Recent Audio Amplifier Reviews
Recent Reviews
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Adcom Stages Comeback With Updated Classic Amps
Adcom is relaunching in the USA and is now making “updated and modernized versions” of its classic audio hifi products, including the legendary GFA-555 stereo power amplifier.
ATI AT4002 Class AB and AT522NC Class D Amplifier Review Shootout
In market for a powerful 200 WPC amp? ATI has you covered with two completely different technologies. We compare the AT4000 class A/B and the AT522NC Class-D amplifiers to help you decide.
Arcam A25 Integrated Amplifier Bench Test Results
The Arcam Radia A25 is a 100 watt/ch slimline stereo integrated amplifier featuring high resolution DACs, excellent noise and distortion performance on our test bench and blends into any room décor.
Monoprice Monolith 7‑Channel Amplifier Review
The Monoprice Monolith is an astounding 7-channel, 200wpc amplifier with two massive teroidal transformers delivering gobs of power and textbook performance at a value price point. Our amp of the year
Marantz MODEL 50 Integrated Amplifier & CD 50n Streaming HDMI CD Player!
The Marantz MODEL 50 integrated amplifier and CD 50n streaming HDMI CD player ($1,800/ea) boast audiophile componentry, low impedance power drive, and unmatched digital source connectivity options.
Yamaha A‑S801 Integrated Amplifier Review
The Yamaha A-S801 is an honestly rated 100 watt/ch integrated amplifier with a built in high resolution USB-B DAC to power a serious dedicated two-channel or upscale PC system with pristine fidelity.
JBL Brings Stylish New Hi‑Fi Gear to CEDIA 2023
JBL unveiled new hifi gear at CEDIA 2023 including the L42 integrated music system, DA Series distribution amplifiers, and the 4305P & 4329P Powered Monitor loudspeakers which Gene absolutely loved.
Outlaw Model 5000 Five Channel Amplifier Review
The Outlaw Model 5000 is a 5 channel 120 watt amplifier that over-delivers in power & performance. Great sound on the cheap without peer at $599. Best amp deal of the year? Watch our YouTube review.
Monoprice 3 Budget Monolith Mx100X Amplifiers Bench Test Results
We bench tested 3 new Monolith amplifiers by Monoprice starting at $399. The 2CH M2100X, 3CH M3100X, and 5CH M5100X amplifiers delivered rated power with All Channels Driven. Best deal on cheap? Read on.
IQ Audio M300 MonoBlock Amplifier Review
Review: The IQ Audio M300 MonoBlock amplifier is deceivingly good, delivering rated power with pristine fidelity and finesse in an efficient, cool running pint sized package. Class D at its best.
Marantz AMP 10 200 Watt x 16CH Amplifier Bench Test Results
The Marantz AMP 10 is a 200 watt x 16CH amplifier utilizing the ICE Edge Class D topology with a custom built SMPS power supply. I put the AMP 10 through exhaustive bench tests to gauge its performance.
Red Dragon M500MKII & M1000MKII MonoBlock Amplifier Review
Review: The Red Dragon M500/M1000 Class D Amplifiers are 500 and 1100 watt powerhouses in a small, lightweight, and cool-running footprint that promise to deliver tremendous bang for the buck.
NAD’s C 3050 Integrated Amp Looks ‘70s, Parties Like It’s 2023
The NAD C 3050 integrated amp celebrates the brand’s 50th anniversary in a retro 70's style. At $1,300, this amp is nearly identical to the impossible-to-find, limited-edition C 3050 LE but modern features.
Marantz PM‑11S3 Integrated Amplifier Review
Review: The Marantz PM-11S3 Integrated Amplifier is rated at 100 watts/channel. It exceeds its specifications and sounds and looks great doing it. A true audiophile product with prideful ownership.
JBL Classic Series Audio Components Blend Retro w Modern Tech
JBL has released more retro Classic Series audio products. The SA550 integrated amplifier ($2,000), MP350 streaming media player ($700), CD350 CD player ($800), and TT350 turntable ($1,000).
Emotiva XPR‑1 Mono Amplifier Review
Our review of the 1kwatt Emotiva XPR-1 Mono amplifier proves that ultimate power and audiophile finesses can go hand in hand without breaking the bank. The XPR-1 monoblock audio amplifier rocks!
The HiFi Rose RA180 Integrated Amp Looks Wacky For a Reason
The HiFi Rose RA180 is a 4CH integrated amp that can be bi-amped for 200 watts x 4 or bridged to deliver 400 watts per channel x2 for the ultimate audiophile experience using the latest GaNFET devices.
Pass Labs X350.5 Stereo Power Amplifier Review
This is a review of the Pass Labs X350.5 350wpc stereo amplifier. Excellent bench tests and pristine sonic virtues would please even the most discriminating audiophile.
NAD M23 Master Series Stereo Amplifier Test Report
The NAD M23 is a 200wpc stereo amp that utilizes the SOTA Class D Purifi 1ET400A reference design to push the envelope of performance and efficiency. Is this the best measuring amp in our 23+ year history?
digiZoid ZO2 Personal (not a) Subwoofer Review
The digiZoid Z02 Personal Subwoofer is not a subwoofer at all. Instead it is an "analog sound enhancement device" which will boost the volume of your 3.5mm source and provides bass boost.
Starke Sound Fiera4 4 Channel Amplifier Benchmark Test Results
The Starke Sound Fiera4 is an exciting new four channel Class D amplifier. It provides plenty of power (130wpcx4) to juice your home theater in a light weight and energy efficient package. Read on.
Classe CT‑2300 Stereo Power Amplifier Review
Review: Classe CT-2300 is a 300wpc/600wpc (8/4 ohms, respectively) two-channel power amplifier. It's great bench tests,sonic virtues and cool operation makes it a wonderful rack mountable solution.
NAD’s C 389 Integrated Amp Delivers Streaming and Dirac for Less
NAD's new C 389 integrated amp offers much of the performance of the C 399 for 25% less money. The $1,500 amp delivers 130 watts of Hypex UcD power, and uses the same ESS Sabre DAC and a DIRAC path.
Emotiva UPA‑500 Five Channel Power Amplifier Review
The Emotiva UPA-500 is a five channel amplifier that offers solid performance and value. At under $400 it's in a class of its own.
Mark Levinson Celebrates 50 Years in Audio; New $50K Amp & NC Headphones
This year marks 50 years of Mark Levinson. The brand is celebrating with the № 5909 ANC Bluetooth headphones ($999) & a limited-edition monoblock amplifier, the ML-50 for $50,000/pair! Read on.
Rocketfish Rocketboost RF‑RBUSB RF‑RBREC Wireless Audio Review
The Rocketfish Rocketboost RF-RBUSB RF-RBREC Wireless Audio is a wireless platform that allows for uncompressed audio (48kHz, 16bit/24bit) distribution around the home.
NAD’s Classic Series C 399 Integrated Amp Delivers Masters Series Tech For Less
NAD’s new Classic Series C 399 integrated amp ($1,999) delivers 180 watts of nCore amplification and features tech previously found only in the brand’s more expensive Masters Series amps. Read on.
Master TVA30 Guitar Amp Review
This is a review of the Master TVA30 Guitar Amp featuring detailed measurements and suggestions for product improvements.
The Peachtree Audio GaN400: A New Breed of Class D Amplification
Peachtree Audio’s GaN400 stereo power amp ($3,000) blazes new trails for Class D amplification. The amp uses cutting-edge GaNFET transistors in its output stage, delivering a massive 400wpc! Read on.
Emotiva UPA‑7 Seven Channel Power Amplifier Review
Dollar for dollar, pound for pound, a better seven channel amplifier than the Emotiva UPA-7 does NOT exist on the market. This is a safe purchase and a highly recommended one!
Marantz MODEL 40n: The perfect Integrated Amplifier for a Streaming World?
Marantz MODEL 40n Integrated Amplifier with Spotify Connect, AppleMusic, Pandora, Tidal, AirPlay2, HEOS, and HDMI with ARC with 70wpc class AB in an all-in-one flagship worthy of the Marantz heritage.
Seymour AV Ice Block 5001 500watt Monoblock Amplifier Review
It's not hard to see that I'm impressed with the Seymour AV Ice Block 5001 500watt Monoblock Amplifier. It has plenty of power, great aesthetics, and near perfect functionality.
NAD’s New Streaming Amps Are Small In Size But Big On Features
NAD releases two new integrated amps. The M10V2 adds Dolby Digital processing and tweaked amplifier performance & the C700 streaming integrated amp let's you easily add speakers for a simple setup.
Emotiva UPA‑2 Stereo Amplifier Review
The Emotiva UPA-2 Stereo Amplifier is an incredible solution to turn a $500 AV receiver into a real powerhouse - and for FAR less money than it would cost to buy a comparable quality flagship product.
Cambridge Audio’s Evo Streaming Amps Deliver Great Design and All‑In‑One Convenience
The Cambridge Audio Evo 75 ($2,250) and Evo 150 ($3,000) are compact, Class D streaming amps that aim to deliver audiophile performance from a “lifestyle” all-in-one package.
Axiom Audio A1400‑8 Digital Multi‑Channel Amplifier Review
Axiom Audio has redefined performance expectations of Class D amplifiers with their A1400-8. Sporting 200 watts per channel all channels driver, this amp is a real space saver.
Denon PMA‑A110 Integrated Amplifier Review: BIGGER Sound than Power Ratings Reveal?
Denon’s PMA-A110 Integrated amplifier is a finely crafted piece of audio gear that sounds as good as it looks while delivering more power than its modest 80wpc rating suggests. Read our review to see why.
Emotiva XPA‑2 Two Channel Amplifier Review
The Emotiva XPA-2 is a two-channel amplifier is one of the most powerful, highest value amplifiers we've reviewed to date. It is a lone wolf in a pasture of sheepish amplifiers.
Starke Sound’s 4‑Channel AD4.320 Amplifier Uses Proprietary Class D Tech, BIG Power
Starke Sound’s new AD4.320 4-channel power amplifier ($1,399) uses a home-grown Class D amplifier module combined with an old-school linear power supply. It can be bridged for up to 650 watts!
Rotel RMB‑1085 Power Amplifier Review
At only 100 watts, I couldn't say that the RMB-1085 was a huge improvement over the internal amps of my receiver with my 8 ohm speakers. It does have an undeniable cool factor and plenty of power.
Naim Uniti Atom Headphone Edition Review: The Future of Streaming
Naim Uniti Atom Headphone Edition (HE) features the wireless streaming architecture and design of Uniti Atom with reworked power supply, and headphone outputs. Read our review to see why it sets the bar.
Denon POA‑A1HDCI 10 Channel Power Amplifier Review
Review: The Denon POA-A1HDCI 10 channel audio amplifier offers a slew of connectivity features and power few multi-channel amps can match. Its rated at 150wpx x 10 but can be bridged for double power.
Rotel Delivers High‑End ‘Michi’ Integrated Amps And Entry‑Level ‘Tribute’ Gear
Rotel released a pair of Michi Class-AB integrated amps: the Michi X3 ($4,999) and X5 ($6,999). For entry-level customers, there is the A11 integrated amp ($799) and CD11 CD player ($599). Read on.
Emotiva Audio RPA‑1 Stereo Amplifier Review
The Emotiva RPA-1 offers one of the best values in reference quality amplifiers out there. Beautiful, powerful, and bulletproof, if this amp isn't on your list, it should be.
Focal Arche Headphone DAC/Amplifier Review ‑ Get It Before Its Gone
Focal Arche is a pre-amp/DAC, headphone amplifier with two 32-bit AK4490 DACs and two separate 1W @ 32-ohm amplifiers to power your headphones with pristine clarity. How does it sound? Read on.
Marantz PM‑11S1 Integrated Amplifier Review
The Marantz PM-11S1 is one of the most beautiful pieces of gear I've come across. The measured power told us that Marantz plays fast and loose with its stated power specs - but in the consumer's favor
Anthem's New MCA Gen2 Amplifiers Overview
Anthem's new MCA 225/325/525 multi-ch amplifiers boast up to 600 watts/ch power and low noise starting at $2k but are there caveats? Read on to find out.
Emotiva Reference Theater Series IPS‑1 Amplifier Review
From its excellent sonic characteristics, to its no-nonsense build quality, fit and finish, Emotiva has once again demonstrated via the IPS-1 Amp that you don’t have to break the bank to get quality.
Denon Releases 3 More 110th Anniversary Edition A110 Components
Denon has expanded its 110th anniversary components with the PMA-A110 Integrated Amplifier, DCD-A110 SACD Player, and DL-A110 Phono Cartridge. Read on to see what makes these audiophile products so special.
Emotiva Ultra Theater Series LMC‑1 & LPA‑1 Review
At $899 shipped, it is very hard to find anything to complain about with the Emotiva Ultra Theater Series LMC-1 & LPA-1.
New NAD Masters Series Employ Revolutionary Class D Amplifier Technology
NAD launched two Masters Series amps, the M33 and M28 both priced at $4,999. Both amps offer performance that sets a new benchmark for low noise and distortion thanks to a revolutionary Class D design.
Thule Audio PA350B Multi Channel Amplifier Review
Thule Audio PA350B Multichannel Amplifier is put through its paces to see if it will be good enough for your home theater.
Marantz 30 Series Integrated Amp & Network SACD Audio Streamer Tantalizes Audiophiles
After three years of research and devolopment, Marantz has released information on their new MODEL 30 Integrated Amplifier and SACD 30n Network Audio Streamer and SACD Player. Read on.
Onix Melody SP3 Tube Integrated Amplifier Review
The Onix Melody SP3 Tube Integrated Amplifier is intended as a high value product aimed at budget minded Hi Fi enthusiasts who dream of esoteric gear but are grounded by simple economics.
Beale Street Audio BAV4250 BAV2500 1,000 Watt Amps Have Features You Need
Beale Street Audio has started shipping their highly anticipated BAV4250 and BAV2500 1,000 watt amplifiers. Beale amps offer versatility along with easy setup and control, but how do they measure up?
Emotiva MPS‑1 Seven Channel Amplifier Review
The new Emotiva MPS-1 7-channel amp - Could this be the ultimate affordable 7CH amplifier? Read on to find out…
McIntosh Debuts New Flagship Home Theater Processors and Amp
McIntosh recently showcased its newest home theater products at the ISE (Integrated Systems Europe) AV show in Amsterdam. The new lineup includes 2 Atmos AV processors and 2 multi-ch amplifiers.