Stereophile recommended amplifiers. Too many amplifiers have too high a damping factor and too much feedback. 2 Monoblocks, This amp is a great value at $3500. John Atkinson Technical Editor, Stereophile It offers Ethernet, USB, I 2 S, AES3, and S/PDIF outputs, though the manufacturer doesn’t recommend using USB. Since 1992, Stereophile has named a few choice components as its "Products of the Year. 7 WWW) Benchmark HPA4 headphone amplifier: $3499 w/o remote; $3599 with remote ★ “Highly recommended!” JA concluded. There's always a certain amount of jockeying for position at the very top of the High End. Components listed here have been formally reviewed in Stereophile and have been found to be among the best available in each of four or five quality Integrated amplifiers with tone controls—not to mention switch-selectable outputs for two pairs of speakers, power-output meters, a balance control, a tape monitor button, and a Main Desktop amps: LTA MZ2, MZ3, Velo, Manley Absolute, Quicksilver Headphone amp, LTA Z10e electrostatic (latest version), RSA A-10 (just totally updated by Full-featured, German-made integrated includes balanced and single-ended inputs, all with adjustable sensitivity, a high-resolution "digital" volume control, tone controls, CH Precision M1. Audio Art Cable SC-5 Classic: $240/10ft pair (gold spades; add $10/pr for silver spades), $250/10ft pair (gold bananas) The SC-5 has silver-coated OFC conductors (14AWG), a foam polyethylene dielectric, a PVC jacket, and an internal packet of vibration-absorbing fibers. 7 WWW) Benchmark HPA4 headphone amplifier: $2999 Recent development work has focused on helping the amplifier match up well with the new NSC 222 streamer-preamp, the NAP 250's intended companion. And unless noted, the preamplifiers listed do not have phono stages. 43 No. This level of musical goodness for $899 makes it a no-brainer of entry-level audiophile exceptionality, on par with NAD's classic 1970s-era 3020 integrated amp, which was about as omnipresent in music lovers' homes then as the Node and Powernode are today. 5Wpc 2A3 amplifier failed to coax from the D7 sufficient bottom-end authority, the sound of that combination was "glorious"—and the Spendor was otherwise easy to drive with tubes or transistors, ultimately coaxing from the floorstander-phobic ST the highest praise: "one of the finest loudspeakers I have had in my listening room. What is it that draws people to all-things-Mac? 2. But as class-D amplifiers established their pedigree as bona fide hi-fi components, audiophiles have begun The amplifier circuit, known as Eigentakt (meaning "self-clocking"), is the result of years of research by Purifi into the self-oscillation behaviours in class-D amplifiers with algorithms that, when applied in control loops, improve existing designs by an order of magnitude or more. ), Digital Each of Stereophile's 16 hardware reviewers and editors was asked to nominate up to six components I'm deep into audio power amplifiers because they remind me of race car engines. Ayre Acoustics AX-5 Twenty: $14,950 In 2013, AD described the original Ayre AX-5—a $9950 integrated amplifier built around a recently rediscovered configuration of bipolar transistors known as the "diamond" circuit—as "one of the three best, most musical, most human-sounding solid-state amps I've ever Phono Preamps/Moving-Coil Step-up Devices: A+: Boulder Amplifiers 2108: $62,000 When he reviewed Boulder's flagship 2008 phono preamplifier in 2002, MF concluded that "it's hard to believe that, for some time to come, any [phono preamp] will equal or surpass the monumental performance of Boulder's 2008. 5 monoblocks ($16,500/pair). There are five individual categories: Loudspeakers (including subwoofers), Amplification Components Hello. Writing from his test bench, JA Since 2011, when he began using a 1957 Garrard 301 as his reference turntable, AD has been looking for a way to sneak that product among this magazine's Recommended Components. 46 Nos. So Benchmark is probably recommended in more As it says in the introduction, Recommended Components is reserved for products that have been reviewed in Stereophile. Within each category, products are listed by class; within each class, they're in alphabetical order, followed by their price, a review synopsis, and a note indicating the issues in which the review, and any subsequent follow-up reports, See also HR's review of Benchmark's similar HPA4 headphone amplifier (see "Headphones"). we have just five primary categories: Loudspeakers (including subwoofers), Amplification Components (preamplifiers, power amplifiers, etc. So Benchmark is probably recommended in more Commercial products listed here have been formally reviewed in Stereophile, and we have determined them to be among the finest available in each of four or five quality classes: Whether a component is listed in Class A or Class D (or E), we consider it to be a genuinely recommendable product. We take a short-ish stroll down memory lane and revisit the best value stereo amplifiers we’ve tested since the turn of the century. The amplifiers, crossovers, and drivers are designed as a unit, so the design isn't compromised by the need to interface with components RECOMMENDED. stereophile. Due to the amp's high output impedance and its rising distortion when the load impedance drops below the nominal value of the output-transformer tap, careful matching with the user's loudspeakers is mandatory, cautioned JA. 532H houses two 436VA toroidal transformers, independent power-supply components for each 16-output-device channel, curved PCB As it says in the introduction, Recommended Components is reserved for products that have been reviewed in Stereophile. An example of this is the Yamaha R-S202D. AHB2 - Receives Stereophile's Highest "A" Rating for Power Amplifiers. It is a full headphone amp/DAC offering performance of headphone amps costing many times more. Ayre's EX-8 integrated amplifier is available as an analog-only base unit for $5990; the $7850 fully loaded Integrated Hub version that JA wrote about in the February 2019 Stereophile adds an onboard D/A processor, an Ethernet port, and Roon readiness. 1kW class-D amplifier. Too much feedback kills the sound. A Namiki MicroRidge stylus is attached to an "Adamant boron composite" cantilever. " (Vol. I'll be driving a pair of AKG 701s and I have looked into the Benchmark and Grace headphone specific amps, but I'm not 100% sold on the physical size of them. Each listing in alphabetical order within classes is followed by a brief description of the product's sonic So i have been looking to modernize my vintage audio setup, and on little more than a whim i bought a pair of KEF LS50 speakers on sale without testing them first. Submitted by Tweak48 on September 11, 2021 - (One of those friends, an English professor and amplifier builder now based in Tulsa, Oklahoma, has been trying to reverse-engineer George's little amps for the past five years. As I worked, we listened to Technics SB-C700 loudspeakers (review in progress) driven by the glorious Pass Labs XA100. But I am a little confused that Stereophile has ratings for digital data connects without any Digital Processors Editor's Note: The sound of any particular CD transport/digital processor combination will be dependent on the datalink used-see "Bits is Bits?" by Christopher Dunn and Malcolm Omar Hawksford, Stereophile, March 1996, Vol. A. 5 WWW) Octave Audio V 80 SE: for the December 2017 Stereophile AD wrote a Follow-Up based on a second sample of the nova300, which he tried with the very contemporary Wharfedale Diamond 225 speakers. Crown gear. 6, Vol. 1: $104,000/pair. The Absolute Sound’s 2020 Buyers’ guide This relatively small–16" × 13" × 17"–impeccably finished, powered, sealed-box subwoofer uses a 10" cone woofer and a 1. What products outside the power amp line are of note? rob303, Jun 10, 2014 #1. John Atkinson thought so too. 12, Vol. Editor's Note: SACD and DVD-A player ratings are based on how they sound with their respective hi-rez media, not CD. It's a company's track record—examined over a period of years—which A less-expensive alternative to Shure's KSE1500 in-ear headphone system ($2999—see elsewhere in "Recommended Components"), the KSE1200SYS uses the same electrostatic transducers, driven by an amplifier/power supply with only a single (analog) input. 54 ohm at low and middle Every product listed here has been reviewed in Stereophile. Each channel of the fully balanced JC 2 is on a separate PCB, with the audio and control power supplies on separate circuits, isolated from each other by 3/8"-thick aluminum partitions. The Swiss-made CH Precision M1. The low-pass filter's turnover frequency can be set between 30Hz and 130Hz with 12dB or 24dB/octave slopes. There are five individual categories: Loudspeakers (including 9 likes, 0 comments - durob_audio on October 21, 2024: "Our EVO 100 Tube Phono Preamplifier has been bestowed with the rare honor of the @stereophile Magazine Recommended Award 2024, and our @primaluna_audio EVO 300 Hybrid Integrated Amplifier has also been recognized with this prestigious accolade. " "Creator Special" edition (without travel case) costs $1199. 3W Decware 25th Anniversary Zen Triode amp. ) Then, one day, in a moment of weakness when I was short on rent money, I sold them to a stranger on the internet. I am suggesting that the A90D might be a good subject for future review; and in the review Integrated Amplifiers & Receivers. Im not usually the type to act so rashly with my audio purchases, but i did plenty of research and did have some logical excuses for purchasing these specific speakers. HR noted that the RH-5's optional MC phono stage ($400) was "a super value" but lacked nuance in comparison with more expensive outboard phono preamps. " In doing so, we recognize those components that have proved capable of giving musical pleasure beyond the formal review period. " By using the "Pre-Out" or "Main In" connections and a front-panel switch ("Separate") that decouples the preamp and power amp sections, the listener can run the L-509Z's pre and power amp sections as separate, standalone components. King. Each listing, in alphabetical order within classes, is followed by a A less-expensive alternative to Shure's KSE1500 in-ear headphone system ($2999—see elsewhere in "Recommended Components"), the KSE1200SYS uses the same electrostatic transducers, driven by an amplifier/power supply with only a single (analog) input. Line-level analog inputs: 6 pairs single-ended (RCA), 1 pair balanced (XLR), processor HT bypass (RCA), 2 subwoofer (RCA). This is also the vers Since 1992, Stereophile has recognized components that have proved capable of giving musical pleasure beyond the formal review period by naming its "Products of the Year. ” I agree with you Les. The amp struck a good balance of richness and crispness, scale and density. The output impedance was commendably low for a tube design—0. 1 is a modular solid-state amp—the user can configure the amp for stereo or mono use, as well as VAC Statement 452 iQ Musicbloc mono/stereo power amplifier. Both power sources are wildly inefficient, converting only a small percentage of their stored energy into work while dissipating the rest as heat and vibration. Stereophile should review Audio By Van Alstine products. Within each category, products are listed by class; within each class, they're in alphabetical order, followed by their price, a review synopsis, and a note indicating the issues in which the review, and any subsequent follow-up reports, Integrated Amplifiers & Receivers A Allnic T-1500 300B: $6900 and tight, tuneful bass, said EL, who recommended high Class B. 0 amplifier (see elsewhere in "Recommended Components"), Constellation Audio offers the Performance Centaur II 500 the Montille—which AD wrote about in the July 2007 Stereophile—the Montille CV 391 is a push-pull amp that coaxes 20Wpc from stereo pairs of the British CV Phono Preamps/Moving-Coil Step-up Devices: A+: Boulder Amplifiers 2108: $62,000 When he reviewed Boulder's flagship 2008 phono preamplifier in 2002, MF concluded that "it's hard to believe that, for some time to come, any [phono preamp] will equal or surpass the monumental performance of Boulder's 2008. Stands, Spikes, Feet & Racks Audio Elegance Furniture : $424 $6329 Audio Elegance's "aesthetically simple, sturdy designs" are available in three lines; in the upper two, Dakota and James River, only select hardwoods, softwoods, and multidirectional plywoods are used. Krell Audio Standard monoblock power amplifier ($35,000/pair; reviewed by Wes Phillips, Vol. Mission founder Farad Azima (footnote 1) was a driving force in the UK audio scene in the late 1970s, when I was When Luxman America's PR rep suggested that I review Luxman's new flagship solid state stereo power amplifier, The M-10X power amplifier Wes's review, the last he wrote for Stereophile, was published in the February 2011 issue. See Loudspeaker Systems. They are essentially the same thing, though the term receiver indicates that the amplifier has FM/AM and/or DAB radio built-in and therefore can play radio channels through connected speakers without requiring a source. 10 WWW) Miyajima Kotetu mono: $655 "Highly recommended. 4 WWW) Mark Levinson No. I would like to see JA1's measurements of an ATI AT52xNC and/or AT54xN, regardless the number of channels, bundled with another review. The output tube is a triode-wired Commercial products listed here have been formally reviewed in Stereophile, and we have determined them to be among the finest available in each of four or five quality classes: Whether a component is listed in Class A or Class D (or E), we consider it to be a genuinely recommendable product. without getting into justifications, i now need All products listed here have been formally reviewed in Stereophile. I first recognized the specialness of Vinnie Rossi's new LIO integrated amplifier while setting up a turntable for CNET and Stereophile writer Steve Guttenberg. The price range of the m902 is what I'm looking at as well. Each director put £300 into the company account. 2, Vol. We decided, therefore, to keep the Stereophile categories down to a minimum. McCormack amp comparison from Sam Tellig (2000) comes to mind as well. How they shake the air. 54 ohm at low and middle "Highly recommended!" JA concluded. [T]he Eigentakt circuit is expected to outperform any Though it lacked the snap and energy of some larger, more powerful amplifiers, the XA30. To be included in Class A+, The quoted material below was excerpted from the first version (published 01 May 1963) of Stereophile's recommended components, just the A,B,C rated amplifiers and preamplifiers: Quote: Preamplifier-Control Units A: Marantz 7, McIntosh C-20 B, C: Dynaco PAS-2 Amplification Component of 1996 Krell Audio Standard monoblock power amplifier ($35,000/pair; reviewed by Wes Phillips, Stereophile reviewed and recommended several cassette recorders in the 1970s and 1980s, from Aiwa, Revox, Sony, and As it happens, and as HR reported in the June 2018 Stereophile, it's all true. Our top equipment recommendations from CH Precision M1. In the shadow of the Elekit sits the stunning (but humble) 2. There’s obvious liabilities in Stereophile’s approach that everyone here recognizes. Within each category, products are listed by class; within each class, they're in alphabetical order, followed by their price, a review synopsis, and a note indicating the issues in which the review, and any subsequent follow-up reports, As it says in the introduction, Recommended Components is reserved for products that have been reviewed in Stereophile. 4, Vol. John Atkinson Technical Editor, Stereophile Ever since I raved about Krell's K-300i integrated amplifier after it was released in early 2019, I've wanted to review other Krell products. Absolutely, positively, and enthusiastically recommended!” In this day and age, it's a rare and wonderful thing to get a pair of monoblocks, made in the US by a real audio company, that give you 150Wpc of tube power for under $5000. 2 WWW) Burmester Musiccenter 151 MK2: $27,500 The 151 MK2 is a music server/network streamer with an internal DAC, a 2TB internal SSD, and a As it says in the introduction, Recommended Components is reserved for products that have been reviewed in Stereophile. 3 WWW) Bryston BP-17 3: $4695 ★ $$$ With its five single-ended inputs, two Every product listed here has been reviewed in Stereophile. While the constant turnover at the cutting edge helps to define the state of the art, audiophiles should keep their eyes on the longer term. Besides the Rogue, the only other hybrid in Stereophile's Recommended Components is the $93k/pair Ypsilon Hyperion Monoblock. Complete Audio Systems: A (RESTRICTED EXTREME LF): Dynaudio Focus 10: $5500/pair (stands necessary) Class A rating is as a Complete Audio System; class B (Restricted LF) as a regular loudspeaker. The same directory for 1984 lists over 30 of them, and the Quicksilver amplifier is not even included! The magazine has reviewed quite a few Rogue Audio products, including the RP1 preamplifier, the several versions of the Sphinx integrated, the Pharaoh II integrated, and the Stereo 100 power amplifier. Unless mentioned, processors are limited to 32/44. So, given all the fanfare, I am surprised nothing outside the MC275 makes it into The Stereophile "Recommended" list. Annually since 1992, then, Stereophile has named a few choice components as its "Products of we have just five primary categories: Loudspeakers (including subwoofers), Amplification Components (preamplifiers, power amplifiers, etc. I think the speaker list is interesting in showing how preferences can deviate. 5 is a superb-sounding amplifier. Each listing in alphabetical order within classes is followed by a brief description of the product's sonic Back when founding father Gordon Holt started Stereophile he tried to develop a lexicon to describe how things actually sounded--things like "liquid", "transparent", Recommended Class D Integrated amplifiers. Why is nothing outside the MC275 featured in Stereophile's Recommended list? 3. KM concluded that for not a lot of money, See also HR's review of Benchmark's similar HPA4 headphone amplifier (see "Headphones"). I also thought it would be interesting to compare the M-180 with the very tube-like and almost identically priced Pass Labs XA30. TAS Editors’ Choice Award – 2021 The Absolute Sound. " Almost two decades later, the new two-box flagship replaces the 2008's three power supplies In the June 2017 Stereophile, MF refocused his attention on the X1 power supply, observing that, “with the X1 off, the P1’s image solidity and pile-driver–like rhythmic certainty were somewhat diminished”—and noted that he’d purchased the CH Precision combo for his own enjoyment. The latter gained a foothold in audio's Paleolithic era, when tubes were the only Amplification Component of 1996. Each listing-in alphabetical order within classes-is followed by a brief description of the product's sonic In addition, although pro-audio components (recorders, amplifiers, monitor loudspeakers) can be obtained secondhand and sometimes offer performance that would otherwise guarantee inclusion, we do not generally include them: Stereophile's Recommended Components listing is exclusively concerned with products currently available in the US JA concurs. Every few months, a new star burns brightly, getting all the attention. Equipment. But all amplification components . The C 328 can handle a wide range of digital sources, and indeed, features a topology that keeps signals in the digital domain until the switching output stage. Mike suggested that Mo and I join him to start a loudspeaker company. Inputs: one each balanced (XLR), single-ended (RCA). 3 (WWW). Audio's equipment directory for 1977 listed three tubed power amplifiers. Boulder Amplifiers 2108: $56,000 When he reviewed Boulder's flagship 2008 phono preamplifier in 2002, MF concluded that "it's hard to believe that, for some time to come, any [phono preamp] will equal or surpass the monumental performance of Boulder's 2008. 30 No. "In his listening tests KR discovered "much more apparent low-level detail in already-familiar recordings"—a characteristic he credited to the Benchmark's evident noiselessness—and a tonal balance that "sounded more 'r At the amplifier's recommended bias setting of 190mV, JA measured 107W into 8 ohms and 127W into 4 ohms from the single output transformer tap at 1% THD+N, though relaxing the clipping criterion to 3% THD+N increased the maximum power into 4 ohms to 153W. The first showcased a pair of the company's Studio 89 monitors ($2999/pair, + $799 for Studio 89 stands) and Anthra W12 subwoofer ($3700), fed by a 140Wpc, class-A/B Rotel RAS-5000 How To Use The Listings The classes each cover a wide range of performance. Recording of the Month; and I'm soldering tube amplifiers on a plywood bench. B&W for example has the ability to make neutral CH Precision M1. 1 is a modular solid state amp—the user can configure the amp for stereo or Explore the latest products recommended by Stereophile, including amplifiers, digital source components, loudspeakers, turntables, and more. The range of distinctive high-end electronics has continued to expand to include a loudspeaker, the standmount Lyra, now joined by the smaller Siren ($13,600/pair), also a standmount and the subject of this Stereophile review. Ayre Acoustics AX-5 Twenty: $12,950 In 2013, AD described the original Ayre AX-5—a $9950 integrated amplifier built around a recently rediscovered configuration of bipolar transistors known as the "diamond" circuit—as "one of the three best, most musical, most human-sounding solid-state amps I've ever Boulder Amplifiers 2108: $53,000 When he reviewed Boulder's flagship 2008 phono preamplifier in 2002, MF concluded that "it's hard to believe that, for some time to come, any [phono preamp] will equal or surpass the monumental performance of Boulder's 2008. " Almost two decades later, the new two-box flagship replaces the 2008's three power supplies I first saw Benchmark's AHB2 stereo power amplifier at the 2013 Convention of the Audio Engineering Society, in New York City. Just like amps and speakers. Description: Solid state, class-A (into 8 ohms) mono power amplifier. Recommended VTF is 1. 2 WWW) Integrated Amplifiers & Receivers A Anthem STR: $4499 ### Highly recommended. Ayre Acoustics AX-5 Twenty: $14,950 In 2013, AD described the original Ayre AX-5—a $9950 integrated amplifier built around a recently rediscovered configuration of bipolar transistors known as the "diamond" circuit—as "one of the three best, most musical, most human-sounding solid-state amps I've ever As a headphone amplifier, the Rogue "possessed the resolution, forcefulness, and transparency of a superior line stage," and excelled at driving low-sensitivity 'phones. Monitor was a fashionable hi-fi term, and I suggested we name it Monitor Audio Ltd. 44 No. Almost all amps back in the1960s had a plain cake-pan chassis with tubes, capacitors, and transformers studding the top. LA4 - Receives Stereophile's Highest "Class A" Rating for Preamplifiers"Benchmark's usual approach to design is to out-spec the competition, and so it is here. 7 WWW) Benchmark HPA4 headphone amplifier: $3299 w/o remote; $3399 with remote He summed up the A-300 by writing “as much as the Accuphase A-300 Monophonic Power Amplifier deserves a Class A rating on our Recommended Components list, that classification only begins to capture how wonderful it sounds. There are six individual categories: Loudspeakers (including subwoofers); Amplification Components (preamplifiers, NAD calls its new integrated amplifier a “Hybrid Digital DAC Amplifier,” a moniker that hints at its digital prowess. Recommended Components; Products of the Year; Music. The product manual declares, "Operating the amplifier without its protective grille is dangerous and not recommended. the Rega P3 makes it into Class C but none of their higher end tables can crack Class A? Pluh-ease. The app is available right now for free download to your iPad in the iTunes store. Indeed, Rogue Although I do personally enjoy the Recommended Components feature, I too find it questionable (e. Stage center is my reference high-power solid state amp: the Parasound Halo A 21+. The most recent Stereophile review of a Plinius component was Erick Lichte's 2011 take on the SA-103 power amplifier, in which he concluded, "The Plinius SA-103 offers a natural, neutral tonal balance, just the right amount of musicality, superb bass performance, plenty of current to drive the most piggish speakers, functional and tasteful design. 1/48kHz sample rates. " These are the components that can be recommended without any ifs or buts, that will grace any system in which they used. Sidebar 1: Specifications. These are products that not only define the Styled to match the JC 1 power amplifier and finished in the same brushed, natural aluminum, the JC 2 exhibits a high standard of construction. Several seconds after I began listening to it, I knew that Theta Digital's Prometheus monoblock amplifier ($12,000/pair) was different from other amplifiers. I'm looking for an integrated amplifier that has a very high quality headphone output. Aurender N10: $7999 with 4TB storage ★ Designed in California and manufactured in South Korea, Aurender's N10 is a computer running a modified version of the open-source Linux operating system, and is In his "Music in the Round" column for the November 2017 Stereophile, and increased the separation among acoustic objects in that soundstage. Once upon a time, in the early days of class-D amplification, the very notion that the ELAC (ELectroACoustic) Alchemy DPA-2 Stereo/Mono Power Amplifier ($1495 each) uses a class-D output stage would cause some readers to turn the page (footnote 1). 5% pure gold wire. Measured performance was excellent in most respects, said JA, who feels low Class A is the appropriate Every product listed here has been reviewed in Stereophile. Although the amp is rated at 50Wpc, Paul Seydor found that the C 328 wasn’t lacking for Components listed here have been formally reviewed in Stereophile and have been found to be among the best available in each of four or five quality classes. He'll tell you that Class D has extremely high potential but that it's super sensitive to things like power supply (his units use power factor correction to convert AC to 270V DC), component isolation (he uses chassis carved out of billet aircraft aluminum) and those are just a couple of The listing includes, "Topping Pre90: $599 plus $249 for the Ext90 input extender" Topping's more recent A90 Discrete, aka A90D ($599) seems to include similar preamplifier functionality as the Pre90 at the same price, including the relay switched R-2R attenuator, and facility to add the Ext90 ($249) input extender. On silent display in Benchmark's booth on the convention floor, its compact size and comprehensive features made the amp immediately attractive, and the design was described as a departure from traditional analog and digital AHB2 - "A-Rated Power Amplifier" The AHB2 received Stereophile's top "A" rating for power amplifiers. 5 WWW) Recommended VTF is 1. One of Stereophile's "Joint Amplification Components" for 2008. "A very strongly recommended amplifier and a hell of a good value," AD concluded. An amplifier puts voltage across the motor, the motor pushes a cone, and that cone pushes air at you. 0. VAC's Statement 452 iQ Musicbloc amplifier ($75,000 for a single amp; $150,000/pair mono, as reviewed) is AHB2 - Receives Stereophile's Highest "A" Rating for Power Amplifiers "Benchmark's AHB2 makes use of THX Corporation's Achromatic Audio Amplifier (AAA) technology, in which a low-power feed-forward Not only are tubed amplifiers not vanishing from the face of the earth, they are proliferating. 43 Nos. Also like that monoblock, the In his "Music in the Round" column for the November 2017 Stereophile, KR noted that the Prodigy X "is now running the latest versions of Roon and JRiver Media Center (respectively v1. To be a contender, a product had to have been reported on in Stereophile between the November 1995 and October 1996 issues, either in a full Equipment Report or in a Follow-Up Integrated Amplifiers & Receivers. The listing includes, "Topping Pre90: $599 plus $249 for the Ext90 input extender" Topping's more recent A90 Discrete, aka A90D ($599) seems to include similar preamplifier functionality as the Pre90 at the same price, including the relay switched R-2R attenuator, and facility to add the Ext90 ($249) input extender. and tight, tuneful bass, said EL, who recommended high Class B. Configured for home-theater bypass, the BP version of Parasound's excellent JC 2 preamplifier ($4795) has a revised circuit board and front-panel control board that make possible the hybridization of a traditional analog two-channel system with a modern digital multichannel system. Like its stablemate, the Hana SL Mono, this moving coil cartridge impressed Herb with its "naturally supple viscosity and glowing vivid tone. 3/build 247 and v23. Integrated amps had the standard Sidebar 1: Specifications. 9–2. MF described the Aidas cartridge's timbral balance as "neutral, particularly in the midbass and midrange, and well-extended from bottom to top with a subtle, slightly warm sonic signature (no lumps and/or bumps). 532H: $8000 Inside its modest-looking, no-nonsense black chassis, the 300Wpc (355Wpc at clipping) No. "Loudspeakers" (including subwoofers and headphones) was an obvious genre, as was "Digital Source" components. " Monitor Audio was displaying two systems. This is a testament to our unwavering Although ST's 3. 3Wpc Zen Triode is a class-A, zero-feedback, single-ended stereo tube amplifier that uses just two resistors and one Jupiter Beeswax film capacitor in its signal path. At the amplifier's recommended bias setting of 190mV, JA measured 107W into 8 ohms and 127W into 4 ohms from the single output transformer tap at 1% THD+N, though relaxing the clipping criterion to 3% THD+N increased the maximum power into 4 ohms to 153W. ” On the test bench, the A-300 exceeded its specified powers, clipping at 210W into 8 ohms, 385W into 4 ohms, and 610W into 2 ohms. HR found that the Audezes driven by the Schiit Jotunheim "gave reproduced music life and brilliance. The Niagara 3000 is an AC power conditioner with two high-current receptacles for amplifiers, five source-component receptacles, AQ's Transient Power Correction (which provides a current reservoir specified to provide more than 55 amps of "instantaneous" peak current), and AQ's Ground-Noise Dissipation System. " The formal voting procedure consisted of two steps: First, Stereophile's hardware reviewers were asked to nominate up to six components in each of the eight categories. The Components listed here have been formally reviewed in Stereophile and have been found to be among the best available in each of four or five quality classes. John Atkinson Technical Editor, Stereophile When I reviewed Luxman's L-509X flagship integrated amplifier, in May 2018, that sleek machine shook me to my vitals. The Swiss-made CH Precision M1. Mainly though, I love how race car engines sound. I kept looking up from the 'table and 9 likes, 0 comments - durob_audio on October 21, 2024: "Our EVO 100 Tube Phono Preamplifier has been bestowed with the rare honor of the @stereophile Magazine Recommended Award 2024, and our @primaluna_audio EVO 300 Hybrid Integrated Amplifier has also been recognized with this prestigious accolade. 11 WWW) Vimberg Mino: $40,000—$41,000 (depending on finish) Reviewed products end up on the Stereophile Recommended Products list because of this greater exposure to Stereophile writers and editors. Two-Channel Preamplifiers Editor's Note: Apart from the Bespoke, CAT, Placette, and Shindo, all the Class A preamplifiers offer balanced inputs and outputs. Acoustic output is coupled to the user's ear via a small tube, covered with a detachable Soft He found that the KLH's impedance lay between 4 and 8 ohms over most of the audioband but recommended this speaker be used with amplifiers that don't have problems driving 4 ohms. The 100Wpc output section retains Ayre's feedback-free Diamond circuit—here, the output Pertinent specs include a low (0. In iTunes, search for "Stereophile Recommended Components" or follow this link to the iTunes store from your web browser. 5mV) output, a recommended downforce of 2gm, and a recommended load impedance of over 200 ohms. " Quick gave the okay to You may see integrated amplifiers labelled as 'stereo amplifiers' or 'stereo receivers'. Within each category, products are listed by class; within each class, they're in alphabetical order, followed by their price, a review synopsis, and a note indicating the issues in which the review, and any subsequent follow-up reports, HPA4 - Receives Stereophile's "Class A" Rating for Headphone Amplifiers "The HPA4 adds a THX888 amplification stage to Benchmark's LA4 line preamplifier to allow it to drive even low-impedance headphones with aplomb. com. The ATI seemed to present a bit less air and space, but "Obviously, bigger amps give you more control of the woofer and a greater sense of scale. Recording of the Month; In direct comparisons with Parasound's Halo A 31 three-channel amp, the AT543nc seemed to offer more lower midrange, less treble, marginally more richness, and a slight tilt in balance. 3, Vol. This is a testament to our unwavering Rating assumes it is used with its companion M5-HPA high-pass amplifier. 2 & 11 WWW) JBL 4329P: $4500/pair (stands necessary) Class A rating is as a Complete Audio System; class B With every recording AD played, the DiaLogue Premium exhibited an open, clear, and dramatic overall sound, with good tonal balance, realistically weighty bass, and remarkable spatial depth. Whether a component is listed in Class A or Class E, we highly recommend its purchase. " By doing so, we intend to give recognition to those components that have proved capable of giving pleasure beyond the formal review period. TAS Editors’ Choice Award – 2022 The Absolute Sound. 1gm, and the suggested loading range is 100–1000 ohms. Naim has comprehensively reimagined its Classic Series, which has been around for some 20 years with improvements along the way. A+. 41 No. 7 WWW) Benchmark HPA4 headphone amplifier: $3499 w/o remote; $3599 with remote Phono Preamps/Moving-Coil Step-up Devices: A+: Boulder Amplifiers 2108: $62,000 When he reviewed Boulder's flagship 2008 phono preamplifier in 2002, MF concluded that "it's hard to believe that, for some time to come, any [phono preamp] will equal or surpass the monumental performance of Boulder's 2008. By locking the delivery speed to the speed of sound, an amplifier can appear as a parallel path to sound waves. The violins and brass were more dynamic, and had more pace. I wrote, "Record after record, the L-509X illuminated every important aspect and area of the recording. 2 & 9, February & September 1996 Review) Audio Research PH-3 phono I remember, around the time I started at Stereophile, telling Art Dudley that I wanted to review "a lot of power amplifiers" because amplifiers are the "blood-pumping heart machines" that "reanimate the artistry" of musicians: Horowitz, Björk, Bill Monroe. 1 is a modular solid state amp—the user can configure the amp for stereo or mono use, as well as for a choice of output-power-delivery modes—with a JFET front end and a class-AB output stage. Their products range from valve (tube) amplification to digital audio and, more recently, loudspeakers . To be a contender, a product had to have been reported on in Stereophile between the November 1995 and October 1996 issues, either in a full Equipment Report or in a Follow-Up In the earlier 2022 edition of Recommend Components , it was an A+ component. ), Digital Source Recommended Components Fall 2024 Edition. Included in the new range of products is the 200 series, comprised of two products: the NAP 250 power amplifier, which I reviewed in the November 2023 issue of Stereophile, and the NSC 222 streaming preamplifier ($8999), which Too many amplifiers have too high a damping factor and too much feedback. The orchestra sounded more three-dimensional, depicted in relief by a degree of hall ambience I hadn't heard when I played the Continuing with the SV-737's DAC, I played Jimmy Rogers's "Blue Bird" from Stereophile's Test CD 3 (CD, Stereophile STPH 006-2): a thick bed of electric bass, electric guitar, and honkytonk piano on the right, shouting harmonica on Analog amplifiers are unstable and do most of the damage to the sound of a system. Stereophile Recommended Components – 2022 Stereophile. Bowers & Wilkins 805 D4 Signature Stereophile Recommended amplifier from YBA capable of 140W x 2 at 4Ω or 70W x 2 at 8Ω, with a signal to noise ration of > 100 dB Nicely designed with great attention paid to component selection, plus the actual number of components in the signal path to help mind and reduce/not introduce noise. Everything on the list, regardless of rating, is genuinely recommendable. 7 WWW) Benchmark HPA4 headphone amplifier: $3499 w/o remote; $3599 with remote ★ "Highly recommended!" JA concluded. The new amp, based on the same circuit as its predecessor, is specified to deliver 160W into 8 ohms and is also divided between Disc & File Players. John Atkinson Technical Editor, Stereophile The formal voting procedure consisted of two steps: First, Stereophile's hardware reviewers were asked to nominate up to six components in each of the eight categories. Products are listed in alphabetical order within classes, each followed by a brief description of its performance characteristics and a note indicating the issue of Stereophile in which its review, and in some The Belles vs. " Sold direct, with a lifetime warranty and 30-day refund policy. " JA confirmed its However, when he auditioned the Susvaras with the LTA Z10e amplifier, he found that, with the combination of low impedance and low sensitivity, the Susvara needed more power than the amplifier could deliver. The 100Wpc output section retains Ayre's feedback-free Diamond circuit—here, the output Although I do personally enjoy the Recommended Components feature, I too find it questionable (e. BD: “The XA30. The M-700u employs Luxman's Only Distortion Negative Feedback "This is a great amplifier," JA decided. 3 WWW) Bryston BP-17 3: $4995 $$$ ★ With its five single-ended inputs, two balanced inputs, and mix Components listed here have been formally reviewed in Stereophile and have been found to be among the best available in each of four or five quality classes. Nominal output power is 150Wpc into 8 Full-featured, German-made integrated includes balanced and single-ended inputs, all with adjustable sensitivity, a high-resolution "digital" volume control, tone controls, Marantz PM6007. Thank you in advance Rating assumes it is used with its companion M5-HPA high-pass amplifier. Absolutely, positively, and enthusiastically recommended!” Integrated Amplifiers & Receivers Class A Allnic T-1500 300B: $6900 "Devialet's D-Premier is the most extraordinary product I have reviewed for Stereophile," JA concluded. A robust power supply built This dual-mono, solid state power amplifier offers balanced and single-ended inputs plus the Swiss manufacturer's impedance-matched Zeel inputs. 19 No. Compared to the Classé CT-M600 and MBL 9007, the Lamm had a more robust, less delicate sound, but nevertheless impressed JA with its three-dimensional soundstaging and midrange richness. Luxman's "beeline" technology ensures the "shortest practical signal path implementation," Pravel explained. " In doing so, we happily recognize those products that are capable of providing musical pleasure far beyond our formal review period. In August 2018, MF wrote about his experiences with a double P1/X1 combo—something that As Herb describes it, "bass through the Feickert-Jelco combo was tighter and more vigorous" than with his AMG G9 player (see elsewhere in "Recommended Components"), and compared to even his Linn LP12, the Blackbird impressed him by re-creating musical momentum in a way that was "noticeably more visceral. Recommended Class D Integrated amplifiers. 37 No. 2: $10,595 base price; $19,995 as reviewed Decware Zen Triode Amplifier: $999 $$$ Decware 25th Anniversary Zen Triode Amplifier: $2995 without tubes; $3395 with "curated" tubeset The 2. 5’s “lifelike smoothness” and “effortless purity” brought forth the subtle microdynamic nuances of more intimate material. 1 is a modular solid-state amp—the user can configure the amp for stereo or https://www. A bigger amp pushes the speaker the way it wants to; a smaller amp sometimes gets pushed around by the speaker. Footnote 2: I did use Roon's DSP to apply a 3dB boost below 80Hz with both the GoldenEar and KEF speakers for Analog amplifiers are unstable and do most of the damage to the sound of a system. With luck, you may come up Behind the Ben is the made-in-Japan Elekit TU-8600S single-ended 300B kit-amp. Our top equipment recommendations from loudspeakers, DAC's, amplifiers, and more. Although I do personally enjoy the Recommended Components feature, I too find it questionable (e. 22). " Back when founding father Gordon Holt started Stereophile he tried to develop a lexicon to describe how things actually sounded--things like "liquid", "transparent", Recommended Class D Integrated amplifiers. 1 Reference Power Amplifier: $104,000/pair. Stereophile's March 2023 Loudspeaker Cables. Components listed here have been formally reviewed in Stereophile and have been found to be among the best available in each of four or five quality classes. A speaker is really a motor. Neither the Mola Mola nor Audionet amplifiers have been reviewed yet. Devialet Phantom I 108 dB: $3200 each (available in 2 finishes) ★ In a setting as idyllic as it was ideal, at least in a commercial sense—the samples were auditioned in an apartment on the rue des Ursulines in Paris, the city of their manufacture—Devialet's top-of-the-line Phantom powered speaker whetted JCA's appetite, "This is a great amplifier," JA decided. We consider all the products listed, regardless of rating, to be genuinely recommendable. Like other Benchmark equipment he has tested, the affordable LA4 challenged the resolution of John Atkinson's test instruments, with 'superb' channel separation, 'extremely low Recommended Components Fall 2023 Edition – Power Amplifiers Stereophile. The r-Pac is a true piece of gear, made with the trappings of In HR's room, the Falcons loved low-powered amps—especially low-powered tube amps, such as the 22Wpc Line Magnetic LM518-IA—but turned up their noses at class-D amplification. Crown? Yeah, you remember Crown from the "old days"—this was a big brand in the 1970s and before. ST was impressed by the The RPA-W7EX did not, however, impress on the test bench: JA reported that "the Spec RPA-W7EX emitted more RF interference than I have encountered with other class-D amplifiers," and concluded his remarks by describing the Spec as "not an amplifier that can be universally recommended, I feel. "Benchmark's AHB2 makes use of THX Corporation's Achromatic Audio Amplifier (AAA) technology, in which a low-power feed-forward amplifier For amps, AHB2 and Schiit Tyr in A class. Measured farfield response was even, though JA noted that experimenting with toe-in will be useful in obtaining the optimal low-treble balance. 35 No. JA found that the LA4 had a more upfront presentation than the MBL N11 or Pass Labs XP-32, with less soundstage depth apparent on his own recordings. Everything on the list, regardless of rating, is genuinely recommendable. If one of our reviewers raved in Stereophile about a component, that component is mentioned here. 5 two-channel amplifier ($5500), a sample of which I had on hand. In other words, the amplifier output can produce a "wave" of sound that would be in sync with a real sound wave traveling outside the amplifier. JVS found that the Squeeze server and Squeezelite apps were not as user-friendly as Roon, but using them to transmit the audio data via single AES3 to the dCS Rossini DAC “delivered the most transparent, detailed, color-saturated, vivid, midrange- and In the earlier 2022 edition of Recommend Components , it was an A+ component. The very first amplifier I bought was a Harman Kardon PC-200, aka The Prelude. 2 WWW) Rogue Atlas Magnum: "Highly recommended!" JA concluded. Due to the amp's high output impedance and its rising distortion when the As it says in the introduction, Recommended Components is reserved for products that have been reviewed in Stereophile. "Highly recommended!" JA concluded. That might reflect the fact that integrated amps make a lot of sense, and not only because they usually cost less than equivalent separates. Each recommendation is accompanied by a Note: There is an iPad app version of this Recommended Components list that includes additional functionality such as Quick Search and Entry Tagging. I've spent a lot of time talking with Jeff Rowland, who's taken Class D pretty well as far as it can go. Stereophile's "Accessory of 1999. John Atkinson Technical Editor, Stereophile This family of amplifiers using Hypex NC500 amplifier modules is still a current product, and seems worthy of a deeper dive in another review, maybe for a larger segment of Streophile readers in two channel configuration. After spending more than a year and a half (since its prerelease announcement) The most recent Stereophile review of a Plinius component was Erick Lichte's 2011 take on the SA-103 power amplifier, in which he concluded, "The Plinius SA-103 offers a natural, neutral tonal balance, just the right This is the fourth year Stereophile has named a select few components as "Products of the Year. For the seventh consecutive year, Stereophile has named a select few audio components the "Products of the Year. (Vol. The Cadence Group, which owns SME, Spendor, and other British brands, has provided a means to do just that: In 2018, they added Garrard to their holdings, and in 2019 See also HR's review of Benchmark's similar HPA4 headphone amplifier (see "Headphones"). These are components that we ourselves would buy—or recommend to friends and family. If you lived in the Boston area, you remember the "high-end room" in the back of Tech Hi-Fi. 1 & 11, Vol. John Atkinson Technical Editor, Stereophile Of course, these annual recommended components do attempt a rating of one sort, but their approach is going to mean that, for instance, speakers that would be dismissed on ASR can be rated highly in Stereophile. The M-700u employs Luxman's Only Distortion Negative Feedback The last few years have seen a flood of new integrated amplifiers in an audiophile market traditionally wedded to separate preamps and power amps. Reviewed products end up on the Stereophile Recommended Products list because of this greater exposure to Stereophile writers and editors. Each listing in alphabetical order within classes is followed by a brief description of the product's sonic Although Ayre's new EX-8 integrated amplifier is available as an analog-only base unit for $5990, the company makes increasingly flexible, increasingly costly versions, all the way up to the fully loaded EX-8 Integrated Hub that JA wrote about in the February 2019 Stereophile. 6 WWW) Luxman M-700u: $9990 Unlike the discontinued Luxman M-600A, a 30Wpc class-A amplifier whose sound JM described as "sweet," Luxman's recent M-700u is a 120Wpc class-A/B design. Carefully read our descriptions here, the original reviews, and (heaven forbid) reviews in other magazines to put together a short list of components to choose from. 12 WWW) ASC SubTrap: $659–$839 ★ Recommended Class D Integrated amplifiers. This combines an onboard D/A processor with S/PDIF, AES/EBU, and USB Integrated Amplifiers & Receivers. Description: Solid-state two-channel integrated amplifier with analog/digital inputs, tone controls, bass management, and system equalization. Biscuit joinery is featured throughout, and finishes include catalyzed lacquers and hand This "midline" cartridge features coils wound with 99. The new 200-series power amplifier is now called, simply, NAP 250, dropping the "DR" of the previous model. . " Every product listed here has been reviewed in Stereophile. " "It keeps the LA4's balanced and single-ended preamplifier outputs and adds a headphone output on a 4 Phono Preamps/Moving-Coil Step-up Devices: A+. 19 Nos. What I would really love to see is more system recommendations in Stereophile like in some of the British Hi-Fi mags, and at different price points. A AVM Ovation PA 8. Subsequently though, that amplifier was updated to provide its full available power—10Wpc—to headphones. For me, one such was in 1978, which I reminisced about in a 1987 review for Stereophile of the Mission PCM 7000 CD player, Mission 780 Argonaut loudspeaker, and Cyrus Two integrated amplifier. Recommended Components; Products of the Year; at the Academy Awards, for example. 21 No. JA recommended the MU1 highly as and the A90D uses discrete electronics in the audio amplifiers. . Each listing-in alphabetical order within classes-is followed by a brief description of the product's sonic In the earlier 2022 edition of Recommend Components , it was an A+ component. Topping Pre90 Preamp ($599usd) makes it into Class-A 2022 Stereophile Recommended Components Topping Pre90 Preamp ($599usd) makes it into Class-A 2022 Stereophile Recommended Components JA says in the measurements the Schiit rolls off the bass too early if the amps input impedances are 10kohm or less, which many amps are these Some audio experiences stick in your memory. g. I'm confused by the Editor's Note: "There are no Class D integrated amplifiers listed". Output: 2 pairs loudspeaker binding posts per channel, RCA and XLR outputs for bridging and biamping. HR found that the Audezes driven by the Schiit Jotunheim “gave reproduced music life and brilliance. " As it says in the introduction, Recommended Components is reserved for products that have been reviewed in Stereophile. 1. Whereupon he looked over his glasses and spied me with bare eyes like a stern parent and said, "Just be Complete Audio Systems. It was a 10Wpc integrated, but I chose it over the competition for some of the same reasons that the HK 990 has appealed to me. 3 WWW) Bryston BP-17 3: $4695 ★ $$$ With its five single-ended inputs, two Components listed here have been formally reviewed in Stereophile and have been found to be among the best available in each of four or five quality classes. One of the best stereo amplifiers we've ever heard at this level. Measured performance was excellent in most respects, said JA, who feels low Class A is the appropriate rating. Each listing in alphabetical order within classes is followed by a brief description of the product's sonic Boulder Amplifiers 2108: $52,000 When he reviewed Boulder's flagship 2008 phono preamplifier in 2002, MF concluded that "it's hard to believe that, for some time to come, any [phono preamp] will equal or surpass the monumental performance of Boulder's 2008. ” “Creator Special” edition (without travel case) costs $1199. In measuring the Falcons, JA went to the well and compared his findings with measurements of earlier LS3/5a iterations. 11 WWW) PS Audio BHK Signature: $5999 Like its stablemate, the BHK Signature 300 monoblock amplifier (see elsewhere in "Recommended Components"), the BHK Signature preamplifier is named for its designer, Bascom H. Submitted by Tweak48 on September 11, 2021 - 3:23pm . " The Roon Ready DAC502 more than equals its predecessors in both aspects of performance and adds an Ethernet port, balanced and single-ended headphone outputs, a volume control, a choice of maximum output levels, and several DSP functions "This is a great amplifier," JA decided. When Rogue came out with an update of the M-150, the M-180 ($5495), I thought it might be a good subject for my first full review in Stereophile. 28 No. RECOMMENDED. Evaluate your room, your source material and front-end(s), your speakers, and your tastes. Within each category, products are listed by class; within each class, they're in alphabetical order, followed by their price, a review synopsis, and a note indicating the issues in which the review, and any subsequent follow-up reports, Ayre's EX-8 integrated amplifier is available as an analog-only base unit for $5990; the $7850 fully loaded Integrated Hub version that JA wrote about in the February 2019 Stereophile adds an onboard D/A processor, an Ethernet port, and Roon readiness. " The Lamm Industries M1. I decide on a whim that it's time to break down and buy a CD player to supplement the Dynaco tuner and Dual cassette deck in my workroom music system. Each listing, in alphabetical order within classes, is followed by a I first recognized the specialness of Vinnie Rossi's new LIO integrated amplifier while setting up a turntable for CNET and Stereophile writer Steve Guttenberg. Finalists (in alphabetical order): Audible Illusions Modulus 3A preamplifier ($1995; reviewed by Michael Fremer, Vol. Benchmark products are indeed remarkable! They belong on any A+ list. " The JA200 Mk. 10, October 1996 Review) . For this modular audio component set a review of the matching NSC 222 streamer preamp with a matching NPX 300 power supply is forthcoming we first cover the standalone NAP 250 100Wpc stereo power amplifier, a new version of Naim's 200-series amplifier, now so extensively revised that it must be regarded as a new model. 40 No. II is an updated version of Jadis's original JA 200 (the space in the latter name is not a typo), a two-chassis, 160W monophonic tube amp that itself is no stranger to longtime readers of Stereophile. 42 No. It looks like the Marantz 30, the NAD, and the Rogue Sphinx are The r-Pac is marginally less "portable" than this product. The black, monolith-like Parasound is installed on a Harmonic Resolution RECOMMENDED. "This is a great amplifier," For five times the price of their Inspiration Stereo 1. "Highly recommended. " Layout, features, and biasing The 220 SE arrives with a protective grille over the tubes. 6 WWW) Luxman M-700u: $9999 Unlike the discontinued Luxman M-600A, a 30Wpc class-A amplifier whose sound JM described as "sweet," Luxman's recent M-700u is a 120Wpc class-A/B design. " Five years after his original review, and having Every product listed here has been reviewed in Stereophile. So Benchmark is probably recommended in more The earlier Weiss D/A processors reviewed in Stereophile offered astonishing resolution coupled with sound quality "to die for. But while the suffix is now omitted, the ultralow-noise DR technology has been retained in Components listed here have been formally reviewed in Stereophile and have been found to be among the best available in each of four or five quality classes. Submitted by Tweak48 on September 11, 2021 - Though it lacked the snap and energy of some larger, more powerful amplifiers, the XA30. 2023 Editors' Choice: Best Integrated Amplifiers $3,000 - $10,000 - The 2023 edition of TAS’ Editors’ Choice Awards is here. Benchmark LA4 Preamplifier and AHB2 Power amplifier are currently on Stereophile’s recommended list. qxvh fnt zeeeq rtnctk flbevj hmbftlq qgwjw bcwmd iaora sypzs