Stereo Preamplifier Reviews (99 Reviews)
Pass Labs XP-12 Preamplifier Reviewed
Greg Handy says the Pass Labs XP-12 left him with a potent reminder of how vital a stereo preamplifier is to a high-performance music playback system. Continue Reading
Newest Reviews
Denon PMA-150H Integrated Network Amplifier Reviewed
Home Theater Review's Best of 2019 Awards
Stereo Preamplifier Reviews
While many audio enthusiasts may be moving toward multichannel audio, there is still a strong market for high-quality two-channel (stereo) electronics among audiophiles and home theater enthusiasts alike. A stereo preamp provides audio switching and signal processing only, without amplification. (A stereo receiver, meanwhile, adds both amplification and AM/FM tuning.) Generally speaking, a stereo preamp won’t have all the bells and whistles found on the latest AV preamp or AV receiver, but these days you can find features like iPod connectivity, built-in DACs, Bluetooth capability, subwoofer outs, home theater pass-through, and (in some rare occasions) even HDMI video support. Check out our review archive below to read about the hottest electronics in the two-channel world.
Tubes, solid state, phono preamps and anything with a volume control is reviewed on this vast resource page.
Stereo Preamplifier Reviews Archives
Dec 30, 2019
Denon PMA-150H Integrated Network Amplifier Reviewed
Denon's PMA-150H Integrated Network Amplifier with HEOS ($1,099) lends some credibility to an argument I've been making for a few... Continue Reading
Dec 09, 2019
Home Theater Review's Best of 2019 Awards
As 2019 comes to a close, we at HomeTheaterReview.com look back at all the products we reviewed this year and pick the best of the bunch, from affordable favorites to flagship products that make us drool. Continue Reading
Sep 23, 2019
Technics SU-G700 Stereo Integrated Amplifier Reviewed
Technics is a brand that has been with us seemingly forever, and as a result there is no shortage of... Continue Reading
Sep 16, 2019
D'Agostino Progression Preamplifier Reviewed
Brian says the D'Agostino Progression Preamplifier went above and beyond his sonic expectations, delivering the warmth of tubes without the headaches associated with tubes. Continue Reading
Jul 22, 2019
Naim Uniti Nova All-in-one Media Player Reviewed
World populations are increasingly moving from rural to urban centers, making for larger cities with greater population density than ever... Continue Reading
Jul 15, 2019
Krell K-300i Integrated Stereo Amplifier Reviewed
There are few things in the AV market right now that excite me quite so much as the melding of... Continue Reading
Jun 19, 2019
Schiit Audio Freya Preamplifier Reviewed
[[Editor's note: as we were going to publication with this review, Schiit announced two new versions of its Freya preamp:... Continue Reading
Jun 12, 2019
Cambridge Audio Edge NQ Preamplifier with Network Player
When a manufacturer considers adding a new product to its lineup, there are essentially three options: replace an older product... Continue Reading
Dec 17, 2018
Anthem STR Stereo Preamplifier Reviewed
The category of preamps has changed a lot in the past decade or so. On the AV side of the... Continue Reading
Dec 10, 2018
Home Theater Review's Best of 2018 Awards
Here at the end of 2018, we at HomeTheaterReview.com look back at all the products we reviewed this year and pick the best of the bunch, from budget favorites to aspirational flagship products. Continue Reading
Nov 21, 2018
Linear Tube Audio MicroZOTL Preamplifier
Terry London praises this new stereo preamp for its beautiful chassis, great ergonomics, rich organic timbres, and holographic imaging. Continue Reading
Mar 28, 2018
Mark Levinson ? 526 Preamplifier/DAC Reviewed
Mark Levinson. The brand represents the pinnacle of automotive and home audio luxury. The company's products are meticulously engineered, and... Continue Reading
Dec 18, 2017
Home Theater Review's Best of 2017 Awards
It's that time of year again--when the HomeTheaterReview.com staff looks at all of the products we reviewed this year and picks the best of the best. We've tried to hit all the product categories and price points. We hope you enjoy our Best of 2017 list. Continue Reading
Sep 25, 2017
Audio Research LS28 Stereo Preamplifier Reviewed
Ben Shyman auditions the LS28 line-stage preamplifier from Audio Research Corporation's Foundation Series. This $7,500 preamp utilizes four 6H30 tubes in its analog circuit and features balanced and unbalanced connections. Continue Reading
Sep 04, 2017
Pass Labs HPA-1 Stereo Preamplifier/Headphone Amplifier Reviewed
In this week's featured review, we explore the HPA-1 from Pass Labs. The HPA-1 is a solid-state analog stereo preamplifier and a headphone amplifier with an MSRP of $3,500. Continue Reading
Dec 21, 2016
Wadia di122 Digital Audio Decoder Reviewed
Founded nearly 20 years ago, Wadia is now part of the McIntosh Group that owns �ber-high-end audiophile brands such as... 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
May 25, 2016
Linear Tube Audio MicroZOTL2.0 Preamplifier/Headphone Amplifier Reviewed
Terry London reviews the MicroZOTL2.0 from Linear Tube Audio. To say he was wowed by this tube-based preamplifier/headphone amplifier combination would be an understatement. 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
Mar 09, 2016
Backert Labs Rhumba 1.1 Stereo Preamplifier Reviewed
Terry London reviews the Rhumba 1.1 stereo preamp from Backert Lab, which delivers much of the performance of the higher-end Rhythm 1.1 at less than half the cost. Continue Reading