't – the XS 3 is a killer stereo amp, earning a well-deserved five stars, and picking up a 2019 What Hi-Fi? Award for its trouble.
Why? Attending. To. Detail. Open it up and yous'll see what we mean - in that location's immaculately assembled sound circuitry, with fantastic intendance shown in reducing the degrading effect of outside interference and unwanted interactions between components.
And it shows. The sound is much crisper and more agile than its forebears, thanks in no small role to this exacting eye for item (information technology fifty-fifty goes equally far as the shape of the connecting wiring and the exact number and placement of tie clips holding it in identify). It might not be enough of a difference to justify upgrading from its predecessor, just it however makes for an awesome amp nevertheless.
So not a massive change, as we say. But if information technology ain't broke...
Read the full review: Naim Nait XS 3
The CXA61 is the lower-specced stablemate to the CXA81 at the height of this list, and successor to the CXA60, a winner of multiple What How-do-you-do-Fi? Awards. So it's in good company.
Thankfully, information technology doesn't let the side down: information technology has the same digital inputs and Bluetooth capabilities every bit the CXA81, but only outputs at 60W per channel instead of 80W, giving you lot less power. Just for most listening scenarios, that won't exist a deal billow.
What's more important is the sound quality. And we're happy to report it's a real step on from the CXA60, existence more transparent and fun, but ever staying composed even when the music gets frantic. It's a presentation style that works well across a wide range of musical genres and speakers, and should please all just the most demanding of listeners. If that's you, you'll have to spend a little more than to satisfy your audio gustation buds.
Read the full review: Cambridge Audio CXA61
The Rega Aethos delivers an fantastic combination of insight, dynamics and rhythmic precision to produce a course-leading audio. It's not the most highly-specced stereo amp we've seen, though. There are no digital inputs, nor is there a phono phase for a turntable, which is surprising at this level. Y'all do get five line-level inputs and a half-dozen.3mm headphone socket, though.
IF you can alive with that, the Rega volition reward y'all with a captivating sound, that majors in clarity and dynamic fluidity. Its sense of timing is 2nd to none at that level, which is part of the reason it's a What Hi-Fi? Awards 2020 winner.
Read the full review: Rega Aethos
Chord Electronics has proven to have quite some talent in finding new market niches. And the diminutive Anni desktop integrated amplifier is a perfect example of that.
Make no fault, this really is a proper Chord amplifier in miniature, using as it does the Ultima dual feed-forwards circuitry seen in the latest generation of the brand'south high-end power distension. Even so, this little box is only the size of the Chord Qutest digital-to-analogue converter – for the uninitiated, think smaller than a pair of coasters laid terminate-on – and information technology'due south intended to be an ideal partner for that DAC and the company'southward Huei phono stage. The important thing to note is that information technology'southward designed for desktop use with either headphones or suitable speakers.
This is ane of the most capable headphone amplifiers we've heard. It sounds clean, clear and articulate yet captures the manic energy of Nick Cave & The Bad Seed's Infant, I'grand On Burn superbly.
Use information technology as a desktop amplifier equally intended and it shines. Sure, there are operational quirks – something that'due south proving to be a Chord trait – but when the Anni sounds this skillful we tin can forgive a lot.
Read the total Chord Anni review
If it'south heritage you want, the Rega Brio has information technology in abundance. The original Brio launched in 1991, when Bryan Adams was topping the charts with (Everything I Exercise) I Do It For You lot. And it wears its heritage on its sleeve, with a redesign that harks back to those earlier models.
It's now in its 6th generation, and we had to wait six long years for this model to touch downwardly. Thankfully, it was worth information technology.
It takes audio performance to a whole new level at the money, making it the kind of amplifier we want to go out on and play our entire music collection through. Again and again.
Yeah, your main inputs are limited to standard RCA sockets and a moving magnet phono stage, simply nosotros're willing to overlook this, given the amp'south astonishing sense of musicality. It sounds terrifically fluid with precision and scale in spades. In fact, virtually anything you play on it volition sound amazing. Fifty-fifty Bryan Adams.
Read the full review: Rega Brio
Accuse a person of lacking character and it's a harsh assessment. For a piece of hi-fi though, it's hugely positive. This Michi is a firmly 'hands-off' performer. Information technology doesn't imprint a strong sonic signature on anything it plays, leaving the character of the sound to come from the recording or some other function of the organization. Tonally, information technology sounds fifty-fifty-handed to us, delivering all parts of the frequency range with equal importance.
Item levels are high, as is the quality of stereo imaging. And one of the highlights is undoubtedly the Michi's bass delivery, which makes most of the contest at this price bespeak sound a little soft and blurred in this region. The Cambridge Edge A is perhaps the closest in terms of build and ability, but while information technology has a more fluid and engaging presentation, the X3 still has the advantage when it comes to clarity, sonic precision and price.
Ultimately, this Rotel is a formidable performer that's ready to mix it with the best at the price. Add the exceptional build and comprehensive specifications to the hugely capable sonic functioning and information technology's a must-have on your shortlist.
Read the total Rotel Michi X3 review
As far equally flagship stereo amplifiers go, the Border A is a stunning piece of kit. The casework looks slick cheers to its curved corners, while the knurled input selector ring works with wonderful precision. Information technology fifty-fifty comes with a classy remote handset. Features include an array of digital and analogue inputs including counterbalanced XLRs and USB (type A), plus Bluetooth aptX HD, and fifty-fifty an HDMI ARC socket to help your TV sound better.
And the Cambridge sounds like a truly complete amplifier for the money. Information technology generates a huge sense of authority and calibration, with amazing dynamic reach. The amp also has a fantastic grasp of low-level details, thanks to a brandish of clarity and command yous'll struggle to crush at the price.
If you're looking for a fit-and-forget hi-fi amplifier, we tin can't think of annihilation better at this level.
Read the full review: Cambridge Sound Border A
This is some other integrated amp with some serious pedigree. This third-gen model doesn't break whatsoever moulds, merely then it doesn't accept to. A slight improvement on its predecessor would be enough to make it i of the all-time around in its category.
And that's exactly what we have here. Changes over the previous version are limited to the addition of a (good quality) moving magnet phono stage and a tweak in the power amplifier department. Information technology makes the Supernait a fiddling more useful and a little chip meliorate. But such was the quality of its predecessor that that's enough to go along the Supernait at the cutting border at this level.
Some may baulk at the lack of digital inputs, but these tin can harshen the counterpart performance. And they never sound as good every bit a defended outboard unit like a Chord Mojo. So we support Naim's decision to go along information technology strictly analogue.
It certainly shows when it comes to audio quality. In fact, we can't remember of a more than talented alternative when it comes to dial, dynamics and rhythmic bulldoze.
Read the full review: Naim Supernait three
Let'southward be honest, the earth of budget stereo amplifiers isn't exactly brimming with superstar products. So when we run across something every bit talented as Cambridge's AXA35 we're specially pleased.
This is a well-built, cleanly styled product that packs all the essentials. True, we'd similar to run into Bluetooth also as a couple of concrete digital inputs, but we're willing to overlook such things when the amplifier is as sonically capable every bit this. And if you accept a upkeep turntable, you tin take advantage of its built-in moving magnet phono stage.
The AXA35 delivers a bold and composed sound that practically overflows with detail. Information technology's an even-handed performer that's as happy playing a large-scale Mahler symphony every bit it is Jay-Z's latest, along with everything in betwixt. And when it comes to rhythmic drive and dynamic expression, few alternatives exercise better.
At this toll, you really tin't inquire for more.
Read the total review: Cambridge AXA35
If you want an interesting alternative to the Marantz mentioned above, then we advise the NAD D 3020 V2. It has a smaller design, and the fact information technology can stand upright means it'due south more versatile with positioning.
The NAD is as well packed with useful features. There's Bluetooth for offline streaming and a moving magnet phono stage for connecting a turntable. Which give you far more options when it comes to audio sources. Plus you lot get optical, coaxial and RCA connections, along with a subwoofer out for adding lashings of bass.
And if this wasn't enough, it's an enjoyable mind as well. Dynamics and timing are upward there with the best, while detail levels are impressive for this form. Even if the Marantz does pip it for all-circular sound quality, this NAD more than than makes up for information technology in terms of features and ease of use. Definitely 1 for your shortlist.
Read the full review: NAD D 3020 V2
Arguably, this is the only stereo amplifier at this price capable of troubling the Rega Brio (at no.6). Then needless to say the Audiolab 6000A is a very accomplished performer.
It's well-equipped on the connections front - four digital inputs, three analogue inputs, and a pair of moving magnet phono inputs. Add Bluetooth and a headphone output to the equation and you've got a list of options the Rega but can't match.
And then how does it sound? Very good indeed. Though because information technology uses technology derived from the top-of-the-range 8300A series, and the same DAC flake equally the Award-winning Audiolab M-DAC, its prestige audio quality comes as no surprise.
The 6000A's open up and airy presentation gives music enough of room to breathe and there's bags of refinement on offer too. It's make clean and articulate, with a gorgeous sense of clarity and an accented tonne of particular to get your teeth into. Take it from us, the 6000A doesn't disappoint.
Read the full review: Audiolab 6000A
Let's start with the negatives. The Musical Allegiance M2si doesn't have the features listing of most rivals – there are no digital connections, no phono phase and no wireless connectivity. In fact, information technology'south one of the well-nigh stripped-dorsum amplifiers we've ever tested. Just that means every penny you spend on it goes straight to making a great-sounding amplifier.
So what do yous become for your money? There's a remote control, six line level inputs, including a tape loop and a abode cinema featherbed option to assistance integration into a environs system. It feels better built than many rivals, too, while the simple, clean cut pattern will appeal to many.
Sound-wise, its performance is massively refined and pleasantly entertaining, and leaves plenty of telescopic for upgrades. It's a large-scale sound, packed with say-so and substance. It images very well, and dynamic expression is another potent indicate.
In short, a superb all-rounder. Whatsoever you lot throw at information technology, it never disappoints.
Read the full review: Musical Fidelity M2si
Dan D'Agostino Main Sound Systems (to apply the company'due south full name) only plays at the meridian tabular array. Despite its hefty price tag, the Progression Integrated amplifier is the starting point for the brand's range, merely that doesn't brand it a diluted facsimile of products farther up the concatenation. Information technology's more like everything the make knows in a condensed package.
At its nearly basic, this is a line-level analogue integrated amplifier, but add the optional digital module for an actress £5600 ($5000, AU$8995) and yous get a proficient range of digital inputs alongside network streaming capabilities, making it a fully fledged just-add-speakers streaming system. Regardless of whether yous're afterwards a direct high-end integrated or something more than fully featured, the Progression Integrated is something that must exist heard.
Our time with the D'Agostino had united states of america trawling through our music drove, impatient to hear what all those familiar tracks sound similar through it. It'south rare to find such a powerful amplifier sounding and so transparent and responsive.
Ultimately, it delivers a superb all-circular operation. And its modular nature means it offers far greater flexibility than most rivals, besides.
Read the total Dan D'Agostino Progression Integrated review
Copland doesn't introduce new products all that regularly, and then the CSA 100 is a welcome add-on to its line-up and a welcome addition to our list of the best stereo amplifiers you lot can buy.
The CSA 100 boasts a ataxia-free and elegant design, with digital module, headphone output and a phono stage all to be institute within that well-synthetic chassis. At its core is a hybrid electronic blueprint that produces a solid 100W per aqueduct (8ohm).
Connectivity includes a phono (moving magnet/moving coil) plus unmarried-ended (3) and balanced XLR (one) line-level inputs. As for digital, there's the usual trio of USB, coaxial and two optical sockets. The Copland's ESS Sabre ES9018 Reference DAC is compatible with upwards to 32-scrap/384kHz PCM files and DSD128.
Sonically, the amp produces a nicely layered image with instruments sharply focused – its sonic precision and a sense of fluidity are hugely appealing. It's an impressively detailed performer that allows you lot to just sit back and savor your music drove.
Read the full review: Copland CSA 100
This is another amazing (and multi-Accolade-winning) stereo amplifier from Rega.
The Elex-R builds on the strengths of the first-class Brio (run into earlier in this article), doubling down in areas such every bit detail, dynamics and timing. Think of the Brio on steroids, and you're pretty much there.
The build quality is as solid as we would expect from Rega, and while the casework is functional rather than luxurious, it'due south finished neatly and everything feels like information technology will last for years. In fact, our unit has been beavering away in our test room for three years and counting, and nosotros're yet to encounter whatsoever bug.
We'd avoid sources and speakers that err too far towards brightness or harshness, simply otherwise this amp can't fail to shine. The power output of 72W isn't enough to brand the floor shake in really large rooms, but most set-ups should benefit from this amp'southward many abilities. A peachy addition to almost any arrangement.
Read the total review: Rega Elex-R
If information technology's smoothness, subtlety and composure that you're afterward in a stereo amp, so the Moon 240i has you lot covered. It'south Moon'southward entry-level integrated amp, though that certainly doesn't mean information technology comes cheap – Moon is ane of those high-terminate audio brands whose cheapest products are even so out of the attain of many. Merely it'southward a credit to itself that it looks and behaves like something pricier withal.
The curvy silver edges and 2-tone effect give the amp serious presence, while the OLED screen is crisp and clear. Information technology sounds like a serious piece of kit, likewise. Bass notes have a level of item ofttimes missed even by pricier amps, but the 240i doesn't feel the demand to shout most it. Information technology'south an understated, yet terrifically talented, amplifier - i that puts subtlety and dynamism to the fore.
The Moon also boasts an asynchronous DAC, which supports hi-res files up to an impressive 32-bit/384kHz likewise equally DSD256 files.
Read the total review: Moon 240i
There's no two means nigh it, Musical Allegiance's M8xi is something of a monster. The integrated amplifier dwarfs most rivals when information technology comes to size and weighs in at a vertebrae-crushing 46kg. Perhaps the most impressive number is that it has a huge claimed power output of 550 watts per aqueduct in 8 ohms, which then rises to a dizzying 870 watts equally the speaker impedance halves.
The M8xi is a poke in the eye for anyone that considers an integrated amp a compromised alternative to a pre/power combination. Within the Musical Fidelity'south huge frame – sixteen 10 44 x 40cm (hwd), in case you lot were wondering – is very much a modular design with DAC, preamp and ii monobloc ability amplifiers separated as much as possible with the casework.
The M8xi has power to fire and that shines through in its muscular and authoritative nature. You can throw pretty much anything at this amplifier and it'll never seem out of its depth, yet below all that muscle is a product that has enough emotional stretch to satisfy beyond a wide range of musical genres. The Musical Fidelity M8xi definitely belongs on the shortlist.
Read the total Musical Allegiance M8xi review
This might be an integrated amplifier, but information technology really is more like a separate pre- and ability amplifier in a single box rather than a compromised electrical design. Build quality is excellent. Thanks to its impressive power amp circuitry, this is an amplifier that will have no trouble driving difficult speakers to high volume levels. In other words, it'south right up our alley.
It might take a while to fully appreciate its understated presentation. But give it time, and come to capeesh it you lot volition. This is a neutral, balanced commitment, served upward with a stunning sense of purity and transparency. And nosotros're particularly impressed with the way this amplifier tin deliver deep bass with such texture, agility and power. Those difficult speakers we mentioned? They'll shake the room when pushed to high volumes.
If you're looking for a i-stop amplification solution for a high-end stereo organization, this Luxman is an excellent place to start.
Read the full review: Luxman L-509X
Mark Levinson is i of the almost prestigious brands in the high-cease amplification space. The firm helped found the era of high-end hi-fi in the 1970s, and is nevertheless i of its leading proponents.
So the No.5805 has quite some legacy to live upward to. It's the visitor'southward entry-level model (not that you'd know it, from the cost tag), and is pretty well equipped on both the analogue and digital front: yous get 3 analogue line-level inputs, including a balanced XLR, alongside a quartet of concrete digital connections. At that place's a choice of USB, coax and a pair of opticals and a nod to wireless modernity in the grade of aptX Hard disk drive Bluetooth.
Its sound doesn't grab the attention as firmly or equally quickly as some rivals in this list, merely over time you tin can't help but fall for its many charms. The amp's presentation is refined, insightful and dynamic, while the feature set is admirably wide and useful. If you're in the market place for a premium integrated amplifier then the No.5805 is definitely 1 to consider.
Read the full review: Marking Levinson No.5805
How nosotros test stereo amplifiers
Nosotros accept land-of-the-art testing facilities in London, Reading and Bath, where our team of experienced, in-house reviewers test the majority of howdy-fi and AV kit that passes through our door.
What Hi-Fi? is all about comparative testing, so we mind to every stereo amplifier we test confronting the current leader in its class to gauge how it compares to the contest. We keep What Hi-Fi? Award-winning products in our stockrooms and then we can ever pit new products against ones we know and love. We practice our all-time to review as many new models in as many markets equally possible, ensuring our contextual knowledge is the best it can be. And nosotros encounter fifty-fifty more during our What Hullo-Fi? Awards judging, where nosotros listen to every amplifier manufacturers submit.
We are always impartial in our testing and ensure we hear every product – including stereo amps – at their optimum. So nosotros'll use unlike partnering products – those in our high-cease reference arrangement likewise as more toll-comparable ones – likewise as try enough of different types of music. Naturally, nosotros give them plenty of listening time (and time to run in).
All review verdicts are agreed upon by the team as a whole rather than an individual reviewer to eliminate whatsoever personal preference and to make sure nosotros're being as thorough as possible. In that location'south no input from PR companies or our sales team when information technology comes to the verdict, withWhat Howdy-Fi? proud of having delivered honest, unbiased reviews for decades.
More than:
- How to choose and fix your amplifier
- How to build the perfect hi-fi system
- The best stereo amplifiers of the 21st century
Source: https://www.whathifi.com/best-buys/hi-fi/best-stereo-amplifiers
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