Everyone knows that power is nothing without control; or, at least, everyone knows the saying. But did you also know that control is nothing without power?
Okay, that’s not strictly true in most cases, as I’m sure most people can, say, pour a bowl of cornflakes without having to drag horsepower into the process. However, when it comes to Hi-Fi, you need power and control in equal measure in order to eke every last fine detail out of your anointed audio.
To achieve this end, you need a dedicated amplifier; something designed by whitecoat-wearing experts in the wavy-navy nature of sound for the sole task of enhancing the overall experience of audio, not just in terms of oomph, but also of exacting quality. However, as any wannabe audiophile worth their sonically stringent salt knows, Hi-Fi amps are expensive, with many considered ‘decent’ easily costing from a grand up to, well, countless thousands.
But while high-end kit always costs high-end prices, Hi-Fi amplifier excellence can be obtained at a more “budget” level (by which I mean under-£1000), you just need to know what you’re looking for. And in almost all cases, what you’re looking for is a convenient ES Best budget amp round-up, readily at hand to save you the headache of searching yourself. Hey, look at that…
Best budget Hi-Fi amps at a glance:
- Best for entry-level excellence: Marantz PM6007- £500, Marantz
- Best for the very best of British: Arcam Radia A5 - £749, Peter Tyson
- Best for the vinyl countdown: Denon PMA600NE - £430, Amazon
- Best for bargain bang for your buck: NAD C 316BEE v2 - £299, NAD
- Best for sources of all shapes: Cambridge Audio CXA61 - £699, Richer Sounds
Marantz PM6007
Best for: Entry-level excellence
A stereo amp from a company long revered amongst the ears that matter for its no-compromise Hi-Fi components, the PM6007 integrated amplifier is a ludicrously low-priced 2.2 channel route to Hi-Fi heaven that offers a fulsome 45W per channel (8-Ohms RMS, 20Hz – 20kHz), funnelled through a top-notch DAC AK4490, for Hi-Res audio handling and output that sits second to none at this price point or, indeed, significantly higher.
With all gold-plated inputs, 5x analogue, 2x optical digital, and 1x coaxial, connectivity options are ample, and sound quality is punchy to the point of knockout.
Okay, there’s no Bluetooth or USB, which may seem a little antiquated to more modern audio aficionados, but to own this level of powerful, smooth, immaculately balanced performance for just 500 smackers is worth much more than such digital dealings.
Stylish too, in either Silver-Gold or Black brushed metal finish, “entry-level” it may be, but the Marantz PM6007 would be a stunning addition to any upgraded audio system.
Buy now £500.00, Marantz
Arcam Radia A5
Best for: The very best of British
The big-brained audio boffins at the Cambridge-based Arcam have been engineering Hi-Fi amp ingenuity for the best part of 50 years and all that acquired learning and expertise is imbued into each new product they produce; which is exactly what makes the A5 as good as it gets for under a grand.
With a power output of 2x 50W (20Hz – 20kHz), the optimised Class AB A5 pumps out treble, mid and bass that kicks bottom, rich, refined and beautifully balanced thanks to the inclusion of an ESS ES9018 DAC chip that takes all the audio input from the 3x analogue, 2x coaxial, 1x optical, and 1x phono inputs and hones it to all new heights for both headphones or speakers.
What’s more, while eschewing a USB input akin to the Marantz, the Radia A5 features Bluetooth with Qualcomm AptX Adaptive technology, which means users can enjoy up to 24-bit Hi-Res music streaming (with a compatible device, obvs.), thus delivering better than CD-quality with not a wire in the way. Plus, that’s two-way Bluetooth, adding wireless headphones into the bargain too.
Good-looking in a mainly minimalist manner too, if it’s the ultimate combo of power, precision and virtuoso versatility you seek for considerably less coins than a £1000, then look no further afield than up the M11.
Buy now £749.00, Peter Tyson
Denon PMA600NE
Best for: The vinyl countdown
What sources are you into? What, all of them? Well, it’s greedy, but I get it, and as luck would have it big dog denizen of the audio world, Denon, has just the thing for you at a shade over nicker: the PMA600NE.
Firstly, this slick-looking integrated amp option offers up 45W per channel of pure power, combined with a 192kHz/24bit D/A converter to deliver full-fat Hi-Res audio from an absolute wealth of sources, thanks to 2x optical and 1x coaxial, CD and phono inputs, plus Bluetooth connectivity for wireless digital dabblers who still want to stream from the usual suspects of Spotify, Tidal, TuneIn, with that audio enhanced to the nth degree.
Feeding out to headphones or stereo loudspeakers and subwoofer, the Denon deals in powerful performance, with bass so deep it's almost unfathomable and higher frequencies detailed to the point of obsession.
And for vinyl fans, the PMA600NE comes blessed with a high-gain phono equaliser for playback from decks with MM (Moving Magnet) cartridges for a far superior sounding spin.
A true ear-opener for considerably less cash than it should be, the Denon PMA600NE is a performance powerhouse that will take pride of place in any serious stereo system.
Buy now £430.00, Amazon
NAD C 316BEE v2
Best for: Bargain bang for your buck
I’m not saying you can’t pick up an amp for under £299, I’m just saying that if you dare to venture deeper down than the low, low price of NAD’s C 316BEE v2, then I won’t be held responsible for what becomes of you.
Yes, NAD, an audio brand that formed in the early days of the 1970s, tasked itself with taking on the then-Titans of the music-manipulating sphere, achieving its aims in a manner not seen since David had his Biblical brawl with Goliath. Since then, NAD has gone on to delight ear users with its affordable state-of-the-art stuff. Which is exactly where we find ourselves with this, the C 316BEE v2.
First hitting the scene and garnering a lot of accolades from the world’s press back in 2008/2009, the v2 was NAD’s response to the resurgence in vinyl sales, updating the design by factoring in its own acclaimed RIAA phono stage.
But that’s not all, of course, with a 90W max power output into 8-Ohms, frequency response of 20Hz – 20kHz, 5x line level inputs for most source devices, plus a front panel input for all manner of portable players, the non-nonsense NAD delivers meaty, detailed sound right into your eardrums over headphones or flowing room-filling around you via your stereo speakers.
With a spec list covering all amp bases that rivals much more expensive options, with the C 31 316BEE v2, NAD continues to kick the cobblers of the so-called audio Colossi.
Buy now £299.00, NAD
Cambridge Audio CXA61
Best for: Sources of all shapes
Another classic and classy British company hailing from Silicon Fen, Cambridge Audio has been enhancing and upgrading audio since 1968, producing players, loudspeakers, DACs, turntables, network players and amplifiers of exceptional ability.
Take the CXA61, for excellent example, a Class AB, 60W per channel stereo amp with a built-in ESS Sabre ES9010 DAC, Bluetooth aptX HD Hi-Res wireless, and a whole host of ports, including 4x RCA, 1x 3.5mm MP3 input, 1x S/PDIF coaxial, 2x TOSLINK optical, and 1x USB, completely covering all digital and coaxial comers. What’s more, you can connect a second pair of speakers to wrangle your chosen tunes into another room too.
Finished in a minimalist aluminium and steel shell, the CXA61 looks as good as it sounds, and it sounds sensational, easing out audio that’s richly detailed and better balanced than Tower Bridge.
A tour de force of audio tech that provides the perfect balance of features, flexibility and unerringly accurate audio, this is an amp for those with relatively deep pockets but an even deeper love of music.
Buy now £699.00, Richer Sounds
