Best Stereo Amplifier Under 1000 | Hi-Fi Integrated Amps
Getting bored of hearing plain sounds from your TV/CD players or your turntables? Then, why not pair it with a good-quality stereo amp? Nice idea, right?
When I'm saying a good-quality stereo amplifier, I know you will think the best ones are worth 5000$ and should I break the bank to get one? Right question, but let me tell you, even under 1000$, you get a wide variety of stereo amps, and their performance is also appreciable.
And this article is all about that. I have taken a list of the latest stereo amplifier systems for under 1000 dollars and compiled them here. Go through their features, pros, cons, and the buying guide mentioned at last to make your right purchase.
NOTE: The first five picks are pricey, however the last 5 picks are budget picks.
And wait, I see most of you having doubts like is a stereo amp and integrated amp the same? After the individual product reviews, I will be giving a detailed answer on that as well. So, stay tuned and read the article carefully.
Table of Contents
- TOP RATED INTEGRATED STEREO AMPLIFIERS
- 10 BEST STEREO AMPLIFIERS UNDER 1000 REVIEW
- REGA BRIO - BEST STEREO INTEGRATED AMPLIFIER UNDER 1000$
- CAMBRIDGE AUDIO CXA61 2 CHANNEL AMPLIFIER
- AUDIOLAB 6000A - BEST HOME STEREO AMPLIFIER
- MARANTZ MM7025 - BEST POWER AMPLIFIER UNDER $1000
- CAMBRIDGE AUDIO AXA35 - BEST BUDGET STEREO AMPLIFIER
- YAMAHA A-S501 - BEST SOUNDING STEREO AMPLIFIER UNDER 1000
- PYLEHOME PT270AIU
- DENON AVR-S740H - BEST AMPLIFIER FOR SPEAKERS
- YAMAHA RX-V385 - BEST 5.1 STEREO AMPLIFIER UNDER 1000
- ROCKVILLE RCS350-6 350 WATT 6 ZONE
- WHAT IS A STEREO AMPLIFIER?
- WHAT IS AN INTEGRATED AMPLIFIER?
- BUYING GUIDE
- CONCLUSION
TOP RATED INTEGRATED STEREO AMPLIFIERS
In a hurry? here are my top picks for you
10 BEST STEREO AMPLIFIERS UNDER 1000 REVIEW
1
REGA BRIO - BEST STEREO INTEGRATED AMPLIFIER UNDER 1000$
Features
Rega is one of the most popular audio equipment manufacturers globally and consistently wins awards in the category of "best value products."
The Rega Brio is an updated version of the Rega Classic released in 2017. If you are in search of a hifi integrated amplifier system, then this could be the one.
DESIGN AND BUILD:
Simple is elegant, and this Rega Brio is a perfect example of that. It holds onto the retro look of the Brio-R with no fancy controls on it. As it is fully made of aluminum, it is extremely rugged and durable.
On its front, there is a volume control knob, five lights that will change according to the volume you tune into, a power switch, and an integrated headphone jack.
On the backside, there is a power outlet, speaker outputs, and 5 analog inputs (one is MM phono input) for connecting devices.
And very importantly, you will not have any issues while using this amp with your speaker system as the lean sounds are completely eliminated with the Rega Brio.
When comparing this sixth-generation amp system with its predecessors, there are some changes made in its design. And very prominent in that is the provision of 2 separate power supplies: one for powering the power amplifier, while the smaller one powers the phono stage and preamp.
The only drawback about this integrated amplifier is that it is a little heavy (11.24 pounds).
PERFORMANCE:
Its RMS output power measures 50W, so it is good for mid-sized and even larger rooms.
You can connect this integrated amplifier to your Rega planar turntable as it has an excellent MM phono cartridge in-built in it. And guess what, there is a dedicated input at the backside for connecting this setup to your turntable.
Even at higher frequencies, the sounds are clear without any distortion. The bass is well balanced, even at mid and low volumes. I mean, the vocals are very clear and do not overpower the bass.
Though this is an updated version of Brio-R, it still accepts only analog input. The unit comes with remote control as well, so great for using conveniently at your home parties; also it has a very good heat sink.
In terms of the performance of this amp system, it is top-notch, giving a nice intimate sound with fewer treble issues. When you connect a CD player/turntable, DAC, and your woofers, altogether it will give you the best listening experience. Give it a try if you like its features.
HIGHLIGHTS
2
CAMBRIDGE AUDIO CXA61 2 CHANNEL AMPLIFIER
Features
The younger sibling of the CXA81 that can be the best pair with your music streaming devices (except turntables - no phono input here).
DESIGN AND FEATURES
All CX Series amplifiers look very professional and look like they are floating on air when placed on your TV racks or bookshelves.
And this CXA61is no exception; when comparing the AX61 with its predecessor, AX60, the look remains the same. However, it has become even sleeker with a stylish grey color finishing.
Unlike the Rega Brio that accepts only analog inputs, this CXA61 accepts both analog and digital inputs. That is why it has both analog source (left side) and digital source buttons (right side) on its front panel.
There is a 3.5mm headphone input and another mini input on the left side of its front panel. Another great feature is that you can stream your favorite music wirelessly using the in-built Bluetooth of this CXA61. The previous one and also CXA60 didn’t have this, remember that!
And guess what it has an in-built DAC as well, the ESS Sabre SE9010K2M DAC chip capable of processing high-resolution inputs of up to 32-bit/384kHz.
PERFORMANCE:
The RMS power of this Cambridge AX61 is 60W per channel; however, in real-time, the sound experience feels even more powerful. As the internal circuitry of this Cambridge CX61 is very simple, the sound it delivers is very clean and also packs a punch.
The provision of Bluetooth HD streaming is another added advantage here. It allows you to connect your smartphones and laptops and enjoy a wireless streaming experience.
You can connect your mid-sized tower speakers with no issues with this integrated amp. It is capable of handling quite large powered speakers and subs.
Overall, it is a good choice for a suitable stereo integrated amp under 1000.
HIGHLIGHTS
3
AUDIOLAB 6000A - BEST HOME STEREO AMPLIFIER
Features
If you are looking for a mid-range integrated amp with advanced features, then this Audiolab 6000A is the best buy.
It has all advanced features like in-built Bluetooth, phono amp, and also an in-built DAC.
DESIGN AND FEATURES:
Firstly the look is simple; it is not eye-catching like that of a Marantz or a Rega io. However, it is sleek, and the controls are pretty straightforward.
The best feature I liked about this amp system is its DAC. It performs very well, the details are good, and mainly it ensures very minimal noise. Most in-built DAC’s fail in this, but I’m glad the DAC here performs well.
Apart from phono input and Bluetooth aerial, there are four digital inputs, 3 analog inputs, an input for a turntable, and a dedicated headphone amp.
PERFORMANCE
The Bluetooth pairing is very fast, so you will have no issues while pairing it with your iPhones or any androids. The built-in phono amp is useful for connecting your turntables, but the sound quality isn’t the best when it comes to the phone amp; it’s fine, not splendid.
But what makes it one of the best stereo amplifier systems in the market? I’ll tell you. It’s the amplifier tonal balance.
I should say this hifi amplifier has the best bass effects even at the lowest volumes. There are no boomy sounds; the lower bass is very clean and disciplined. And it doesn’t dominate the other sound details.
Also, at upper mid-range frequencies, the sounds are controlled and well balanced. Overall, it is a wonderful piece of equipment to add to your stereo systems.
Pair it up with your TV, CD player, turntable, or any tower speakers, and have fun!
HIGHLIGHTS
4
MARANTZ MM7025 - BEST POWER AMPLIFIER UNDER $1000
Features
If you feel you need more power from the amplifier, then go for this Marantz MM7025 power amp that delivers 140W output.
You could equip it in larger rooms and still get fuller sounds.
DESIGN AND FEATURES:
The Marantz MM7025’s is compact, rigid and also looks stunning with it’s gold-plating finishing. You can connect bookshelf speakers, tower speakers or any loudspeaker as the power amplifier is equipped with four-way binding posts. So, if you wish to purchase a compact integrated amplifier to add to your home stereo, this is an ideal choice.
Moving on, the front panel doesn’t have any sophisticated controls on it. The design is simple, with a large volume control knob at the center and a power switch on the side.
PERFORMANCE:
The best part I liked about this stereo amp is that it is completely free from distortion. Thanks to the EI-core transformer and capacitors present inside the circuitry.
Be it whatever source your connecting with this amp, still the sonic reproduction is at it’s best because of the Current feedback circuit technology included in it’s design.
Lastly, apart from the regular analog inputs, power chord inlet there are RC-5 connectors on the back which will help you connect this 7025Marantz amplifier with other Marantz Legacy products.
HIGHLIGHTS
5
CAMBRIDGE AUDIO AXA35 - BEST BUDGET STEREO AMPLIFIER
Features
This Cambridge Audio AXA35 is probably the best budget pick on this list with some amazing features. Don't skip this amplifier for its smaller power output. In real-time listening, the sound quality is even more tremendous. Have a look at its features and performance!
DESIGN AND FEATURES:
You will fall in love with this stereo amp just by its look. Its perfect metallic finish with rounded corners and a display screen makes it look simple yet professional.
It is not bulky; that’s what is a nice feature of this AXA35. It is 17-inches long and 3-inches in height. So you don’t have to find a larger space to equip this speaker. This makes it one of the best small integrated amps in the market.
The internal circuitry is perfectly isolated from each other, and overall the heat sink facility is best.
PERFORMANCE:
I really liked the fact this Cambridge AXA35 can be operated easily even without a manual because the user-controls on the front and rear panel are very straightforward.
If you are living in a small apartment and don’t have enough space to hold a large gear, this is a perfect choice. The 35W RMS power will be best to get fuller sounds when placed in your living area and bedrooms.
And lastly, even at lower volumes, you will get balanced sounds from both the speaker channels.
HIGHLIGHTS
6
YAMAHA A-S501 - BEST SOUNDING STEREO AMPLIFIER UNDER 1000
FEATURES
Another best budget integrated amplifier in this list, is the Yamaha A-S501. It is the successor of the very well received S500. The A-S501 shares a striking resemblance with its predecessor, but some modern touches, like the built-in DAC, supports resolutions up to 24-bit, 192KHZ. I really like how it looks.
It boasts an aluminum front panel and overall, it offers you that simple yet elegant look. Something almost everyone can appreciate. The controls themselves are very conveniently placed and easy to understand, even for newbies. It feels premium as well, which is not surprising seeing what you pay for it.
The Yamaha A-S501 has 85W (8 Ohms) of output power, which is plenty of power. The makers of this stereo amplifier aimed at providing you with the most natural sound possible and they certainly succeeded. The sound is natural and loud, without any noticeable distortion.
You can attach the A-S501 to your TV or Blue-ray player using the optical and coaxial digital audio input in terms of connectivity. There are also six pairs of analog RCA inputs and a moving magnet phono input for turntables. There is a Pure Direct listening mode for the music fans wherein music signals take the shortest possible route for a clearer signal.
At this point, I did wish it had Bluetooth, it actually does with an adapter but that is not included so you will have to remember to buy that separately. Except for that one problem, it is hands down one of the best stereo amplifier under 1000 dollars.
HIGHLIGHTS
7
PYLEHOME PT270AIU
Features
The PyleHome PT270AIU is quite inexpensive and has a massive 300-watt power output at 8 Ohm. AM/FM radio can store up to 50 station presets, but the quality is not up to the mark.
You can use the dock to connect your iPod or iPhone and charge it simultaneously. You can also play media via the connected CD, DVD play or your phone via Bluetooth. You can also use the SD card or USB port, which are located at the front.
A fun party trick is a fact that you can turn this stereo amplifier into a karaoke machine by connecting a microphone using the ¼ inch input. Overall, it is a good cheap stereo amplifier under 1000 dollars. There have been some cutbacks and quality issues here and again, rather hard to complain for this price tag.
HIGHLIGHTS
8
DENON AVR-S740H - BEST AMPLIFIER FOR SPEAKERS
FEATURES
Denon's AVR-S740H is an absolute beast when it comes to features. It is what I would call "feature-rich." The front display and conveniently placed button and the volume knobs that have a nice feel to them are great.
The sound it offers is awesome thanks to eARC and heightened sound effects with Dolby Atmos Height Virtualization Technology. It is warm, loud and realistic, which makes it brilliant for listening to music and watching movies.
Speaking of music, the Denon AVR-S740H has both WiFi and Bluetooth inbuilt and offers you several options for streaming music like Amazon Music, Spotify, Soundcloud, Apply music, etc. Pretty much everything.
What sets itself apart is that it supports Alexa and Google Assistant (limited to volume changes and transport controls for G.A) So, from the comfort of your couch, you can use your voice to control it. You are going to need an Alexa device.
Overall, there is very little to complain about this AV receiver at this price; however, I really wish the customer services were better. It is near non-existent.
HIGHLIGHTS
9
YAMAHA RX-V385 - BEST 5.1 STEREO AMPLIFIER UNDER 1000
FEATURES
The Yamaha RX-V385 is a mid-ranger and a best best stereo amplifier under 1000, but they design rather premium with a mix of aluminum and plastic. I think it looks a lot nicer than others with its low-key, elegant design comparable to that of Sony's.
Unfortunately, only 4 HDMI puts with 1 out, disappointing; but the 4k pass-through and HDR Video (Dolby Vision and Hybrid Log-Gamma) make up for it a bit. The RX-V385 comes equipped with Bluetooth, so you can easily play media using your mobile.
There is Wi Fi support as well. You can stream music using AirPlay, Spotify, Pandora, Tidal and many more services.
A fantastic feature is a fact that you can pair it with an Alexa enabled device and control it via voice commands. The Yamaha RX-V385 offers excellent sound quality, the best you can get at this price point, and is very easy to setup. Definitely recommended!
HIGHLIGHTS
10
ROCKVILLE RCS350-6 350 WATT 6 ZONE
FEATURES
They market this as an amp for schools, restaurants, and offices to evaluate it based on that. This 360-watt hybrid amplifier/receiver is capable of 70 volts, 100 volts, 8-ohm, and 4-ohm applications so you can connect multiple speakers and microphones, like during an assembly.
There are individual volume knobs for all 6 zones and 3 mic inputs. It performs fairly well. I suppose the sound is fairly clear but tends to distort at higher volume but expected and can actually be fixed with better speakers that schools don't invest in. Decent product.
HIGHLIGHTS
WHAT IS A STEREO AMPLIFIER?
Say you're using a TV or a Cd player for hearing music, the sound that directly comes from sources like these reach plain to you; I mean, you only listen to sounds with less power. Now, if you attach a stereo amp to it, it will take the audio signals from the device and power it up, giving you louder sounds.
Higher-end models can sharpen the incoming sounds to another level. That is why you also see stereo amps in the range of 1000$ plus in the market.
Many people confuse between an integrated amp and a stereo amp? Are they the same? Let's See
WHAT IS AN INTEGRATED AMPLIFIER?
Integrated amplifiers are not a big technical jargon. It simply means it is a single electronic device that has both a pre-amp and a power amp in it. That's it.
These days most stereo amps are integrated. Some have pre-amp, DAC, and power amp in one box, while others have only a pre-amp and a power-amp in-built in a single package.
The advantage of using an integrated amplifier is it consumes less space. Secondly, you needn't purchase separate devices as it itself has an in-built DAC, pre-amp, and power-amp.
But the drawback is power output is less when compared with a Pre/Power amp.
BUYING GUIDE
Now that you have got an idea about the different options for stereo amplifiers, let me take you through a list of factors you need to consider while purchasing a good stereo amp.
1. Do you want a Pre/Power amp or an integrated amplifier?
If I have to answer this question, first, let me ask you this. Is your room size big or constrained? I'm asking this because integrated amps are the best when you have a smaller space. After all, they are smaller and give a decent output.
However, suppose your looking for professional stereo setups for your big rooms, studios, etc.. In that case, purchasing a separate pre/power amp is suitable because the sound quality will be more dynamic and consume a lot of space.
2. Power output
A stereo amplifier's power rating expressed in watts will tell you how loud it can be, as simple as that. Basically, there are 2 power ratings you need to look at.RMS and peak power.
RMS (Root Mean Square) represents the amount of power/overall volume a stereo amp can handle when operated continuously. On the other hand, The peak power value will tell you the total amount of power (max power) a stereo amp can handle in short bursts within a specified interval.
For home use, an output power of 10W to 75W is suitable; however, if you want the punch to be at the top, a stereo amp with 100W+ will do the best.
3. Connectivity:
Make sure the device has a good number of output and input ports in-built in it. The basic I/P connections include RCA connectivity, XLR connections. Some latest versions also have a USB port facility to connect your amp with your mobile, PC, etc., using a USB cable.
Note: If you wish to input signals from low-signal devices like turntables, CD players, external subs, etc., to your stereo amp, then RCA cables are useful. On the other hand, for connecting high-level studio equipment with a stereo amp, XLR connectivity is beneficial.
In the case of the output facility, see if the stereo amp you purchased has the provision for connecting woofers with it. Also, it should have a 3.5mm mic jack that will be very useful for you for private listening.
Built-in Bluetooth, Wi-Fi are additional features that you can look at in a stereo amp. However, they are not compulsory.
4. Sensitivity
The sensitivity of a speaker system is measured in decibels (dB) and is a measure of how sensitive the speaker is to the sounds.
5. Impedance
You have speakers with an impedance value ranging from 8ohms to 600 ohms. Impedance will let you by providing what voltage you can get the best performance from the amplifier.
In case you have a sub or any external receiver, make sure the stereo amp you're purchasing, and the sub matches with the Impedance value. Impedance matching is crucial in most electronic devices.
Note: Higher the impedance, the greater voltage will be required to operate the amplifier.
6. DAC
It would be great to choose a stereo amp with an in-built DAC in it apart from just having a pre/power amp. When you have all these three packed in a single box, the output will be tremendous.
The Preamp will take the input signals from 2 -3 device and processes them to a higher - amplified signal. Now the DAC will convert the preamp output from digital (zeros and one's signals) to analog sound signals, and at the last stage, the power amp will boost the sounds to a whole new level.
These days, DACs are available in most media players, laptops, and tablets, but if you choose to have a DAC built-in integrated stereo amp, it will give an even crispier sound.
7. Stereo classes:
a.
CLASS A: Both the output stages are ON Advantage: less distortion drawback: Not very efficient
b. CLASS B: Only either of the outputs can be in an ON position Advantage: Gives better efficiency drawback: slighter distortions can be noticed
c. CLASS A/B: Combination of both Class A and B. Advantages: Very efficient working, less distortion, better power efficiency Drawback: negative effects are almost NIL
d. CLASS D: Very common type because it is the most efficient when compared to the above models. Unlike the previous models, it uses active transistor switches and is also smaller, lighter, and shows no heating up issues.
e. Monoblock: These types of amplifiers are very expensive. The reason being a separate amplifier power each channel here, so the output is very crisp and clear.
Whereas in class A/B Class D, only a single amp will be powering all the channels of the stereo amp.
CONCLUSION
That about sums up this article. The above was the top rated stereo amplifiers under 1000 dollars. There were amplifiers for your home, office and even for school assemblies so I think I covered all grounds and provided something for all of you out there.
Hope this article helped and thank you for reading!
