7 Newest Power Amplifiers – from Hi-Fi to High-End

In our new editorial selection, we compile a rating of the newest and most impressive stereo power amplifiers. A component system in which preamplification and power amplification are separated is traditionally considered an axiom of high-quality audio. And in order not to drown in a sea of new products, we offer you this expert list of the best power amplifiers.

7. Audiolab 9000P

Pros – wide stage, sweeping sound

The Audiolab 9000P power amplifier uses traditional AB-class stage with a proprietary linearity improvement circuit (Complimentary Feedback) and develops up to 2 x 100 W (8 Ohm) or 2 x 160 W (4 Ohm). Peak current of 2 x 15A and full dual-mono topology with separate power supplies for the left and right channels are rare for this price group. The result was not long in coming - the confident sound of the device clearly goes beyond its price group.

6. Quad 303

Pros – precise stage construction, excellent rhythm

The Quad 303 power amplifier offers 2 x 50 W at 8 Ohm load or 2 x 70 W at 4 Ohm and provides a current of up to 10 A. The proprietary circuitry, which allowed the company to earn a cult status back in the 20th century, is brought to a new level here - a fully complementary output stage, a guarantee of independence of the quiescent current from the temperature of the output transistor and "symmetrical transistor triplets" that radically reduce distortion. The power amplifier sounds very impressive, literally making your legs start dancing.

5. Chord Electronics SPM 1050 MKII

Pros – crystal clear and highly detailed sound

The new Chord Electronics SPM 1050 MKII amplifier operates on the basis of patented field-effect MOSFET transistors with a horizontal structure. Together with a 2 kW pulse power supply with a dynamic connection scheme of the bipolar power supply arms, this guarantees a power of 2 x 200 W at 8 Ohms with a signal rise time of 70 V/μs. The amp guarantees the purest sound, colored with a lot of details.

4. Matrix Audio MA-1

Pros – excellent bass, reference control

The Matrix Audio MA-1 power amplifier is a striking example of excellent engineering. The first model in the company's history based on traditional AB amplification uses ten ONSEMI transistors - with a very low output resistance, the amplifier delivers up to 2 x 250 and 2 x 450 W at 8 and 4 Ohm loads, respectively. A pair of 1250 VA transformers and 28 capacitors totaling 200,000 μF, an H-shaped chassis - everything is good here. The sound is also good - the company's "calling card" with excellent signal resolution is preserved, but thunderous bass is added to it.

3. Accuphase P-4600

Pros – very natural and lively performance with a lot of nuances

The stereo power amplifier Accuphase P-4600 has replaced the well-known model P-4500 – the new product develops much more power at 2 x 150 W on 8 Ohm loudspeakers. The sound captivates with a lot of emotional shades and nuances, the device also succeeds in the black background with glory. The heart of the system is 6-parallel push-pull power transistors, which guarantee a damping of 800 units. So, the amplifier can handle even complex speakers with one hand.

2. Aavik P-588

Pros – the technologies of the top Aavik power amplifier have moved from the Ultra High-End category to High-End

The two-channel power amplifier Aavik P-588 is a real treasure trove of innovations, a truly revolutionary product for the industry. The model uses the developments of the senior power amplifier with the index 880 – such as 108 Tesla inductance coils and 259 Tesla square coils, 5 anti-zonal resonant coils, an ultra-low power supply Resonant Mode and much more. The amp offers 2 x 300 W (8 Ohm), 2 x 600 W (4 Ohm) and provides exceptionally high-class sound.

1. Vitus Audio MP-S201

Pros – incredible power and amazing musicality

The Vitus Audio MP-S201 power amplifier is a striking example of a cost-no-object development that sets standards for high-quality reproduction and amazes with its open and hyper-realistic sound. The power amplifier produces 2 x 500 and 1000 W at 8 and 4 Ohms, respectively, and operates in a wide frequency range from 0 to 800,000 Hz. A record signal-to-noise ratio of 130 dB, precision element base, 125 kg of weight – bravo.