5 Best Integrated Amplifiers

Best Integrated Amps rotated in a random way next to each on a white background

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Integrated amplifiers combine power with the flexibility of the inputs you need and they don’t have to cost the earth to sound great


MAKE LIFE CLICK
Best Integrated Amplifiers
2024

Aren’t you tired of listening to your friends go on and on about the low sound quality of your music system? Or maybe, like me, you don’t have friends who listen long enough to criticize anything, but the voice in your head tells you that you could do so much better.

Well, it can all stop if you pony up for a better-integrated amplifier. It will help improve the audio quality and enable you to connect to various digital sources to play your favorite tracks. It also doesn’t have to cost a fortune.

You know, I always go on about the fact that music should make you feel something. This is harder to achieve with a budget-integrated amplifier.

If you upgrade your HiFi, speakers will make the biggest impact first. It’s like having amazing tires on a car with a rubbish engine, the road noise is diminished, and the ride is nice, but ideally, you have to get both upgraded at some point.

Editor’s Pick
Cambridge CXA-81 Integrated Amplifier

I’ve owned a couple of Cambridge Audio Integrated Amplifiers since 2006. They’ve produced best in class every since. The CXA-81 continues its success with a fast, punchy, and well-featured integrated amplifier.

Digital music fans will appreciate the built-in ESS Sabre SE9016K2M DAC for an excellent musical transformation. I’m a big fan of its natural ability to provide real PRAT with almost anything you send it.

An integrated amplifier is an excellent choice whether you want to enhance your audio system or stream high-quality music. 

However, choosing an integrated amplifier that aligns with all your needs is not easy, but don’t worry! In this article, I’ve recommended the five best-integrated amplifiers depending on your needs and budget. 

I’d suggest you check for the number and types of compatible connectors before selecting one. Also, look for an amplifier with wireless connectivity to stream your favorite hits.  

What Is An Integrated Amplifier?

An integrated amplifier combines both the pre-amp and power-amp into one unit.

The way they are designed also means it’s easier to manage all your media connections to one unit, and you only have to power one component.

The pre-amp is what you connect all your devices to, and the Power Amplifier is what drives the sound (measured in wattage or watts)

Hang On, So What’s a Receiver?

A receiver has an integrated AM/FM tuner to receive radio signals. That’s the ‘receiver’ bit in the name!

So, now that you have a better idea of what you are looking for in your device, you can pick out the best-integrated amplifier around the corner. 

The Best Integrated Amps

PRODUCTDIMENSIONPOWERWEIGHT
Marantz PM7000N17.3 x 4.9 x 14.9 inches60 Watts8.6 Kg
NAD 3020 V28.6 x 7.4 x 2.3 inches30 Watts2 Kg
Cambridge CXA-81 Integrated Amp13.4 x 16.9 x 4.5 inches80 Watts8.6 Kg
Rotel RA-1572 MKII17 × 5.7 × 14.1 inches120 Watts13.6 Kg
Denon PMA-800NE Integrated Amp12.3 x 17.1 x 4.8 inches85 Watts7.5 Kg

Best Integrated Amplifiers

Read along and find yourself one of the best-integrated amplifiers to stream your songs in high-quality audio. 

1. Marantz PM7000N Integrated Amplifier – Best Streaming Integrated Amplifier

Marantz PM7000N Integrated Amplifier showing the front and back panel
Marantz PM7000N Integrated Amplifier – Front and Back Panel

See more reviews on Amazon: Marantz PM7000N 

  • WiFi and Bluetooth enabled
  • 2x 60W into 8 ohms or 2 x 80W into 4 ohms
  • Easy to control with the HEOS app for changing settings, music selection, and playback
  • Supports multi-room audio with compatible wireless speakers
  • You can stream music from Spotify, Pandora, or even Apple Music. 
  • The Apple AirPlay 2 enables you to play directly from your device.

If you are looking for wireless streaming that gives you loud but crystal-clear music quality right at your home, the Marantz PM7000N is probably the best option. Why? Well, the Home Entertainment Operating System (HEOS) installed in it enables you to stream music from several platforms, be it Spotify, Pandora, or Apple Music. 

With HEOS-compatible speakers, you can even set up multi-room audio; whether you are in your room or the kitchen, you can control your device anywhere. 

You can get a HEOS wireless speaker connector as an optional extra and run the HEOS from your smartphone or stream directly from other apps like Spotify.

2. NAD 3020 V2 Integrated Amplifier – Best Integrated Amplifier Under $500 + DAC

NAD 3020 V2 Integrated Amplifier showing the front and back panel
NAD 3020 V2 Integrated Amplifier – Front and Back

See more info at NAD: NAD 3020 V2

  • Modern and compact minimalistic design 
  • 30 Watts x 2 into 8 ohms
  • Built-in digital-to-analog converter
  • Bluetooth enabled with aptX encoding for a better music streaming
  • One pair of analog stereo (RCA) inputs
  • Built-in headphone amplifier with 3.5mm minijack

Are you looking for something to complement the look of your desktop? Look no further than the NAD 3020 V2. A great DAC for desktop speakers or headphones!

I used to sell a lot of these at Headphones Canada as an excellent headphone integrated amplifier, although it’s great for anything.

Its minimalistic design sets it apart from the rest of the integrated amplifiers on this list. It has an elegant finish with smooth black curves, and it only weighs 2 kg. Furthermore, it works on the soft clip technology for dynamic power for better efficiency. 

The optical and coaxial digital input cables enable you to connect a turntable with a moving magnet cartridge, which helps you connect with your analog/digital source. You can even connect the devices via Bluetooth. 

3. Cambridge CXA-81 Integrated Amplifier – Best Integrated Amplifier Under $2000

Cambridge CXA-81 Integrated Amplifier Front and Back Panels which is the best integrated amplifier winner
Cambridge CXA-81 Integrated Amplifier

See more reviews on Amazon: Cambridge CX-A81 

  • 80 Watts x 2 channels into 8 ohms
  • Compatible with a diverse range of speakers
  • High-quality audio wireless streaming
  • RCA inputs are unbalanced

The Cambridge CXA-81 has a smooth aluminum front which gives it a classic metallic finish, with the power of 80 Watts per channel through which you can play your favorite tracks on your sound system efficiently. 

Moreover, the audiophile-grade toroidal transformer with the built-in DAC delivers clear and refined sound from the digital sources connected to the amplifier. Also, this integrated amplifier has analogs that allow you to connect your device to play your favorite music. The balanced XLR cable is also included, and you can even stream music from your devices via Bluetooth.

4. Rotel RA-1572 MKII Integrated Amplifier – Best Premium Integrated Amplifier

Rotel RA-1572 MKII Integrated Amplifier Front and Back Panels
Rotel RA-1572 MKII Integrated Amplifier

See more info at ROTEL: Rotel RA-1572 MKII

  • 32-bit DAC with four unbalanced stereo RCA inputs
  • Detachable power cord
  • 120 Watts x 2 channels into 8 ohms 
  • Easy to use remote control
  • Bluetooth/WiFi enabled
  • Class AB amplification with custom-designed toroidal transformer
  • Two optical digital inputs and two coaxial digital inputs

In the Rotel RA-1572 MKII, you get clean and precise sound no matter which device you connect to, as its DAC converts incoming digital data to analog, giving you incredible audio quality. 

You can even opt for various analog and digital inputs on the RA-1572 MKII.

Additionally, the audiophile quality installed Master Quality Authenticated (MQA), and MQA Studio files give you an incredible audio experience. Adding to its impressive features is the amplifier’s Bluetooth connectivity, ensuring you enjoy your music time cuddled up on your couch!

5. Denon PMA-800NE Integrated Amplifier – Best Integrated Amplifier Under $1000

Denon PMA-800NE Integrated Amplifier Front Panel
Denon PMA-800NE Integrated Amplifier

See more reviews on Amazon: Denon PMA-800NE 

  • 85 Watts x 2 into 4 ohms
  • Preinstalled phono pre-amplifier that works on the input received from both the coil and the cartridges
  • Incorporated dual-band Bluetooth and WiFi-enabled
  • Built-in headphone amplifier with full-size (1/4-inch) jack
  • Analog Mode disables circuitry.

I’ve owned three Denon amps in my life, so this one is an easy recommendation. Currently, I have the Denon AVR-x4500h for Home Theater and an older Denon for HiFi. This is a great upgrade for HiFi.

If you have a record or a vinyl collection you want to play your music from, I’d suggest you go for the Denon PMA-800NE integrated amplifier. It has a built-in phono preamplifier that works with both the moving coil and the magnet cartridges, which is perfect for your records as it delivers crystal-clear audio quality.

Furthermore, your vintage analog source is preserved, so you don’t need to worry about it getting damaged, as the amp has a pure analog feature that disables its digital circuitry. It can also connect with various other digital sources. 

It’s such a nice slimline integrated amplifier without all the extra bulk, so it fits nicely into your HiFi rack or entertainment stand.

Wrapping It All Up

Getting an integrated amplifier for your audio system is an excellent way to elevate the sound quality. 

These five integrated amplifiers are great picks, giving you so many different benefits, whether you are looking for an amplifier like Cambridge CXA-81 to complement your sound system or stream music with the wireless  Marantz PM7000N amplifier. 

I’d always suggest you research customer feedback on Amazon, Crutchfield, or the brands’ websites before you select a product you love.

Our experience, research, and editorial practices make us an expert in the field, so don’t hesitate to reach out at hello@makelifeclick.com if you need assistance. We also suggest you check out our fantastic deals and join our newsletter to possibly win a monthly draw!

Cambridge Audio CXA81
Cambridge CXA-81 Integrated Amplifier
Sound Quality
Build Quality
PRAT
Connectors
4.7

Endless hours of experimentation, professional work, and personal investment in Home Theatre, Hi-Fi, Smart Home Automation and Headphones have come to this.

Former owner of Headphones Canada, a high-end headphone specialty retailer.

This post was last updated on 2024-03-28 / Some images from Amazon Product API & some links may be affiliate links which may earn us a commission from purchases.


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