Best Class D Amplifiers

Product Strengths

• Packs many features into a small frame, offering an 'all-in-one' solution by integrating streaming, DAC, preamp, and amplification
• The sound quality is clear, detailed, smooth, refined, articulate, and neutral, with good soundstage and imaging
• Offers a wide array of input options (analog and digital) and streaming service compatibility, making it versatile
• Its Class D amplification (Hypex NCore) is powerful (150Wpc) and efficient, running cool compared to traditional amps
• The industrial design and aesthetics are highlighted positively, with its sleek look, swappable side panels, and user-friendly interface, enhancing its lifestyle appeal

Product Considerations

• The headphone preamp may not satisfy serious headphone enthusiasts without a dedicated amp
• There is a noted lack of bass management
• The StreamMagic app lags behind the likes of Bluesound and Yamaha MusicCast in terms of its interface
• Some reviewers found a slight softening of the bottom end
• One review notes some power supply noise in bench tests, but at inaudible levels

Comparisons (according to reviewers)

• Offers wider soundstage, depth, and polish than the Naim Uniti Atom, but the Naim Uniti Atom has a greater sense of musicality and tighter rhythmic fabric

Takeaway: The Cambridge Audio Evo 150 is a versatile and attractive all-in-one system with excellent sound quality and a comprehensive feature set, making it a great choice for those seeking a simple yet high-performing audio solution. It provides a streamlined experience without sacrificing sound fidelity.

Product Strengths

• Feature-rich, combining a preamp, amplifier, streamer, and DAC into a single unit
• Eigentakt Class D amplifier delivers a good amount of clean power
• BluOS platform is easy to use and integrates various streaming services
• Dirac Live room correction improves sound quality by addressing room acoustics, though some suggest that the full version is more effective
• Stylish design, with a high-quality build
• Useful touchscreen interface
• NAD's MDC architecture allows for future upgrades
• Extensive connectivity options, including digital, analog, and wireless inputs/outputs

Product Considerations

• Some found the sound character to be analytical or clinical, and less engaging
• No USB-B input for direct computer connection
• Phono input is digitized
• Some users have reported very low output from the subwoofer output line, which has made it challenging to get the performance they'd expect, especially at low listening levels and for Dirac calibration, and NAD acknowledged this as a known issue with no timeline for a fix planned
• While it improves sonic performance for some, others have noted that the Dirac implementation made little difference in their listening room

Comparisons (according to reviewers)

• Vs NAD M10: The M33 is a scaled-up M10 with more features and power

Takeaway: The NAD M33 is a versatile all-in-one system that offers a combination of features and performance. It simplifies a high-end system into a single, attractive unit that is future-proofed, easy to use and offers room correction for optimized sound in most environments

Product Strengths

• Punchy and musical performer
• BluOS is a treat to operate
• Convenient design as a source and amplifier in one, only needing speakers to complete the system
• Engagingly musical performer—dynamically fluid and punchy, with plenty of energy
• More neutral sounding now, making gains in clarity and insight across the frequency range
• Connectivity options are through 3.5mm headphone-type connectors, shared with mini-TosLink connections

Product Considerations

• Tough competition from other streaming amplifiers
• No way to send data out to an external DAC
• The Powernode was occasionally hard on transients and dynamic bursts
• There is no included remote

Comparisons (according to reviewers)

• The Marantz has a wider-scale, roomier soundstage and greater subtlety

Takeaway: The Bluesound Powernode is a superb streaming amplifier that is better than ever, offering excellent sonic talent and a well-rounded feature set. It provides a convenient and high-quality music experience for anyone looking to simplify their home audio setup.

Product Strengths

• Great value for the money and an attractive price point
• Balanced input and single-ended RCA input
• Op amps are swappable
• Compact form factor
• Versatile with stereo and mono mode

Product Considerations

• The volume control was found to be touchy by some reviewers
• The included power brick is quite large, almost as big as the unit itself
• The binding posts are small
• The RCA input sounds inferior to the XLR input
• The amplifier does not high pass the mains when a subwoofer is plugged in

Comparisons (according to reviewers)

• Vs Fosi Audio V3: ZA3 is considered a more mature version with stylistic elements and new features like balanced inputs and mono mode, with a naturalness in the tonal quality
• Vs SMSL AO200 MKII: AO200 MKII delivers better clarity, definition, and resolution of the sound

Takeaway: The ZA3 is a versatile and compact amplifier that offers great value, especially for those starting their audio journey. Its ability to be used in both stereo and mono configurations and the option to upgrade components make it a flexible choice for various setups.

Product Strengths

• BluOS integration offers a slick interface with robust functionality, lossless streaming, and great sound quality
• Compact form factor and lightweight design make it easy to place in various settings
• The 5-inch color display shows album art and track information, contributing to a sleek and sophisticated user experience
• HDMI eARC input allows for easy connection to smart TVs for enhanced audio
• A wide array of connectivity options is available, including digital and analog inputs, pre-outs, and a subwoofer output

Product Considerations

• Lacks a phono stage input for direct connection of turntables without a preamp
• Not a touchscreen
• May sound flat or experience coloration at its peak volume levels
• May lack the macro dynamics of a more powerful amplifier—better suited for efficient speakers and smaller rooms
• Some reviewers found it does not pause playback from the main unit, only mutes it

Takeaway: The NAD C 700 is a versatile streaming amplifier with a compact design and a wide range of features, making it a great option for those seeking a simple way to enjoy high-resolution music. Its intuitive BluOS platform and various connectivity options make it a convenient centerpiece for a modern audio setup

Product Strengths

• Exceptionally transparent sound output quality
• Exceptionally powerful, capable of outputting 500W into a 4-Ohm load
• Delivers a remarkably clean, transparent sound with very little noise or distortion
• The amplifier's ability to reproduce bass is awe-inspiring and delivers deep, powerful bass without distortion
• Runs cool and weighs very little for its sound output, making it easy to move around

Product Considerations

• Options can be a little pricy, such as the 12v trigger and RCA inputs
• The Starkrimson Stereo Ultra may lead to further system upgrades
• Depending on your sources, the Starkrimson Stereo Ultra will play exactly what you feed it, good or bad, and if your source components are slow, the Starkrimson Stereo Ultra will not speed them up
• Power on only after all connections are properly made, including the power cord, analog inputs, and speaker outputs, and wait five minutes after powering it off before removing any of the connections

Comparisons (according to reviewers)

• Compared to the Krell S550i integrated amp, the Starkrimson Stereo Ultra showed a much faster and finer resolution of the upper frequencies of the human voice and a far greater ability to play more of the microdetails of a recording

Takeaway: The Starkrimson amplifier is well-built and provides a level of speed and transparency to hifi music that makes listening to music very fun. Its GaN modules can be upgraded and it is available in several configurations.

Product Strengths

• Google Chromecast is supported, easy to set up, and provides seamless integration with many online music streaming services, allowing streaming from Tidal, Amazon Music HD, and Spotify
• A neutral sound field is offered and is capable of very loud sound reinforcement without strain
• A moving magnet phono stage is included, offering a sonic highlight and is rare in digitally-oriented components
• A Class D amplifier design is employed that offers high dynamic current capability with extremely low total harmonic distortion and is energy efficient, creating very little heat
• The amplifier supports connectivity with a wide range of music sources

Product Considerations

• The provided plastic remote is small, directional, and easily lost
• The front panel display is hard to read at a distance
• While the amp has enough life to not sound dull, it struggles to be truly exciting
• The built-in phono stage may not be suitable for larger rooms

Comparisons (according to reviewers)

• Vs Unison Research 'Simply Italy'—the NAD C338 is more neutral, whereas the Simply Italy is colored and enriched with midrange harmonics
• The onboard DAC performs similarly to the Cambridge CXA60 dual Wolfson DACs, with a slight loss of definition and air
• It does not match the class-leading sound quality of the Rega Brio/Cambridge CXA60
• It is outperformed by the other NAD Integrated amplifiers, like the D3020 V2/M32 Masters Series
• The Hegel H95 provides sound separation and bass handling that excels past it
• The Audiolab M-One provides more fun and excitement, but misses some of the flexibility in it

Takeaway: The NAD C338 is a versatile amplifier with streaming capabilities and a neutral sound, offering an easy and enjoyable listening experience with a wide range of music sources. Its ability to easily integrate into a modern, streaming-focused setup makes it a worthwhile choice.

Product Strengths

• The M23's build quality feels solid and elegant, with impressive small design details
• The sound is striking in its purity and clarity
• It offers up to three levels of gain, switchable on the back panel, to best fit the system
• It provides a clear sound without sounding hard
• It features Purifi Eigentakt Class D amplification, which provides virtually unmeasurable distortion levels

Product Considerations

• The bass is clean but may be perceived as a little on the cool side and not as 'wompy-sounding'
• The M23 is not a forgiving amplifier that makes everything sound sweet and wonderful—it's not for those seeking a soft and mellow sound
• Bridging with speakers below 5 or 6 ohms is not recommended, as the amp will current limit and potentially shut down
• The reviewer found ergonomical challenges using fancy speaker cables in bridged mode due to wide terminal spacing
• The capacitive touch power button can accidentally trigger

Comparisons (according to reviewers)

• Vs Bel Canto C6i: The M23 offered a layer of refinement and better reproduction of the recording space
• Vs Pass XA25: The M23 had more transparent sound and detail, especially in the treble and upper mids, but lacked the organic quality of the XA25
• Vs HiFi Rose RS 520: The M23 sounded cleaner and had better separation/depth, HiFi Rose seemed to have an EQ built-in, emphasizing midrange and bass
• Vs NAD C298: The M23 is more neutral, deals with decay more naturally, and has better casework, making it look high-end
• Vs Anthem M1 monoblock amplifiers: The M23 was slightly more transparent throughout the entire frequency range
• Vs Bryston 4B 3: The Bryston had more grunt but the M23 is more neutral

Takeaway: The NAD M23 is a powerful and precise amplifier that delivers clean and clear sound, making it a great choice for audiophiles who want to hear their music as accurately as possible. It is especially well-suited for those looking to build a high-end system around a quality preamp or DAC.

Product Strengths

• Retro design takes cues from the NAD 3030
• Modern features include HDMI eARC, digital inputs, phono input, and Bluetooth
• Can be expanded with an optional module to add BluOS streaming and Dirac room correction
• The BluOS app is easy to use and gives access to many streaming services

Product Considerations

• The 'wood' finish is often a vinyl wrap instead of real wood
• Limited analog line ins compared to older amplifiers
• The infinite volume rotary makes it difficult to set precise listening levels
• Dirac Live room correction is limited to 500Hz without purchasing the full version

Comparisons (according to reviewers)

• Vs Technics SU-GX70: The Technics is more expensive, has a modern look, and a solid DAC, but has less power and no built-in streamer
• Vs NAD C700: The C700 has BluOS built-in, but less power and no room correction

Takeaway: The NAD C3050 is a great-sounding amplifier with a vintage look that's packed with modern features like streaming and room correction. For those seeking an amplifier that combines excellent sound quality with retro aesthetics and contemporary technology, it is a worthwhile option.

Product Strengths

• Doesn't generate any heat, even at high volumes.
• Convenient built-in Chromecast feature automatically turns on the device and allows volume control from a phone.
• Includes RoomPerfect room calibration system.
• Amazing sound quality

Product Considerations

• Lacks a built-in headphone amplifier
• Remote control is optional and sold separately
• The app user interface isn't as elegant or user friendly as other offerings
• Limited power

Comparisons (according to reviewers)

• Vs Naim Uniti Atom: Lyngdorf TDAI-1120 has the advantage with its RoomPerfect software

Takeaway: The TDAI-1120 is a versatile, all-in-one unit that combines streaming, DAC, and amplification, making it a great choice for those seeking simplicity and quality sound. With its RoomPerfect technology, it adapts to your room for the best possible listening experience.

Product Strengths

• Exceptional audio quality from its line inputs, optional streaming DAC, and optional Phono stage
• Stunning transparency, commendable focus, and open and airy sound staging
• Inspired and seamless reproduction—with a spark of life quality
• User-configurable phono stage that competes with pricey dedicated boxes
• The DAC module, based on the Tambaqui, rivals many uber-expensive standalone units

Product Considerations

• The Kula gets quite hot during operation, needing a decent amount of ventilation
• The LEDs are very bright, and there is no way of turning them off
• The remote is borrowed from Apple TV and is not refined enough to give decent control over volume
• There is no coaxial digital input

Comparisons (according to reviewers)

• The Kula sounds a little sweeter than Mola Mola Kaluga mono amplifiers
• The Mola Mola Kula sounded like a sibling to Leben CS600

Takeaway: The Mola Mola Kula is a state-of-the-art, all-in-one amplification solution that brings music to life with transparent and life-sized sound. With optional modules, it becomes a highly versatile and elegant solution for audiophiles who want top performance in a single box.

Product Strengths

• Features and performance at an affordable price
• Stylish, well-made design
• Native support for nearly all streaming services like Spotify and Tidal, both wired and wirelessly
• Simple setup via smartphone and the WiiM Home app
• Includes HDMI with ARC as well as CEC, and a dedicated subwoofer output with bass management

Product Considerations

• Bluetooth and AirPlay communication can be inconsistent, particularly for iPhone users
• At higher volumes, the amp can struggle with certain genres of music or recordings with greater dynamic range, resulting in audible distortion and clipping
• Sound can become more sterile and two-dimensional at higher volumes, glossing over nuance and fine detail
• May not be suitable for larger spaces or for those who prefer listening at higher volumes, especially with speakers that are hard to drive
• Some users might hear a faint whine from the chassis or speaker tweeters, as the amplifier is not completely silent

Comparisons (according to reviewers)

• Vs Arylic B50: The WiiM Amp has a more complete chassis design with an internal power supply, a slicker app, and better overall industrial design, even if they use similar chipsets
• Vs Bluesound PowerNode/Audiolab 6000A Play/7000A: The Bluesound and Audiolab products are better options for larger spaces or higher listening volumes
• Vs Denon AV receiver: The Denon AV receiver does not have the streaming comprehensiveness of the WiiM Amp
• Vs Sonos Amp: The Sonos Amp may sound better, but the WiiM Amp combined with a subwoofer can provide a more complete sound experience for less money
• Vs PS Audio Sprout 100: The WiiM Amp's amp and DAC sections are superior

Takeaway: The WiiM Amp is a versatile and affordable streaming amplifier packed with features, making it a great entry point into hifi or a convenient solution for smaller spaces. Its comprehensive streaming capabilities and user-friendly app provide a seamless listening experience.

Product Strengths

• Outputs 80 watts into 4 ohms times 2, or about 40 or 50 watts into 8 ohms times 2
• A separate DAC is not needed.
• Multiple EQ settings are available, including the SBD EQ, which works well at lower volumes.
• Bluetooth 5.0 should result in increased range, lower power consumption, and better bandwidth
• The Infineon Merus MA12070 amplifier chip gives cleaner sound
• Connectivity options are available

Product Considerations

• There are no optical inputs.
• There is no headphone output.
• There is no way to dim the screen.
• AAA batteries are not included
• It does not have NFC.

Comparisons (according to reviewers)

• Vs SMSL DA-9, the DA-9 is a better amplifier overall, sounding quicker, snappier, and more dynamic—with a deeper soundstage

Takeaway: The SA300 is a versatile and affordable DAC amp that offers a range of features, including Bluetooth connectivity and EQ settings, and it delivers clean and powerful sound for a variety of speakers. It is a great choice for desktop use or as a soundbar replacement.

Product Strengths

• Delivers huge amounts of detail across the entire audioband
• Provides quick-sounding bass, mids, and highs
• Reproduction of the treble was excellent
• Delivers all its power comfortably without strain or compression
• The bass is rich, full, and powerful

Product Considerations

• Styling is conservative, utilitarian even
• Lacks a bit of bass weight
• Mid-upper treble is low level detail, including harmonic fades and nuance, is largely absent
• The C 298 was completely reliable during the audition and ran only a little above room temperature, a feature that may not be valuable to everyone—but is a point to consider

Comparisons (according to reviewers)

• Compared to the NAD M33, the C 298 offers similar performance at a much lower price
• Compared to the Benchmark AHB2, both are very clean, very fast and very stable—they could be comparable, although the Benchmark could be a tiny bit warmer in sound
• Compared to the Musical Fidelity Nu Vista 800 amplifier, the NAD combination seemed a wee bit 'shut in'

Takeaway: The NAD C 298 is a powerful and clean amplifier that delivers a detailed and balanced sound, making it a great choice for audiophiles looking for high-performance audio. Its versatility and ability to pair well with different preamps and speakers make it a solid investment.

Product Strengths

• Small and sturdy, made of CNC-milled aluminium
• Delivers a premium feel with impeccable junctions and premium materials
• Minimalistic I/O with interesting features
• Impressive build quality, especially considering the price and rated power

Product Considerations

• Relies on a separate power-supply that appears to be bigger than the amp itself, which may cause cable management issues
• Gain switch only works when plugged in RCA, via the XLR input the Fosi always works at 20dB, though

Comparisons (according to reviewers)

• Compared to the WiiM Amp, it became a benchmark for many users in the sub-$500 configuration
• Compared to the NuPrime STA-100, both amps push equal numbers

Takeaway: The Fosi Audio V3 Mono Power Amp is a compact and powerful amplifier that offers great value. Its small size and impressive build quality make it a great choice for those looking for a stealthy and capable amp.