Welcome to the Best Power Amplifiers section from the Part-Time Audiophile Buyers Guide for Summer 2024.
We’re not saying that these are the best power amplifiers in the world or that these choices somehow overrule anyone else’s favorites. We’re saying that these are the products we’ve reviewed, owned, or have extensively auditioned that have impressed us when it comes to value, performance and sound quality. This is the gear that we, the staff of Part-Time Audiophile, recommend.
Best Power Amplifiers
Decware Zen Triode SE84UFO2 ($1,495 USD)
There’s a long waiting list for these 2.3wpc power amplifiers, but it’s worth the wait if you’re an audiophile who wants to investigate single-ended triode amps at their finest. This is the same $1,195 amp that put Steve Deckert (and Decware) on the map, but with various upgrades and option such as a wooden base, meters and XLR inputs. “You get some pretty refined, high quality power, and more than you might think when it comes down to actually driving (and enjoying) a pair of quality speakers of reasonable sensitivity.” A Reviewer’s Choice winner.
LSA Discovery Warp One ($1,499 USD)
Another class D amplifier that made us seriously reconsider how we felt about Class D power amplifiers, the Warp One delivers 150 wpc into 8 ohms and 250 into 4 ohms, sounds like a “compact powerhouse” and still weighs next to nothing. The LSA’s deepest bass performance was impressive and unique–it sounded tight and controlled and always honest. A Reviewers Choice Award winner and one of the best power amplifiers for under two grand.
Orchard Audio Starkrimson monoblocks (starting at $1599.95 USD)
If you’re interested in checking out the new generation of gallium nitrate (GaN FET) transistors without spending a lot of money, start here with Leo Ayzenshtadt’s amps–which supply OEM GaN FET modules to many other companies. (The Starkrimsons, named after a variety of pear, are sold direct–which accounts for the low price.) “With an Orchard Audio Starkrimson as the core,” our reviewer declared, “building a small and flexible system becomes easily achievable.”
Audio by Van Alstine DVA M225 Monoblocks ($1,699 ea USD)
We’ve had many spirited discussions in the PTA War Room about these small, unassuming monoblock class AB power amplifiers from the mind of Frank Van Alstine. Some believe the DVA M225 are the ultimate giant killers while others sound skeptical–the former group, however, has actually spent time listening to these little masterpieces. “Hook a pair up to your system, and soon you’ll stop laughing,” we declared, giving the DVA M225 a Reviewer’s Choice Award and the Best Value Award for 2021.
Emerald Physics 600.2SE Stereo ($1,999 USD)
For those times when you need a great-sounding 600wpc amplifier and you only have a couple of grand in your pocket, the Emerald Physics is in a class by itself. Another brilliant class D amplifier from the Underwood Hi-Fi stable, the 600.2SE also contains a vacuum tube input buffer for a touch of sweetness. “Well, Underwood Wally might just have made me even more of a believer in the sonic nuances of well-executed, powerful class D amplifiers,” our reviewer concluded, giving this amp the Reviewers Choice award.
First Watt F8 ($4,000 USD)
The latest amplifier straight from Nelson Pass’s kitchen table is far more friendly to a wider range of speakers than past models–its 25wpc were a superb match with ATC SCM 100 passive speakers as well as high-efficiency single drivers models from Charney. “To this end, the First Watt F8 squarely carves out a niche for itself in the pantheon of First Watt goodness.” A Reviewers Choice winner.
Jeff Rowland Design Group Model 125 ($4,300 USD)
A 125wpc power amplifier that weighs less than ten pounds and can easily picked up with one hand–must be Class D, right? But Jeff Rowland has always done more with these circuits than just dropping a module into a chassis. “Clever power supply and input transformers, to further isolate line noise, and combined with a RF defeating chassis, combine to make an exemplary presentation.” Endlessly bridgeable–many use a small army of Model 125 power amplifiers in larger systems–this amp offers a smooth yet detailed sound that’s surprisingly rich. A Reviewer’s Choice winner and still one of best power amplifiers using class D circuitry.
ToolShed Amps Transcendence 300B (starting at $5,500 USD)
These unusual DHT power amplifiers come from the mind and hands of Matt Formanek, a designer who counts Gordon Rankin among his admirers. “From the hand-mitered finger-joined wooden bases to the intricately etched aluminum metalwork,” we were smitten with the craftsmanship and artistry of this power amplifier.” Plenty of options are available, from Hitachi FineMet amorphous core output transformers to Gold Point stepped attenuators and much more–our review sample topped out at $8,250. “Good sound, superb build quality, attention to detail, out-of-this-world appearance, and great value for the dollar, it’s a no-brainer.” A Reviewers Choice winner.
ArgentPur Monobloc ($6,000 pr USD)
Ernest Meunier of ArgentPur has taken the GaN FET circuitry from the Orchard Audio Starkrimson and used his own pure silver conductors, turning these light and compact amps into neutral and incredibly fast powerhouses. When used with ArgentPur cabling throughout the system, the Monoblocs become outstanding bargains–you usually have to slip into five-figure territory for this type of sound. Review forthcoming.
Audio Hungary Qualiton APX 200 ($6,000 USD)
“Vacuum tubes how I love thee, let me count the ways,” we exclaimed after using this Hungarian amp. We found that the Audio Hungary was an “imaging Godzilla” but what we loved the most was its value–you get 100wpc from tubes, with the short signal paths, high parts quality and plenty of useful features.
McGary Audio SA-1E ($7,000 USD)
Mike McGary’s latest tube power amplifiers run in Ultralinear class A/B mode and “uses a capacitor multiplier circuit for input and driver stages to minimize noise and hum. It also runs differentially once the signal passes the input tubes.” But what makes this 30wpc amplifier sing is the “secret sauce” that launches this design into the pantheon of the greats. “A massively vivid portrayal of anything you feel like playing,” we concluded. A Reviewer’s Choice award winner.
Parasound Halo JC 5 ($7,495 USD)
Just one step down from the highly regarded Halo monoblocks, the Parasound JC 5 is a dual mono design “from the transformer windings on.” We found this stereo power amplifier to sound good, first and foremost, with a midrange quality that’s rare among solid state amps at this price point. “Inherently neutral, accurate without being dry, no solid state etching or harshness whatsoever, and imaging and soundstage that could compete with similarly priced tube amps.” A Reviewer’s Choice winner.
Bryston Audio 4B³ ($7,495 USD)
This classic 300 wpc Bryston amplifier is back in its “Cubed” edition–but if you think you already know what a 4B sounds like you need to revisit this beloved Canadian brand. The Cubed line uses the vaunted Salomie circuit in every model, which features “a low-noise input buffer that’s super-linear…this patented circuitry reduces RF and audio interference.” Astonishing build quality. “Yes, the 4B is still a major force in amplification in 2021,” and we think it’s one of 2024’s best power amplifiers.
SPL Performer s1200 ($7,500 USD)
SPL is a German company well-known for their pro audio products, and their flagship home audio power amplifier is a compact yet dense class AB beast with 300 watts per channel–not to mention three included choices for faceplate insert colors. The sound seems very neutral at first, but the s1200 has a definite personality that “pops” with excitement. “Open and natural without any noticeable colorations,” we decided.
McGary Audio SA-2 ($7,985 USD)
Mike McGary has created a timeless classic of a tube amp–warm, seductive and romantic in all the best ways. Fit and finish are impeccable, and befitting an exceptional beautiful device as this, and with its silky 80 watts per channel it can be used with a wider variety of loudspeakers. “Factoring in the extra power, bigger everything, and all that extra user versatility, the McGary Audio SA2 hits it out of the park. Oh, and don’t forget about that lifetime warranty.” An Editor’s Choice winner.
Allnic Audio A-2000 25th Anniversary ($9,900 USD)
The 25th Anniversary version of these Korean-made tube power amplifiers features KT-150s instead of the usual KT-88s, and delivers 100 wpc in pentode and 50 wpc in triode. Fit and finish are impeccable, but the A-2000 impressed us with its “invisible tonality” and its ability to sound both incredibly linear and still deeply textured. “It’s quick, linear and punchy while gripping the speakers in a way that makes the official spec sheet look criminally modest,” we declared, bestowing a Reviewer’s Choice award.
Manley Labs Snapper Monoblocks ($10,699 pr USD)
The ability to switch between triode and ultra-linear modes makes these monoblocks two amps in one, in more ways than one. The Snappers are smooth without being rolled off, with surprisingly little editorializing so that you can clearly hear what the other components in your system are doing. (Yes, a tube amplifier can do all that.) The Manley Labs Snapper power amplifiers are also a tube roller’s dream since they can be so revealing.
Classe Delta STEREO ($12,999 USD)
The big and powerful STEREO power amplifier has an output stage that “works in class AAB, delivering the first 12.5W in pure class A and everything higher than that up to 250W in class AB.” Fantastic parts selection, and a sound that works well in a wide variety of systems. “The Classé DELTA STEREO has serious muscle under the hood and is ready to rock like a top fuel dragster waiting for the green light.” A Reviewers Choice winner that belongs on the list of best power amplifiers.
BorderPatrol P21 EXD (starting at $13,150 USD)
Matched with Living Voice speakers, which BorderPatrol sells here in the US, the P21 EXD “disarms with its truth-telling,” and reveals the true potential of the 300B vacuum tube. Neutral and honest, the BorderPatrol’s presentation is uncommonly open and immediately captivating. An Editors Choice winner.
BorderPatrol SE300B EXD (starting at $13,500 USD)
A variation of Gary Dews’ original 300B power amplifier design, the EXD puts out eight beautiful watts per channel and goes to considerable length to show how modern single-ended designs can drive a greater variety of loudspeakers than before. “You get a copper and wood clad amplifier, overbuilt power supply, artisanal build quality, and great application of modern technology,” we summarized, and we gave it our Reviewer’s Choice Award.
ampsandsound Casablanca monoblocks ($16,000 pr USD)
These tubed monoblocks from Justin Weber are based on the classic Eico HF97, and they’ll work with KT88s, 6550s or EL34s. The Casablancas have 60 wpc with the first two tubes and 45wpc with the latter valves, which means you can have ampsandsound monoblocks with more power than the Bryce and Arch monoblocks for a mere fraction of the price. “Certain instrumental passages just reach out, tap you on the shoulder and say, ‘Hey, buddy, stop what you’re doing, and notice me!’” A Reviewers Choice winner and one of 2024’s best power amplifiers.
Parasound JC 1+ Monoblocks ($19,995 pr USD)
The first update from Parasound on the 20-year-old JC 1 power amplifiers, the Plus is Richard Schram and John Curl’s effort to make a worthy successor that will stand the test of time. Powerful, clear and quite a lot of value when you compare it to more esoteric monsters, the JC 1+ is very neutral. “There was no major sense of lack of color or excitement, they simply tell a speaker to move like the music moves,” we observed.
Ampsandsound Bryce monoblocks ($24,000 pr USD)
Designed to be a “touch more romantic” than the awesome Zion monoblocks, the smaller Bryces are “completely single-ended construction, from 12AX7 input directly to a fixed-bias KT88 or KT120/150 stage.” Incredibly dense, tactile, and sweet harmonic color for a sound that is “whisper quiet and extremely clear.” A Reviewers Choice award winner.
McGary Audio MA1 monoblocks ($25,000 pr USD)
These monoblock amplifiers may be Mike McGary’s most ambitious–and expensive–product, but they feature Lundahl caps, point-to-point wiring, and the finest quality parts throughout. “I can’t think of a better option than the McGary SPA1/MA1 amplification combo for someone who can afford that level of gear and who has the type of speakers that respond well to them.” As far as tube monoblocks go, the MA1s are among the world’s best power amplifiers. A Reviewers Choice winner.
TIDAL Audio Intra ($28,000 USD)
The TIDAL Audio Intra is a four-channel amplifier that results from an uncompromising implementation of their most basic requirement: pure amplification of the musical signal, without adding sonic color or concealing even the smallest of details. Big sound in a relatively small package. The TIDAL Audio Intra is good enough for a Grammy winning studio to deem it one of the best amplifiers ever to grace its doors. A Reviewers Choice winner and one of 2024’s best power amplifiers operating in class D.
Ampsandsound Zion Monoblocks ($36,000 pr USD)
Fit and finish is extraordinary (and decidedly old-school) on these hand-built monoblock power amplifiers, and they wowed us with an “unbelievably tactile and palpable sense of the auditory image.” Not for tube newbies–the Zions are short of features and conveniences and require length start-up and cool-down procedures–but the sound is worth it. “The densest, most pristine and most elaborately textured auditory image I’ve heard in my setup,” our reviewer proclaimed them the best amplifiers he’s heard this year, pulling out the Reviewer’s Choice award.
Pass Labs XA-200.8 Monoblocks ($44,000 pr USD)
One of Dave McNair’s reference power amplifiers for his mastering work, the XA-200.8s are massive beasts that offer and incredible 200 wpc in Class A, and they don’t even run that hot! Clear, clean neutrality, the power to drive almost any speaker, these monoblocks also have “subterranean low-frequency extension and detail, and a holistic flow and silkiness with lots of dynamic subtlety.” A Reviewers Choice Winner.
Dan D’Agostino Momentum S250 MxV ($44,950 USD)
Based on the changes made to input and output stages of the Relentless line, the new MxV series can be purchased new or offered as an upgrade to owners of existing S250 power amplifiers for $10,000. The MxV was quieter, with greater dynamic contrasts and an even larger soundstage than before. Reviewers Choice award winner–the reviewer upgraded his own S250 without hesitating.
ampsandsound Arch monoblocks ($50,000/pr USD)
When Justin Weber rebuilt the classic Citation V into his ampsandsound Zion monoblocks, that opened the door for him to rebuild the Citation II into his new flagship monoblocks, the Arch. The Arch has two objectives: “don’t change the circuit and execute the build with no compromises.” The result is an amp of the highest possible quality, and “at a technical level it successfully delivers everything you would expect at this price point.” A Reviewers Choice winner and our tubed pick for 2024’s best power amplifiers.
True Life Audio SSA-300 Monoblocks ($75,000 pr USD)
“All materials are carefully chosen, all transformers and chokes are again in-house wound, all capacitors are selected for their sonic virtues and the whole sits inside a solid, well finished aluminum CNC’ed chassis” is how we described this ultra-high-end product. The price, we observed, “would be a major cause of embarrassment if it wasn’t for the sound.” What a pair of beasts these TLA power amplifiers are–and they’ll play louder and go deeper than just about any other high-end audio amplifier. One of 2024’s best power amplifiers.
VAC Statement 452 IQ Musicbloc ($75,000 each USD)
“The 452iQ’s raison d’être is for VAC mastermind Kevin Hayes to answer the question: what is the best amp we can build, period?” Eight Gold Lion KT-88s are used for power, fed by four Tung-Sol 6SN7GTB for the small-signal front end. The VAC Statement 452iQ is fully balanced throughout, which also is out of the ordinary for tube power amplifiers. 225 wpc into 8 ohms, all tube. “Heirloom build quality, flawless vacuum tube sonics, and the ability to drive even the most demanding loudspeakers,” we concluded. A Reviewers Choice award winner.
Burmester 909 Mk 5 ($80,000 USD)
This 600wpc German power amplifier is iconic for its massive size and its ornate chrome chassis, but you might be surprised that it’s full of warmth and delicacy. Used with a Burmester 088 preamplifier and the YG Acoustics Sonja 3.2 loudspeakers, the 909 elevated the size and scope of our review system into something you might discover in a huge ballroom at a high-end audio show–all while remaining composed and coherent. Review is forthcoming on the 909, one of the best power amplifiers available.
Read the rest of the Summer 2024 Buyers Guide from Part-Time Audiophile!
Best Phono Cartridges, Tonearms and Headshells
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