Whether you're buying a home theater amplifier or upgrading your stereo system, it's important to make the right choice. The fact is that there are different types of audio amplifiers, each of which has its own pros and cons. The amplifier itself always serves one purpose - to make good quality sound and give a more powerful signal. Four main types are also created for this, but each of them is specialized for its own task:
- Preamp. This is actually an adapter to a more powerful amplifier. Sound pre-amplification allows you to adjust the desired sound characteristics using the equalizer.
- Amplifier. From the name it is already clear that it simply provides stronger voltage. There is no way to adjust the sound quality on it.
- Universal integrated amplifier. It combines the first two types and is an excellent solution for those who do not need painstaking work on the sound.
- Monoblock amplifier. It is designed to work with one channel, so for a stereo pair, for example, you will need two of them. Well suited for those who carefully build sound quality.
What main parameters should you pay attention to when purchasing? The frequency range shows within which spectrum the device operates. Gain will help you understand how much stronger the sound will become relative to the original level. The noise to signal ratio is important because it will show how much stronger the signal is than the noise from the amplifier.
Below we present the most successful models of audio amplifiers, consider the main characteristics and customer reviews.
TOP 8 best sound amplifiers
Our list includes:
- Pioneer A-50DA;
- Sony STR-DH790;
- YAMAHA A-S501;
- Denon AVR-S750H;
- Fiio BTR3K;
- Denon PMA-800NE;
- Beyerdynamic;
- Denon AVR-S960H.
Pioneer A-50DA
This versatile amplifier has a wide range of audio capabilities. First of all, it is necessary to note a fairly large number of inputs - a coaxial, optical input and an additional USB port. At the same time, the dimensions of the device are quite portable. It can also be used only as a power amplifier, for which a special input and a mode activation button are provided. This amplifier can work with two pairs of acoustic systems at once. Among the unusual functions are the ability to change the brightness of the light indicators, auto-sleep mode (if inactive for half an hour), as well as loudness compensation that works at the edges of the range at medium volume.
| Type | Integrated |
| Frequency range | 5 Hz - 50 kHz |
| Signal to Noise Ratio | 101 dB and above |
| Gain | 105 dBA |
Price: from 68,990 rub.
pros
- Wide range of connection and configuration options;
- Compactness;
- Interesting features;
- Comprehensive work with sound.
Minuses
- Price.
Alexander P.: “An excellent amplifier with a gorgeous stereo panorama, bass and treble. Even with my inexpensive acoustics, the sound is incredibly cool, bass and sound depth have appeared. A huge plus is that you can connect two pairs of speakers. Very pleased with the purchase."
Pioneer A-50DA
Sony STR-DH790
A high-quality AV receiver is a great opportunity to finally get the sound of your dreams. This is a solution for those who decide to improve their home theater. A seven-channel amplifier will not only significantly expand the sound capabilities, but also obtain higher image quality. This is possible thanks to support for the 4K HDR format. Bluetooth connectivity is also supported, allowing you to turn on the device using your smartphone. The amplifier has four inputs and an HDMI output. Its compact dimensions make it easy to install the device even on a small shelf.
| Type | AV receiver |
| Frequency range | 10 Hz - 100 kHz |
| Signal to Noise Ratio | 105 dB |
| Gain | not specified |
Headphone amplifiers
Headphones are not generally expected to require any special hardware to operate. But for high-quality, rich sound, you need to somehow enhance the signal level that reaches your ears. This will be done by the headphone amplifier. This small device will control the signal from your music player and increase its volume and detail.
Fiio Q1 Mark II
A very worthy option at a price of 8,500 rubles. It has a miniature appearance and will fit not only in any backpack, but even in a handbag. The package includes rings for attaching to the phone and a silicone gasket. The sound quality is excellent. There is no interference when adjusting the volume, which is a problem with some models. Has its own charge indicator.
Among the shortcomings, or, rather, quibbles:
- There is only one connector for discharging and connecting to devices;
- The original USB cable wears out quickly;
- may draw power from the device it is connected to.
Price: ₽ 8,790
6. Sennheiser GSX 1200 PRO
The device is also small and easy to operate. The price, however, is higher, almost 17,500 rubles. In addition to the standard technical characteristics, everything about this device is excellent:
- design – light, miniature;
- ease of adjustment, and the settings are remembered;
- touch control;
- equalizer.
Price: ₽ 17,600
Comparison table of characteristics
| Model | Type | Signal to Noise Ratio | frequency range | Price |
| Pioneer A-50DA | Integral | 101 dB and above | 5 Hz - 50 kHz | from RUR 68,990 |
| Sony STR-DH790 | AV receiver | 105 dB | 10 Hz - 100 kHz | from RUR 42,990 |
| YAMAHA A-S501 | Integral | 99 dB | 10 Hz - 100 kHz | from RUR 49,990 |
| Denon AVR-S750H | AV receiver | 98 dB | 10 Hz - 100 kHz | from RUR 59,990 |
| Fiio BTR3K | Bluetooth receiver | 120 dB | 20 Hz - 40 kHz | from 5,660 rub. |
| Denon PMA-800NE | Integral | 105 dB | 5 Hz - 100 kHz | from RUR 54,990 |
| Beyerdynamic | For headphones | 110 dB | 20 - 20,000 Hz | from 7,990 rub. |
| Denon AVR-S960H | AV receiver | 100 dB | 10 Hz - 100 kHz | Price: from 74,990 rub. |
Subwoofer Amplifiers
A subwoofer can provide cleaner, deeper, and more powerful bass than most main speakers, while the main speakers are used for better mid- and high-frequency sound.
7. Monitor Audio IWA-250
The price of this device is 36,000 rubles. The manufacturer is Monitor Audio, which is located in the UK and has been producing speaker systems for over 40 years. The model has a stylish design, made in a metal case. It has a power of 250 W, a built-in equalizer, and it is possible to connect two subwoofers.
Price: RUB 35,990
8. Bowers & Wilkins SA250
A very powerful semiconductor amplifier with excellent sound characteristics, but in a completely different price range - it costs more than 66,000 rubles. But the technical parameters make the knees weak: just look at the output power of 250 W per channel and the signal-to-noise ratio of 80 dB.
Price: RUB 38,250
Tips for choosing
Before you go shopping for an amplifier, have a clear idea of what you will need it for. If you rarely use a stereo system, but often use headphones, you should consider buying a specialized receiver for headphones.
To improve the sound quality of your home theater speakers, AV receivers are ideal. There is also a universal solution - buying an integrated amplifier. Of course, you won’t be able to go on a trip with it, but you will get a lot of useful functions for home use.
When buying a receiver, pay attention to ease of use and dimensions. Decide in advance where you will place it and what size will be optimal.
And, of course, you shouldn’t save too much on this purchase. Cheap Chinese receivers will not provide any significant changes in sound. It is better to purchase a model in the mid-price category, but from a proven and reliable manufacturer. In addition to the good quality of materials and workmanship, such models often have a fairly long warranty period and, in the event of a breakdown, can be repaired without problems in specialized service centers.
Amplifiers: Buyer's Guide
Amplifier Manufacturers
Among the variety of sound amplifier manufacturers, I would give preference to well-known and reliable brands. For example, like this:
- Yamaha;
- Denon;
- Fiio;
- Parasound.
Amplifier types
The main characteristic by which audio amplifiers are divided are the elements used in their operation. According to this parameter, amplifiers are divided into:
- transistor. They are simple in design and provide good output sound power;
- tube They are heavy and heat up noticeably during operation;
- integral. They consist of a small number of elements, have low weight and compact dimensions;
- hybrid. They can combine lamps and transistors or lamps and semiconductor elements.
Built-in DAC
A digital-to-analog converter converts the incoming digital code into an analog signal. That is, the digital signal from a PC, laptop, phone or any other gadget enters the headphones or speakers through it.
Signal to noise ratio
This parameter tells you how much noise the amplifier will make when turned on at full volume when there is no signal.
FM Acoustics 2011 – $245,000
FM Acoustics boasts an enviable track record. Handcrafted in Switzerland, their attention to detail (as well as price) rivals the finest Swiss watches.
All equipment was tested in special “What Hi-Fi?” rooms. https://www.whathifi.com/news/about-us
Prepared based on materials from the What Hi-Fi? portal, August 2020.
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Interesting things about sound
Pivetta Opera Only – $2,200,000
The amazing work of Italian designer Andrea Pivetta produces a fantastic 120 thousand watts, rises 2.4 meters and weighs as much as one and a half tons - like a good camper van. At the same time, it will definitely sound better than a van.
When powered up, the 12-sided aircraft-grade aluminum prism unfolds into seven separate sections, as pictured, to reveal the electronic components. It looks fantastic.
Power amplifier, sometimes called power amplifier
Functionally, it is very simple - it has one input, usually stereo (otherwise you will need two mono amplifiers), and often only a volume knob for adjustments. But despite the simplicity of functionality, this is a very serious device, which is why it costs more than a “sophisticated” preamplifier. High sound quality is ensured through the use of powerful, heavy transformers and high-capacity capacitors, capable of delivering to the load at a high input signal level - i.e. loudspeakers, very high current. Therefore, a good amplifier is always heavy.
For a power amplifier, the rated load value is important, i.e. speaker impedance. Typically amplifiers are designed for speaker impedance of 4 or 8 ohms. You can connect acoustics with a higher impedance to the amplifier, but in no case with a lower one! This can, under certain conditions, lead to damage to the output stage!
A very important parameter of a power amplifier is the damping coefficient, also known as the damping factor. Damping helps prevent inertial, i.e. parasitic vibration of the speaker cone, which makes the sound cleaner, more detailed and more accurate. The higher the damping factor, the higher the quality of the amplifier.
Another important parameter is the rate of rise of the output voltage, in English slew rate. The faster this speed (measured in microseconds), the better the amplifier reproduces the so-called. transient, or “non-stationary” processes, i.e. small fast high-frequency signal components. For example, playing cymbals, percussion, plucked string instruments, etc. It is clear that a “slow” amplifier will not handle such sounds well and will blur the sound image.
What details should you keep in mind so as not to make a mistake when choosing a model?
When studying the primitive catalog of an online store, where this equipment is described, it becomes clear that it is presented in different types. Thus, you can notice a different number of channels, differences in power, minimum permissible load and distortion factor. In addition, different reinforcing elements are used:
- Tube. At first glance, this seems like a paradox, because television technology has long advanced in this regard, but outdated spare parts are used here. But in this case everything is a little different. When it comes to acoustics, especially when it comes to amplifiers, tube instruments are a timeless classic. True audiophiles are confident that only this kind of device can convey clear and true sound. However, tube amplifiers are often in demand exclusively among this group of people. They are distinguished by their high cost, large dimensions and original design. Due to the small audience of consumers, they are produced in small batches.
- Transistor. Such units are simple and have high power. The equipment is still quite popular among all segments of the population.
- Integral. This type is called the most popular. The structure of such structures is usually different, and they work in different classes. The main advantage is the minimum number of constituent elements, which leads to miniature dimensions.
- Hybrid. Already from the name you can understand that the devices are a mixture of systems.
When choosing a model, you should pay the most attention to the power indicator. Moreover, the purchase must be made after purchasing a specific acoustic system. This is due to the fact that the power of the amplifier should be slightly higher than that of the acoustics. The best option would be if this excess does not exceed one and a half to two times. It is also worth clarifying about distortion, because this significantly affects the quality of the played compositions.
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FAQ
Do you need a headphone amplifier (for a computer or laptop)? Or will the volume be normal without it? All mobile device developers are trying to increase the operating time without recharging. Such savings lead to the fact that the amplifiers built into the gadget have low power. An amplifier is required for high-quality music sound. It will pump up the sound, add low and high frequencies that are invisible to the ear without an amplifier and allow you to listen to your favorite songs in excellent quality. But for a computer it is not really needed: in most cases, the built-in amplifier is quite enough.
Is it possible to make a sound amplifier with your own hands? It is possible. Amplifier circuits of varying complexity are freely available on the Internet, and the necessary parts are available on radio markets. But if you are not an experienced radio amateur, then it is better not to bother with nonsense and buy a good inexpensive ready-made amplifier in a store.
How to set up an amplifier? As a rule, any amplifier has intuitive settings. Some of them have a memory function. That is, having made the settings once, they are easy to save and use in the future. Just rely on your hearing, because there are no optimal settings suitable for all amplifiers and all rooms. Don't be afraid to experiment, and good sound will follow.
The best phono preamps
To clean the sound from impurities and outright garbage - extraneous noise, interference, etc. - phono preamps are used. The user just needs to connect the device, and it will begin to produce high-quality and rich sound, which can be worked with in the future or used for further listening.
NAD PP-4
This phono stage can be purchased for only 14,000 rubles. It is perfect for listening to rock or popular music. For other areas, it makes sense to look for something more advanced. For vinyl in this price range, you might want to check out the Pro-Ject Phono Box USB V, reviewed below.
Price: RUB 13,990
10. Pro-Ject Phono Box USB V
If we take into account its affordable price, 12,000 rubles, then the only drawback, perhaps, can be called a separate power supply. Its advantages will be its affordable price and convenient size. The phono stage weighs a little more than half a kilo and connects to a PC via USB. An excellent choice for the demanding music lover.
Price: ₽ 12,000
How to make your choice correctly.
- Purpose of use (where it will work, how many devices will be connected at a time).
- Number of channels. There are mono blocks, two-, three-, four- and five-channel amplifiers.
- Rated power. It should be slightly less (or equal) than the power of the connected device.
- Additional functions. The number of connectors (inputs), is there a crossover, is there remote bass control, does it work at 1 and 2 ohms, a sound processor.
- Amplifier class. There are AB and D. The second class includes digital amplifiers. In such devices, the quality of the sound produced will depend on the internals. Most often, the higher the price, the better the sound quality.
- Reviews. Before purchasing, it is important to familiarize yourself with the functions of the amplifier and find reviews for this particular model.
At the moment, the audio equipment market is huge and the main thing is to make the right choice. After all, shopping should bring pleasure, and not remind you of wasted money.
Integrated or full amplifier
Combining a preamplifier and a power amplifier in one package, this device is the most popular on the market. All the functions and features of each component described above are present in the integrated amplifier. Quite decent complete amplifiers are available to almost everyone, their cost starts from about 8,000 rubles.
If you don't plan on experimenting with the selection and frequent changes of components in your audio system, an integrated amplifier will be a smarter purchase, but if you plan on gradually upgrading your kit to a higher class, separate preamp and power amplifiers will be better suited for you.
Wavac SH-833 – $350,000
Direct filament triodes combined with unbalanced Class A tube monoblocks provide this amplifier with immense power. The Japanese audio manufacturer has put all its talents into a special 10th anniversary model, designing an all-new, highly isolated power circuit and encasing each innovative component in a durable 60mm aluminum housing. Of course, golden champagne was chosen as the finishing color.
If you have less pocket money this month than usual, you can limit yourself to the budget version of the amplifier - for only $70,000.
Pivetta Opera One – $650,000
Yes, this is another Pivetta model. Its parameters are more modest - 1.8 meters in height, one ton of weight and 14,400 W of power. Therefore the price is much lower. Released in 1998, the Opera One was Andrea Pivetta's first fully handcrafted amplifier, marking the first step on his way to being a mastodon at number one. It has a similar cylindrical design, which also opens when turned on.
Ultrasound Otello – $600,000
Otello is equipped with six transformers with adjustable polarization to provide zero feedback. The company's engineers spent five years creating this amplifier, which features 100% hand-wired design and a cabinet made from solid walnut wood. Even if Ultrasound only sold one such device, it would be worth developing.
