Review of the best amplifiers

High-quality and expensive speakers can also stop pleasing their owner with a clean and powerful sound. It's not worth running after a new audio system. Much better and wiser complement speakers or headphones with a high-quality amplifier... It is able to make the sound more spacious and rich. There are many quality models with different prices.

Musical amplifiers are sold in a wide range. Many manufacturers make products for different price segments. Amplifiers from Parasound, E4Life, Fostex, Yamaha, Fiio, Magnat are quite popular. Their products are distinguished by good value for money. The top can be supplemented with the following names: AVE, Denon, Magnat. Each user displays their favorites. Some firms make good headphone amplifiers, while others make good amplifiers for speakers. Moreover, there are products with different prices.

The best amplifiers are popular all over the world, because they can significantly improve the sound quality of audio systems. Comparison of quality models of different price segments allows you to find something suitable depending on your needs and capabilities. Mini amplifier suitable for headphones, and the powerful full-size design - for speakers. You can choose between Hi-Fi and Hi-End models.

Such models are usually used for headphones or speakers with little capacity. Especially popular models can be distinguished.

• E4Life. Two-channel low-voltage device with compact dimensions. The maximum power of the model is 110 W. Signals are received from various sources. The amplifier can even be used with a laptop, PC and MP3 player. The case is rather unusual in design. The top cover is transparent, you can see the hardware components with red LED backlighting. The sound is pretty clear, the frequencies are not distorted. There is a power supply unit and protection against short circuit, overheating. Despite its light weight and size, the power of the amplifier pleases. Even with prolonged use, the model heats up only slightly.

• Astra Audio A10-SE. Budget single cycle model works on EL34 and 6Zh32P lamps. It is possible to connect a pre-amplifier. The sound, although different from the usual, is still very pleasant to the ear. The playback quality greatly depends on how the song was recorded on the media and what genre. There is a built-in power supply in the case, it's convenient. The sound is really soft. The assembly is of high quality at an affordable price. The design is pretty straightforward. Of the shortcomings, it is possible to note the complex installation of the modification. It is worth noting that connoisseurs of tube sound do not regret buying.

• Fiio A. Portable model made of aluminum is quite comfortable. All ports are located on the bottom panel, while the top has a volume control and a switch for bass settings. Recommended for use with sound sources with impedance in the range of 16-150 ohms with a minimum power of 0.45 watts. This amplifier covers the entire audible frequency spectrum with a small margin. There is a standard 3.5mm headphone jack.The built-in 14000 mAh battery allows you to use the device autonomously for 16 hours. The amplifier makes the sound richer, more spacious and corrects the bass. Aluminum housing eliminates electromagnetic interference. It should be noted that the device is so compact that it can be carried in a pocket. The only drawback is the short AUX cable.

• Astell & Kern AK XB10. The amplifier is specially designed for connecting wireless headphones. Interestingly, the model can play the role of a headset microphone. The amplifier is designed for low impedance devices. In this case, the model can work with both aptX and aptX HD. This allows you to get really high quality sound. It should be noted that the battery life is small.

Such amplifiers are already more interesting. They can be used with more powerful sound sources. Popular models are shown below.

• Laconic Lunch Box Pro. Quite an attractive dual-channel amplifier and has two 6N24P tubes, one 6N3P. The model operates in a frequency range of 10-10000 Hz. There is a 6.3mm headphone jack. The model is made of steel and painted black. The shape is somewhat reminiscent of a travel bag. This kind of vintage design attracts many users. The sound is quite soft, smooth. The power supply is built into the case. The assembly is quite high-quality, the model itself is compact and lightweight. With low impedance headphones, the sound degrades slightly. The power cable is of poor quality and will have to be replaced soon.

• Fostex HP-V1. The combined amplifier has an aluminum housing. On the front, there is a line-in, 3.5mm port, a switch, and a volume control. The amplifier reproduces all audible frequencies. Quite an interesting model pleases with a power of 200 mW with a resistance of 32 ohms. The combination of different drivers guarantees rich and clear sound. The built-in battery allows the amplifier to be used autonomously for 10 hours. Works equally well regardless of the headphones with which it is used. It should be noted that the compact device is not very convenient to get out of your pocket.

• Yamaha A-S801... Quite a modern model, powerful, works with frequencies of 10-100000 Hz. The sound is practically not distorted at a resistance of 4-8 ohms. It is possible to customize the playback parameters. Lots of line and other ports. Reproduces music well in any genre. There is a remote control, a built-in power supply. Attracts detailed sound without noise and interference. The volume control sometimes jams.

• Emotiva PT-100... Interesting preamplifier at a nice price. Quite a few ports with interesting features. So the PT-100 can receive a line signal from two sources and has a built-in phono stage. Also, the amplifier can be used with a PC as a sound card. The preamplifier sounds pleasant, does not make noise or distortion. The wide functionality and build quality are very pleasing. Among the shortcomings, it is noted that Bluetooth works only through an optional dongle.

It is these amplifiers that will delight music lovers. They can be used with studio equipment.

• Fostex HP-A8C. Apparatus everyday, but very advanced. There are two headphone jacks and many different inputs / outputs. Moreover, the arsenal includes optical, coaxial and linear ones. Recommended resistance for optimal performance is 16-600 ohms. With an indicator of 32 ohms, it produces a power of 7 watts. Operates in the frequency range 10-80000 Hz. Pleased with a rather low harmonic index - 0.002%. Austere design, glass and aluminum body with OLED display. I am glad that there is a remote control, a DAC, a USB Type B port. Quality materials and reliable assembly ensure that the amplifier will last for a long time. A variety of settings and interfaces allow you to get live and clear sound. High frequencies, however, sound harsh and harsh. Users note that the model is not much inferior to professional amplifiers.

• Rotel RA-157 Japanese products for home use notable for its versatility... Sounds clear and powerful when paired with any source. With a load of 8 ohms, each output delivers up to 120 watts. The distortion level is quite low. There are really a lot of ports, the amplifier can be paired with any device. The model will remember the volume level for each signal source, which will simplify further use. The amplifier is considered the best in terms of price and quality ratio in this segment. Even at high power, the model guarantees clear and spacious sound. The amplifier is truly versatile.

• YAMAHA A-S1100. Interestingly, there are analog indicators on the front panel. Looks cool and nostalgic. The power supply together with the radiators take up most of the space in the case. With a load of 4 ohms, the outputs deliver up to 160 watts. True, the sound will be distorted at high powers. The set of inputs is meager, a few "tulips", a phono stage and that's it. The rest will have to be connected via an external DAC. The amplifier works exclusively with an analog signal, but it sounds really high quality. A powerful power supply unit guarantees a high-quality study of all frequencies. The retro design looks really interesting.

• Marantz PM-KI Pearl Lite. The many controls on the powerful model are very attractive. The amplifier is better suited for professionals who have experience with similar devices. The device received a convenient LCD display and other additions. The light indication is implemented quite well. One output accounts for up to 100 watts. High build quality guarantees reliability. Copper plating complements the overall look. Numerous knobs allow you to adjust the parameters as finely as possible. The control panel is simple, one might say, even too much. The chic amplifier can be used with a variety of signal sources.

To begin with, you should understand that amplifiers are preliminary, power and integrated. The former can collect sound from multiple sources and improve it. The power amplifier is designed to make the signal of the original source better. This is done by built-in capacitors and transformers. Integrated models combine the properties of the two previous options.

It is necessary to choose a high-quality and powerful amplifier carefully, taking into account all the technical characteristics.

• It is important to consider the purpose of use. Where will the amplifier stand and how many devices are planned to be connected at the same time.
• Number of channels. Their number can be from 1 to 5.
• Rated power. It should be the same as the audio source to be connected. Alternatively, the power rating of the amplifier may be slightly less.
• Additional functionality. We are talking about the number of ports, the presence or absence of a crossover. You should also think about the remote control of low frequencies, work at 1-2 ohms and the like.
• Amplifier class. There are only two of them: AB and D. In the second case, the sound quality directly depends on the insides.

In the next video, you will find a detailed overview of the Yamaha A-S801 Stereo Integrated Amplifier.