How to choose the audiophile amplifier in 2024/2025?

Choosing an integrated amplifier of both Hi-Fi and High End class can be a simple matter with our new article-rating of the best modern devices in this category. The future-proof engineering solutions and outstanding sound are achievable today in different price segments.

5. Arcam Radia A25

Pros - revolutionary sound quality for its price group

The Arcam Radia A25 leaves no stone unturned from competitors in its price segment. 5th generation Class G design guarantees up to 100 W at 8 ohms or 165 W at 4 ohms load – and the sound of the amplifier is truly caressing to the ear, captivating with its naturalness, clarity and airiness. The USB DAC based on the ESS Sabre ES9280A Pro chip with support for digital streams up to DSD1024 is also “on board”, as is the phono preamplifier – so we have a fully finished device, to which we only need to add speakers and a source.

4. Audio Analogue AACento

Pros – beautiful presentation with excellent speaker control

The integrated amplifier Audio Analogue AACento in terms of sound is most similar to an iron fist in a velvet glove – it is genre-impartial and ready to cope even with complex speakers. The power rating is excellent, as is the attack, dynamics and bass control. The proprietary ideology of zero feedback both in the preamplification section and in the output stages, and a massive toroidal transformer with a power of 480 W guarantee record-breaking performance characteristics – for example, the output impedance does not exceed 0.4 Ohms, and the bandwidth extends to 100 kHz. Read our review here.

3. McIntosh MSA5500

Pros – velvety and harmonious sound

The McIntosh MSA5500 stands out not only for its signature arrow indicators with recognizable backlighting, but can also deliver up to 100 W (class AB) per channel at 8 Ohms and 160 W at 4 Ohms load. The amplifier provides all streaming capabilities (Wi-Fi, Apple AirPlay 2, Spotify Connect, Tidal Connect and Google Cast, Ethernet for DLNA operation and Roon Ready certificate), and is also stuffed with the company's most important technologies, including Power Guard. It is difficult not to fall in love with the velvety, agile, but at the same time, full-bodied sound of the model.

2. Devialet Astra

Pros – super-detailed sound picture

The update of the Devialet model range has been long awaited - well, Devialet Astra accumulates all the latest engineering solutions of the French company. Devialet Astra is capable of delivering 2 x 150 W of power when operating at a load with a nominal impedance of 8 Ohms and has full streaming capabilities. The proprietary patented ADH amplification technology of the latest generation ensures operation in the widest possible frequency range (the damping factor at a frequency of 1 kHz is 2,000, and the signal-to-noise ratio reaches 117 dB). In terms of detail and plasticity of delivery, the amplifier has few equals.

1. Burmester 232

Pros - exquisite sound with an accurate timbre picture

Burmester 232 is a "Swiss knife" for sound. In addition to a lot of functions, the model guarantees High End class sound - very beautiful, rich in textures and timbral authenticity. At an 8 Ohm load, the Burmester 232 integrated amplifier delivers 2 x 110 W, increasing to 150 W per channel when using 4 Ohm speakers, and distortion is extremely low (0.0048%). The model supports the installation of expansion boards with a DAC (with a streamer supporting TIDAL Connect, Spotify Connect, Roon Ready certificate and streaming via Wi-Fi) and Phono MC. Tactile feedback on the knob control (Burmester HaptiControl) is the icing on the cake.