Table of contents
Overview
Integrated amplifiers have become very popular again with audiophiles for a few reasons and we think it’s fair to say that expensive separates are becoming less relevant.
Most integrated amplifiers being introduced today combine a power amplifier, pre-amplifier, phono section, headphone amplifier, and in some cases a DAC or internal streaming capabilities.
It’s probably more accurate to refer to amplifiers that include network connectivity; either via Wi-Fi or Ethernet as Streaming Amplifiers or Network Amplifiers. If you scroll through the features of most of these amplifiers, you’ll notice that many offer support for TIDAL Connect, Spotify Connect, Roon, Qobuz, Chromecast, Apple AirPlay 2, and different Bluetooth codecs.
For the purposes of this Editors’ Choice list, our focus is on integrated amplifiers that do not offer internal network players.
What should you be looking for when considering an integrated amplifier?
A subwoofer output to conveniently connect a powered subwoofer. This output may or may not include a low-pass crossover or bass management settings.
Digital Inputs such as USB, Optical Toslink or Coaxial enable enable connectivity to external music sources such as CD players or digital music streamers. Such inputs mean the amplifier has an internal DAC.
A USB input to access digital music locally from USB stick, hard drive, laptop, tablet or computer.
A headphone output generally means the amp includes a special amplifier just for headphones, mainly audiophile headphones with high impedance requirements. Ideally it makes headphone listening sound better.
A remote control is usually included, but not always.
An internal MM or MM/MC Phono Pre-amplifier allows you to connect your turntable directly to the amplifier without the need for an external unit that will only add cost to your system.
Design Considerations
Build quality matters. Circuit design does too. And most importantly, equipment matching to speakers and other devices matters more than one would think.
Do not be seduced or turned off by power ratings. Some loudspeakers only require a few watts into an 8 ohm load, while others require an amplifier that can double its output into 4 ohms and is stable at that impedance. You are more likely to damage a loudspeaker with less power than more.
Should you go with a tube or solid-state integrated amplifier? Tube amplifiers certainly require more hands-on maintenance and it is incorrect to state that all tube amplifiers have a “warm” or “rich” sound. Not all solid-state amplifiers are neutral sounding; we can think of more than a few that are darker or warmer sounding than some tube amplifiers.
Remember to budget accordingly when building your stereo system. This guide should provide a great starting point for building your first stereo system or upgrading an existing one.
Whether you’re looking for a purist integrated stereo amplifier or one packed with features, we think these are some of the best to buy right now for the money.
Methodology
Eligible products must be currently shipping whether or not they were released in the current year. At least one eCoustics staff member must nominate a product within the category that they feel offers best-in-class performance at its listed retail price before it can be voted on by our editors.
Best Budget Integrated Amp
NAD C316BEE V2 ($499)
The NAD C316BEE V2 has been around for a number of years and it hardly qualifies as new — but the reality is that it still delivers great sound quality for under $500 and includes a rather impressive MM phono preamp that works well with a number of the MM cartridges that we just recommended in our “Editors’ Choice” for affordable phono cartridges 2024 list.
NAD might not make this hefty little box forever as their focus has shifted to network amplifiers like the M10 V3 and C 399 with BluOS D, but there is very little below $500 in the category that sounds this good.
The new WiiM Amp has impressed us enormously but it qualifies in the network amplifier category and is designed for a different type of customer.
The C316BEE V2 is a class A/B amplifier and delivers a very different kind of sonic presentation.
NAD’s power ratings have always been a tad wonky. The C 316BEE V2 is rated at 40 watts per channel into 8 ohms (60 watts per channel into 4 ohms) and my listening experience suggests that the amplifier is capable of far more output.
The NAD C316BEE V2 drove the Q Acoustics 3030i & 3050i, PSB Alpha P5, Wharfedale Diamond 12.1, and Focal CHORA 806 without breaking a sweat.
The NAD amplifier most certainly has a bump in the midrange; even into the upper midrange which worked wonders with both horns and vocals on a loudspeaker with a such a restrained presentation. Read our full review.
Pros:
- Build quality and very reliable
- More powerful than its specifications would suggest
- Good MM phono section
- Engaging with a wide range of speakers
Cons:
- Absence of subwoofer output
- Cheap remote
- No DAC
Where to buy:
Best Integrated Amp Under $1,200
Cambridge Audio CXA81 MKII ($1,199)
The CXA81 MKII has a lot of competition from its siblings, but we think what it offers for only $1,200 makes it a rather good value in the category. One could spend an additional $600 on the Cambridge Evo 75 Streaming Amplifier or $1,000 on the brand new EXA100 streaming amplifier — but that leaves one with less money for speakers or a turntable.
Network players are so inexpensive in 2024 that you could always add something from WiiM Audio that offers a better control app and even room correction software.
The CXA81 MKII is a Roon-tested amplifier that delivers 80 watts/channel into 8 ohms (120 watts/channel, 4 ohms) and does support Bluetooth aptX HD; the USB input (from either a PC or Mac) will support 24-bit/384kHz PCM and DSD256.
There is no internal MM phono stage which we think was a bad decision at its price point.
So who is this for?
For those with a smartphone (which is almost everyone), one could connect something like the $129 Questyle M15c with the appropriate cables to one of the CXA81 MKII’s analog inputs and you have a hi-res streamer.
You can also connect your laptop using the USB 2.0 input (unless you have already moved on to a Type-C).
The Class A/B power amplifier can drive a number of our Editors’ Choice options in the floor standing loudspeaker category rather well and we really like the sense of drive and very clean sounding presentation.
If you already own a network streamer, CD player or external phono preamplifier and really want an amplifier that will sound great for the long haul — this might be one of the best values around.
Pros:
- Build quality
- More than enough power for most bookshelf or affordable floor standing speakers
- Warm midrange and rich sounding presentation
- Excellent value for the money
- Solid pacing
- Internal DAC supports hi-res formats
Cons:
- No phono pre-amplifier
- A lot of competition
- Soundstage could be wider and deeper
Where to buy:
Best Integrated Amp Under $1,500
Willsenton R8 ($1,449)
The Willsenton R8 Tube Amplifier is sold direct from China-hifi-Audio. It’s a beast of a thing weighing almost 30 kg (66 lbs). It comes with standard tubes, but it goes to an entirely different level with upgraded PSVANE KT88 and CV181 tubes. It delivers a warm, rich presentation from only 45 watts.
Easy to load bookshelf loudspeakers are ideal for this amplifier that can take charge and create a surprisingly wide and deep soundstage with excellent layers of detail.
In addition integrated amplifier functionality, it can also be used as a power amplifier or headphone amplifier. For more details watch A British Audiophile’s review on YouTube of the upgraded Willsenton R8.
Pros:
- Build quality
- Surprisingly powerful with average sensitivity loudspeakers
- Warm midrange and rich sounding presentation
- Solid pacing
- Very wide soundstage
- A lot of detail
- Can use either KT88s or EL34s
- Excellent value for the money
Cons:
- Tubes have become more expensive
- No local dealers if it requires repair
Where to buy:
Best Integrated Amp Under $2,500
MOON by Simaudio 250i v2 ($2,400)
Our review of this “old school” integrated amplifier will appear after Christmas but it was an easy pick for 2024. The Montreal-based manufacturer is a little obsessive when it comes to engineering and build quality and the competition needs to pay attention.
We’ve included the MOON by Simaudio LP110 V2 on our “Best Audiophile Phono Preamp” list for over 2 years and it’s a massive bargain at $600.
The LP110 V2 is one of the few really affordable components in the lineup, and we’ve wondered for the past year if they planned on bringing back any of their legacy products at prices that more audiophiles could afford.
The new MOON by Simaudio 250i v2 builds on the foundations of the previous award-winning models. The upgraded circuit design uses next generation semiconductors to provide an improvement in sound quality, and the addition of the MM phono preamplifier increases functionality — the previous iteration did not include one.
The class A/B integrated amplifier outputs 50 watts/channel into 8 ohms and 100 watts/channel into 4 ohms.
The 250i V2 includes a headphone amplifier, pre-amplifier out, and there are no streaming capabilities.
The chassis is on the compact side for a Simaudio amplifier at 16.9 x 3.5 x 14.4 in and you will definitely notice the 23 pounds when you lift it from the packaging.
Pros:
- Built like a tank
- Reliable
- Very robust presentation
- Neutral sounding with a hint of warmth in the midrange and treble
- Excellent MM phono pre-amplifier
- Can be used as a pre-amplifier
Cons:
- No DAC
- Not ideal for overly neutral sounding loudspeakers
Where to buy:
MOON by Simaudio products are not sold online and can only be purchased in-stores. Check for an authorized dealer near you.
Best Integrated Amp Under $4,000
Naim NAIT 50 ($3,599)
The more I listen to products like the Naim NAIT 50 — the greater the desire to push back against products that offer something for everyone with far too many connectivity options and features that one will never use.
Some will call the NAIT 50 a dinosaur; a product that is out of step with the times and only for audiophile purists stuck in the past.
The truth is that there is no perfect one-size fits all solution for any of us and how you decide to enjoy music is the correct path for yourself.
I do recommend that you tune out those who tell you that you need $30,000 amplifiers and $6,000 phono cartridges to “experience” music the way that the artist intended.
Anyone with a grain of integrity knows that pushing that nonsense without pause reeks of bullshit.
The high-end press made that its raison d’etre for over four decades.
You can read my detailed review of the Naim NAIT 50 here.
25 watts per channel into 8 ohms from the internal class A/B amplifier, and we’re happy to see that Naim has designed a new MM phono preamp and headphone amplifier for the NAIT 50.
The output increases to 40 watts into 4 ohms which is more than enough for the type of loudspeakers that will be paired with the amplifier.
When you hear that snap for the first time and the energy that this amplifier can infuse your music with, it makes complete sense.
There is no pretense or ridiculous level of detail.
If you prefer darker sounding loudspeakers with a more polite sounding treble, this amplifier will illuminate your listening experience and do so without apology.
Music has a pulse and a system has to convey it to connect the dots.
Something like the Wharfedale Super Denton? More to come on that soon.
Pros:
- Solid build
- Very strong pacing with more than enough detail
- Bass range is impactful and tight
- Clean sounding midrange with surprising amount of color for a Naim amplifier
- Very good MM phono pre-amplifier
Cons:
- No DAC
- Limited number of inputs
- Limited Edition product
- Expensive
Where to buy:
Tip: Only 1973 will be offered and we don’t think there are many left.
Best Integrated Amp Under $7,000
Cambridge Audio Edge A ($6,500)
The $6,499 Cambridge Audio Edge A leaves almost nothing on the floor when pressed with difficult loads; it drives low sensitivity bookshelf loudspeakers, planar speakers, and large floor standing loudspeakers with a sense of purpose, clarity, and control. We wish there was a dedicated phono stage considering the price.
The construction quality and attention to detail in the design is about as good as it gets; the amplifier just does everything you ask of it with finesse, a huge soundstage, and surprising amount of warmth.
Whilst few might consider it with something like the award-winning Q Acoustics 5040 or DALI Oberon 5 because there are more affordable options from Cambridge that make more sense — the combinations are superb and you really get to experience just how much performance these mid-tier loudspeakers can deliver.
Our experience with the Bowers & Wilkins 703 S3 convinced us that the Edge A might be one of the best integrated amplifiers on the market under $10,000 and considering how few music listeners are likely to go beyond that amount of money — the Cambridge amplifier really is state-of-the-art for $6,500.
Pros:
- Built like a tank and will last a very long time
- Seemingly endless power reserves
- Warm, detailed, and very dynamic sounding amplifier
- A lot of analog and digital inputs
- Very easy to use
- Solid internal DAC
Cons:
- Overkill for some loudspeakers
- No phono pre-amplifier
- Expensive
Where to buy:
Best Integrated Amp Under $10,000
Unison Research Simply 845 ($9,999)
Having owned 7 tube amplifiers over the past 30 years, my affection for them remains rather strong but is also tempered by the reality that they require a different level of maintenance and that one must always have some replacement tubes handy.
Supply chain issues have also made tubes more expensive and that is certainly true in regard to 300B and 845 output tubes.
The Simply 845 utilizes a pair of 845 tubes in a single-ended configuration that outputs 23 watts of Class A power.
The amplifier uses handmade in-house custom transformers, ECC82/12AU7s in the preamp stage and an ALPS RK27 motorized volume control; the unit is also self-biasing so all one needs to do is install the tubes and the unit takes care of the rest.
4 line level inputs and 2 sets of outputs (1 subwoofer, 1 tape) for those keeping score; one does need to add their own external phono stage for vinyl playback.
The 67 pounds of metal and wood are housed in a rather compact 14 1/2″ x 10 1/4″ x 22 1/2″ chassis.
Having already reviewed the excellent Unison Research Triode 25 Integrated Amplifier in 2022, I was rather curious to experience the next level of their products; albeit through a system well out of my price range.
The Unison Research Simply 845 caught my attention at CAF 2023 and it was a room that I returned to because it demonstrated an ability to handle both ends of the spectrum so well.
Delicate and quiet passages floated in the middle of the room and lingered just long enough for me to lean forward in my chair and absorb them.
Jazz trios with strong bass accompaniment felt rock solid and rich with texture; horns had wonderful bite and color.
Depending on the loudspeaker, the Simply 845 might have more than enough power to energize my listening space in the moments that the music requires it, and the color and presence to keep my attention with the volume turned down.
Pros:
- Beautiful industrial design
- High quality transformers
- 845 output tubes deliver a lot of power in triode mode
- Ethereal presentation
- Vocalists feel eerily present in the room
- Bass is very robust
- Subwoofer output
Cons:
- Did we mention that it is $10,000?
- No phono pre-amplifier
- 845 tubes are not inexpensive to replace
- You may not have money left over for Biltong and other food
Where to buy:
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