BUYER’S GUIDEBEST BUYSThe only products worth considering
AMPLIFIERS
THE BEATING HEART OF YOUR HI-FI SYSTEM
View offers whf.cm/BBStereoAmps
Stereo amps up to £500
Rega io £379
Best stereo amplifier under £400, Awards 2021 ★★★★★
Those who are happy with a no-fuss, purely analogue amp and who prioritise entertainment should arguably consider the io their number one choice.
Power 30W Inputs Line-in x2, MM Outputs Headphone
NAD D 3020 V2 £399
September 2018 ★★★★★
A likeable effort that features a full-bodied sonic performance with fine timing and dynamics and lots of useful features.
Power 30W Inputs Line-in, MM, optical, coaxial, BT Outputs Headphone
Marantz PM6007 £499
Best stereo amplifier under £500, Awards 2022 ★★★★★
Clearer and punchier than its Award-winning predecessor, Marantz’s latest entry-level amplifier never puts the formidable 6000 Series dynasty in doubt.
Power 45W Inputs Line-in x4, MM, coax, optical Outputs 6.3mm h’phone
£500 to £1000
Rega Brio £599
Best stereo amplifier £400-£700, Awards 2018 ★★★★★
An upgrade on the Brio-R, this incredibly talented stereo amplifier offers a sound that’s subtle, precise and engaging.
Power 50W Inputs Line-in x4, MM Outputs 6.3mm headphone, record
Cambridge Audio CXA61 £750
Best stereo amplifier £500-£800, Awards 2022 ★★★★★
Justifies the price premium over the Audiolab 6000A and the Rega Brio by delivering a superior combination of sonic ability features and build quality.
Power 60W Inputs Line-in x4 Outputs Preamp, speaker x2, headphone
Musical Fidelity M2si £799
September 2019 ★★★★★
It doesn’t have the feature list of many of its rivals, but the M2si counters with an impressively refined and entertaining performance.
Power 76W Inputs Line-in x5 Outputs Preamplifier, tape loop
Cambridge Audio CXA81 £999
Best stereo amplifier £800-£1500, Awards 2022 ★★★★★
Class leaders are constantly being replaced in hi-fi – but rarely is it done so soundly as by Cambridge Audio’s CXA81 integrated amplifier.
Power 80W Inputs Line-in x4,XLR, USB Outputs Pre, sub, headphone
Naim Nait 5si £1099
January 2015 ★★★★★
Naim’s starter amp is an exceptionally polished performer whi
