Articles and Reviews

The second part of our ultimate guide of entry- and mid-level integrated amplifiers contains comprehensive conclusions and comparison charts, speakers matching system, answers to frequently asked questions - and, of course, a final rating of winners. Which amplifier should you buy in 2026? The answer placed below.

The $250-$2,500 integrated amplifier segment represents high-fidelity audio's most fiercely competitive battleground. At this price point, you're not compromising on genuine sonic excellence - you're simply choosing which performance priorities matter most to your system and listening preferences.

The second part of our extensive review of premium integrated amplifiers contains comprehensive conclusions and comparison charts, compatibility matrices, answers to frequently asked questions when choosing an amplifier - and, of course, a parade of winners.

Shopping for an integrated amplifier in the $8,000-$22,000 range means entering the realm where "no compromise" becomes reality. At this level, you're not choosing between build quality and sound - you're choosing which flavor of excellence suits your system best. But with prices that could buy a used car, how do you know which amp delivers transcendent performance versus diminishing returns?

There's a particular kind of madness that sets in when you start shopping for an integrated amplifier between three and seven thousand dollars. Below this range, compromises are obvious and expected - you're choosing which corner to cut. Above it, you're in statement territory where the law of diminishing returns applies but the equipment is unambiguously excellent. But here, in this messy middle, is where the real arguments happen.

Over the past 20 years, the field of high-end audio equipment and systems has seen tectonic shifts. Innovative driver designs, special cabinet materials, and revolutionary crossovers have all pushed the boundaries of our perception, regardless of price. Our new hit parade compiles the most impressive and most expensive speakers in the world as of 2026. And unlike many other rankings, this list doesn't include speakers released as a one-off in 2008 or long since discontinued. Only production models, only renowned brands—and only Ultra High-End.

Ultra high-end equipment never ceases to amaze with both its sound quality and the engineering ingenuity of its designers. Our new selection features eight of the most modern and very expensive turntables – a ranking of stunning turntables is here for you.

For many years, High-End audio was associated with a "big" system in a large space - a dedicated listening room, large floorstanding speakers, and a component audio system. Oh, and let's not forget the super-expensive cables, stands, power supply filtering systems, and anti-resonance mountings. This paradigm not only defined system architecture but also became, essentially, an axiom for High-End audio.

Our new top-tier list features the most modern and advanced network players or streamers for streaming audio. These devices are advancing at breakneck speed – to help you navigate the sea of ​​choices, our editors have compiled this expert ranking.

The high-end audio segment today offers exceptional sound quality and a true triumph of engineering. The best cost-no-object solutions in modern digital-to-analog converters are here – these seven models will blow your mind with both their sound and their price tag.

Our new editorial ranking will help you navigate the preamplifier landscape. The most impressive models of 2025 are compiled in ascending order of price, so Hi-Fi and high-end enthusiasts will be sure to find a device to suit their tastes.

We're wrapping up another year of results, this time focusing on high-end power amplifiers. True three-dimensional sound, genuinely rich imaging and timbral precision, and luxurious bass - this selection will satisfy even the most seasoned audiophiles.

We are publishing our final ranking of integrated amplifiers, compiled from models released in 2025. As usual, this selection is sorted by increasing price, so you can choose amplifiers from the Hi-Fi categories and move into the High-End and Ultra-High-End segments. Most of the components featured feature advanced streaming capabilities and digital-to-analog converters, so to create a complete music system, you only need to add speakers.

Quad has long earned a cult status in the high-quality audio market. Several mildstones that revolutionized the 20th-century Hi-Fi market (from ESL speakers to amplifiers) have earned the company an impeccable reputation as a trendsetter. Well, in 2025, the new Quad Platina series awaits us – and we're testing the Quad Platina Integrated integrated amplifier with a built-in digital-to-analog converter.

The Hifiverse editorial team has prepared an expert ranking of the seven newest and most impressive turntables available in late 2025. Featuring innovative engineering solutions and superb sound, these devices will reveal the true magic of analog sound to the listener.

By the end of the year, the audio market had become a bustling sea – and, of course, the biggest movement was in the speaker market. So, the editors have studied the fastest-growing sector and carefully selected for you eight of the latest speakers in completely different price categories