Top 5 Best Stereo Amplifiers in 2025

The stereo amplifier is the central component of any separates system. It receives signals from your sources (such as a CD player, turntable, or music streamer) and amplifies them so that passive loudspeakers can deliver the output. You can’t get any sound without an amplifier.

Active speakers have amplifiers built into the cabinets, so you can cover amplification by connecting sources directly to them. Alternatively, you can choose a pre/power amplifier pairing, in which the required preamp and power amp functions are kept in different boxes. However, purchasing a one-box integrated amplifier—the subject of this stereo amp buying guide—is the most straightforward, practical, space-efficient, and, in fact, well-liked choice.

QUICK LIST

Last update on 2025-03-10 / Affiliate links/images from Amazon.

Top 5 Best Stereo Amplifiers in 2025

1.Arcam A15

Last update on 2025-03-10 / Affiliate links/images from Amazon.

The British brand’s new Radia range, with its all-black finish and delicate yellow accents, looks sleek and contemporary, in contrast to Arcam’s previous endeavors, which have always looked neat. Naturally, the Arcam amplifier makeover’s best feature has nothing to do with appearances.

Regardless of the input selected, the A15, the middle-sitter in a range of three, has this strong, accurate, and composed character. Our in-house reviewers observe in our A15 review that “Arcam was one of the pioneers of outboard digital-to-analogue converters back in the ’80s and that experience shines through in the performance of the A15’s digital section.” “It is crisp, insightful and engaging.”

We are also impressed by the scale of the sound – “stereo imaging is expansive, stable and nicely layered,” we wrote – as well as how it handles music’s savage dynamics. There is no shortage of punch and power, but this is no muscle-bound thug; the A15 is insightful and subtle, able to track multitudes of instrumental strands with skill.

Once we had heard how good Arcam’s entry-level A5 (below) sounded, we were a little worried for the A15 – but we needn’t have been. It is clearly better than its talented sibling, delivering a sound of greater clarity, scale and precision that justifies its extra price tag and represents a logical step up.

Even better, it has a built-in moving-magnet phono stage, something that neither its new replacement, the CXA81 MKII, nor its closest competitor, the Cambridge Audio CXA81 (which was once located here) do. However, the Cambridge model, both old and new, does respond with a USB input, so if that’s a concern for you, it’s a good substitute.

Otherwise, if the A15 is within your price range, make sure to listen to it; we haven’t heard of a more appealing option.Arcam has attempted to cover all the bases and has been generous with the spec sheet. With three line level inputs, two coax digital, and one optical, we don’t think this amplifier will ever run out of power in most configurations. The internal DAC module is powered by the well-known ESS ES9018 DAC chip. Although having a USB port would have been convenient, we don’t mind not having it. For those who wish to upgrade, there is a preamp output on the front panel with a 3.5mm headphone output and an outboard power amplifier.

It should come as no surprise that Arcam has a moving magnet phono stage given the recent resurgence of vinyl as a popular source. But looking backwards isn’t the only thing this amplifier does. It is compatible with aptX Adaptive and has Bluetooth 5.2, making it simple to use with laptops, tablets, and phones. We were pleased to learn that Bluetooth is two-way, meaning that the A15 can both send and receive Bluetooth signals to headphones or a compatible wireless speaker.

2.Rotel A8

Last update on 2025-03-10 / Affiliate links/images from Amazon.

This year, Rotel’s performance-focused, low-key A8 knocked Marantz’s entry-level amplifier off its pedestal, which had held the position of our most recommended budget entry for many years. The new budget class leader combines outstanding build quality with a sonic performance that sets the standard at this low price point, bringing to mind Rotel’s superb, award-winning budget models from the early 2000s.

To start with, the A8 only has line-level inputs and an MM phono for connecting a turntable; it does not have Bluetooth or digital inputs. However, since the DAC module in a decently priced CD player or streamer usually performs better than those in inexpensive amplifiers, we don’t think that’s the end of the world. Although Bluetooth would have been nice, you can easily get by with an inexpensive Bluetooth receiver or a music streamer.

The Rotel does everything correctly elsewhere. The A8 provides more insight and is all the more alluring for its ability to uncover finer details, even though the Marantz PM6007 it surpasses may sound more roomy and fluid. “This is an amplifier that just fades into the background letting the recording and the other components in the system step into the limelight,” as our knowledgeable reviewers pointed out in our A8 review. Ignore this one at your own risk if you’re searching for a unique, affordable amplifier.

Although the previously mentioned Marantz is still a fantastic option, especially if you do want digital inputs, there aren’t many alternatives at this price range that we can strongly suggest. But if you’re searching for something even less expensive, we recommend the five-star Cambridge Audio AXA35, a fantastic “my first amplifier” choice.

This amplifier isn’t something to brag about. It has a straightforward, unassuming appearance. It is a slim device with a height of slightly over 7 cm, and its design is primarily functional. The A8 is a tool to accomplish a task, nothing more, and we appreciate that focused approach, especially at this level where budgets are limited. It is not attempting to be a style icon.

The Rotel A8 lacks many features, including Bluetooth connectivity and digital inputs, which are rather standard at this price range. Are those significant losses? No would have to be our response.

Generally speaking, the digital modules found in low-cost amplifiers are box-ticking exercises with poor sound quality. We haven’t encountered any circumstances where we would rather have one of those than the DAC module installed on a mediocrely priced laptop, CD player, or streamer. However, Bluetooth connectivity is always helpful, so its absence is somewhat of a drawback. However, we don’t mind if it doesn’t exist.

A moving magnet phono input for your record player and three single-ended line-level inputs for the remaining sources round out the Rotel’s basic features. This range of connections should be sufficient for everyone except those with extremely complicated stereo systems in the majority of cases. The front panel also has a 3.5mm headphone output.

3.Naim Nait XS 3

Last update on 2025-03-10 / Affiliate links/images from Amazon.

This is the third-generation instalment of a model first introduced in 2008. The XS 3 adds a moving magnet phono stage and better responsiveness, and that’s about it. Why? Attention. To. Detail. Open it up and you’ll see what we mean – there’s immaculately assembled audio circuitry, with fantastic care shown in reducing the degrading effect of outside interference and unwanted interactions between components, down to the way the connecting wiring is shaped and the exact number and placement of the tie clips used to hold it in place!

The Nait’s performance demonstrates this level of engineering attention to detail. Compared to its predecessor, the sound is far sharper and more nimble. Even though there may not be enough of a difference to warrant replacing its predecessor, this amp is still fantastic. It’s difficult to improve upon this level of insight, dynamic subtlety, and rhythmic drive, with energy on hand and a fair amount of refinement when needed.

Ultimately, the Nait XS 3 delivers the music with emotional impact intact – and that’s all anyone could ever ask of it.That Bluetooth and digital inputs are not available is a bit of a surprise. According to Naim, an outboard DAC would be a better option because, at the very least, it would not significantly alter the price or the analogue performance.
A gain stage, passive equalization, final gain, and active equalization comprise the three stages of the new phono circuit. The goal is to provide plenty of dynamic headroom while minimizing noise.

In order to bridge the gap between the conventional RIAA and the IEC alternative, a custom equalization curve was selected. Delivering a strong bass performance with enough low-end roll-off to prevent rumble from detracting from the sound is the goal.

Elsewhere everything else remains unchanged. There is still the choice of stereo RCA or Naim’s preferred DIN sockets for the four line-level inputs and the option to split the pre and power sections should you want to improve performance by slotting in something more sophisticated for either part. The supplied system remote is basic but easy to use.

4.Rega Elex Mk4

Last update on 2025-03-10 / Affiliate links/images from Amazon.

At this mid-range price range, it is faithful and revealing, with sonically impressive capabilities that surpass our expectations. It is extremely uncommon at this level to deliver music with such grace and assurance. “We find it difficult to concentrate on specific strands or frequencies to critique, and instead are content to listen to track after track and marvel at how the Rega turns its hand to every song,” our expert reviews team wrote in our Elex Mk4 review. It just doesn’t interfere with the music. That alone is a tremendous accomplishment. It’s the most entertaining amplifier we’ve heard at this price; it’s full-bodied, lively, and has tip-top timing that really supports rhythms.

Customers now have more options for how they listen to this amazing amplifier thanks to the addition of digital inputs and a headphone port, which is also a great step in the right direction, especially considering their high quality.

This stereo amplifier will perform incredibly well if you take the time to carefully pair it with speakers that have a richer tone, such as the KEF LS50 Meta or Wharfedale Linton. We would generally advise against using any bright or forward-sounding equipment.

An excellent and marginally less expensive option to the Naim Nait XS 3 below is Rega’s Elicit MK5, which is comparable but sounds better and will cost a little more if you have more money to spend.The addition of a DAC to the Elex line for the first time is undoubtedly the largest change from the previous model. Rega hasn’t gone too far from its all-analogue core, so don’t worry. For better or worse, Bluetooth and streaming are still absent, and you are only given two digital inputs. This is similar to the connections of the most recent Rega Elicit Mk5, which also featured an onboard DAC for the first time.

Around the back, you’ll find a single set of speaker terminals, four line-level inputs, one phono input, a record output and preamp output. Unlike the line-level connections, the digital coaxial and optical inputs are not numbered to correspond with the input selector on the front panel. A very swift process of elimination shows that coaxial is D1 and optical is D2, but we wish Rega had given a bit more care to the labelling.

The closest competitor, the Cambridge Audio CXA81, has two sets of speaker terminals, Bluetooth streaming, and a few more inputs (an additional coax, USB input, and balanced XLR) at this price range. Realistically, most people only own two or three sources, if that, so the Rega should easily accommodate the majority of traditional sources. Still, that’s a great spread of options for less money.

The digital inputs of the integrated DAC, which is based on the circuitry of the standalone Rega DAC-R model, can process PCM audio files up to 24-bit/192kHz. Don’t worry if you’re concerned that the analog sound might be impacted. Rega has taken care to ensure that the addition of digital inputs has no effect whatsoever on the circuit’s analog side.

5.Cyrus 40 AMP

Last update on 2025-03-10 / Affiliate links/images from Amazon.

Our expert review team has been impressed by the integrated amplifier in Cyrus’s new 40 Series, which represents a new beginning for the brand and gives it a new, forward-looking range of products for the first time in years.

First of all, the 40 AMP replaces the brand’s conventional casework with one that is aesthetically pleasing and contemporary, much like the 40 ST streamer and 40 CD player in the line. Although it retains the half-width measurements Cyrus has always favored, it is composed of brushed anodized aluminum and features a glass front.

It has all the connections you would expect from an amplifier in this day and age, including phono, optical, and USB. For those who wish to incorporate this amplifier into a stereo AV system, there is even an HDMI eARC. For its size, the amplifier has a respectable amount of power.

However, its sound quality is the main attraction. Regardless of the music being played, the performer is calm and steady and possesses an exceptionally clear and articulate voice. That doesn’t imply that it sounds sterile at all. This amplifier has a slightly forward tone, but it doesn’t go so far as to sound aggressive or skew tonality.

That doesn’t imply that it sounds sterile at all. “This amplifier has a slightly forward tone, but it doesn’t go so far as to sound aggressive or skew tonality. According to our 40 AMP review, “it is basically neutral and refined, balancing analysis and enjoyment better than pretty much any alternative we have heard at this level.”

Additionally, the digital section of the 40 AMP is superb. It is expressive and maintains all of the dynamic and rhythmic abilities we hear from the analogue line stages, regardless of the input.At this level, this new Cyrus is our clear top choice in terms of performance. If digital inputs are not required, the Rega Aethos, which formerly occupied this space, is a respectable substitute. The competitively performing Naim Supernait 3 (phono inclusive), Rotel Michi X3 (phono and digital), and Cambridge Audio Edge A (digital and Bluetooth) are also worth taking into consideration if your budget allows it but you lack the luxury funds to purchase the Lavardin ITx below.

How to choose the best stereo amplifier for you

What sources do you need?

Firstly, you should consider what sources you have and how you want to connect them. Stereo amplifiers aren’t as simple and stripped back as they used to be; the days of equipping them with just analogue inputs and outputs and a pair of speaker terminals are now no longer the norm.

The integrated amplifier has changed with the times, as evidenced by the growing popularity of laptops, phones, and music streaming services. These days, a lot of them have integrated digital-to-analogue converters (DACs) that provide digital inputs for connecting hard drives, laptops, and tech-savvy hi-fi sources. This is practical, but keep in mind that not all digital stages are as well-implemented as analog ones, and higher-end systems might benefit from an amplifier design that only uses analog in conjunction with an external DAC.