Stereo amplifiers: types and best models

Today's audio market meets the demands of even the most demanding customers. There are times when there is no desire or opportunity to replace your old musical equipment, but at the same time you want to improve the quality of its sound. In this case, purchasing a high-quality stereo amplifier can be an excellent solution.

They are purchased not only by professionals, but also by amateurs. Next, we will take a closer look at what features this kind of technology has, what types and varieties there are, and also consider the rating of the best and most profitable models for purchase.

Sound amplifiers are state-of-the-art solutions to maximize the sound quality of equipment. Sound amplifiers, regardless of brand, are high quality audio devices that convert a weak electrical signal into a stronger one by increasing the current.

The audio power amplifier can be purchased separately, for example, as an add-on to a speaker system, or the amplifier can be a built-in component of ready-made equipment.

Let's consider some other features that are inherent in all amplifiers, regardless of their model and manufacturer.

• Audio amplifiers purchased for home acoustics usually receive a signal from a connected device (for example, from a player), and then change its amplitude using direct current. At the same time, the length of the sound wave, as a rule, remains unchanged.
• Any amplified audio signal passing through the amplifier device is transmitted to another device at the output (speakers), through which it is reproduced in a new, improved sound and quality.
• With a modern high-sensitivity amplifier, you can get perfect sound without any interference or distortion.

Today, in many chain stores, you can buy stereo amplifiers from various domestic and foreign brands, they are produced in a wide variety, the main thing is that you can choose the necessary model not only according to the necessary characteristics and appearance, but also for any budget.

A wide variety of loudspeakers can have different characteristics and applications. As a result, stereo amplifiers are divided into several types, types and classes. Let's consider them in more detail. The most extensive categories by which amplifiers are divided are Hi-Fi and Hi-end. Hi-Fi systems are usually associated with high quality of the received sound, all equipment of this type meets international standards and quality criteria, it has a very wide range of amplitude-frequency characteristics and at the same time low distortion of sound.

Appliances, including amplifiers of the Hi-end segment, are usually to the liking of true connoisseurs of music. The peculiarity of this technique is that its sound should not differ from live sound. This technique can reveal sound in a completely different format. However, in terms of technical characteristics and other particular features, the Hi-end device may be worse than Hi-Fi.

In terms of functions and power, stereo amplifiers are as follows.

• Preliminary (intermediate).
• Terminal (aimed at an exceptional increase in power).
• Integral (combine both preliminary and final varieties, while creating one single device).

On elementary basis, stereo amplifiers can be as follows.

• On transistors (built on simple circuits).
• Tube ("warm" sound, minimum noise and high sound quality).
• Integral (usually produced with subwoofer output).

When choosing between these varieties, it is worth taking into account the different engineering approach to their creation and the quality of the sound itself. Today, it is the integrated amplifiers that combine all the necessary characteristics that are most popular.

In addition, among a wide variety of models, network amplifiers are relevant, which have not only compact dimensions, but also affordable prices. According to the number of connected channels, amplifiers are single-channel, 2-channel and multichannel. For example, a stereo amplifier can have two channels with the same output power. With regard to areas of use, amplifiers are available:

• for cars and other vehicles;
• for home stereo systems;
• for concert and professional studio equipment.

Stereo amplifiers also come with a variety of useful built-in features such as Bluetooth, USB and Wi-Fi. As for the classes of sound amplifiers, they are divided into these types.

• AB, A, B, C. Models of such classes are considered classic, high-quality and the most common. Amplifiers for home and professional use are produced under these classes. The output is the "purest" sound.
• D, F, G, etc. Such classes are usually inherent in small-sized devices.
• Class N. Inherent in car acoustic devices.

You can buy a model of an amplifier for a home or a car from both a domestic brand and a foreign one. It is difficult to say which technique is better, because you can only judge about it after using it.

• Parasound 2125. This stereo amplifier is equipped with a toroidal transformer and has a power of 200 watts per channel. The device is designed for two acoustic sets. Weight approx.12.5 kg. Has a lot of positive reviews from customers who call it "fantastic" sound. The total power consumption is 550 watts. The model is also equipped with an overheating indicator and a built-in power supply. The price is about 90 thousand rubles.

• Onkyo M-5000R. Quite an expensive amplifier with broadband amplification technologies and a built-in power supply. The power is 170 W per channel. The model is equipped with a distortion cancellation circuit, four large capacitors and the ability to bridge mode. Power consumption - 280 watts. The price is about 260 thousand rubles. This amplifier belongs to the premium, as well as to the Hi-Fi segment.

• Yamaha A-S701. This model is an integrated amplifier with digital inputs and a built-in phono stage for perfect, natural and clear sound without interference and noise. The power is 100 W per channel, it is possible to connect via bluetooth. The amplifier body is made of high quality metal. Users leave excellent responses about it, especially in terms of sound quality. The price is about 50 thousand rubles.

• Denon PMA-520AE. This model is an integrated audio amplifier with reduced distortion. Weight is about 7 kg, there is a convenient remote control, as well as all the necessary connectors on the front panel. Front channel power is 70W and 45W. The favorable price of just over 20 thousand will certainly delight all music lovers.

• Pioneer GM-D9701. This model is a powerful one-channel car stereo amplifier that combines everything you need. The maximum output power is 2400 W. The model is equipped with low and high pass filters. The cost is about 13 thousand rubles.

Budget and cheap stereo amplifiers are produced not only by Chinese brands. Models in the price range up to 30 thousand rubles are considered inexpensive and high-quality. Despite their affordable price, they may well be of high quality and durable. We recommend choosing inexpensive integrated amplifier models from brands:

• Denon (models available within 20 thousand rubles);
• Musical fidelity (there are options for 18-23 thousand rubles);
• Onkyo (despite the fact that the brand produces expensive models, budget options are also available in the assortment, for example, the A-9110, which costs about 19 thousand rubles).

The price for a model of the middle price segment can vary from 30-35 thousand rubles and reach 80-100 thousand rubles. We recommend paying attention to the brands Roksan, Rotel, Denon, Marantz and Arcam. Most brands that make high-quality stereo amplifiers offer both premium and mid-range models at the same time.

Premium Hi-Fi and Hi-End amplifiers can be found from the following manufacturers.

• Parasound. Sound amplifiers from this American brand are the ideal value for money.
• Yamaha. Surely everyone who has ever been interested in professional musical equipment knows the name of this Japanese brand. It is not worth talking about it unnecessarily, because the products of this brand are thought out to the smallest detail, although prices bite.
• Arcam. A European brand specializing directly in the creation of high-quality musical equipment.
• Marantz. You can find both professional stereo amplifiers and home amplifiers from this brand. Prices are slightly overpriced due to the fact that most of the models belong to the premium segment, but the quality justifies itself.
• Luxman. The range is rich in tube stereo amplifiers in a luxurious retro design.
• Hegel. We especially recommend paying attention to the Hi-End H160 amplifier. This model is recognized as the best amplifier in 2016 in all of Europe.
• PrimaLuna. A small European brand that produces perfect stereo amplifiers at very high prices. Recommended for those who only need professional amplifiers.

It is recommended to choose a stereo amplifier only in a specialized store, especially when it comes to models from the premium segment. It is usually not difficult to choose an amplifier for a home or for a car; usually, a very powerful apparatus is not required for these purposes. Nevertheless, when choosing this kind of equipment, we definitely recommend paying attention not only to the technical characteristics, but also to the main parameters of the amplifier, including the number of amplifying channels, distortion factor, operating frequency range, noise-to-signal ratio.

• The number of amplifier channels is very important. This number should be chosen according to the principle: one column - one channel. To get high-quality sound, you should understand that only one channel can work per speaker.
• It is important that the distortion factor meets certain quality standards. As a rule, Hi-Fi models always correspond to them.
• As for the operating frequency range, experts recommend a range from 20 Hz to 20 kHz. A good stereo amplifier should be selected in this range.
• The signal-to-noise ratio should be at least 90-100 dB, the higher this value is, the better the sound will be at the output.

For information on which is better to choose, a receiver or a stereo amplifier, see the next video.