Editors’ Choice: Power Amplifiers $3000-$6000

Wyred 4 Sound SX-1000R

$3599

While many amplifiers use Bang & Olufsen’s ICE switch-mode output module, the SX-1000R combines it with its own direct-coupled, balanced, dual-FET input stage, designed by Bascom King. The SX-1000R’s 625W of power (1225W into 4 ohms) can effortlessly deliver copious dynamics and details. Imaging through the SX-1000R is laterally precise. If you require a power amplifier that can generate oodles of effortless output, runs cool, produces a very precise lateral soundstage, offers substantial bass extension and control, has a neutral harmonic balance, and is exceedingly quiet, the Wyred 4 Sound SX-1000R should be on your short list. 

Rogue Audio Dragon 

$3995

The Dragon is a sophisticated, hybrid tube/Class D design that stands atop the Rogue Audio lineup. Boasting 300Wpc into 8 ohms, the Dragon offers a near-granular level of finesse and clarity. Speed and transient detail are naturalistic and lively; tonal balance is predominately neutral, with glimmers of midrange warmth and a well-defined presence range. Strings are particularly well-rendered and distinct. Bass response and resolution are superb. The Dragon can reproduce an organ pedal point or the left hand of a pianist on the bottom octaves of a concert grand with lifelike authority. Not just another high-powered beast, the Rogue Dragon is a truly splendid piece of electronics. 

Cambridge Edge W

$4000

Reviewed alongside Cambridge Audio’s Edge NQ network player/preamp, the 100Wpc EdgeW power amplifier delivers on this London-based manufacturer’s definition of Great British Sound. Opposing-symmetry twin transformers (which cancel electromagnetic interference) contribute to a substantial physical presence, but the performance is anything but heavy. Instead, look for sonic clues in a signal path of just 14 components. It’s this less-is-more approach (also wonderfully realized in the minimalist aesthetic) that has resulted in a power amplifier with surprising transparency and composure. Neither imposing nor polite, the W is a fitting 50th Anniversary celebration from a company known to provide innovation with value. 

First Watt F8 

$4000

The F8 is a stereo single-ended Class A amplifier with only two gain-stage devices per channel, a single Toshiba 2SJ74 JFET input device and the SiC R100 power JFET output. The resultant airy treble, tonal purity, and superb transient speed are instantly endearing. So is its startling soundstage transparency. The F8 allows tube virtues such as a deep and layered soundstage to shine through, while maintaining an authoritative midbass. The F8 is a reference tool in the finest sense of the words—exceptionally revealing of what comes before it in the playback chain. Its directness of expression enhances the illusion of being there and is a function of its phenomenal clarity and transparency. The F8 isn’t as rich or liquid sounding in the midband as First Watt’s SIT-3, but as compensation it offers more detail, a more open treble range, a crisper bass range, and an increased sense of clarity. 

Atma-Sphere S-30 Mk 3.3

$4700

The Mk 3.3 version of this 30Wpc Circlotron OTL amplifier nudges performance higher in dynamics and soundstage transparency. Although guilty of slight timbre alterations and a somewhat dark tonal balance, these acts of commission, likely due to load interactions, point out the need for a compatible loudspeaker and front-end electronics. The S-30 strikes an intelligent balance between quality and quantity, focusing as it does on delivering a strong first watt. Its asking price is a small price to pay for a generous slice of musical heaven. 

Bel Canto e.One Ref600M

$4990/pr.

To Steven Stone’s ears, Bel Canto’s 15.4-pound, 300W (600W into 4 ohms) e.One Ref600M Class D monoblock is good enough to qualify as the best all-around power amplifier he’s heard to date, regardless of technology or circuit topology. Its combination of extremely low noise that makes it suitable to drive even highly efficient loudspeakers, precision three-dimensional imaging, relaxed and natural harmonic balance, and power capability, makes for a potent package. Couple all its sonic achievements with its relatively modest price and you have a power amplifier that could well be a benchmark reference for many audiophiles for years to come. 

Audio Mirror SET

$4995

This 45-watt monoblock expands the reach of SET designs to include even moderately sensitive 88-to-90dB loudspeakers. Each amp has a pair of Russian 6C33C-B triodes in parallel, thereby significantly extending power delivery. The bass range is well defined, which serves as a foundation for a slightly warm and powerful presentation with satisfying tonal gravitas and a sense of ease on dynamic peaks that is uncommon for a typical SET. The Audio Mirror makes one helluva musical statement and would have earned an enthusiastic recommendation even with a $10k price tag. 

Pass Labs XA25

$5150

The XA25 amp is among Pass Labs’ most humble efforts to date—at least outwardly. And users will admittedly need to be a little respectful about speaker selection, since this solid-stater is rated at a mere 25Wpc into 8 ohms. But that wattage is delivered courtesy of Pass’ single-ended Class A design. So, buckle up and prepare to luxuriate in pure liquid musicality. Pass gear often suggests sweetness and warmth, but the XA25 takes these qualities a luminous step further. Beyond the extraordinary resolution engraved in the XA25’s personality is an ability to transform a listening space into a three-dimensional tableau of images and ambience. A magical amp. 

Luxman MQ-88uC

$5995

This 25Wpc push-pull Lux is about triode sweetness. Think of it as a modernized version of the MQ-60 from 1969. Expect naturally sweet, clear, and transparent tonality. Female voice benefits from its textural purity and ability to depict subtle tonal shadings. The harmonic distortion spectrum is benign and devoid of the upper-midrange glare endemic to pentode push-pull amplifiers. Microdynamic expressiveness is also a strong suit and a key factor in nudging listeners over the line from “liking” this amp to “loving it.” A nearly perfect introduction to the joys of triode sound and a superb match for the Quad ESL-57. 

Anthem STR 

$5999

Anthem’s STR amplifier is a muscular yet stylish component that outputs 400 watts into an 8-ohm load, 600 watts into 4 ohms, and 800 watts into 2 ohms; there aren’t many loudspeakers that this dual-mono design won’t readily control. The dual-mono, 65-pound STR features a proprietary input circuit that Anthem calls “a complementary active-loaded cascoded feedback arrangement.” Right out of the box, the STR impressed with immediacy, detail, and authority of presentation with all kinds of music. Spatiality and low-end weight were excellent, and there certainly was no question of the STR running out of steam with the most dynamic recordings. Solidly built, great sounding, and a high value.