Amplifier Reviews (253 Reviews)

Anthem PVA-8 Multi-Channel Amplifier Reviewed

With 125 watts for each of its eight channels, the big PVA-8 from Anthem should satisfy the power needs for even the largest home theater systems. At only $2,299, its even priced so that most people can afford it. Continue Reading

Arcam FMJ A18 Integrated Amplifier Reviewed

British hifi manufacturer Arcam knows a thing or two about integrated amps, and at only $1,099 the FMJ A18 packs a lot into an inexpensive and small package. We check out if its 50 watts can hold its own. Continue Reading

McIntosh MC501 Monaural Power Amplifier Reviewed

Ahh... the cult of McIntosh... To compare McIntosh to say Harley Davidson Motorcycles wouldn't be a stretch as both have serious followers willing to invest in time-tested performance. Read Jim Swantko's full review of these beefy mono amps here. Continue Reading

Home Theater Review 2009 Best of Awards

Home Theater Review Editors have searched high and low, near and far, for the best products of 2009, from HDTVs to receivers, speakers to Blu-ray players, and more. Check to read the best in LED and LCD HDTV reviews here on HomeTheaterReview.com. Continue Reading

Rotel RA-1520 Integrated Amplifier Reviewed

Integrated amps are great for those looking to get a little audiophile, without going all tubey. The RA-1520 from Rotel doesn't even have a screen, but has several analog and digital inputs. We test it out. Continue Reading

Parasound 5250 Five Channel Power Amplifier Reviewed

The new Parasound 5250 five-channel power amp not only has 250 watts for each of its channels, but it is THX Ultra-2-Certified, ensuring it performs among the best in its class. We put the big amp through its paces. Continue Reading

Krell FBI Integrated Amplifier Reviewed

For those looking for an integrated amp that has all of the guts and glory of a big separates system comes the Krell FBI. The Fully Balanced Integrated has the beef to power up nearly any load known to man right from on chassis. Read the Brian Kahn review here. Continue Reading

Bryston 2B SST Stereo Amplifier Reviewed

Boasting one of the best warranties in the business and the reputation as one of Canada's best amps (along with Anthem and Classe) Bryston is a recording studio and movie theater standard. Home theater enthusiasts and audiophiles alike love the somewhat dry sound of these powerful yet controlled amps. Read the Jerry Del Colliano review here. Continue Reading

Mark Levinson No. 436 Monaural Amplifier Reviewed

This rack mountable Mark Levinson 350 watt per channel power amp is about as big as the brand makes and is custom designed to power Revel speakers as well as any number of of top performing audiophile speakers. Jerry Del Colliano tells you why these amps were his reference amps for so long. Continue Reading

Krell Evolution 900 Monaural Power Amplifiers Reviewed

There might not be a better amp in the marketplace today than the Krell Evolution 900 mono amps. Designed before his departure from Krell by Dan D'agostino there is an "E" version of the amp that saves on power but who really cares when we are talking about this kind of power. With the best bass in the business, the Evo amps have an openness and air Continue Reading

Cambridge Audio Azur 840W Amplifier Reviewed

The stereo Azur 840W from Cambridge AUdio has 200 watts per channel, and an understated design that reviewer Jim Swantko wasn't too sure about. He did like that you could bridge the channels to be 500 watts. Continue Reading

Marantz PM-KI-Pearl Integrated Amplifier Reviewed

After 30 years with the company, audio designer Ken Ishiwata is celebrated by Marantz with a line of high-end components. The PM-KI-Pearl Integrated Amplifier has 90 watts per channel. Brian Kahn tests it for HTR. Continue Reading

Marantz PM5003 Integrated Amplifier Reviewed

Knowing that audiophilia knows no economic bounds, the PM5003 from Marantz is only $449.99. A great price for 36 watts per channel and a variety of inputs. We test it out and see if it holds up. Continue Reading

Cary Audio Xciter Integrated Amplifier Reviewed

Desktop audio is becoming more and more popular, and the Xciter line from Cary is poised to dominate. Featuring a USB DAC and this tube integrated amp that should both live up to its name. Jim Swantko tests it out. Continue Reading

Anthem Statement P5 Multi-Channel Amplifier Reviewed

It may look stylish, but that's not the only thing the P5 from Anthem has going for it. With a substantial 325 watts for each of its five channels, or an amazing 500 watts into four channels, the P5 will drive any speakers without breaking a sweat. Continue Reading

Anthem 225 Integrated Amplifier Reviewed

Packed with, you guessed it, 225 watts, the 225 from Anthem has a lot more power than your average integrated amp. Even more impressive is its price tag: only $1,499. Andrew Robinson gets one it to put it through its paces. Continue Reading

Outlaw Audio RR2150 Stereo Receiver Reviewed

Outlaw has made its name building high-quality, high-end audiophile gear, at budget prices. The $699 RR2150 lives up to that reputation with 100-watts per channel, a USB input, and even a phono input. Continue Reading

Decware SE84C+ Zen Triode Stereo Amplifier Reviewed

Going a different route with their amp, Decware's SE84C+ is a single ended triode amp with, wait for it... 2.3 watts into 4 ohms. That jumps to a whopping five watts in bridged mode. But as Andrew Robinson finds, power isn't everything in the world of single ended tubes. Continue Reading

NAD C 725BEE Stereo Receiver Reviewed

Reviewer Jim Swantko said the NAD C 725BEE "lived up to the musically meaningful torture test, earning top sonic grades." When playing an acoustic, live CD, the NAD "could make the highs sparkle and capture the three-dimensionality of the acoustic setting" which left him "captivated." Continue Reading

McIntosh MC275 Stereo Power Amplifier Reviewed

Still built in upstate New York, McIntosh is one of the most famous and respected audiophile brands in the US. The MC275 tube amp is a redux of one of their original models from back in 1961. Continue Reading