Recent Audio Amplifier Reviews

Simaudio introduced the Moon 810LP Phono Preamplifier at the Venetian, their latest addition to the Evolution Series. The 810LP features a dual-mono fully balanced differential design and runs $12k.

Pass Labs busted out their new Xs-300 and Xs–150 Amplifiers at the Venetian to tickle the ears of audiophiles and amateurs alike. These are the first entries in what is slated to be a new line-up.

When the Denon PMA-A100 was announced it would be part of their 100th anniversary product line-up, we asked for it. And we had high expectations. Turns out Denon met our expectations and then some.

The Sherbourn 7-350 is a seven channel 350wpc amplifier that is designed to deliver all of the current from the wall outlet to your speakers. Its massive 3.3kVa transformer and 100lbs+ is impressive.

With the Emotiva mini-X a-100 Stereo Flex Amp having 60 watts at 8-ohms, 80 at 4-ohms, the a-100 looks to be the perfect amp for the Audioholic with difficult to drive speakers in their office/Zone 2.

The Orb Audio Booster Mini Amplifier looks to be a dynamite little product. We're constantly looking for good recommendations for office setups and the Booster Mini Amp looks to fit the bill nicely.

Pass Laboratories introduced its new 3-chassis XP-30 Preamp, the flagship to its XP line or preamplifiers. The triple-chassis structure allows the XP-30 to function as a modular preamplifier.

Bob Carver has just partnered up with home automation pioneer Bob Farinelli to form Bob Carver LLC this year. Their first two products, the Cherry 180 and Black Beauty Tube Amplifiers look awesome.

Bryston showed off its new BHA-1 headphone amplifier which is slated to hit dealers in time for Christmas orders in Q4. The BHA-1's claim to fame is its fully discreet dual mono Class-A design.

After seeing Anthem's new Statement M1 1000W behemoth I may just may start using mono amps again. The M1 is engineered to produce a ridiculous amount of RMS and peak power - even from a 15A/120V line.

The Crestron PROAMP-7X400 "PROCISE" amplifier is an 108lbs behemoth that is designed to work perfectly with your Crestron PSPHD "PROCISE" surround processor.

McIntosh announced the debut of a new MC601 amplifier sporting Thermal Track output transistors that allow for cooler, more efficient operation, and 600 watts per channel.

Pass Labs' new Concept Amplifiers are high-bias, Class A, monoblock models employing the company's acclaimed Ultra-Symmetry circuit. The larger Concept amp has 300 watts per channel, the smaller 200.

Do we need the Onkyo M-5000R amplifier? Probably not. Do we want one? Oh yeah, you bet. While $2500 a pop isn't chump change, in the world of high end amplifiers, it isn't too bad.

The PMA-7350 - a seven channel, 350 watts per channel monster of an amp is the flagship in Emotiva's new Pro line. The PMA-7350 has a massive 3.3kVA toroidal transformer that is stable into 4 ohms.

Dollar for dollar, pound for pound, a better seven channel amplifier than the Emotiva UPA-7 does NOT exist on the market. This is a safe purchase and a highly recommended one!

The THX Certified PA-MC5500 has 9 channels of amplification rated at 150 watts at 8 ohms driving a single channel into 1kHz. At a paltry $1699 MSRP, the PA-MC5500 has plenty of power for most systems.

The Savoy G3 amp is a beast at 54 pounds which is even more impressive when you consider it employs a class H design. AudioControl claims over 200 Watts per channel into 8 ohms, all 7 channels driven.

When you consider that the Integra DTA-70.1 has received THX's Ultra2 rating, its a sure bet there are loyal Integra/Onkyo fans that can't wait to get their hands (and ears) on this 50 lbs beast.

The NAD M2 Direct Digital Amplifier is really sort of a hybrid. It is a traditional amp with non-traditional inputs. It is an integrated amp in spirit but doesn't have all the functionality.

It's not hard to see that I'm impressed with the Seymour AV Ice Block 5001 500watt Monoblock Amplifier. It has plenty of power, great aesthetics, and near perfect functionality.

The Emotiva UPA-2 Stereo Amplifier is an incredible solution to turn a $500 AV receiver into a real powerhouse - and for FAR less money than it would cost to buy a comparable quality flagship product.

Axiom Audio has redefined performance expectations of Class D amplifiers with their A1400-8. Sporting 200 watts per channel all channels driver, this amp is a real space saver.

Bryston’s SST amplifier line begins with the 2B SST (100 watts per channel 8-ohms, 180 per channel 4-ohms at $2650 US) to the 28B SST (1000 watts mono into 8-ohms at $8000 US).

Seymour AV was showing off their ICE Block amps at the Audioholics State of the CE Union event. They had two of their new Ice Block amplifiers on display. Both were the $1299 1000w models.

The Emotiva XPA-2 is a two-channel amplifier is one of the most powerful, highest value amplifiers we've reviewed to date. It is a lone wolf in a pasture of sheepish amplifiers.

At only 100 watts, I couldn't say that the RMB-1085 was a huge improvement over the internal amps of my receiver with my 8 ohm speakers. It does have an undeniable cool factor and plenty of power.

Review: The Denon POA-A1HDCI 10 channel audio amplifier offers a slew of connectivity features and power few multi-channel amps can match. Its rated at 150wpx x 10 but can be bridged for double power.