TECHWEEK
So, the roundup of the results of 2022 continues – this time the editors have collected eight of the brightest, most technologically advanced and modern complete amplifiers for you.
Models have come a long way and offer luxurious sound for all tastes and budgets – our rating is compiled in order of increasing price of devices.
8. Leak Stereo 230
Resurgent British company Leak has released what is arguably its biggest release to date in 2022, the Leak Stereo 230 integrated amplifier. Just like years ago, the model literally turns the entry-level hi-fi segment upside down, offering great detail and muscle for relatively little money. Output power of 115 watts per channel into 4 ohms is again sufficient for most speakers, and the built-in phono stage, digital-to-analog converter (based on the ES9038Q2M chip with PCM support up to 768 kHz) and Bluetooth aptX adapter provide sufficient flexibility installations.
Advantages – record price/quality ratio
Cons – Bass could have had more detail
Verdict : Must have
7. Denon PMA-900HNE
Before us is a complete network solution, the Denon PMA-900HNE can not only amplify the signal, but also stream the digital stream over the network, as well as convert it to an analog signal. The model delivers 85 watts per channel (with a speaker resistance of 4 ohms), the circuit is built on high-current transistors and is complemented by a self-developed HEOS module, built-in clients for Spotify, Amazon Music, TuneIn, Deezer and a MM phono stage. The volumetric and airy sound from the amplifier can surprise even seasoned audiophiles.
Pros – excellent stage construction
Disadvantages – not too high power
Verdict : A new step in the development of a well-known brand
6. Audiolab 9000A
The Audiolab 9000A occupies the top line of the British company’s latest lineup today. The unit easily delivers as much as 100 watts per channel into an 8 ohm load in class AB, is equipped with a color IPS display “with arrows” and has a “full stuffing” of a phono stage on discrete JFET transistors and an integrated DAC on the ES9038Pro Saber chip ( 32/768). The power supply to the amplifier is built on a large 320 VA toroidal transformer, the filter uses four capacitors of 15,000 microfarads each, and the amplifier circuit itself uses CFB (Complementary Feedback) topology, which makes the quiescent current independent of the temperature of the output transistors. The somewhat dark sound of the unit forms a full-fledged wall of sound, textured, voluminous and physically felt.
Benefits – muscle and strength
Cons – slightly dark presentation
Verdict : Looks great and sounds great – it won’t let you down
5. Marantz model 40n
The Marantz Model 40n integrated amplifier boasts a mercurial, highly mobile lining – and in terms of microdynamics, the unit has few equals even in a more expensive price range. Of course, there’s also support for HEOS technology, streaming capabilities over Wi-Fi or Ethernet, Spotify, Airplay 2, Tidal, TuneIn clients and a quality Marantz Musical Phono EQ phono stage. The topology of the amplifier is based on the company’s favorite HDAM circuit (Hyper Dynamic Amplifier Module) – and here it does not fail, 100 W at 4 Ohms looks all right.
Advantages – rhythmic and musical apparatus
Cons – sometimes I would like a more extended base
Verdict : Proven technology and good sound
4. Rose RA180
The Korean integrated amplifier Rose RA180 simply impresses with its appearance – we have already seen amplifiers with arrows, but not yet amplifiers with gears! But behind the extravagant design hides a talented artist who without exaggerating any speakers, because the power of the experimental is 2 x 400 W in the AD class on GaN transistors. The features can be listed for a long time, there is almost everything, including not only streaming, but also an active crossover – but the sparkling sound of the Rose RA180 is worth hearing.
Pros – All the features you could dream of
Cons – upper frequencies are not always as refined as we would like
Verdict : Ultra modern model
3. McIntosh MA252
The design of the McIntosh MA252 is based on the iconic amplifier McIntosh MC 275. However, the new model offers up to 100 watts into 8 ohms and up to 160 watts into 4 ohms, with 12AT and 12AX triodes in the preamplifier stage. Not forgotten is a moving magnet phono stage and a mono output for connecting a subwoofer. The 12.7 kg machine sounds fantastic and forms plastic musical images with holographic clarity.
Advantages – “analog” sound
Cons – nothing major
Verdict : The McIntosh MA252 highlights the company’s leadership
2. ONIX OIA92
Under the hood, the ONIX OIA92 has a precision element base – Sanken transistors, Nichikon capacitors, 600 VA transformers. The amplifier easily develops 200 watts of power when driven into 8 ohms, is equipped with an audiophile DAC based on AKM AKK4493EQ (24/768) chip and a chic Bluetooth 5.0 adapter based on Qualcomm CSR8675. Weighing in at 29 kg, the mastodon still sounds reverent and cautious, turning into a steel fist on the material that demands it.
Advantages – good construction and sound
The only downside is the price…
Verdict : Pay attention to this device, it will not disappoint you
1. Aavik I-880
The latest model from Flemming Eric Rasmussen guarantees 200 watts into 8 ohms in pure class A with negligible distortion of 0.007%. The 36-kilogram giant uses a circuit where four 500-watt power supplies keep the output stage always Class A, regardless of how much power is required to be delivered to the load. This eliminates the time delays inherent in the increased inductance of many windings and eliminates parasitic capacitances. We add a volume control based on LDR (Light Dependent Resistor), which has a record low noise level due to the absence of switches and relays – and we get a device of dreams and tomorrow. The sound from the Aavik I-880 Integrated Amplifier is incredibly accurate and hyper-realistic.
Pros – great musicality in presentation
Cons – for its price range – nothing
Verdict : The Aavik I-880 looks like a device from the next century
