THE BEATING HEART OF YOUR HI-FI SYSTEM
BUYER’S GUIDEBEST BUYSThe only products worth considering
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 2023 ★★★★★
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
Mission 778X £549
March 2024 ★★★★★
Make no mistake, this is a well-rounded product that deserves plenty of success. Retro appeal or not, the Mission 778X convinces.
Power 45W Inputs Line-in x2, MM, coax, optical Outputs Pre-out, 6.3mm
£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
Arcam A5 £749
Best stereo amplifier £500-£1000, Awards 2023 ★★★★★
It has been years since we’ve heard such a convincing stereo amp from Arcam. Thinking of buying at this level? This one has to go at the top of your shortlist..
Power 50W Inputs Line-in, coax, optical, MM, BT Outputs Pre-out, h’phone
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
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
