Imagine: we have a CD player and a collection of favorite discs, as well as a couple of good acoustic systems (speakers). Naturally, next you need to buy an amplifier. Then we connect the player to it and we see many more groups of connectors on the back panel — for a tuner, a vinyl disc player, some kind of aux, insert, and there are many terminals for acoustics, and they are marked with the letters "A" and "B". Why do we need all this? If there are no plans to acquire a solid rack of equipment, then there is no need. And for all this extra money was paid, which could have been invested in something more useful — for example, in an amplifier model with minimal switching, but with better circuitry and element base (that is, simply more perfect and sounding better) . However, almost all brands adhere to this approach and we must take it for granted. And now — choose!

First of all, you can compare the technical parameters of the five models in our rating. Also at your service is a catalog of amplifiers of all types and brands.

Natural and harmonious sound, at a minimum price — the presence of a phono stage (MM) for connecting a vinyl disc player, the presence of an adjustment for the balance of low and high frequencies.
The low-cost design of the acoustic terminals, the minimum indication (it is difficult to see what position the volume control is in), over time, according to reviews, at low levels there is uneven volume control across the channels.

Denon PMA-520AE

Denon is known for its AV receivers and home theater BR players, although they also have an excellent line of stereo equipment. Actually, the company has been producing players and amplifiers since the early 1980s and even then gained a good reputation. After 30 years, she does not lose ground and continues to produce high-quality Hi-Fi equipment.

At a four-ohm load, the device produces seventy watts per channel — enough for shelf acoustics in a room of 12-20 square metres. m. Napolniki should be used with good sensitivity — but this, usually, will be products of a different price category. Although, there are low-cost options: HECO Victa 501, Magnat Monitor Supreme 802, Monitor Audio MR4.

The manufacturer reports that the PMA-520AE uses a high-current High-Current Single-Push-Pull circuit, "... due to which the power and detail of the reproduced content is achieved." The amp's sound is clean and transparent, although listeners sometimes note a possible lack of "punch punch" that is so appreciated by lovers of deep "bottom". However, in this price range, this is, according to many reviews, a really great sound. You just need to adequately evaluate this model, given that it is one of the most affordable on the market.

It is worth paying attention to the input sensitivity parameter of the device, in this case, it is less than 200 mV. This can be a problem in certain cases, as the output of modern sources ranges from 200 mV to 1-5 V. Too high an input signal can result in the volume not being adequately controlled, risking overloading the amplifier. However, it is unlikely that many buyers will encounter this.

The system provides for a “microprocessor stop mode” (as the manufacturer writes), in fact, it is DIRECT or “bypass” — it sends a signal directly to the input of final amplifiers, minimizing the timbre block (adjustment of low and high frequencies) inside the device, making the sound more soft. In more expensive models, this is also carried out due to total shielding and separate power supply. In this case, the case is made "low-cost", as evidenced by the weight of the model (6.5 kg). By the way, it is this parameter that indirectly indicates the level of the device (this, however, does not apply to class D amplifiers). However, it looks nice and is available in two colours (black and silver). And you can supplement it with the DCD-520AE player, the DP-300F vinyl player and the DNP-730AE network player.
These devices are called integral because several functions are integrated into them: a selector with which we select the signal source and, often, a group of speakers reproducing it, a timbre block that changes the colour of the sound, a final amplifier — and all this must correspond to a specific purpose.
Natural and dynamic sound, advanced switching, bass and treble balance adjustment.
Cheap front panel finish, low volume step.

NAD C326BEE

At a much higher price than the previous comparison participant, the model has a lower continuous power — 2 x 50W is claimed at a speaker resistance of four and eight ohms. At the same time, the parameter from the passport data is puzzling — a dynamic power of 200 watts at a load of 2 Ohms — you need to think carefully about the selection of speakers. In particular, two-ohm home acoustics in our area is a rarity...

The device supports seven input connections — a record among the TOP-5 participants. It is also interesting that in addition to an output for connecting an external "assistant", there is a special output for a subwoofer (rear) and a 6 mm headphone jack (front). In addition, there is a 12V control trigger output on the rear panel — this makes it possible to automate the switching on and off of peripheral devices connected to the amplifier — provided that they also support this function.

Having almost standard signal-to-noise ratio and damping coefficient parameters in its class, the amplifier, according to the developer, demonstrates a very low coefficient of non-linear distortion. At the same time, the sound of the model is characterized as "accurate" and "dispassionate" — excellent epithets for those who want to listen to music, and not how the equipment reproduces it. There is a perception that low-cost NADs sound dynamic and tight, which is suitable for rock music, and they do not cope with more delicate genres as well as others. At the same time, on some models of acoustics, there is a certain lack of high-frequency range, located, rather, in the region of the upper middle.

Unfortunately, the manufacturer, by all accounts, saved on case materials, in particular, the front panel trim and the plastic volume knob. The stepper volume control causes certain complaints — the step is too large, especially at low levels. However, this is one of the most affordable models of the Canadian manufacturer (only C316BEE is cheaper). And for a model of this value, such nuances are forgivable.

"Omnivorous" in relation to the speakers used, compliance with the claimed power parameters, high-quality sound throughout the entire volume range, the presence of a built-in DAC and USB port, a stylish design with black and silver colours.
Low characteristics of the built-in DAC, a compromise version of the volume control.

Cambridge Azur 651A

The device is a direct successor of the recently popular Cambridge Azur 650A model. Strictly speaking, there is only one difference between them — the Cambridge Azur 651A has added a USB port and the ability to connect to a computer as an external sound card. This caused an increase in prices by an average of one and a half times. Unfortunately, the parameters of the built-in DAC are not high: 16 bits and 48 kHz. Recall that at present the "good form" in this area are the parameters of 24 bits and 96 or even 192 kHz. However it is worth noting that the Cambridge Azur 651A has a DAC model from the reputable manufacturer Burr-Brown.

Otherwise, the model completely repeats the parameters and functionality of a very well-proven predecessor. And this is good, because the device produces absolutely “honest” seventy-five watts per channel for a classic eight-ohm load — without any corrections for insufficient power supply or problems with the relationship with the connected acoustics — the device sounds like it should be for a good amplifier with the right, uncompromising circuitry. It is interesting that the cornerstone parameter, signal-to-noise, claimed by the manufacturer for this model is one of the lowest in our sample (92 dB, for the rest it is above a hundred) — while this moment is not noted by ear.

According to user reviews, the amplifier does not change the sound characteristics depending on the volume, it is omnivorous in relation to the reproduced styles of music. The design of the model is also attractive — here you can feel the real English solidity, although some may lack informative indication. The manufacturer has provided a good partner — Azur 651C CD player. The only real "fly in the ointment" can be the standard "rheostat" volume potentiometer installed in the Cambridge Azur 651A — over time, when it is rotated, a characteristic crackle can be observed in the speakers.
When choosing an amplifier, it is worth remembering that at least the maximum power of our amplifier should not exceed the recommended for speakers, and their impedance should not be less than recommended for the amplifier.
High-quality sound on well-chosen acoustics, an excellent built-in DAC for this price category, bass and treble balance adjustment, an interesting corporate design and two colours — black and gold.
Low power (2x45 W at 8 ohms) and certain problems with working at high volume, a small step of the volume control.

Marantz PM6005

Exactly the same thing happened with the Marantz PM6005 model as with the previous participant in our review. The very successful amplifier of the previous release was taken as the basis — in this case, we are talking about the repeatedly awarded by the press Marantz PM6004. However, many also liked the new model, for example, from the well-known publication “What Hi-Fi? Sound & Vision, the PM6005 won the Best Stereo Amplifier Under £500 2014 category.

If we analyze the changes, then the main thing is that a high-quality DAC is integrated into the system. Compared to the previous case, there are two differences. Firstly, the Cirrus Logic CS4398 DAC was used (as in modern Marantz players). Unlike "CD-bitrate — and less", supported in the previous case, full-fledged 24 bit / 192 kHz are provided here — the device is able to read high-resolution audio files that are most popular among advanced music lovers today. This is, perhaps, the maximum quality of the original soundtrack currently achievable — and as an amplifier, the Marantz PM6005 also corresponds to the claimed level. Secondly, instead of a USB port, there are optical and coaxial inputs. So you should use a device with the appropriate output as a sound source and you cannot connect the amplifier directly to any computer (as is the case with USB).

The PM6005 inherited virtually unchanged circuitry from its predecessor. The only external difference is that the number of line outputs has been reduced from two to one, but more often than not, even one is not used. The design itself has not changed much — this model is recognizable as the corporate identity of Marantz. Another difference from the PM6004 is that the upper frequency response limit this time has been reduced from 70 kHz to 50 kHz — anyway, this is more than double the maximum of our hearing. So, all sibilants and harmonics will remain intact — if only the acoustics did not fail. It is worth noting that the model is made on discrete elements — no analogue microcircuits, which, according to the company, has a positive effect on the sound. As for the problems of the influence of "digits" on "analogue" in one device, here the digital circuit is shielded. The fully split power approach is only available in more expensive models.

According to experts, Marantz PM6005 depends on the acoustics connected to it. So, if this model is not sensitive enough, then with its “buildup” there is a feeling of increased “rigidity” in the low-frequency range — the sound is somewhat slow. This may be due to the lack of power of the built-in power supply. Although such a sound signature is characteristic of the amplifiers of the Japanese manufacturer. But, on the other hand, it will please with an open, detailed and warm middle range. The complaint about the insufficient number of gradations in the stepped volume control also applies to this model. In addition, some users have noted early operation of the current protection. However, this is a rare occurrence and is unlikely to occur again during normal use of the amplifier. In general, the PM6005 paired with the CD6005 CD player or the NA7004 network player will make a low-cost Marantz system with comfortable sound.

Good sound with appropriate acoustics, high-quality preamplifier-corrector, built-in display.
Increased demands on connected speakers, 3mm headphone jack.

Arcam FMJ A19

Before us is a classic integrated amplifier from the famous English manufacturer of Hi-Fi technology Arcam. It is the youngest member of the top-of-the-line Faithful Musical Joy (i.e., "enjoyment in high-quality playback") line, which has included first-class products for many years. It doesn't have any digital extras, but it does have a few nice additions. In particular, there is a character display on the front panel that can clearly inform about the device's operating mode (for example, the selected source). By the way, the lack of a display is negatively noted by many users of the amplifiers described in our review. Also, the traditional MM/MC preamplifier for turntables in this model is made very carefully and is at the level of top remote devices — this circumstance makes the Arcam FMJ A19 very attractive for those who appreciate the magic of vinyl.

The manufacturer publishes the honest parameters of the device operating in the audible frequency range "20 Hz — 20 kHz". The power supply more than provides the claimed power of 50 + 50 watts on eight-ohm speakers, while the manufacturer indirectly but honestly warns that there will be less than a total of one hundred watts of sound — only these full-weight 100 watts. The amplifier is well suited for work with bookshelf acoustics. It is worth trying, for example, Monitor Audio Silver RX1 or KEF Q300. With such a duet , you will get a precise, detailed, accurate sound, which is often called the English sound. With outdoor acoustics, a certain “looseness” in the bass region is not ruled out — the connected speakers should be easily “swinging”.

Like most of the reviewers (this is rare for high-end amplifiers), there is a 3mm stereo jack on the front panel — a “mother” for connecting mobile audio sources. Nearby is a connector for connecting headphones — here the developers "distinguished themselves": the only case that does not provide a 6-mm plug — it turns out that they offer to connect headphones from the player to a stationary device. However, the adapter solves the problem.

In addition, from non-traditional functions, a connector is placed on the rear panel of the device, giving a supply voltage of 6 volts. For example, on the repeater of the IR receiver of remote control signals, which can simplify the integration of the device into a complex multimedia complex. For the same purpose, the model has an adjustable pre-amplifier output — it can be useful for connecting a power amplifier (although now only the very expensive Arcam P49 is in the FMJ series), which allows you to get increased power and sound quality paired with powerful floorstanding speakers.
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