The best amplifiers of the 21st century, article. Magazine "WHAT HI-FI?"

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A good amplifier acts as the driving force behind any hi-fi system, helping the music travel from source to speakers. They differ in the range of connections and equipment, but for us the most important criterion is sound quality.

In this review, we have collected models that received the title “Product of the Year” in the Hi-Fi amplifier category. They weren't necessarily the best handsets you could buy in a given year - and more often than not they weren't - but they were the best value for money.

On the list you will find classic names and well-known brands. If you come across any of these on sale (winners from recent years are still occasionally available), don't miss the opportunity to make a real bargain.

Do you have special memories associated with any of the models on the list? Did you have any of them - or are they still working as part of your system? Share your stories in the comments.

2000, 2001

NAD C370

– £449 as tested

For two years in a row, the NAD C370 was our favorite, despite its not the most representative appearance - however, it is not alone in this. It beat out serious competitors such as Marantz, Rega, Cyrus and Arcam, demonstrating excellent quality in all areas: from enviable power to control and delicacy.

Integral devices

Cambridge Audio AXA35

The British company engaged in the production of this sound-reproducing equipment has long been known to lovers of high-quality music for its not too expensive and well-designed products. This integrated amplifier is characterized by increased output power; it also provides a phono stage for MM type heads. There is also a headphone output, an information liquid crystal display - it displays operating modes and timing of the track being played. The physical playback control keys are located directly on the receiver body; they are rubberized, not too tight, and are pressed with a characteristic click. On the left side there is an infrared sensor for remote control of the device. The device is capable of working with any sound formats; there is a mode for playing tracks without pauses between them.

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The digital stream is converted into an analog signal using a two-channel WM8524 microchip, with which you can work with sound of not very high quality - 24 bit / 192 kHz. A two-pole filter is also used here, which reduces interference that occurs at high frequencies to almost zero. There are all the necessary connectors for connecting external equipment. The case is made of stainless steel and practically does not vibrate even when playing very low frequencies.

Advantages:

• Excellent sound regardless of the source;
• Carefully thought out ergonomics of the equipment;
• For its type it has an acceptable cost.

Flaws:

• Screw terminals for connecting external speaker systems are not very convenient.

Cambridge Audio AXA35

Pioneer A-40AE

The optimal sound amplifier, which is suitable for beginning music lovers who are planning to create a minimal or medium type system for themselves. Using such equipment, you can get excellent sound output, but in this case you do not have to integrate the system into your home wireless network using complex technology. The external design of the device is quite strict - the design style is reminiscent of amplifiers produced back in the 1980s. This is an integrated amplifier of a traditional type; you won’t find built-in streamers or various types of wireless modules here. The design is designed specifically to work within a classic stereo system. When developing the device, engineers paid special attention to the most important aspects for sound quality. There is a digital-to-analog converter operating on the basis of a Wolfson microchip; it is capable of supporting signals with a resolution of 24 bits and a frequency of 192 kHz.

All transformer windings are completely insulated from each other, thereby significantly extending their service life. The internal space of the device is organized in such a way that there are practically no parallel planes - this moment helps to minimize the likelihood of resonance occurring and get rid of standing waves. The rear panel provides a full range of analog inputs, an analog output, and an input for connecting a turntable with an MM head. There is a separate input for feeding an analog signal to a power amplifier, and this is done directly.

Advantages:

• Optimal equipment of the device;
• Well thought out form factor and design;
• The sound is energetic, well-balanced and big;
• Reasonable price.

Flaws:

• Lack of wireless modules.

Pioneer A-40AE

Denon PMA-800NE

Here, not only integrated, but also digital technologies found expression, thanks to which the developers were able to release a universal audio system center onto the modern market. The device is housed in the company's classic proprietary case, which is characterized by a rather thick front panel, which is made of lightweight aluminum alloy. All controls are located on it. The products look quite stylish - they are fully in line with the premium class and will fit optimally into any AV system. The chassis of the device is equipped with a patented decoupler that allows you to dampen acoustic vibrations, and there is also a support steel plate, the thickness of which is 1.6 mm. It reliably protects electronic circuits from various types of mechanical influences. The amplifier is equipped with proprietary push-pull amplifiers that can handle high output current with support for an extended frequency range.

The maximum power of one channel reaches 85 W, thanks to which the product can work even with very complex acoustics. In order to customize the sound character, the amplifier has tone controls for high and low frequencies, and there is also stereo balance. The design includes a phono preamplifier, which makes it possible to conveniently work with most stand-alone devices. To power digital and analog circuits, the secondary windings of a separate type network transformer are used, and the corresponding boards are located at a considerable distance from each other.

Advantages:

• Really very high power of the device;
• Excellent sound quality regardless of the type of acoustics;
• Stylish appearance;
• Reliable protection from physical and acoustic influences;
• During heavy loads, it practically does not heat up and does not create a background.

Flaws:

• It costs a little more than similar devices.

Denon PMA-800NE

2006, 2007

Roksan Kandy L.III

– £650 at time of testing

The Kandy model brought Roksan three “Best Buy” Awards, and its updated version received the title “Product of the Year”. Almost every amplifier component has been redesigned, resulting in truly great sound for any genre of music. If you are confused by the letter "L" in the name, remove the cover and you will see that the internal structure of the amplifier is L-shaped.

2009, 2010

Cyrus 6XP

– £900 at time of testing

The amazingly versatile 6XP amp could also be upgraded and customized in a variety of ways. However, he was also very good in his standard form. Its sound was distinguished by rare scale and dynamics, and the depth of the low frequencies surpassed anything that Cyrus had been able to achieve by that time. We liked this amplifier so much that in 2010 it retained the title “Product of the Year”.

Portable amplifiers

McIntosh MHA50

The device is designed specifically for people who love high-quality portable sound. Such a device is capable of working with devices running on various platforms - iOS, Android, MacOS, Windows. It supports wireless connection to headphones via Bluetooth 4.1 protocol. A 32-bit processor is responsible for working with the signal, which can also interact with asynchronous audio transmission via USB. The design uses a rechargeable battery with a capacity of 3000 mAh. This will be enough for 6 hours of battery life if you use wireless channels; with a wired connection, the product can work much longer. In terms of its overall dimensions, the device is practically no different from modern smartphones. It weighs a little and is housed in an aluminum casing that tapers somewhat towards the sides.

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The front panel is made of tempered glass and contains a touch-type volume control. The device has two power modes - high and low, thanks to which it can interact with headphones whose resistance ranges from 8 to 600 Ohms. In addition to headphones, you can connect a player or any other portable acoustic device here via a 3.5 mm jack. The amplifier comes with three USB cables for working with sources; there is also a convenient leather case and an outlet for charging the battery.

Advantages:

• Able to work with various operating systems;
• Two power modes help synchronize the device with any type of headphones, regardless of their resistance;
• Harmonic distortion is practically unnoticeable;
• Compact overall dimensions and weight;
• The set includes a stylish leather case and everything you need to work with any device.

Flaws:

• Weak battery capacity, which is especially noticeable when working with autonomous sound sources;
• The glass front panel attracts fingerprints.

McIntosh MHA50

Fiio BTR3

The amplifier has small overall dimensions - in size it does not exceed most mp3 players. Moreover, it is placed in a case made of glass with metal side inserts, although it contains a battery of decent capacity, the weight of the device does not exceed 30 grams. The back panel is an LED indicator. When turned on, it blinks blue, indicating readiness to pair with an external device; if you press the only function button on the device, the blinking turns blue-red - in this case, the device will be ready to synchronize with the sound source via Bluetooth. All controls are located on the left side - there is a microphone, a power button, and a rocker for adjusting the volume.

The included microphone has decent sensitivity; it is possible to switch tracks directly through this amplifier while listening to music. To change the volume, you don’t have to use the rocker – you can adjust it using the capabilities of your smartphone or player. There are two outputs on the case - Type C and standard 3.5 mm, and you can use them simultaneously, that is, the device will play music and charge at the same time. The NFC module provides wireless connection to smartphones.

Advantages:

• The product is distinguished by high-quality sound detail;
• Supports all popular codecs;
• Can be used as an external sound card;
• Long battery life;
• Small overall dimensions.

Flaws:

• The location of the control buttons is not very convenient, and the included case makes them even more difficult to use.

Fiio BTR3

1. Beyerdynamic Impacto universal headphone amplifier

The smallest product in our entire review of the best audio amplifiers. They include not only an amplifier, but also a digital-to-analog converter. The model is equipped with a built-in two-way cable that connects to the headphones using a standard 3.5 mm plug. The device is capable of working not only with smartphones, but also with personal computers, laptops, tablets and players. On the bottom side there is a micro-USB input for connecting one of the four corresponding cables supplied with the product. The case contains playback controls. The play and pause buttons are LED-backlit, there's also a button to switch between tracks, and there's also an indicator to indicate that Hi-Res content with a sampling rate of 48 kHz or higher is currently playing.

Using this device, you will be able to get a mini-system for reproducing sound of the highest quality, and you can listen to music even on the street. The amplifier goes well with any type of headphones. The design is equipped with a lithium-ion battery.

Advantages:

• Universal products that can work with various gadgets;
• Provides high sound quality;
• It has a very stylish appearance and compact size.

Flaws:

• High price.

Headphone amplifier Beyerdynamic Impacto universal