Audio by Van Alstine DVA M225

$3398/pr.

These high-power (225Wpc into 8 ohms), reasonably priced monoblocks hint their origin to the Nineteen Eighties and Frank Van Alstine’s transforming of the Dynaco ST-120. That elementary circuit—realized with many refinements—varieties the center of the M225. Within its energy limits, the M225 is among the greatest, most impartial, and most revealing energy amplifiers round at any worth. It might not have the dynamic vitality of much more highly effective amplifiers within the lowest frequencies at extraordinarily excessive volumes, however management of bass dynamics and element are superb. The M225’s soundstaging additionally will get excessive marks for its pure depth, width, and detailed placement of voices and devices. AHC, 327

Wyred 4 Sound SX-1000R

$3599

While many amplifiers use Bang & Olufsen’s ICE switch-mode output module, the SX-1000R combines it with its personal direct-coupled, balanced, dual-FET enter stage, designed by Bascom King. The SX-1000R’s 625W of energy (1225W into 4 ohms) can effortlessly ship copious dynamics and particulars. Imaging via the SX-1000R is laterally exact. If you require an influence amplifier that may generate oodles of easy output, runs cool, produces a really exact lateral soundstage, provides substantial bass extension and management, has a impartial harmonic steadiness, and is exceedingly quiet, the Wyred 4 Sound SX-1000R ought to be in your brief record. SS, 273

Rogue Audio Dragon

$3995

The Dragon is a complicated, hybrid tube/Class D design that stands atop the Rogue Audio lineup. Boasting 300Wpc into 8 ohms, the Dragon provides a near-granular stage of finesse and readability. Speed and transient element are naturalistic and energetic; tonal steadiness is predominately impartial, with glimmers of midrange heat and a well-defined presence vary. Strings are significantly well-rendered and distinct. Bass response and backbone are very good. The Dragon can reproduce an organ pedal level or the left hand of a pianist on the underside octaves of a live performance grand with lifelike authority. Not simply one other high-powered beast, the Rogue Dragon is a very splendid piece of electronics. NG, 311

Cambridge Edge W

$4000

Reviewed alongside Cambridge Audio’s Edge NQ community participant/preamp, the 100Wpc EdgeW energy amplifier delivers on this London-based producer’s definition of Great British Sound. Opposing-symmetry twin transformers (which cancel electromagnetic interference) contribute to a considerable bodily presence, however the efficiency is something however heavy. Instead, search for sonic clues in a sign path of simply 14 parts. It’s this less-is-more method (additionally splendidly realized within the minimalist aesthetic) that has resulted in an influence amplifier with shocking transparency and composure. Neither imposing nor well mannered, the W is a becoming fiftieth Anniversary celebration from an organization recognized to offer innovation with worth. AM, 301

Audio Mirror SET

$4995

This 45-watt monoblock expands the attain of SET designs to incorporate even reasonably delicate 88-to-90dB loudspeakers. Each amp has a pair of Russian 6C33C-B triodes in parallel, thereby considerably extending energy supply. The bass vary is properly outlined, which serves as a basis for a barely heat and highly effective presentation with satisfying tonal gravitas and a way of ease on dynamic peaks that’s unusual for a typical SET. The Audio Mirror makes one helluva musical assertion and would have earned an enthusiastic suggestion even with a $10k price ticket. DO, 289

NuPrime Evolution STA

$4995

Class D amplifiers preserve getting higher and higher, and the NuPrime STA is a primary instance. The power-stage topology is full bridge, offering push-pull differential operation with NuPrime’s proprietary MOSFET drive design. Power output is a beneficiant 230Wpc into 8 ohms and 310Wpc into 4 ohms. The entrance finish is totally analog. Both the preamp stage and Class D pulse-modulation circuit use the NJR MUSES8820 op-amp. The STA’s sonic character is very like that of distilled water, missing intrinsic taste. It merely displays the character of upstream parts, making it an excellent match for a tube preamp, in the event you’re after a candy and heat system character. Its sturdy fits are tonal purity, soundstage transparency, an expansive depth perspective, and glorious bass management. It’s laborious to imagine that any amp at this worth level, not to mention a Class D amplifier, is able to such beautiful musicality. DO, 330

Atma-Sphere S-30 Mk 3.3

$5100

The Mk 3.3 model of this 30Wpc Circlotron OTL amplifier nudges efficiency increased in dynamics and soundstage transparency. Although responsible of slight timbre alterations and a considerably darkish tonal steadiness, these acts of fee, seemingly as a result of load interactions, level out the necessity for a suitable loudspeaker and front-end electronics. The S-30 strikes an clever steadiness between high quality and amount, focusing because it does on delivering a robust first watt. Its asking worth is a small worth to pay for a beneficiant slice of musical heaven. DO, 261

Pass Labs XA25

$5150

The XA25 amp is amongst Pass Labs’ most humble efforts up to now—at the very least outwardly. And customers will admittedly have to be somewhat respectful about speaker choice, since this solid-stater is rated at a mere 25Wpc into 8 ohms. But that wattage is delivered courtesy of Pass’ single-ended Class A design. So, buckle up and put together to luxuriate in pure liquid musicality. Pass gear usually suggests sweetness and heat, however the XA25 takes these qualities a luminous step additional. Beyond the extraordinary decision engraved within the XA25’s character is a capability to remodel a listening area right into a three-dimensional tableau of photographs and atmosphere. A magical amp. NG, 286

T+A A 200

$5450

This small however mighty (125/250 watts per channel into 8/4 ohms) energy amp is a part of T+A’s Series 200, a part stack that takes a novel—however undeniably legitimate—method to constructing a reference-level system with a small footprint. Since the totally discrete, thermally protected Class D A200 will get its personal chassis, it’s not topic to the digital and different noises that pollute modular built-in amps. The sound is straight out of the Swiss college: wide-open, pure, quick, and dynamic, however with an additional dollop of low-end richness. For these looking for reference-class efficiency in a compact, moderately priced amp, the A 200 is difficult to beat. AT, 335

Bel Canto e.One REF601M

$5590/pr.

To Steven Stone’s ears, Bel Canto’s 15.4-pound, 300W (600W into 4 ohms) e.One Ref601M Class D monoblock is nice sufficient to qualify as one of the best all-around energy amplifier he’s heard up to now, no matter know-how or circuit topology. Its mixture of extraordinarily low noise that makes it appropriate to drive even extremely environment friendly loudspeakers, precision three-dimensional imaging, relaxed and pure harmonic steadiness, and energy functionality, makes for a potent package deal. Couple all its sonic achievements with its comparatively modest worth and you’ve got an influence amplifier that might properly be a benchmark reference for a lot of audiophiles for years to come back. SS, 269

Audio by Van Alstine DVA M750

$5598/pr.

This huge hybrid monoblock with a 12AT7 enter stage and a transistor output part delivers a whopping 850W into 8 ohms. Industry veteran Frank Van Alstine pulled out all of the stops for the DVA M750, together with a circuit based mostly on the patented Fet Valve amplifier and weird lateral MOSFET output transistors. The amp provides a remarkably jaunty and silky sound—with numerous headroom—that all the time errs on the sound of musical bliss. Despite its excessive energy, the DVA M750’s presentation is elegant and refined. A discount in powerhouse amplifiers. JHb, 273

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