Choosing a High-End Stereo Power Amplifier - 2025 Rating

A component system is the alpha and omega of a High-End system, and a stereo power amplifier is its heart. It is the power amp that is responsible for revealing the talents of the acoustic systems, controls the speakers and forms the foundation of the system's sound signature. Our new selection contains eight of the latest exceptionally powerful extra-class amplifiers - from High-End devices to the stunning Ultra High-End echelon. So, how to choose an amplifier that can handle any speakers is a solved problem.

8. McIntosh MC462

Pros - velvety sound with the finest transmission of emotional shades

The new McIntosh MC462 stereo power amplifier is designed in a recognizable corporate design with traditional arrow level indicators and exquisite blue backlighting. Under the hood is the company's favorite quad balanced circuit with a filter capacity that is one and a half times larger and an increased dynamic range. As a result, the amp offers as much as 2 x 450 W with full load tolerance (that is, at 2, 4 or 8 Ohms!). A signal-to-noise ratio of 122 dB with a negligible THD of 0.005% is very impressive. The amplifier, made “to last”, takes it straight off the bat – and offers such a soulful performance that it is simply impossible not to fall in love with it. Perhaps, in this price range there are more detailed power amplifiers, but in terms of the overall sound characteristics, the McIntosh MC462 has few equals.

7. Moon by Simaudio 861

Pros – genre tolerance, confident and harmonious delivery

Moon by Simaudio 861 is a modern stereo power amplifier, offering 2 x 300 W at 8 Ohm load and 2 x 600 W at 4 Ohm (up to 5 W – in class A). Precise playback quality and absolute genre tolerance are ensured by a special series of output transistors created for the device and absolute linearity of the frequency response throughout the entire frequency range. The model is based on the proprietary Lynx electrical circuit “without full feedback”, which guarantees precise tonal balance and minimization of phase errors. Yes, a power supply with excess power (for each channel) and an ultra-short capacitor-less signal path are the icing on the cake. With a damping factor of 900 units, the amp is easy to control even with very complex speakers.

6. Audio Analogue ABsolute PA

Pros – luxurious bass and transparent midrange

Audio Analogue ABsolute PA Stereo uses a dual mono design in pure Class A. The stereo power amplifier offers 2 x 50 W into 8 Ohms or 2 x 25 W into 4 Ohms, and its gain stage is a further improvement of the SeGeSTA technology used in the Anniversary series. The circuit is fully balanced, without feedback. Two 600 VA transformers and 12 bipolar transistors in each channel are used, the rest of the circuitry is top-notch - military-grade resistors of increased power, specially selected capacitors. From the very first chords, the signature features of the Audio Analogue ABsolute PA are recognizable - fundamental and beautifully detailed bass, luxurious midrange frequencies and excellently detailed high frequencies.

5. Karan Acoustics POWERa STEREO

Pros - a steel fist in a velvet glove

Released for the 30th anniversary of Karan Acoustics POWERa STEREO uses a dual mono topology with zero overall feedback and is assembled exclusively on semiconductor elements. The final stages use bipolar RET output transistors with a ring emitter, there are no capacitors in the audio signal path. The chassis with a critical mass system (CS2 support) is the cherry on the cake. The model offers 2 x 650, 2 x 1,100 or 2 x 1,800 W at a load of 8, 4, or 2 Ohms (with a peak output power of 2 x 800 W at 8 Ohms). This 105-kilogram mastodon can deliver incredible punch and pressure - and immediately switch to the mode of ideal transmission of subtle emotional shades.

4. Aavik P-880

Pros - flexible sound of "high definition"

Aavik P-880 is an innovative stereo power amplifier, a detailed story about the technologies of which can take up an entire encyclopedia. Four power supplies (with ultra-low noise regulators) are used in resonant mode, which allows the device to deliver peak currents exceeding 80 A. The signal circuit uses 182 active dual inverted Tesla coils and 411 active square Tesla coils - equipped with their own power supplies, they radically eliminate noise levels by activating the encountered voltage surges. The copper and titanium case rests on Ansuz Darkz Z2 vibration-isolating supports. Weighing 41 kg and relatively (by the standards of the group) compact dimensions, the Aavik P-880 offers 2 x 250 W at 8 Ohms and 2 x 500 W at 4 Ohms with 0.007% THD. The black tone in the model's performance looks exemplary, and the mercury sound with filigree processing of each detail more than justifies the high price.

3. Gryphon Apex Stereo

Pros – one of the best-in-class sound stage, richness of detail

Gryphon Apex Stereo is an example of cost-no-object development, in which everything and everyone is put to the service of His Majesty Sound. Literally opening up a grand stage to the listener, this amplifier knocks out even seasoned audiophiles. Gryphon Apex Stereo is equipped with 64 high-current bipolar output transistors and a block of capacitors of more than 1 Farad. Absolutely zero global feedback is used, and the DC coupling uses a DC servo circuit. Internal wiring in the signal path is reduced to an absolute minimum. Extremely low capacitance Class A J-FET input buffer, two toroidal transformers with a power of 2000 VA (two per channel) and a chassis with multilayer damping - it is no wonder that the amplifier turned out to weigh 202 kg – and it offers power 2 x 210 W at 8 Ohms or 2 x 420 W at 4 Ohms.

2. Constellation Audio Statement Stereo Amplifier

Pros – incredibly beautiful sound, extraordinary microdynamics

The powerful Constellation Audio Statement Stereo Amplifier uses a perfectly stable PFC, 380-volt power supply automatically optimizes itself for any speaker and AC power standard. The amplifier offers 2 x 850 W into 8 Ohms load and 2 x 1,600 W into 4 Ohms with a critically low output impedance of 0.1Ω and a damping factor of 200 units. The 114-kilogram model offers an incredibly agile and refined sound, with a truly luxurious picture throughout the entire audio range.

1. CH Precision M10 Stereo

Pros – perfect bass line control, reference resolution across the entire audible range

Doubled the power supply capacity (vs. M.1.1) High End amp offers bandwidth up to 500 kHz and delivers 2 x 300 W into 8 Ohms load, increasing to 2 x 550 W into 4 Ohms and a staggering 2 x 900 W into 2 Ohms. The dual-block design isolates sensitive electronics from the power supply. 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 (and critically acclaimed) 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 (THD+N) 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 best characterized as reference, and we have never heard such perfect bass control.