Top 5 Power Amplifiers

On the forums, they argue until they are hoarse about the quality of Behringer equipment, they say, China is China. No one has any complaints about the power amplifiers KM750 and the older model KM1700.Especially connoisseurs are surprised by the characteristics: output power 2x200 W at 8 ohms and 2x400 W at 4 ohms, professional connectors, overload protection and shock-resistant steel case.

It feels like the design is well thought out. Proprietary Accelerated Transient Response technology gives low frequencies a more assertive dense sound. XLR, 1/4" jack and RCA input connectors expand the possibilities of connecting sound sources almost to infinity. Even the most avid connoisseurs of Hi-Fi acoustics agree that for such money the functionality of the device is very good, and users confirm the accuracy of the description and are happy with their purchase.

With dimensions of 220x100x315 mm and a weight of 3.9 kg, the M1 PWR amplifier is the best choice for users who want to build a high-quality audio system, but are at the same time cramped in space. In addition to compactness, the high reputation of Musical Fidelity and the corresponding build and design quality speak in favor of the model. In stereo mode, the device produces 65 watts per channel with an impedance of 8 ohms. If speakers with a 4 ohm load are connected, the output power is doubled.

Very interesting is the possibility of transferring the device to mono mode with an output of 100 watts at 8 ohms and 200 watts at 4 ohms. Using the amplifier in bridged mode further increases the output and expands the dynamic range. Several M1 PWR models can be combined into multi-amplification systems - for this, their rear wall has corresponding line outputs and convenient trigger connectors.The manner of sound transmission in any connection option remains very noble, and the resolution in a wide frequency band can be called exemplary for such a modest price.

In 2017, the well-known American publication The Absolute Sound included the Rotel RB-1552 MkII in the list of the best sound reproducing equipment in the price range up to $2000. According to the editors, the class AB stereo power amplifier, although originally from China, does not provide absolute high-end sound, but it is quite capable of conveying a wide sound stage to the listeners, delighting them with strong controlled bass, synchronism and correct tones.

The design of the device corresponds to Rotel's corporate philosophy - maximum quality. 2 mono amplifiers are built into its cabinet, each of which delivers 120 watts per channel. For those whose speakers demand more, there is the older RB-1582 model with 200W outputs, though it costs $600 more. Both "assistants" are perfectly adapted to work both in smart home systems and as part of stereo systems and home theaters.

What better recognition of the high level of Parasound electronics than its use in the world of professional music and cinema? The company's equipment is chosen by 20th Century Fox, Universal, Sony Music, Lucasfilm and other masters of audio and film production. Most models are based on the ideas of authoritative audio designer John Curl, father of the legendary JC-2 and ML-2 systems.He also authored the premiere line of Halo power amplifiers, which embodied new standards in sound and style.

And we must admit that the Parasound A 23 can really surprise music lovers. Whatever this device reproduces - music or film, jazz or rock - it produces voices so lively and natural that even old recordings become a real revelation. Such vivid impressions at one time were given by 20-kilogram Japanese “beasts” like the Yamaha B-70 and Sony 333ESL, and today the light and compact A 23 from China, which also looks like a real work of modern art, allows you to enjoy super sound.

In the 70s, there was a boom in interest in the Onkyo R series stereo equipment in the world. Japanese engineers decided to revive it and introduced the M-5000R power amplifier. Amazing depth and velvety sound when playing high-definition audio and video formats, they were able to achieve thanks to AWRAT wideband amplification technology. To minimize the impact of interference and ensure signal integrity, another technology is used - DIDRC, which, together with separate anti-vibration panels and independent amplification circuits, completely suppresses dynamic distortion.

Listeners compare the sound of the Onkyo M-5000R with the timbre of the best representatives of tube amplifiers. The impression is further enhanced by the retro design with a pair of large dial indicators.The design pleasantly surprises with its switching capabilities: the digital section includes USB, AES / EBU and other inputs, and the analog section is endowed with 4 gold-plated RCA inputs and speaker terminals, a 12-V trigger input and output. Regardless of the inputs used, sound balance and dynamics are preserved.