Should i buy a stereo amplifier

SA , and the Topping MX3. Although we took pains to get in all the biggest names in mini amps, this test group represents a highly subjective sample of what we thought might interest readers. Fortunately, I have a speaker switcher I designed for blind tests, along with a Behringer Ultralink DS distribution amplifier.

This is critical to fair testing because if one amplifier is only slightly louder than the others, the listener is likely to prefer it. I sourced all my test material from a PC laptop with a Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 USB audio interface , which let me access music from Spotify and Qobuz, as well as test tones stored on the computer.

The outboard power supply appears to be the weakest link in these amplifiers, and some enthusiasts like to experiment by substituting a larger, more powerful supply. During my blind testing, I judged each amp on its sound quality and its output capabilities, including the following characteristics:. After the blind test, I used the amps casually, listening to music and podcasts at various levels. I also experimented with their different features and controls.

I asked the following questions:. I concluded by running lab measurements of the amplifiers to confirm or, as it turned out, deny their power ratings and other specifications according to Texas Instruments guidelines PDF. I focused on two measurements. The first was frequency response , which measures how evenly an amplifier reproduces sound throughout the audio spectrum.

Amps with poor frequency response can make bass sound weak or might make high-frequency instruments such as cymbals sound dull. The second was power output versus total harmonic distortion. Power output measurements tell us how much power an amp can put out at a given level of distortion. As you can see in the chart below, none of these amps came anywhere close to their claimed power output. The Fosi Audio BT20A makes it possible to set up a good-sounding stereo system for the price of a mid-level Bluetooth speaker.

The BT20A is only about one-thirtieth the size of a typical stereo receiver, yet it delivers clear sound even when driving large speakers at volumes loud enough to drive most people out of the room. Its bass and treble controls let you fine-tune the sound to your liking, and its onboard Bluetooth support allows you to connect wirelessly to phones and tablets with no extra hardware or cables required. The tone controls on the BT20A are a nice plus, especially if you use the amp with cheap speakers that might need some fine-tuning.

Although none of the mini amps came close to their rated power in our measurement tests, the BT20A was one of the two best. Into a 4-ohm load, the numbers were 4. Into an 8-ohm load with the tone controls centered, the amp measured By turning the controls just slightly, I improved that to Using a Samsung Galaxy S10 phone as the source, I found the Bluetooth range to be about 50 feet through one window.

But SBC works with all phones, tablets, and computers, and it generally sounds very good. The analog audio input uses stereo RCA jacks, which can be a little more convenient than the 3. The amp is available in silver or black. It's the company's entry-level model not that you'd know it, from the price tag , and is pretty well equipped on both the analogue and digital front: you get three analogue line-level inputs, including a balanced XLR, alongside a quartet of physical digital connections.

The amp's presentation is refined, insightful and dynamic, while the feature set is admirably broad and useful. Read the full review: Mark Levinson No.

What Hi-Fi? Our comprehensive tests help you buy the very best for your money, with our advice sections giving you step-by-step information on how to get even more from your music and movies. Everything is tested by our dedicated team of in-house reviewers in our custom-built test rooms in London and Bath. Our coveted five-star rating and Awards are recognised all over the world as the ultimate seal of approval, so you can buy with absolute confidence.

Read more about how we test. Included in this guide: 1. Marantz PM One of the best stereo amplifiers we've ever heard at this level. Specifications Power: 45W per channel. Remote control: Yes. Phono stage: MM. Digital inputs: coaxial, optical. Bluetooth: No.

Headphone output: Yes. Dimensions hwd : Cambridge Audio CXA Specifications Power: 80W per channel. Remote control: No. Bluetooth: aptX HD receiver built-in. Reasons to avoid - Nothing at this price. Rega io. Specifications Power: 30W 8 Ohms. Digital inputs: 0. Dimensions hwd : 6. Reasons to avoid - No digital inputs. Naim Nait XS 3. Specifications Power: 70W. Dimensions hwd : 7 x 43 x 40cm. Reasons to avoid - Bettered for features.

At this level, there aren't many better hi-fi amplifiers out there. Specifications Power: 60W per channel. Reasons to avoid - Pricier than the previous model. Rega Aethos. A superb stereo amplifier with that justifies its premium pricetag. Specifications Power: W 8 Ohms. Phono stage: No. Digital inputs: No. Dimensions hwd : 9,5 x Reasons to avoid - Runs warm - Some minor ergonomic issues.

Chord Anni. Chord's diminutive amplifier offers a premium twist on desktop sound. Specifications Power: 10W 8 Ohms. RCA inputs: x2. Headphone output: 3. Dimensions hwd : 43 x x 97mm. Rega Brio. A talented integrated amplifier, with bags of detail, precision and dynamics. Specifications Power: 50W 8 Ohms.

Dimensions hwd : 7. Cambridge Audio Edge A. A stunning flagship integrated amp with an array of musical talents. Analogue inputs: line-level x3, XLR. USB: Yes type B. Bluetooth: Yes. Dimensions hwd : 15 x 46 x Reasons to avoid - Runs warm - Needs plenty of rack space - No phono stage.

Naim Supernait 3. Specifications Power: 80W 8 Ohms. Dimensions hwd : 8. Cambridge AXA Specifications Power: 35W 8 Ohms. Reasons to avoid - Remote struggles off-axis - No Bluetooth. NAD D V2. Specifications Power: 60W 8 Ohms. Reasons to avoid - Nothing really at this price.

Audiolab A. Reasons to avoid - Fierce competition. Musical Fidelity M2si Integrated Amplifier. Phono stage: None. Audiophiles are much more likely to know what they're talking about; nonaudiophile sellers unloading a pair of speakers, amp or what have you won't be able to accurately judge condition.

Speakers and solid-state electronics are the least problematic things to buy used. CD players, turntables and tube electronics are riskier to buy from private sellers; better to stick with pros that have fully checked out, repaired and guarantee the products they sell.

Belt-drive turntables are especially delicate devices and should be drained of oil or lubricants and disassembled before shipping, so the buyer will have to know how to put the 'table back together.

These tasks are beyond the skills of folks who never owned a turntable before. When buying vintage audio equipment more than 20 or 25 years old, there's a good chance the product will require service or refurbishment.

If the company that originally made the product is still in business, check to see if they service their vintage gear. The amplifier is the link between the audio source iPod, CD player, record player etc.

A small example: You have just bought the best record player in its class and combine it with excellent speakers. If you now make the mistake of using only a mediocre audio amplifier for the connection, the sound quality of the entire system will be lowered to its level. It is therefore worth investing a little more in the hi-fi amplifier because it is the heart of the hi-fi audio system.

As the name implies, the job of an amplifier is to amplify the audio signal from the player so that the loudspeaker can produce a higher level of sound. The exact way in which it performs this task is complex.