How do I choose a better amplifier?

I suggest you focus on three main areas: reducing integration, looking for better-engineered and built older equipment and, as a result, improving performance.

Let’s examine each of these, in turn.

Integration

Integration refers to the level of stuffing of a box of electronics with different functions. Let’s look at amplifiers for example. The simplest solution is called a receiver. This is actually a power amplifier, preamplifier and tuner, all in one box. Some are small and heavily compromised and these tend to be the most affordable. Others are epic and huuuge like this Sansui G-8000! These are less compromised but still compromised as compared to separating out the elements.

One level less amplifier integration is to get rid of the radio, leaving you with an integrated amplifier – a combined preamplifier and power amplifier in a box. Examples include these two beauties, and hundreds of others.

The least integrated and therefore best-performing amplifiers are separate preamplifier/power amplifier combinations, like my Accuphase C-280V and P-360 for example.

If there’s one takeaway here I want you to understand that integration is the enemy of performance. The best solutions are always the least integrated ones. So if you want to improve your amplification, reduce its level of integration.

Build & Engineering

I’ve written about this a lot over the years but there is no special new technology that makes a modern amplifier in 2023 any better than a vintage amplifier from the ’70s or ’80s. There are lots of reduction in build quality and engineering though that make the older gear often significantly more desirable, better performing and longer lasting.

Fidelity

Waveform fidelity can be thought of as the absolute precision with which signals are amplified. Technically, this covers dynamic fidelity too, but it’s worth thinking of them separately, as it allows us to discuss great sounding low powered amplifiers, too. Waveform fidelity is ultimately determined by the quality of design and components used, how many corners are cut, or not cut etc.

Dynamic fidelity relates to the ability to replay the full dynamic range of the music and comes down to how many output devices there are and the rail voltages supplying them, amongst other things. In order to be able to reproduce the full range of sounds from soft to loud, within your listening envelope, and with the sensitivity of your speakers in mind as this is critical, a certain amplifier power output will be required.

Options

The easiest way forward for most owners of basic receivers and integrated amplifiers is to purchase a much better integrated amplifier, like an Accuphase E-202 or E-303, Krell KAV-300i, Luxman L-550, Sansui AU-919, Technics SU-V8, Yamaha CA-2010, and there are many, many others.

The very best way forward is a preamplifier/power amplifier combo, again, of which there are many. This will take up more space, but it is the ultimate solution and keeps small signal and large signal circuits largely separate. Wanna go super-ultimate? You’ll need two mono-bloc power amplifiers to go with your preamplifier.

The best bang per buck will always come from older gear.

I’m more than happy to provide further advice and many more recommendations if you’d like to purchase an advice block or consult, via our contact page.

Power

Regarding power, read this: https://liquidaudio.com.au/faq/are-low-power-amplifiers-acceptable-in-hi-fi-systems/ and this: https://liquidaudio.com.au/faq/how-important-is-it-to-match-amplifier-power-output-with-speaker-sensitivity/.

Power is important, there’s no getting away from that, but some of the very best-sounding amplifiers are lowish-powered class-A designs. They have dynamic limits that must be respected though and using one might require a tradeoff of improved fidelity for reduced dynamic capabilities, or more sensitive speakers.

Conventional speakers of around 87 – 89dB/Watt sensitivity will, in most cases, require around 100 Watts per channel to achieve moderate dynamic realism without clipping or compression in most environments. Low-level listening and high-sensitivity speakers change that picture, allowing for less power. Bigger rooms, less sensitive speakers and those that demand realistic sound pressure levels will require much more power.

Regarding amplifier types, read this: https://liquidaudio.com.au/faq/whats-the-best-amplifier-design-if-i-want-the-highest-fidelity/, and this: https://liquidaudio.com.au/faq/what-are-the-advantages-of-class-a-amplifiers/.

What to Look Out For

In terms of what to look out for, this is heavily influenced by budget as this will include some features and exclude others.

• Avoid very low-powered stuff, except for low-level listening and/or very sensitive (ie non-standard) speakers
• Avoid very cheap stuff as you get what you pay for and really good gear is never cheap.
• Look for class-A amplifiers, MOSFET output devices, and seriously heavy equipment.
• Failing some of these, you still want the heaviest, most serious equipment you can afford. Good equipment is NEVER light.

Regarding equipment you currently own, maintaining gear you love is always worthwhile and spending money on it will improve it, if that work is done by a competent technician. Just keep in mind that, no matter what parts are installed, you cannot make a piece of basic gear into a high-end killer.

Most people should look to a significant equipment improvement, requiring a significant outlay. If budget is the overriding factor, I suggest saving and waiting until your budget allows for the purchase of equipment that significantly improves on your current amplifier.

Summary

1. Reduce integration, improve quality, engineering
2. For sonic improvements you have to move forward, not sideways
3. To improve on a basic integrated amplifier, you need a better, more expensive design and less integration
4. Good advice is critical to making the right decisions, bad advice leads to the wrong ones.

Need More Advice?

No problem, we offer more great information for free here @ Liquid Audio than probably any other independent, specialist source, so check out other FAQs, reviews and so on for much more.

For those needing more assistance, we offer an advisory service that lets us have a proper discussion about your specific set of circumstances. You won’t feel bad for taking up my time because you are paying for it and I specifically allocate time to assist people who take advantage of this service.