My New Microphone Top 11 Best Hi-Fi Amplifiers On The Market (By Price)

A dependable and high-quality amplifier is a key element in the perfect hi-fi system. While the search for the ultimate hi-fi setup is ongoing and highly subjective, a few amplifier options stand out on the market today.

Though subjective and prone to biases, I’ve done my best to offer top options at various price points. You'll notice the list is in ascending order of price (low to high). I've also utilized the following metrics (in no particular order):

Performance
Accessibility (how easy they are to find/buy)
Price point
Reputation of the amp and the brand
Versatility

Of course, there are many more expensive and perhaps better-sounding models that may or may not be difficult to obtain. This article is focused on the readily available units at [arguably] affordable price points. With that stated, let's get into the amps!

Related My New Microphone articles:
• Top 21 Best HiFi Audio Brands On The Market
• What Is High-Fidelity (Hi-Fi) Audio?

Denon PMA-800NE

Denon has been a cutting-edge sound company for most of its 111-year history. They made, for example, Japan's first manufactured audio cylinder and player.

That century-long leverage serves the company well. Their products are always customer-centred and packed with lots of relevant options. In this case, the Denon PMA-800NE is no exception.

mnm Denon PMA 800NE | My New Microphone — Denon PMA-800NE

The all-analog option allows you to enjoy the music coming from the grooves of your vinyl as never before.

Remember that whenever you use digital technology to power an analog source, you're converting it to digital and likely losing frequencies in the middle.

Regardless of how good the DAC (Digital to Analog Converter) is, the difference in audio exists. But that can be something of the past with this 85-watt per channel Hi-Fi piece since you can turn it into an all-analog power source delivering clean, untouched, analog signal from the turntable to the speakers.

This mode also disables digital, coaxial, and optical digital inputs.

Another possible bypass is the “Source Direct” button. This takes the tone controls out of the way and adds to the purity of the sound. Speaking of which, the isolation of the digital section does a lot to avoid any digital noise in the sound coming out of the speakers.

Another big plus for this unit is that it adds a lot of digital flexibility to the analog purity.

In this sense, it can be the brains of your entire audio system while retaining the quality at its best. In this role, you can take full advantage of the three optical inputs and one coaxial digital input.

On the not-so-good side of things, the built-in power cord doesn't allow a quality upgrade. Also, the lack of a sub out might not suit those who like big, pumping lows.

Denon PMA-800NE: The Bottom Line

This Denon model is perfect for vinyl music lovers and purists who want to go a step beyond classic analog power without losing any audio quality.

Denon PMA-800NE Specs & Connections

DAC chip: PCM5141
Power: 50 Watts (8 Ohms) 85 Watts (4 Ohms) per channel
Headphone out: Yes
Digital inputs: 3 optical, 1 coaxial
Sample rate: 192 kHz/24 bits
Speakers supported: 4
Bluetooth capability: No
Analog inputs: 5, including phono with ground

Notable Pros Of The Denon PMA-800NE

Digital versatility
“Analogue Mode” for pure analog sound
“Source Direct” button that bypasses the EQ

Notable Cons Of The Denon PMA-800NE

No output for a subwoofer
Built-in power cord doesn't allow an upgrade

Yamaha A-S801

The Yamaha A-S801 is a mid-priced integrated amplifier still as current as day one. Moreover, beyond its timeless look, this unit by the Japanese giant stores has a couple of surprises.

In addition to the MM phono stage, this unit features a “pure direct” button for your turntable and another for your CD player. These bypass everything between the input and the speaker for maximum sound purity.

Another great feature that separates the A-S801 from the pack is the ability to shape the sound. The Bass and Treble controls (400Hz and 3.5 kHz) work with +/- 10dB. This is especially great for those who like streaming from sources that are not Hi-Fi and want to attenuate those harsh highs.

Speaking of Hi-Fi digital sources, this unit can handle music up to 384 kHz/32 bits and features a USB port to feed those music files to it as well.

Furthermore, you can push that music loud through the speakers, moving some serious air since this Yamaha is capable of 185 watts per channel in 4 Ohms and 100 watts per channel in 8 Ohms.

Finally, we find the Subwoofer out on the not-so-good side of things, which is only a hi-passed out at 100Hz. If the company would have gone with a preamp out, you can decide what to push through the speaker.

Yamaha A-S801: The Bottom Line

Yamaha packed enough power and versatility in this Hi-Fi integrated amplifier that it could very well fit the bill for most music lovers.

Yet, it is more of a living room piece, made to power your favourite records, and it doesn't feature the aggressiveness you need for more modern music. Although it is still current and powerful, if you love beat-driven music, maybe keep searching.

Yamaha A-S801 Connections & Specs

DAC chip: ESS Sabre (ES9010K2M)
Power: 100 Watts (8 Ohms) 185 Watts (4 Ohms) per channel
Headphone out: Yes
Digital inputs: 1 optical, 1 coaxial, and 1 USB
Sample rate: 384kHz/32 bits
Speakers supported: 5
Bluetooth capability: No
Analog inputs: 5, including phono with ground

Notable Pros Of The Yamaha A-S801

Timeless look
Very powerful
Built-in moving magnet phono stage

Notable Cons Of The Yamaha A-S801

Subwoofer out is a hi-pass outlet at 100Hz

Marantz PM7000N

At a very close price tag to the Yamaha, the Marantz PM7000N is a definite step forward into the future, being a HEOS-compatible apparatus. This means that you can stream directly to the amplifier thanks to the Bluetooth/Wi-Fi antennas.

Let's start by saying that the large LCD in the front showing all the information about the music being played makes a big difference.

Although it doesn't set this unit apart from other all-in-one amplifiers, it is one of the few Hi-Fi-ready integrated amplifiers that can work as a stand-alone unit at this price point.

A feature this amplifier retains for being a Hi-Fi-ready unit is the “Source Direct” button to keep sound uncompressed when you hook in your turntable or CD player. Just above these inputs in the rear panel, you have 1 coaxial, 2 optical, and 1 USB port to connect digital music and play it through the speakers.

Moreover, you can just load your albums in high quality and play them with a pen drive through the USB port or sit down and stream with the HEOS app on your smartphone from your couch.

Finally, it allows voice control through Google, Apple, or Amazon, but only if you have a receiver device because the Marantz PM7000N doesn't feature a microphone.

Marantz PM7000N: The Bottom Line

This Marantz could be a great discovery for music lovers who want the most flexible solution to play all things audio at home. On the other hand, it is not ideal for analog purists.

Marantz PM7000N Connections & Specs

DAC chip: ESS Sabre (ES9010K2M)
Power: 100 Watts (8 Ohms) 185 Watts (4 Ohms) per channel
Headphone out: Yes
Digital inputs: 2 optical, 1 coaxial, and 1 USB
Sample rate: 192kHz/24 bits
Speakers supported: 5
Bluetooth capability: Yes
Analog inputs: 4 including phono with ground

Notable Pros Of The Marantz PM7000N

HEOS compatibility
Ease of use
Large LCD Display

Notable Cons Of The Marantz PM7000N

No microphone for voice commands

Cambridge Audio CXA81

This Hi-Fi amplifier by Cambridge Audio embraces minimalism. The stripped-down front menu makes it very living-room friendly in the sense that it won't light up your apartment when you're watching a movie, for example.

With 4 analog inputs, 3 digital ones, and Bluetooth capabilities, the Cambridge Audio CXA81 is far from being a one-trick pony. Indeed, a glance at the back panel will reassure that statement in a heartbeat. The CXA81 is capable of amplifying an assortment of sources.

mnm Cambridge Audio CXA81 | My New Microphone — Cambridge Audio CXA81

The simple, no-tag analog input selection in the front panel is elegant and simple. You can press a button and start listening to your favourite source. In this sense, it is more like the first models and not as versatile as the Marantz we just saw.

Nevertheless, there is Bluetooth connectivity available, and thus, you can stream your favourite music to it as well. The music you play through this amplifier can be divided into two sets of speakers and a subwoofer for which there's a dedicated out.

Moving on to inputs and outputs, you'll notice two large XLR-type jacks working as balanced inputs in the back, which is great news for your turntable. Next to them, you'll find another additional four analog inputs and a mono subwoofer out.

Digital inputs are a USB (with ground lift), a coaxial, and two optical inputs.

With these many choices, there are few chances you won't find the use for this apparatus to pump 80 watts in 8 Ohms or 120 watts in 4 Ohms.

On the not-so-good side of things, many people might find the lack of any tone-shaping tools, such as EQ, to be a game-breaker.

Cambridge Audio CXA81: The Bottom Line

Cambridge Audio spent more money on a great DAC than it did on a phono stage. This tells us that it is a great device for those who love streaming digital, but it might not suit purists.

Cambridge Audio CXA81 Connections & Specs

DAC chip: ESS Sabre (ES9016K2M)
Power: 80 Watts (8 Ohms) 120 Watts (4 Ohms) per channel
Headphone out: Yes (1/8”)
Digital inputs: 2 optical, 1 coaxial, and 1 USB
Sample rate: 384kHz/32 bits
Speakers supported: 5
Bluetooth capability: Yes
Analog inputs: 5, including XLR balanced inputs

Notable Pros Of The Cambridge Audio CXA81

Minimalist design
Ground lift switch for the USB
XLR balanced inputs

Notable Cons Of The Cambridge Audio CXA81

No tone-shaping tools

Cambridge Audio

Cambridge Audio is featured in My New Microphone's Top 11 Best Power Amplifier Brands In The World.

Denon PMA-1600NE

Moving forward from the PMA-800 NE, Denon put out yet another unit that deserves to be on this list. The Denon PMA-1600NE is sensibly better than its brand co-equipper; it is an improved, overhauled version.

To begin with, this Denon features a front display that allows the user to know what is being played. It also takes the analog mode to the next level, featuring the main transformer with separate power supplies for digital and analog. This preserves the all-analog circuit purity.

Like the 800, you can choose whether your cartridge is MM or MC to optimize the apparatus functionality depending on the sound characteristics. While it might seem like a minor detail, it does make a difference for most purists.

Although the company wanted to spread further into the digital territory with the versatility in the outputs, they didn't choose the right DAC to go with the high-quality sound the unit is capable of.

Indeed, the PCM1795 can't compete with the ESS Sabre from the Cambridge Audio.

Plugging your turntable with the unit turned to analog should give you more pure analog power than most competitors at this price range.

Denon PMA-1600NE: The Bottom Line

Denon took the 800 to the next level, enhancing digital resolution and capabilities, but failed to upgrade the DAC, the center of digital audio processing.

On the other hand, it is more powerful and features enough analog power to enjoy vinyl at its best. Purists should be happy buying one of these.

Denon PMA-1600NE Connections & Specs

DAC chip: PCM1795
Power: 70 Watts (8 Ohms) 140 Watts (4 Ohms) per channel
Headphone out: Yes
Digital inputs: 2 optical, 1 coaxial, and 1 USB-B
Sample rate: 384kHz/32 bits
Speakers supported: 4
Bluetooth capability: No
Analog inputs: 4 including phono with ground

Notable Pros Of The Denon PMA-1600NE

Increased power
USB-B port
Front display

Notable Cons Of The Denon PMA-1600NE

No subwoofer out
PCM DAC can't compete with ESS Sabre DAC

Technics SU-G700

This piece by the resurrected Technics brand is a great effort towards seamless analog and digital coexistence.

In case you are not familiar with the brand, Technics is a Panasonic subsidiary responsible for many high-end pieces in previous decades, including the world-famous SL-1200 turntable.

Panasonic withdrew Technics from the market from 2002 until 2015. But they brought it back revamped and overhauled. Indeed, the first thing that strikes you from the amazing Technics SU-G700 integrated Hi-Fi amplifier is the pair of VU meters upfront.

mnm Technics SU G700 | My New Microphone — Technics SU-G700

Technics has implemented the JENO technology into the SU-G700. The acronym stands for Jitter Elimination and Noise-shaping Optimization. It reduces or eliminates the jitter that provokes quality degradation in audio.

In other words, they can infuse organic life back into digital formats by allowing details and nuances to come forward for the listener.

Another great move by Technics is the High-Speed Silent Hybrid Power Supply. This technology allows a switching, digital power supply to beat linear, analog power supplies in terms of noise reduction.

This technology, coupled with the carbon-based film capacitors, helps reduce the overall noise as close to zero as possible.

Likewise, the unit only routes the signal through the needed circuits, turning off everything you don't need. This way, the signal gets even cleaner.

Another great feature Technics used in this unit is the LAPC (Load Adapter Phase Calibration), which calibrates the amp's output with the attached speakers so its tone character is not compromised.

Nevertheless, if you are a headphone lover rather than a speaker person, you'll love this unit's Class AA separate headphone amplifier. The entire circuitry for your headphones is isolated and calibrated to power cans only.

On the not-so-good side, purists will dearly miss the “all analog” button to remove the DAC from the tonal circuit.

Technics SU-G700: The Bottom Line

This is serious audiophile territory, and this unit features everything you would expect and then some. This means flawless attention to detail and cutting-edge applied audio technology with an effortless user interface.

Plus, it pulls off the ultimate trick that a power amp should; it becomes invisible thanks to the numerous noise reduction stages. On the other hand, it features no purist-approved all-analog button.

Technics SU-G700 Connections & Specs

DAC chip: Burr-Brown PCM1804
Power: 70 Watts (8 Ohms) 140 Watts (4 Ohms) per channel
Headphone out: Yes
Digital inputs: 2 optical, 2 coaxial, and 2 USB (one for PC, one for updates)
Sample rate: 384kHz/32 bits
Speakers supported: 4 (there's a preamp out for a subwoofer)
Bluetooth capability: No
Analog inputs: 3, including phono with ground

Notable Pros Of The Technics SU-G700

Noise reduction stages
Speaker calibration
Old-school VU meters

Notable Cons Of The Technics SU-G700

No “all analog” button forces analog signal through the DAC

Technics is featured in top brand articles at My New Microphone. Check out these articles here!

Yamaha A-S3200

Yamaha presented a piece of the past mixed with the future that all turntable addicts and music lovers will adore. Indeed, let's give up the scoop here by saying that there's no digital connectivity possible with the Yamaha A-S3200.

Although it doesn't offer any kind of digital input, it doesn't include any digital components inside, either. This, for purists and audiophiles, sounds like a dream.

How so? Well, imagine being able to buy a new piece of gear that's dependable, durable, and precision-wise impeccable to play your favourite records to not having to mind about digital noise or connections.

Nowadays, if you want something purely analog, you have to either pay three times as much as this or buy a true vintage unit, which has its own set of challenges. So yes, it is an audiophile's dream.

But vintage is not a word to apply to this Yamaha unit since it is very up-to-date with the rest of its features.

Indeed, the state-of-the-art components and connections make it a great piece of gear to run analog circuits, including tape and CD players.

These analog inputs include 4 XLR balanced connectors with attenuation, phase, an overall MC or MM selector, and an RCA input with ground just for your turntable. Besides those, a tuner, a CD, 3 line RCA inputs, a preamp out, and a line out complete this powerful analog combo.

Yamaha A-S3200: The Bottom Line

This Yamaha unit was conceived to enjoy your vinyl collection at its absolute best. Indeed, the phono stage and the dedicated inputs make your grooves shine through the speakers.

That being said, the absolute lack of digital connectivity might be a deal-breaker for those searching for a do-it-all amplifier.

Yamaha A-S3200 Connections & Specs

DAC chip: None
Power: 120 Watts (8 Ohms), 200 Watts (4 Ohms), and 300 Watts (2 Ohms) per channel
Headphone out: Yes
Digital inputs: None
Sample rate: Not available
Speakers supported: 4 with a preamp out for a powered subwoofer
Bluetooth capability: No
Analog inputs: 9, including phono with ground

Notable Pros Of The Yamaha A-S3200

State-of-the-art analog circuitry
Very powerful
XLR connection with phase and attenuator

Notable Cons Of The Yamaha A-S3200

No digital connections available

Marantz PM-10

Another one for the analog lovers out there, the Marantz PM-10, doesn't feature any digital connections or DAC. On the contrary, it concentrates all its firepower into being a state-of-the-art analog solution.

First of all, this unit is built like a tank, actually, like a sound-isolating tank. It just takes a quick look in the back to see how the company used copper to isolate the noise to confirm it. Unlike the previous Yamaha, though, the Marantz does have a central front display.

But what makes this unit a good choice for analog lovers?

Well, two main features set this unit apart from the rest. The first is the power because this integrated Hi-Fi amplifier can deliver 200 watts per channel at 8 Ohm, making it one of the most powerful in this price range.

The second is that all of this power is virtually noise-free since all the internal routing is made in blocks, isolating every component throughout the entire sound path.

Moreover, each of the sections has its dedicated power supply. You can even use the PM-10 as a stereo amplifier or as two separate 1-channel units.

In this sense, you can also hook up several PM-10 units together and create an even bigger, more muscular, but just as clear-sounding Hi-Fi tower of sound. Coupling this with as many as 7 analog inputs, there are no doubts this integrated amplifier can be the brain and muscle of any analog sound system.

Plus, a special mention of one of the best-made remote controls on the market.

On the not-so-good side of things, those who are not analog purists might find the price tag a tad high for an amplifier with no digital capabilities.

Marantz PM-10: The Bottom Line

Analog lovers will be at their happiest with up to 400 watts of pure analog power at their disposal.

Moreover, the build quality and attention to detail make the noise floor (at least on paper) virtually non-existent. On the other hand, we are in the 21st century, and this unit features no digital capabilities at all.

Marantz PM-10 Connections & Specs

DAC chip: None
Power: 200 Watts (8 Ohms) 400 Watts (4 Ohms) per channel
Headphone out: Yes
Digital inputs: None
Sample rate: Not applicable
Speakers supported: 4 and a dedicated preamp out for a powered subwoofer
Bluetooth capability: No
Analog inputs: 7, including phono with ground and dual XLR inputs

Notable Pros Of The Marantz PM-10

Power
Virtually noise-free
Remote control

Notable Cons Of The Marantz PM-10

Lack of digital connectivity

Luxman L-509X

The one thing that audiophiles come to expect from an all-analog integrated amplifier is the VU meters. In this case, they are the loud and proud main ornaments in the cluttered front of this Hi-Fi piece.

The Luxman L-509X is made of pure elegance and performance. Although it might look a little cluttered in the front part, everything is there for a good reason. Luxman is a company with over 100 years of leverage, and this is one of their top-tier models, so nothing is random.

mnm Luxman L 509X | My New Microphone — Luxman L-509X

To begin with, this is another purely analog amplifier. Still, it separates itself from the pack due to the high number of tone-shaping capabilities and the awe-inspiring build quality.

Indeed, this Luxman belongs to the center of your living room and should never be hidden on a shelf because it just looks astonishing.

Inside the apparatus, we find the new LECUA 1000 technology that ensures the listener the best experience regardless of the volume knob position.

In other words, in whichever of the 88 points of the volume knob you like listening to your music, all frequencies should respond in the same manner.

The design features a highly stable power supply circuit that breaks away from the common toroidal shape and works with independent large-capacity blocking capacitors for each channel.

Moreover, the copper alloy terminals ensure noise-free, durable operation.

The only not-so-good aspect about this Hi-Fi unit is that it can't power true high-end headphones properly. Indeed, if you were to hook up expensive, audiophile-grade, high-impedance headphones, you might need a headphone amplifier to reach a more suitable volume.

Luxman L-509X: The Bottom Line

This Luxman all-analog integrated amplifier is a piece that deserves to be played and shown. The only thing that might be a drawback is volume if you love listening to your favourite music through high-impedance, audiophile-grade headphones.

Luxman L-509X Connections & Specs

DAC chip: None
Power: 120 Watts (8 Ohms) 220 Watts (4 Ohms) per channel
Headphone out: Yes
Digital inputs: None
Sample rate: Not applicable
Speakers supported: 4 and a preamp out for a powered subwoofer
Bluetooth capability: No
Analog inputs: 7, including phono with ground and dual XLR balanced inputs

Notable Pros Of The Luxman L-509X

Design and construction
VU meters
Power

Notable Cons Of The Luxman L-509X

Headphone out is not audiophile-grade

Technics SU-R1000

Before you start thinking that there are no amplifiers in this category employing digital components, let me introduce the Technics SU-R1000. This unit takes everything that the very capable Technics SU-G700 did to the level of amazing.

The groundbreaking idea this unit tries to accomplish is that there is space for audio improvement even when listening to vinyl records.

Indeed, the internal, digital, state-of-the-art processing power that pushes the SU-R1000 tries to give the lucky ones buying it a new experience over a known format.

To begin with, the dual balanced input divided on MM and MC gives us an idea about how precise the mechanism in this unit works. The box comes with a calibration record, so the SU-R1000 can make your turntable and speakers sound at their absolute best.

Likewise, the Intelligent Phono EQ technology allows the digital side of the unit to correct the nuances of analog to digital conversion, adding a Crosstalk Canceller and a Response Optimizer. All of this is done through Technic's DSP technology. Furthermore, to give you more options when listening, you can even turn it all off if you like.

Also, a wonderful addition to the package is the AKM DAC chip in charge of converting digital to analog and vice versa. Finally, on the not-so-good side, Technics didn't dare to take this unit to fully digital territory, and it doesn't feature digital outs or streaming capabilities.

Technics SU-R1000: The Bottom Line

Technics managed to create a hybrid amplifier that can deliver the best of both worlds, proving that technology can indeed enhance anyone’s listening experience. On the other hand, there are no digital outs or streaming options on this unit, falling a bit short in the digital territory.

Technics SU-R1000 Connections & Specs

DAC chip: AKM AK5572EN
Power: 150 Watts (8 Ohms) 300 Watts (4 Ohms) per channel
Headphone out: Yes
Digital inputs: 2 optical, 2 coaxial, and 2 USB-B
Sample rate: 384kHz/32 bits
Speakers supported: 4 and a preamp out for a powered subwoofer
Bluetooth capability: No
Analog inputs: 5, including phono with ground and dual XLR balanced inputs

Notable Pros Of The Technics SU-R1000

Construction is flawless
Digital enhancements to traditional formats
Power

Notable Cons Of The Technics SU-R1000

No streaming capabilities or digital outs

McIntosh MA12000

With a total of 17 inputs (10 analog and 7 digital), this 350 watts per channel amplifier should be enough to fit any bill. Indeed, this hybrid unit embraces digital as much as it embraces tubes with four 12ax7 in the preamp section.

To begin with, the McIntosh MA12000 features an 8-band EQ going from 25 Hz to 10 kHz, which can help you shape the sound to whatever you like, and also a bypass button to enjoy just the pure source sound. This is all in the front panel, along with dual digital VU meters and the four tubes.

mnm McIntosh MA12000 | My New Microphone — McIntosh MA12000

Another thing worth mentioning about the front panel is the headphone amplifier installed in the headphone input. This unit can power whichever pair of headphones you love, regardless of impedance.

Moving over to the rear panel, the first thing that strikes you is the assortment of inputs and outputs very well laid out.

Firstly, the HDMI audio-only input lets you power your Dolby or DTS audio with the same amplifier as your turntable. This McIntosh can indeed be the brains of your entire multimedia system.

All inputs are built using gold-plated solid brass, and there's also an XLR output to allow this unit to power another amplifier that can give music to another room in your home. Also, the Quad-Balanced, 8-channel, 32-bit DAC is deep into the audiophile territory.

Finally, the build quality, number of available options, and power are enough to make this integrated amplifier the best option regardless of your taste and needs.

The features list could go on for ten more posts, but you can check the entire story at McIntosh's website here.

McIntosh MA12000: The Bottom Line

This McIntosh unit is a timeless piece utilizing tubes for the preamp, analog solid-state power, and digital flexibility, delivering the ultimate listening experience to whoever can afford the steep price tag.

McIntosh MA12000 Connections & Specs

DAC chip: 8-channel, 32-bit/384kHz PCM/DSD, Quad Balanced
Power: 350 Watts regardless of impedance due to the Autoformer technology
Headphone out: Yes, featuring a headphone amplifier
Digital inputs: 2 optical, 2 coaxial, 1 MCT, 1 HDMI (ARC), and 1 USB
Sample rate: 384kHz/32 bits
Speakers supported: 4
Bluetooth capability: No
Analog inputs: 10, including phono with ground and dual XLR balanced inputs

Notable Pros Of The McIntosh MA12000

Power
Preamp tubes
Flexibility

Notable Cons Of The McIntosh MA12000

None worth listing

McIntosh

McIntosh is featured in My New Microphone's Top 11 Best Power Amplifier Brands In The World.