7 Essential Power Amplifiers – Rankings for the End of 2025

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.

Audio Analogue AA100DM

Pros – Excellent Dynamics, Superb Bass

The Audio Analogue AA100DM power amplifier operates across a frequency response of 1 to 96,000 Hz and offers a 110 dB signal-to-noise ratio with an output power of 2 x 100 W into an 8 ohm load. The circuit design is borrowed from the Puccini Anniversary series, but the output stage delivers greater power. This model uses a 760 VA transformer, 20,000 µF capacitor banks in each channel, and six pairs of On-Semiconductor output transistors. The fully balanced Audio Analogue AA100DM power amplifier operates without overall feedback in a symmetrical configuration and delivers truly phenomenal sound dynamics for this price range.

Matrix Audio MA-1

Pros – Impressive Specifications and Crystal-Clear Sound

The Matrix Audio MA-1 power amplifier operates with a frequency response from 20 to 20,000 Hz and offers an impressive 119 dB signal-to-noise ratio with 0.02% total harmonic distortion. The amplifier delivers up to 2 x 250 W into an 8 ohm load. This is the company's first Class AB model. The output stages of each channel are built with ten ONSEMI transistors, while the power supply is based on a pair of 1250 VA power transformers and 28 filter capacitors with a total capacity of 200,000 µF. The company's special highlight is its unique 20 mm H-shaped chassis, machined from a solid aluminum plate, which features multiple shielding compartments for the circuit components. The Matrix Audio MA-1 delivers the signature clear and detailed sound with rich bass.

Chord Electronics ULTIMA 6

Pros – State-of-the-art circuit design and equally impressive sound

The Chord Electronics ULTIMA 6 power amplifier offers a frequency response of 0.5 to 100,000 Hz with 0.005% total harmonic distortion. It delivers up to 2 x 180 watts into an 8 ohm load. Despite its relatively compact size, this model easily drives even complex speakers and delivers high-speed sound with a highly accurate tonal image and perfect imaging. The new circuit design, featuring feedforward error correction, truly delivers. It's especially noteworthy that each channel utilizes 16 custom-designed field-effect transistors, developed under the auspices of Chord Electronics itself.

Accuphase P-4600

Pros – a performance you'll fall in love with immediately and completely

The Accuphase P-4600 operates with a frequency response of 20 to 20,000 Hz and offers an incredible 130 dB signal-to-noise ratio with 0.03% THD and a damping factor of 800. It delivers up to 2 x 150 watts into an 8 ohm load. The Accuphase P-4600 power supply

is built around a large, proprietary toroidal transformer, with filter capacitors rated at 50,000 microfarads. Current-feedback gain circuitry, a signature feature of the company, is responsible for a captivating, enveloping sound with a genuine sense of presence and a wealth of detail.

Aavik P-588

Pros – Stunning Detail

The Aavik P-588 amplifier delivers 2 x 300W into an 8 ohm load and up to 10A of current with a THD of 0.0028%. Its cutting-edge circuit design utilizes a Pascal module with UMAC modulation for ultra-low noise. The resonant power supply utilizes proprietary noise-reduction technologies, including active Tesla coils (108 active and 259 active square), third-generation analog dithering circuits (10 elements), and resonant coils (7). The amplifier's sound captivates with its rich timbre and exquisitely crafted three-dimensional imaging.

CH Precision M10 Stereo

Pros – Precise, textured, and absolutely natural sound

The dual-block (power supply housed in a separate enclosure) CH Precision M10 Stereo power amplifier operates with a frequency response of up to 500,000 Hz and delivers 2 x 300 watts into an 8 ohm load. The amplifier design uses a unique new input stage, while the output power figures have been increased by 1.5 times compared to the well-known M1.1 model. The system offers a user option for adjusting the local/global feedback ratio in 1% steps (from 0% to 100% ratio), and the gain trim is adjustable within 6dB - from +18dB to +24dB, in 0.5dB steps (stereo, monaural and bi-amp modes) and +24dB to +30dB, in 0.5dB steps (bridged mode). The total harmonic distortion plus noise is critically low - its level is less than 0.01% at 0% global feedback (100% local feedback) and less than 0.002% at 100% global feedback (0% local feedback). The sound of this amplifier is simple outstanding.

Soulution 717 Power Amplifier

Pros – Exceptional Dynamics and a Sense of Rhythm

The Soulution 717 power amplifier delivers 2 x 150W of power into 8 ohms with a 108 dB signal-to-noise ratio and 0.001% THD. It boasts a record-breaking damping factor of 10,000 and operates with a frequency response from 0 to 2,000,000 Hz! Its output current reaches 32 A – there's simply no need for complex speakers. The amplifier's polished and brilliant sound creates exceptionally solid, physical, tangible sound images. Four 600 VA switching power supply modules, each rated at 2100 VA, are directly connected to the power amplifier boards, ensuring the shortest signal path. The amplifier's innovative input stage provides exceptional common-mode rejection without compromising the input stage. The common mode rejection (CMMR > 105 dB) is also impressive.