Amplifier Reviews (239 Reviews)
Benchmark AHB2 Reference Stereo Amplifier Reviewed
Every enthusiast, audiophile, and equipment reviewer has different criteria for selecting reference equipment. Some embrace gear based just on sound quality; others embrace gear on sound quality along with design philosophy. When it comes to amplification, I am admittedly a... Continue Reading
Newest Reviews
Classé Sigma 2200i Stereo Integrated Amplifier Reviewed
Wadia a102 Stereo Amplifier Reviewed
Amplifier Reviews
Alongside the AV preamp or stereo preamp, an amplifier is the second piece of a separates-based audio system—it provides the power for your speakers. Going the separates route is generally considered to be the higher-performance option, as opposed to using an all-in-one AV receiver, because the manufacturer can focus more on selecting just the right components and design elements for that device’s specific function. And you can focus on choosing the right amplifier technology (Class A, Class AB, Class D, etc.) and configuration (mono, stereo, five-channel, etc.) for your needs. Learn more about amplifiers through the Resources below, then check out our review archive to read the latest amplifier reviews.
AV Receivers vs. AV Separates: Which Is Right for You?How to Pick the Right Amp for Your Speakers (or Vice Versa)
What’s So Irresistible About a Single-Ended Triode (SET) Amp?
Amplifier Types Explained from Electronic House
Mono, Stereo, Multichannel, Class A, Class AB and Digital Switching amps are reviewed from the top makers in the audiophile business.
Amplifier Reviews Archives
Jan 09, 2017
Classé Sigma 2200i Stereo Integrated Amplifier Reviewed
Dennis Burger reviews Classé's Sigma 2200i integrated amplifier, which embraces some features not commonly found on an integrated amp--like HDMI video switching and AirPlay support. Continue Reading
Dec 14, 2016
Wadia a102 Stereo Amplifier Reviewed
Wadia Digital was founded in 1988 by engineers formerly from 3M (Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing Company) who believed in the... Continue Reading
Dec 05, 2016
Home Theater Review's Best of 2016 Awards
'Tis the season for Home Theater Review's annual best-of list, where we select the best products we've reviewed in the past 12 months. Continue Reading
Nov 30, 2016
Linear Tube Audio ZOTL40 MK.II Stereo Amplifier Reviewed
After my amazing experience reviewing the MicroZOTL2.0 preamplifier back in May, I was informed by Mark Schneider, owner/engineer of Linear... Continue Reading
Nov 07, 2016
Pass Labs INT-60 Integrated Amplifier Reviewed
Terry London explores the Pass Labs INT-60, a 60-watt integrated amplifier (the first 30 watts are pure Class A) with balanced inputs and outputs. Continue Reading
Sep 21, 2016
Pass Labs XA30.8 Stereo Amplifier Reviewed
Ben Shyman explores the XA30.8 from Pass Labs. This 30-watt stereo amplifier is a Class A solid-state design with an MSRP of $6,800. Continue Reading
Aug 22, 2016
Lyngdorf Audio TDAI-2170 Integrated Amplifier Reviewed
Greg Handy reviews Lyngdorf Audio's TDAI-2170 integrated amplifier, which is rated at 170 watts per channel and has a modular design that allows for different input/output configurations. Continue Reading
Jul 04, 2016
Monoprice Monolith 7 Seven-Channel Amplifier Reviewed
Dennis Burger reviews Monoprice's new $1,499 Monolith 7 seven-channel amplifier, a Class AB design with a power rating of 200 watts per channel. Continue Reading
Mar 14, 2016
Rotel RC-1590 Stereo Preamplifier and RB-1590 Stereo Amplifier Reviewed
Greg Handy reviews the new RC-1590 stereo preamp and RB-1590 stereo amplifier from Rotel. See how the dynamic duo performs in this week's featured review. Continue Reading
Feb 15, 2016
Outlaw Audio Model 5000 Amplifier Reviewed
Myron Ho reviews Outlaw Audio's Model 5000 amplifier, a five-channel, Class AB design rated at 120 watts per channel that's priced at just $599. Continue Reading
Jan 25, 2016
Red Dragon Audio S500 Stereo Amplifier Reviewed
Bob Barrett reviews the $1,999 S500 stereo amplifier from Red Dragon Audio. This small 12-pound amplifier uses an S-Pro2 Class D amplifier module and is rated at 2 x 250 watts at eight ohms. Read on to see what Bob thought of its performance. Continue Reading
Jan 13, 2016
Magnus Audio MA-400 Stereo Amplifier Reviewed
At the beginning of last year, I reviewed the superlative-sounding Canary Audio reference KD-2000 DSD tube DAC. Canary Audio designs... Continue Reading
Dec 07, 2015
Home Theater Review's Best of 2015 Awards
It's that time of year again--time for the HomeTheaterReview.com staff to pick the products that we feel represent the best of the best from all of our 2015 reviews. We've covered a variety of categories and price points. See if your faves made the list. Continue Reading
Nov 30, 2015
Paradigm Premium Wireless Series PW AMP Stereo Amplifier Reviewed
Paradigm has thrown its support behind the DTS Play-Fi wireless multi-room audio platform with the introduction of the new Premium Wireless Series. Dennis Burger reviews the PW AMP, a small stereo amplifier that features Play-Fi and Anthem Room Correction. Continue Reading
Nov 18, 2015
Pro-ject Audio Systems MaiA Integrated Amplifier Reviewed
Greg Handy reviews the micro-sized MaiA from Pro-Ject Audio Systems, a fully featured integrated amplifier/DAC/streamer that costs just $499. Continue Reading
Nov 16, 2015
Pass Labs X250.8 Stereo Amplifier Reviewed
Terry London reviews the X250.8 Class AB stereo amplifier from Pass Labs, a 100-pound beauty that's rated at 250 watts into eight ohms. Continue Reading
Sep 28, 2015
Parasound Halo Integrated 2.1-Channel Amplifier Reviewed
Dennis Burger reviews Parasound's $2,495 Halo Integrated amplifier, which combines a number of worthy features in one attractive, well-built chassis. Continue Reading
Sep 07, 2015
Classe Sigma AMP5 Five-Channel Digital Amplifier Reviewed
Jerry Del Colliano reviews the new five-channel AMP5 amplifier from Classe's Sigma Series. The AMP5 is a 200-watt-per-channel Class D amplifier that carries an asking price of $5,000. Continue Reading
Jul 22, 2015
First Watt SIT 2 Stereo Amplifier Reviewed
Terry London explores the SIT 2 stereo amplifier from Nelson Pass' First Watt lab. This $5,000 Class A solid-state amp uses a Static Induction Transistor to produce some of the sonic characteristics of SET tube amplifiers. Continue Reading
Jun 22, 2015
Rogue Audio Pharaoh Tube Hybrid Integrated Amplifier Reviewed
Greg Handy reviews the Pharaoh integrated amplifier from Rogue Audio, which combines a tube preamp with a Hypex Class D amplifier and adds a tube headphone amp for good measure. How does this $3,500 integrated amp perform? Follow the link to find out. Continue Reading