TECHWEEK
Companies will continue to improve their models and release new products, and we will continue to explore the market and select the best pieces of equipment for you. Next in line are stereo power amplifiers – the models presented in this list also flaunt their chic sound, and are designed for almost any wallet.
8. Pro-Ject AMP BOX S3
- Type – class D | Power – 2 x 50 W at 4 ohms | Signal-to-noise ratio – 87 dB | Weight – 0.385 kg
- Pros – Inexpensive and powerful delivery device
- Cons – D-class amplification, nevertheless, is felt
- Verdict – entry ticket to the world of Hi-Fi
The tiny Pro-Ject AMP BOX S3 even fits on a table next to a PC, and its 50 W “power” is enough to cope with even relatively complex speakers. D-class digital amplification has evolved quite a lot over the years, so the device (taking into account the cost) is unlikely to disappoint you – it sounds catchy and bright.
7. Quad Artera Stereo
- Type – transistor | Power – 2 x 140 W at 8 ohms | Signal-to-noise ratio – n/a | Weight – 15 kg
- Pros: Powerful and effective sound
- Cons – I would like more resolution “from below”
- Verdict – excellent value for money
Built according to the classic British patterns, the Quad Artera Stereo amplifier can surprise even seasoned music lovers – its sound, fluid, with excellent localization and spatial picture, literally lacks a star from the sky for its price category. 15 kg of “live weight” and excellent design.
6. Marantz MM7025
- Type – transistor | Power – 2 x 140 W at 8 ohms | Signal-to-noise ratio – 105 dB | Weight – 10.5 kg
- Pros – very live performance
- Cons – a little lack of panorama
- Verdict – Workhorse
Marantz MM7025, as usual for the company, offers a very lively performance – the legs themselves can start dancing. An updated anti-vibration chassis and solid construction ensure that the power amplifier will serve you faithfully for many years to come. It is especially pleasant that the model is genre neutral – it manages both classic and hard rock.
5. PS Audio Stellar Amplifier S300
- Type – Analog Cell | Power – 2 x 140 W at 8 ohms | Signal-to-noise ratio – 100 dB | Weight – 5.9 kg
- Pros – atypical dynamics for this class
- Cons – slightly refined sound in places
- Verdict – Great high tech amp
The PS Audio Stellar Amplifier S300 is built around a brand new Analog Cell circuit that combines Class D and Class A MOSFETs. The result is a proprietary zero-feedback differential circuit that delivers stunning dynamic performance in both macro and in micro areas. Bravo!
4. Cambridge Edge W
- Type – transistor | Power – 2 x 100 W into 8 ohms | Signal-to-noise ratio – 93 dB | Weight – 23.6 kg
- Pros – great detail
- Cons – slight lack of rage
- Verdict – Cambridge Edge W is a clear step forward for the firm
12 most powerful transistors per channel, a power supply with two toroidal transformers, a CAP5 protection system and a proprietary class-XA topology (the company claims that class A sound quality is produced, but with higher energy efficiency) – you can list for a long time. Whatever one may say, a kilowatt of consumption from the network guarantees a lot – and the Cambridge Edge W, indeed, is “left alone” controlled even with very complex acoustic systems and guarantees phenomenal resolution.
3. Bladelius Mode
- Type – transistor, class A | Power – 2 x 45 W at 8 ohms | Signal-to-noise ratio – 124 dB | Weight – n/a kg
- Pros – class A is impressive in its entirety
- Cons – power is not as great as you want from such a price list
- Verdict – Bladelius Mode won’t let you down
Bladelius Mode works in pure class A – so, in terms of warmth and fullness of sound, it has few equals. Against this background, one can forgive the not too high output power for this price group – especially since the device was made simply “for centuries”. Other features worth noting are the huge NORATEL toroidal transformer and the Dubilier capacitor unit – a real High End.
2. Accuphase M-6200
- Type – transistor | Power – 1 x 150 W at 8 ohms | Signal-to-noise ratio – 133 dB | Weight – 40.2 kg
- Pros – luxury in everything
- Cons – only the price …
- Verdict – Accuphase M-6200 – a new step in the High End
The Accuphase M-6200 is a chic monoblock power amplifier that offers just about everything an audiophile could ask for and more. Amazingly clear and brilliant sound, outstanding performance characteristics, the famous symmetrical input stage circuitry, current feedback topology in the amplification stage, 1,000 units of damping factor – you can enumerate for a long time, it’s better to hear it once.
1. Extraudio XP-A1500 MKII
- Type – transistor | Power – 2 x 1,500 W into 8 ohms | Signal-to-noise ratio – 160 dB | Weight – 18 kg
- Pros – Fantastic power and great sound
- Cons – price, again
- Verdict – well, a very muscular amplifier
Extraudio XP-A1500 MKII achieves record-breaking performance characteristics – the bandwidth in the range from 2 to 110,000 Hz has zero error, the signal-to-noise ratio is 160 dB, and the damping factor exceeds 1,000 units. In fact, we have two lines with a class A buffer, BJT transistors and energy-efficient EPAM modules. With 90A per (!) channel, the Extraudio XP-A1500 MKII drives any speaker on the market – and does it elegantly, with glamor and charm.
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