Amplifier ReviewsAmplifier Reviews
Emotiva XPR-1 Monoblock Power Amplifier
- Written by John E. Johnson, Jr.
- Published on 06 May 2013
After releasing a 500 watt monoblock power amplifier, the XPA-1, Emotiva didn't stop there. The newest addition to their monoblock power amplifier line is the XPR-1, which delivers 1,000 watts RMS into 8 Ohms. It may strain your back to move it, but it will set you back only $1,500.
Emotiva XSP-1 Balanced Stereo Preamplifier
- Written by John E. Johnson, Jr.
- Published on 29 April 2013
Balanced connections are popping up on more and more audio products these days. But it only really counts when the internal circuitry is fully balanced, which is the case for the Emotiva XSP-1 stereo preamplifier, all for less than $1,000.
Pass Labs XP-10 Stereo Preamplifier
- Written by John E. Johnson, Jr.
- Published on 29 October 2012
In the past, we reviewed the Pass Labs XP-20 and XP-30 stereo preamplifiers. Now, we come full circle with a review of the remaining member of their preamplifier trio, the XP-10, which is the least expensive model. It is fully balanced, and has a slightly different sound character compared to the other two, which also sound different from one another. All three are great products, so you can choose based on price and/or sound characteristics.
Funk LAP-2.V3 Preamplifier
- Written by Jim Clements
- Published on 03 April 2013
It is becoming increasingly popular for high end audio buffs to use pro studio gear in their home systems. This preamp from a German manufacturer that makes pro gear is in keeping with this trend. As a matter of fact...
Mark Levinson No533H Three Channel Power Amplifier
- Written by Chris Heinonen
- Published on 19 June 2012
Mark Levinson has been one of the most well know high-end audio brands for decades now. While usually associated with two-channel stereo, they also have a line of home theater amplifiers and electronics for those that want Mark Levinson with their multichannel system as well as their stereo.
NAD C 390DD Direct Digital Integrated Amplifier
- Written by Michael Jude Galvin
- Published on 15 March 2013
NAD launched its first direct digital amplifier, the M2, almost three years ago. As we have come to expect in audio and technology generally, however, it is never long before the state of the art trickles down to more modestly-priced products.
NAD M3 Integrated Stereo Amplifier
- Written by John E. Johnson, Jr.
- Published on 18 June 2012
If you look at the specs of most stereo integrated amplifiers, the rated RMS power output is between 60 watts and 120 watts per channel. This is lower than the power output of outboard power amplifiers, which typically are about 125 watts to 300 watts per channel. Monoblocks go all the way up to 2,000 watts output. One of the main reasons for this is that in an integrated power amplifier, the preamplifier circuit is situated very close to the power amplifier. Keeping the high voltage, high current power amplifier signal from inducting noise into the preamplifier circuit is difficult. NAD apparently has solved this problem with the introduction of their M3 Integrated Amplifier, which has a rated output of 180 watts per channel, at 0.004% THD+N, and clipping (1% THD+N) at 220 watts.
Burson Soloist Headphone Amplifier
- Written by Stephen Hornbrook
- Published on 04 February 2013
Burson Audio hails to us from Australia, bringing its own design philosophy, "Less is More," to high-end headphone amplifiers. They gained notoriety with the successful HA-160 headphone amp, a pure class A design with an output of 250mW. Here, we review the Burson Soloist Headphone Amplifier, with a specified output of 4 watts.
Anthem P2 Two-Channel Power Amplifier
- Written by John E. Johnson, Jr.
- Published on 11 May 2012
Anthem's statement multi-channel power amplifiers are called the P series. They come in two versions, a five-channel (P5) and a two-channel (P2). My home theater test lab has a 200 watt x 5 amplifier which works great for the majority of applications, but it is driving electrostatic speakers (ESLs), and for a handful of Blu-ray movies, the amplifier will go into protect mode when at high volume, because ESLs typically have a very low impedance (1 ohm) in the high frequency range.
Parasound Halo A 31 Three-Channel Power Amplifier
- Written by Chris Heinonen
- Published on 05 December 2012
Parasound has been making their Halo line of products for quite a few years now, but they are not one to make updates for the sake of change. Their A21 and A51 amplifiers have been unchanged since they debuted and remain a mainstay. The A 31, reviewed here, is a three-channel (250 watts x 3) power amplifier.
Marantz PM6004 Integrated Amplifier and CD6004 CD Player
- Written by Jared Rachwalski
- Published on 10 May 2012
Marantz has a long history in Audio, dating back to the 1950's with Saul Marantz in New York, then with Phillips in the 80's and 90's and now under D&M Holdings along with Denon and McIntosh.
