Setting up a Hi-Fi system and wondering how to choose your equipment? maPlatine.com is here to help by explaining how to choose the right amplifier.
There are several kinds of amplifier for your Hi-Fi system: integrated amplifiers, headphone amplifiers, power amplifiers, all-in-one amplifiers… Each has its own characteristics and its own functions.
1. Integrated amplifiers
Integrated amps combine a preamplification stage and an amplification stage in a single unit. They come in several types (solid-state, valve or hybrid integrated amps) and any of them can meet the needs of your Hi-Fi setup.
The Cambridge Audio Topaz AM10 integrated amplifier, for example, is the British manufacturer's entry-level model. Its ease of use and musicality are worth more than its very attractive price would suggest. It can be paired with a wide range of quality 2-way or 3-way speakers, and its many connections make the AM10 a very complete amp. Thanks to its built-in phono stage, you can even connect a turntable without adding an extra stage! Its remarkable musicality and ease of use make the Cambridge Audio Topaz AM10 amplifier the best alternative to entry-level amplifiers!
There is also a higher-end version of the Topaz AM10: the Cambridge Audio Topaz SR10 V2 integrated amplifier. It is more powerful than the AM10 and also works as a radio tuner. If you want to stay with Cambridge Audio in the same line as the AM10, consider the SR10 integrated amp!
Micromega, a French brand specialising in Hi-Fi equipment for digital music, has also released its own integrated amp: the Micromega MyAmp integrated amplifier. Also very complete, it offers many inputs (stereo RCA analogue, coaxial and optical, USB and Bluetooth), so you can connect a CD player, a TV or a web radio. The technology packed into the Micromega MyAmp is such that its Bluetooth input delivers near-CD sound quality! Paired with bookshelf speakers such as the Micromega MySpeaker bookshelf speakers, the MyAmp delivers very precise sound! This integrated amp has also won 4 awards: Choc de Classica, Diapason d'Or, Haute Fidélité Best Buy and Hi-Fi Choice. Further proof of the quality of this Hi-Fi amplifier!
If you are looking for something upper mid-range, the Atoll IN200 SE integrated amplifier is for you! It is the top model in Atoll's IN SE series. In addition to 4 analogue inputs, a tape input/output and a bypass input, it has a double pair of preamp outputs, so you can connect one or two power amplifiers. Paired with the brand's CD200 SE-2 CD player, this Atoll integrated amp works wonders, and the coherence of the pairing will satisfy the most demanding listeners! The French magazine Haute Fidélité agreed, giving it its Best Buy award!
Finally, if your Hi-Fi system calls for a truly high-end product, we recommend the Rega Osiris R integrated amplifier. With this amp, Rega set out to compete with the big American and Japanese brands, and succeeded! This huge chassis, machined from a single block of aluminium yet still understated in keeping with the British brand's philosophy, offers plenty of connections (5 inputs, XLR and RCA; a monitoring input/output; a preamp output; a direct input) and comes with a remote control. Paired with the Rega Isis CD player, this amplifier is bound to surprise you! Its nuanced sound can also be dynamic and physical when the music calls for it. Even after hours of listening there is no listening fatigue: the Isis/Osiris pairing is remarkable! An absolute reference!
2. Power amplifiers
Power amps drive your speakers for even more powerful and transparent sound. Paired with a preamplifier, they bring livelier dynamics. Whether solid-state, valve or hybrid, you can choose from the best brands for top audiophile quality!
The Atoll AM50 SE power amplifier has the same aluminium front panel as every product in Atoll's IN series. Its connections allow bi-amping, for a much wider soundstage, or connection to a preamplifier. It can also be connected to an integrated amplifier. Paired with an Atoll preamp such as the Atoll PR100 preamp or the Atoll PR200 preamp, the sound becomes more transparent and detailed.
Cambridge Audio 651W power amplifier
If you are after a high-end amp, consider the Cambridge Audio 651W power amplifier. This power amp delivers 100 W per channel and is specially designed to be paired with a high-quality preamplifier. Thanks to its excellent build quality, Cambridge's 651W focuses entirely on the core functions of amplification. It can drive a wide range of speakers, even those known to be difficult! Highly recommended!
3. Headphone amplifiers
Headphone amps let you enjoy the full musicality of your Hi-Fi headphones, with very refined and detailed sound. Most of them can play music from a smartphone, tablet or computer just as well, always with high-quality audio reproduction!
ADL X1 headphone amplifier
The ADL X1 is a portable headphone amplifier housed in a beautiful aluminium case, available in four colours: blue, black, silver or red! It connects to headphones via its 3.5 mm jack output, but also to an amplifier. It charges via a computer's USB port and offers around 7 hours of battery life! Developed by ADL, a subsidiary of the major Japanese group Furutech, this headphone amp delivers surprisingly precise sound with rich timbre. The brand's audio expertise shines through in the ADL X1!
4. All-in-one amplifiers
An all-in-one amplifier brings several functions together in a single Hi-Fi device. Combining a network player and an amplifier, it lets you connect a pair of speakers and a computer without adding any other equipment! Some even include a CD player, an FM tuner and/or a DAC!
Monitor Audio Airstream A100 all-in-one amplifier
The Monitor Audio Airstream A100 all-in-one is just the thing if you are looking for a complete amplifier with a particularly successful design, at a very attractive price! It caused a stir at CES 2014 in Las Vegas, where it even won the coveted Star of CES 2014 award! It can drive a wide range of speakers and has an RCA analogue input, an optical digital input, a pre-out/sub output and 4 speaker terminals. Monitor Audio is a leading specialist in audiophile speakers, and you can hear it when you listen to this superb Airstream A100. A must!
If you are looking for a high-end all-in-one to meet the demands of your Hi-Fi system, the Aura Note V2 all-in-one amplifier is for you! With a design worthy of the great Kenneth Grange, this amp is reminiscent of vintage Hi-Fi equipment! It can drive a wide range of Hi-Fi speakers and also includes a CD player, a radio tuner and a DAC. Of all the all-in-one amplifiers released in recent years, the Aura Note V2 all-in-one amplifier is one of the few that can rival separates. Highly recommended!
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We hope this guide will help you choose the right amplifier. We remain at your disposal if you need more information on this subject, by phone (0 810 810 121, or +33 2 99 65 41 63 from outside France) or by message.
