Integrated Amplifiers

Integrated amplifiers put a preamplifier and a power amplifier in one chassis, which is why so many stereo systems are built around one. Our range runs from compact desktop units and classic two-channel designs to streaming models, valve hybrids and dual mono flagships, across NAD, Rotel, Marantz, Hegel, Arcam, Musical Fidelity, Cayin and more than twenty other brands. It's for anyone choosing the amplifier at the centre of a system, whether that's a first proper hi-fi or a long-term keeper.

Analogue, DAC or streaming

The first decision is how much the amplifier should do on its own. At one end sit purely analogue designs like the Hegel A200 "The Classic", with no DAC or streamer at all. In the middle are models with a built-in DAC for a CD transport, computer or TV, such as the NAD C 389 and the Creek Audio 4040a.

Then there's the streaming amplifier, which adds network playback so a pair of speakers is the only other box in the system. The NAD M10 V3 and C 700 V2 run BluOS, the Marantz Model 60n uses HEOS Built-in, and the Arcam SA35, Eversolo Play and Bluesound POWERNODE (N331) cover similar ground. For a television, look for HDMI ARC or eARC, as on the Marantz MODEL 70, Rotel RAS-5000, Musical Fidelity M6xi and the POWERNODE.

Phono stages and the inputs worth checking

If you play records, check the phono stage early. Some built-in stages are moving magnet (MM) only, like the one in the Hegel H150, while the Denon PMA-1700NE, Pro-Ject Stereo Box DS3 and Musical Fidelity M5xi take moving coil (MC) cartridges as well. A few make phono an option: the Creek Audio Voyage i20, Creek Evolution 50A and Audia Flight Three S can be specified with or without a phono board. Without one, a separate phono preamplifier does the job.

Valve, hybrid and dual mono designs

Circuit design is where integrated amplifiers start to differ most. Valve integrateds from Cayin, Triode and Fezz, including the Cayin SOUL 170I, have their own page of tube amplifiers. Hybrids put valves in the preamp stage and transistors on power duty, and the Advance Paris A8 Apex, A10 Apex and A12 Apex all work this way.

Dual mono designs give each channel its own amplifier section, with the aim of keeping left and right isolated from each other. The Musical Fidelity M6Si and Arcam A50 Signature are two examples.

Where the brands and models sit

For a desk or a small room, the NAD D 3020 V2, Pro-Ject MaiA S3 and Rega io keep things compact. The core of the range is the classic stereo amplifier from Rotel, Arcam, Audiolab, Denon and Musical Fidelity, including the Rotel A11 Tribute and A14 MKII, Arcam A15+ and A25+, Audiolab 7000A, Mission 778X and Encel Brains. If you're after a Marantz amplifier, the range includes the PM6007, MODEL 70, Model 30 and the Model 10 flagship. At the high end integrated amplifier level you'll find the Boulder 866, Audia Flight FLS10, Bel Canto E1X A500 and Hegel H600.

Speakers deserve as much thought as the amplifier. Sensitivity and impedance decide how hard an amplifier has to work, whether it's driving bookshelf speakers or large floorstanders.

Questions we get asked

What does an integrated amp actually do?

The preamplifier section selects your source and sets the volume, and the power amplifier section drives the speakers. Separates split those jobs across two boxes; an integrated keeps them in one.

What's the best integrated amplifier?

There isn't a single answer, because it depends on your speakers, room and sources. A turntable owner with efficient speakers and a TV-first household with hard-to-drive towers need very different amplifiers. Tell us what you're running and the team will narrow it down.

Is built-in streaming worth having?

If most of your listening is streamed and you want fewer boxes, built-in streaming makes sense. If you already own a streamer you like, or prefer to upgrade sources separately, an amplifier without one keeps the system flexible.

Integrated amp or separates?

An integrated is simpler and suits most systems. Separates give each stage its own chassis and power supply, and some integrateds, such as the Marantz Model 10, can later act as the front end of a separates system. If you're heading that way, our power amplifiers are the next step.

Call the team or visit our Murarrie showroom with your speaker model and sources in mind, and if you'd like a demo, call or message first so we can arrange it.