Recent Audio Amplifier Reviews

After 16 years of great reviews from their JC 1 amplifier, Parasound has finally given consumers exactly what they want: Two top-of-the-line Halo JC 1 monoblock power amplifiers integrated into a single chassis that is the same size as one JC 1. The new Parasound Halo JC 5 combines high power and ultra-high bias Class A/AB sonic quality at roughly two-thirds the price of a pair of JC 1s.

ATI is a well-known amplifier manufacturer that also builds amplifiers for Lexicon, Outlaw, SAE, and most recently Monoprice. Their Signature Series amplifiers are their top-of-the line reference offering. It is a fully balanced class A/B design using two toroidal transformers and independent secondary windings to provide separate power supplies for each channel. With configurations from 2 to 7 channels the ATI AT6000 series amplifier performance is as massive as its dimensions and weight; and yet, completely silent. Their performance matches and exceeds many mono-blocks while versatile enough to support bi-amplified and multi-channel audiophile systems.

If you’re a fan of NAD electronics or if you’ve been thinking of upgrading your amp to a more sophisticated product brand you might want to check out NAD’s new M22 V2 Masters Series Amplifier released this year at CES, Las Vegas, Nevada. NAD’s new M22 V2 delivers a 20% increase in power over their previous model and adds bridging mode and an input sensitivity switch for system flexibility. Did they really offer a significant upgrade in performance without an increase in price? Read on.

Anthem Electronics released their STR Preamplifier and STR Power Amplifier at the 2017 CEDIA Expo. Like the STR integrated amplifier they released last year, the new separates both feature a fresh industrial design and premium audio circuit components and Anthem ARC room correction. The power amplifier is a no holds barred class AB rated to 800 watts/ch into 2 ohms. The entire series is proudly designed, engineered, and Crafted in Canada. Check out all of the details to see if these babies will be in your next two-channel rig.

For over half a century audio manufacturer Rotel has been putting out award winning hi-fi components. Rotel's newest lineup of 15 series components was recently released and include an integrated amplifier, stereo preamp, and their newest CD player which processes digital signals up to 24-bits in length at sampling rates from 8 kHz to 192 kHz. To see what Rotel has to offer with their new 15 series components, read on.

Monoprice may have made its name making cheap HDMI cables but there's absolutely nothing cheap about their new line of audiophile-grade Monolith amplifiers. The Monolith 7 is a 7-channel, 200wpc (with all channels driven), 93 pound beast of an amplifier. From its build to astonishing real-world performance the Monolith 7 may just rank as one of the best price/performance amplifiers you can buy. We put the Monolith through a battery of tests and came away impressed. Read our full review and watch our YouTube Video to see why the Monolith really is THAT good.

Hi-Fi company Marantz released information on their new audio products in preparation for the January 2017 Consumer Electronic Show in Las Vegas, Nevada. Their Premium 10 series is their most advanced Hi-Fi combination to date and includes the SA-10 SACD/CD player/DAC and PM-10 fully balanced Integrated Amplifier. This duo features Marantz’ renowned audio technologies designed to deliver great sound from high-resolution audio formats and CDs alike. So if you’re in the market for a great new SACD/CD player and Integrated Amplifier pair, the Marantz SA and PM-10 might be right for you. Read on to find out more.

Outlaw Audio had lofty goals when redesigning their 7125 into the new 7140. How do you take a great amplifier and give it increased power (140wpc x 7), improved performance, greater reliability, AND an enhanced user experience for only $100 more than the original price of their 7125? They kept their classic AB amplification and added some amazing redesigns. But, was it worth it? Read on to find out.

Anthem is strengthening its presence in the two-channel audio space with the introduction of the STR Integrated Amplifier which they unveiled at the CEDIA 2016 Expo show. Built with high end components, a MC and MM phono preamp and high resolution 32-bit/384 kHz DAC, the STR is ready to meet your audiophile needs. Able to pump 600 watts into 2 ohm loads, it can also easily power the most demanding loudspeakers as well. Looking to get your two-channel fix? Try Anthem!

Monolith took the internet by storm with their 7x200 Multi-Channel Home Theater Power Amplifier. Monoprice has answered the calling to offer 2CH, 3CH and 5CH versions of this field tested, impeccably built amplifier. Starting at just $999, you can have the 2CH version of this meaty Class AB amp that will dish out a solid 200wpc continuously (8 ohm). Give your AV receiver a shot of adrenaline by picking up one of these babies today. Your speakers will thank you.

Rotel has just introduced their new 14 series of integrated amplifiers and CD player to continue their legacy of offering high performance affordable audio that made them famous nearly a half century ago. The A14 ($1,299) features 80wpc, high performance AKM DAC and bluetooth connectivity. The A12 steps down to 60wpc but offers similar features and saves you $400. The CD14 ($599) uses similar Wolfson DAC's found on the A12, and is also controllable via a downloadable App to your Smartphone.

Pass Labs unveiled their new F7 power amplifier with emphasis on sonic purity and getting the first watt right. Unlike other models in their line up, the F7 is a relatively low power (25W/channel into 8-ohms) simple Class A circuit, that sells for a whopping $3k. Pass Labs touts the usage of minimal negative feedback in this design, but is that a good thing? Is Class A operation really necessary in this day and age where electronics have evolved so much and we are more conscious about energy conservation?

If you’re in the market for five channels of high quality amplification, the Marantz MM7055 might be just the ticket. At a price that won’t require you to sell a kidney, one gets a quiet, attractive, amplifier that won’t give you a hernia when you place it in your equipment rack. It has plenty of real world power, even when driving speakers with impedance dips into the 3-4 ohm range.

Looking for a massive Class AB amplifier to boost your home audio system? Check out the new Monolith 7x200 Multi-Channel Home Theater Power Amplifier from Monoprice. With 5 pair of output devices per channel, ample heatsinking, and two giant toroidal power supplies, this amp appears to have the goods to hit its 200 watts/CH into 8 ohms and 300 watts/CH into 4 ohms power ratings. The Monolith should fit the needs of most demanding home theater systems requiring a meaty amp that can drive lots of unadulterated power into low impedance speakers.