The 15 Best HiFi Amplifiers of All Time

From vintage tube monoblocks to razor-precise Class-D and Class-A designs, this lineup spans decades of amplifier engineering, valve warmth beside clinical solid-state power. Which one earns a spot in your listening room?

1. 1
   McIntosh MC275

   The legendary tube power amplifier introduced in 1961 whose blue-meter styling and warm sound made it a benchmark for high-end audio.
   1000pts
2. 2
   Pass Labs XA25

   A Class-A stereo power amplifier designed by Nelson Pass, praised for delivering high-end amp performance at a relatively accessible price.
   682pts
3. 3
   Naim Uniti Nova

   A British all-in-one streaming integrated amplifier known for its punchy, rhythmic sound and extensive digital connectivity.
   551pts
4. 4
   NAD 3020

   The 1978 budget integrated amplifier whose surprising power and musicality made it one of the best-selling and most influential hi-fi amps ever.
   466pts
5. 5
   Audio Note Ongaku

   A hand-built, extremely expensive single-ended triode integrated amplifier from 1988 that became a cult icon of the ultra-high-end.
   466pts
6. 6
   Cary Audio CAD-805

   The single-ended triode power amplifier credited with putting SET amplification on the map for American audiophiles.
   363pts
7. 7
   Benchmark AHB2

   An ultra-low-distortion power amplifier built with THX AAA technology, popular with both audiophiles and studio engineers.
   363pts
8. 8
   Krell KSA-100

   The 1981 solid-state power amplifier that launched Krell and helped define the American high-end super-amp category.
   363pts
9. 9
   Mark Levinson ML-2

   A monoblock class-A power amplifier from the late 1970s revered as one of the founding statement pieces of high-end audio.
   363pts
10. 10
    McIntosh MA9000

    McIntosh's flagship integrated amplifier, delivering 300 watts per channel behind the brand's signature blue output meters.
    363pts
11. 11
    Luxman L-590AXII

    A reference-class Japanese integrated amplifier prized for its switchable Class-A operation and refined, musical sound.
    363pts
12. 12
    Marantz Model 30

    A modern integrated amplifier from Marantz's Japanese Sound Masters lab, blending vintage design cues with current engineering.
    363pts
13. 13
    Sugden A21

    A minimalist British Class-A integrated amplifier in continuous production since the 1960s, loved for its pure, warm sound.
    363pts
14. 14
    Accuphase E-380

    A Japanese reference integrated amplifier known for its meticulous build quality and Accuphase's signature analog VU meters.
    233pts
15. 15
    Devialet Expert 220 Pro

    A compact French integrated amplifier using ADH hybrid amplification to pair Class-A warmth with Class-D efficiency.
    233pts