2023 Editors’ Choice: Best Integrated Amplifiers $3,000 – $10,000

The MKII version of the venerable RA-1592, this 200Wpc Class AB powerhouse offered rock-solid musicality across all criteria, with a lush velvety character and a weighty, well-defined bottom end. The treble octaves were clean, relatively free of clutter or grain. At the treble extremes there was a minor reduction of air and harmonic bloom and a scarcity of depth cues, but these were trivial subtractions. Plenty flexible, the MKII supports both traditional Bluetooth streaming plus aptXTM and AAC high-quality audio streaming, as well as MQA and MQA Studio decoding and rendering. Exactly what TAS has come to expect of an experienced, 50-year-old brand that knows the audio terrain like few competitors in this segment. NG, 327

Roksan’s all-new, in-house, 80Wpc design embodies where today’s marketplace lives. Attessa is its first offering with integrated DAC plus network streaming capability and a fine mm phonostage too. Sonic performance registered high scores across all genres of music. It was grain-free, non-edgy and wasn’t apt to shade or spotlight particular frequency bands. It maintained a ripe and natural midrange, a weighted tonality, a firm and controlled bass, and a smooth if slightly drier top-end. Throughout, there was a spotless untrammeled clarity to every note. Attessa was especially impressive imparting dynamic energy in both the macro and micro senses. Looks, ergonomics, and performance. In NG’s book, a real sleeper. NG, 335

Rogue’s 90Wpc Cronus Magnum features an Electro Harmonix KT90 tube. Striking a balance between elegance and power, its dynamic scaling is very fine—lilting with chamber music, muscular with rock and orchestral. The Magnum is also remarkably transparent to sources in a way very unusual in its price class. WG, 333

A large, beefy, classic-looking hybrid amp should appeal to those who want a compromise between a separate power amp and preamp and the economy and simplicity of an integrated. Rated at 180Wpc into 8 ohms, and 300Wpc into 4 ohms, the 737 boasts a tube preamp section and a Class AB solid-state power amp. Running in pure Class A up to 10W ensures the sound is particularly fine at low listening levels. MK concluded that, sonically, it lived up to its marketing claims of combining the best of both worlds, tube and transistor. It bettered all lower-priced choices, proving itself to be a good value. It also includes a good DAC and wireless streaming, though the streaming app is not as versatile as others and may not be able to access any lossless service other than Tidal. MK, 327

With its companion SA-KI SACD/CD player, the PM-KI constitutes the famous Ken Ishiwata’s valedictory work, representing four decades of electronics that place musical beauty and naturalness over laboratory accuracy. Ecumenical when it comes to tubes versus transistors, the PM-KI exhibits some of the warmth, richness, and dimensionality traditionally associated with tubes together with the precision, definition, transient attack, bottom-end extension, and impact for which solid-state is prized, while its 100Wpc should satisfy all but head-bangers. Its onboard mm/mc phonostage is so good it obviates the need for a separate one. Ishiwata considers the Ruby components his finest work. PS, 302

Classic tube power meets modern technology in aerospace engineer Roger Gibboni’s designs—there’s a free iOS app enabling control of volume, source switching, and operating mode (Ultralinear or triode). Although intended as an entry-level offering, this integrated is not a watered-down version of one of Rogers’ big push-pull amps. In fact, it’s something totally different—a single-ended design using one EL34 power pentode per channel (upon request the amp can be shipped with a KT88 beam power tube). Reviewer DO says you really would be hard-pressed to find a more cogent and emotion-packed midrange. DO, 283

The MkIV is the latest version of David Shaw’s seminal amplifier design. It provides a highly flexible palette of tonal shadings via its Ultralinear and triode modes, and its negative feedback settings. It is good looking and easy to bias. The Signature version incorporates an upscale tube complement and Mundorf coupling caps. It delivers glorious tube sound and excels in resolving layers of orchestration, while allowing low-level detail to float to the surface naturally without any help from gratuitous upper midrange brightness. It is far more revealing than that great and beloved classic UL amplifier, the Dynaco ST-70. DO ranks it among the elite of integrated amps he has reviewed regardless of price. DO, 335

A true multi-discipline, 125Wpc Class AB, DAC-equipped, network-audio performer that summoned a neutral personality throughout the greater middle range with intimations of extra bloom and body in the mid and upper bass. Orchestral music possessed a firm, of-a-piece signature that was detailed and layered yet stable and immersive. Treble octaves were smooth and non-fatiguing. Transient behavior was unforced and natural, rather than overly etched and prickly. Italy’s Gold Note fulfills the expectations of enthusiasts across the generations by having produced a modern, musically engaging, and highly configurable amp. NG, 300

Bryston has replaced its well-regarded B100 with the more powerful B1353, which uses preamp elements from Bryston’s SP-3 as well as significant technology from its SST² power amps. With ample analog inputs, an optional mm phono section, and an on-board DAC, it is a versatile unit with enough power (135W) to drive even somewhat tricky speakers. High build-quality, versatility, and overall sonic immediacy and clarity are its strong points. KM, 233

With a sort of retro-steam punk faceplate, the RA180 is quite the aesthetic departure from the very modern and minimalistic designs of HiFi Rose’s streamers. Reviewer Rives Bird found it to be beautiful in both looks and sound quality. This tonally neutral, solid-state, 400W (bridged), GaN-based design can drive even the most difficult loads. Via incredibly flexible set-up options it can also be configured to bi-amp speakers. Like other HiFi Rose products, the RA180 delivers a very high value. Rives Bird, 334

This pure Class A integrated amplifier is one of Slovakia’s best kept secrets. Power delivery is 40Wpc in Ultralinear mode from a pair of KT88 beam tetrodes. The KT88s are given full scope of expression via excellent output-iron and a well-filtered power supply. Expect exceptional soundstage transparency combined with transient clarity—attributes that should keep you content for a lifetime. Resolution of low-level detail is as good as it gets for any tube amp at this or any price point. Ultralinear/triode switching offers the choice of two sonic personalities. Ultralinear mode was DO’s clear preference based on greater dynamic conviction and a tonal balance whose center of gravity was squarely in the orchestral power range. On all counts, the Canor AI 1.10 is a superlative amp. It is built to last, and its intelligent warm-up and cool-down cycles will keep the tube complement going strong for years to come. DO, 330

The EVO 300 is the result of a collaborative effort between PrimaLuna and sister company Floyd Design. It represents a departure from PrimaLuna’s all-valve amplifiers, as it marries the EVO 300 preamp’s 12AU7 front end with a MOSFET power stage. The goal was to combine the virtues of tube and solid-state amplification. Expect fabulous dynamics and low-end solidity, but the real magic is in the integration of the tube and solid-state sections. Excellent performance at the frequency extremes is coupled with considerable tube magic. Especially with analog sources, soundstage depth and width perspectives are remarkably spacious. This is the hybrid amp DO has been waiting decades for. It is neither bright nor texturally challenged; rather, it exudes musical finesse. And that means 3D soundstaging and the ability to wow the listener with the music’s fire and drama. A Dutch treat for the discriminating music lover. DO, 326

As an integrated amplifier, the 130Wpc A-S3200 produces a polished, palpable soundstage whose clarity and transparency are breathtaking when used with loudspeakers capable of showcasing its performance. With its smooth, near-flat tonal balance and exceptional resolution, in both amplitude and frequency response, it realistically characterizes recordings, its “natural sound” moniker perhaps closer to reality than mere marketing hype. If you are in the market for, or even just interested in, a high-quality integrated amplifier of this intent and power level, PS heartily recommends you audition the Yamaha A-S3200. PS, 270

The Rogers is a two-channel tube integrated amplifier rated at 65 Class A watts per channel. A classic integrated, it includes no DAC or phono section. Harmonically rich and dynamically powerful, the EHF-100 MK2 proved satisfying to listen to over long periods, with a smoothly extended high end, a detailed, realistic midrange, tight bass, and enough power to drive a wide variety of speakers. If you’ve been tempted by a tube amplifier but aren’t sure you want the maintenance hassle that comes with many of them, the Rogers EHF-100 MK2 is about as easy to maintain as a tube amplifier can be, thanks to automated bias adjustment, and offers the typical sonic advantages of a tube amp with the best warranty (lifetime and transferable) in the industry. VF, 265

According to Bel Canto’s designer John Stronczer, “the E1X Integrated shares its architectural approach with the Bel Canto Black system design.” The 180Wpc Class D E1X utilizes a multi-circuit-board layout. Multiple processors reside on the AMiP board and control the USB, Ethernet, AES, SPDIF, TosLink, and analog input functions, while a dedicated processor contains the MQA decode and rendering function, as well as the MQA-derived filters. The E1X is, in every respect, Bel Canto’s best value. It’s a high-performance unit that delivers sonics on a par with a combination of reference components at double the cost. SS, 308

The Mimas is an old musical soul and not just another high-performance entrant in the über-integrated amp sweeps. Beyond its muscular 150Wpc output, this first integrated from Aesthetix can express the full palette of tonal and textural colors with harmonic ripeness. It embodies many of the classic sonic virtues of the golden era of tubes, but with the ease, control, and extension that are the hallmarks of today’s finest solid-state. Its character has hints of classic midrange warmth and airy treble sweetness with bass response that is as nimble as it is formidable. For vinyl enthusiasts the optional and super-silent modular mm/mc dual input phonostage is a must. The very definition of what we all seek from an integrated amplifier. Includes remote control. NG, 294, 308

BAT’s first all-tube integrated is a stunning piece of industrial art that delivers over 55Wpc of pure triode power. The design combines the 6SN7 dual triode with the unique 6C33C-B power triode, originally designed for avionics applications and famously used as a regulator tube in the radio communications system of the MIG-25 fighter jet. The focus is on simplicity of operation and reliability, hence the automatic-bias circuitry. It sounds far more powerful than a comparable KT88-based amp and shifts gears without changing its sonic character. There is no perceptible textural grain or brightness even when it is driven hard. It is above all else a superb demonstration of triode power that offers a happy escape from the garden-variety push-pull beam-power or pentode amp. DO, 319

The 150Wpc Technics SU-R1000 integrated amplifier with built-in 384/32 PCM/22.4MHz DSD DAC and mm/mc phonostage is one of the most innovative and best-sounding pieces of electronics AHC has had the opportunity to audition in recent years. It shows how quickly integrated amplifiers are evolving and provides an exceptional mix of well-engineered features in a single unit. A product that is truly competitive with high-end separates and an excellent buy, even at its price. AHC, 317