Note that this is a discontinued product. You may want to visit the brand's page here to browse their newer products.
What reviewers think
Bloggers and YouTubers have tried this product—so we've summarized their strongest opinions below. Links to full reviews follow.
Product Strengths
- Exceptional build quality with beautifully finished aluminium casework and no visible fixings
- Designed to sound like separate components, with careful separation of preamp and power amp sections and dedicated power supplies
- A powerful amplifier capable of driving a wide range of speakers, with 200W per channel into 8 ohms and 400W into 4 ohms
- Includes a switchable moving magnet/moving coil phono stage and a headphone output
- Produces a crisply detailed yet smooth, grainless sound that has tube amp-like finesse
Product Considerations
- Some reviewers found the sound to be slightly clinical or lacking in 'musicality', potentially needing careful matching with 'feisty' speakers or for use in large rooms at high volumes
- One reviewer mentioned that it could sound a little 'muscle-bound' at times, struggling with delicacy in dynamics and timing on some material
- May be 'a little too clean cut' for listeners who prefer a more raw or less refined sound
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- The PM-10 is meant to replace the Marantz SC-7 preamp and MA-9 monoblock combo with a one-box solution offering similar performance
- It needs low colouration, transparent loudspeakers but it doesn't need high sensitivity, whereas some high power amps have a certain solidity to them that imposes itself on the music, and while it's not unappealing—it is a distortion
Takeaway: The Marantz PM-10 is a well-built, powerful integrated amplifier designed to deliver high-end sound in a single, convenient chassis. Its refined sound and ample features make it a great choice for those seeking a complete and lasting audio solution.
All
PM-10
reviews
[{"title":"Marantz PM-10 review","link":"https://www.whathifi.com/marantz/pm-10/review","source":"What Hi-Fi?","datePublished":"2018"},{"title":"Marantz PM-10 Integrated Amplifier – High End Audiophile Heavy Metal","link":"https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FAs_sImQjVU","source":"Hi-Fi Riff","datePublished":"2023"},{"title":"Marantz SA-10 & PM-10 - The Ear","link":"https://the-ear.net/review-hardware/marantz-sa-10-pm-10-cd-playerdac-integrated-amplifier","source":"the-ear.net","datePublished":""}]
An excellent review of a great product
/
Publisher
/
3/1/2022
An excellent review of a great product
Publisher
/
3/1/2022
Video Review
Images
No items found.
Manufacturer's details
Features
Specifications
- Power Output (8/4 Ohm RMS): 200W/400W
- Frequency Response: 5 Hz - 50kHz
- Total Harmonic Distortion: 0.01%
- Damping Factor: 500
- Input Sensitivity MM: 2.6 mV / 47 kohm
- Input Sensitivity MC: 280
- Input Sensitivity High Level: 400 mV / 20 kohm
- Input Sensitivity Balanced High Level: 800 mV / 40 kohm
- Signal to Noise Ratio High Level: 111 dB(2V input/Rated output)
- Input Sensitivity Power Amp Direct IN: 1.5 V / 20 kohm
- Signal to Noise Ratio Power Amp Direct IN: 113 dB
- Power Consumption: 270W
- Standby Consumption: 0.3W
- Dimensions (W x D x H): 440 x 453 x 168 mm
- Weight: 21.5 kg
Manufacturer product description (from their site)
This reference stereo integrated amplifier is the product of expertise developed over decades of research, testing, and critical listening for the best possible reproduction of music.
Overall product release timeline
Manufacturer Site
Brand highlights
We analyzed reviewers' thoughts of the brand's entire lineup—not just this product—and what stands out most is the following:
- Marantz distinguishes itself through its commitment to producing slim AV receiver designs that offer essential home theater functionalities at an affordable price, catering to budget-conscious consumers seeking practicality and minimalism.
- The brand stands out for its emphasis on expandability and upgradability, equipping their entry-level models with preamp outputs for all channels, allowing consumers to enhance their systems with external power amplifiers.
- Marantz products feature the HEOS streaming platform, allowing seamless integration into multi-room audio systems, while also supporting popular streaming platforms and wireless technologies.
Select products
Product lineup breakdown
Many Marantz amplifiers use HDAM, the company's own modules in place of standard op-amps. The PM6007 gives 45 watts for a small room, the Model 50 adds a phono input for a turntable, and the Model 10 gives 250 watts to drive demanding speakers. CINEMA receivers rise from the Cinema 70s to the 11.4 channel Cinema 30 for big theaters. CD players span the CD 60 to the SACD 10 for disc collections.
- Start here. Choose the PM6007 if you are building a first system on a budget, since it is the most affordable Marantz amplifier and easy to set up and use.
- Sweet spot. The Model 40n suits a listener who wants HEOS streaming and an HDMI ARC input for a TV alongside 70 watts, features the cheaper amplifiers lack.
- All in. The Model 10 is a statement piece priced well above the Model 50, and its 250 watts per channel let demanding speakers play loudly and easily in a large room.
All products from this brand
Avg. Product Price
$2,501-$5,000
Used For Sale
0
Available (Scroll Down)
Brand Popularity
63
of 900+
Badges
Top 50 Brand
Top 250 Brand
Products Listed
29
Founding Year
1953
Our take on the brand
Marantz is a hifi and home theater brand founded in 1953. It started in New York, and Shirakawa Audio Works has been its manufacturing home since 2002. Many of its amplifiers use HDAM, Marantz's own modules that replace standard op-amps, and HEOS streaming is built into its receivers and network products for multi-room playback. The CINEMA receivers include the slimline Cinema 70s, and entry receivers have preamp outputs for every channel so power amplifiers can be added later. The PM7000N combines a DAC, network streaming and a phono input in one integrated amplifier.
Look inside the brand
Brand Page
Our interview with the brand
What are two key technological innovations or strong opinions that differ you from other brands?
What's your approach to customer support?
What are your favorite tracks for showcasing the strength of your products?
What other products pair best with yours?
From our interview with
.
Brand page
Used
Marantz
All the brand's used products, not just this one
What if you spend more?
.png){kind=logo}
Enleum
AMP-23R
6250
6250
/
19
Reviews
Enleum was launched as a new brand with the AMP-23R. While our legacy AMP-13R had already been praised all around the world for its performance and unique design, we pushed the boundaries to create the AMP-23R with a new circuit that truly enhances the existing performance. We have drastically improved the PCB circuit board design, chosen new internal components and upgraded our JET2 Bias design. And the reviews and awards are unanimous. The AMP-23R's physical size and footprint may be compact, but with the all new chassis and thermal heatsink design, we've launched a product that's fit for the next generation reference compact amplifier. The unique design is the DNA of our new Enleum Brand and was already awarded the Red Dot Award: Product Design 2021 and iF Design Gold Award 2022. The AMP-23R proudly showcases Enleum's expertise in technology and design.
Enleum is an amplifier maker founded by Soo In Chae, and its name joins "enlightenment" with eum, the Korean word for sound. The amplifiers use the company's Ensence circuit, built from discrete transistors with zero negative feedback. Volume is set by changing gain at the input stage instead of attenuating the signal. The AMP-23R is a compact amplifier suited to efficient speakers, and the HPA-23RM headphone amplifier has both voltage and current outputs to suit different headphones. The AMP-54R flagship takes optional phono and streaming DAC modules.
Expand Details
.svg)
Our summary
Product Strengths
- Addictive sound signature, unlike any other amp, with otherworldly instrument and voice reproduction
- Delivers serious magic with Fleetwood Deville and Klipsch Heritage speakers, revealing obscure details and creating a massive soundstage
- Dynamics for days
- Combines the qualities of a nice SET amp without the downsides, like noise or tube replacement
- Exceptional build quality and design with high-quality parts
- Only has two RCA inputs, no XLR balanced connections
Product Considerations
- Heavy speaker cables can cause the amp to tilt
- The volume dial functions as a gain dial, which may be different than what some users are accustomed to
- May not be suitable for hard-to-drive speakers in the 85db range that dip into 2–4 ohms
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- The AMP23R offers more texture, layering, mid-bass, and vocal presence than Nagra INT
- The AMP23R is more organic, ethereal, and dynamic than Kinki Studio EXM1
- It sounds better than the Vinnie Rossi L2iSE, so long as the speakers are easy to drive
- The Enleum has more delicacy and finesse than Pass Labs and Cary Audio
- The AMP23R stacks up with the finest gear such as ampsandsound Bryce monoblocks
- Pass Labs First Watt SIT-3 offers a bit more organic, warmer presentation
Takeaway: The Enleum AMP-23R is a small but mighty integrated amplifier with a unique and addictive sound signature, and it is built with high-quality components. It's a great choice for those with sensitive speakers looking for a reference-quality system in a compact package.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Enleum is an amplifier maker founded by Soo In Chae, and its name joins "enlightenment" with eum, the Korean word for sound. The amplifiers use the company's Ensence circuit, built from discrete transistors with zero negative feedback. Volume is set by changing gain at the input stage instead of attenuating the signal. The AMP-23R is a compact amplifier suited to efficient speakers, and the HPA-23RM headphone amplifier has both voltage and current outputs to suit different headphones. The AMP-54R flagship takes optional phono and streaming DAC modules.
Product Page
Product Page
Feliks Audio
Envy
7345
7345
/
14
Reviews
Feliks Audio is a Polish maker of tube headphone amplifiers, hand-built at its own site in Lubliniec. Most of the range is output-transformerless, so the tubes drive the headphones directly, and the circuits are wired point to point with single-crystal copper. Unusually for tube amplifiers, they drive planar magnetic headphones as well as high-impedance dynamic ones while keeping the noise floor low. Owners can swap both power and driver tubes to change the sound, and the range runs from the compact Echo 2 to the 300B-based Envy flagship.
Expand Details
Product Strengths
- Exceptional build quality with a blend of expertly crafted wood and metal, creating a visually striking and durable statement piece
- Dynamic, rich, and effortless sound with excellent detail, texture, and the right amount of tube magic
- Powerful output capable of driving demanding headphones while maintaining clarity and control
- Versatile performance with a variety of headphones (dynamic and planar) due to its output transformer design, often improving sound for warm or neutral headphones
- Value added by its ability to be used as a pre-amplifier in a stereo system
Product Considerations
- Large size and weight (around 15kg) require ample desk space and sturdy furniture
- Generates heat, which could be a concern in warmer environments without adequate ventilation
- Accidental switching of 'On/Off' is possible due to the touch-sensitive bar in the front not being intuitive, so use with care around pets
- Too powerful for some very sensitive IEMs, potentially resulting in overwhelming sound or audible hiss, though this is not the intended design for the amplifier
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Vs HIFIMAN Susvara, Envy empowers Susvara's natural presentation while giving it all the dynamics and slam needed
- Vs Cayin HA-300MkII, Envy exhibits more linear mid-to-high frequencies and offers a more transparent sound, while HA-300MkII has a warmer—more engaging midrange
- Vs AURIS Headonia 2A3, Envy performs at the same level, with technically incredibly strong aspects
- Vs Octave V 16, Envy completely demolishes the V 16 when it comes to energy, control, timbre, and resolution
- Vs Ferrum OOR, Envy is more powerful sounding, while also being more detailed with better tonality
Takeaway:
The Felix Audio Envy is a high-end headphone amplifier for audio enthusiasts who want the best quality sound to bring out the magic in their favorite headphones. Its stunning design and versatile performance make it a worthwhile addition to any serious audiophile setup.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Feliks Audio is a Polish maker of tube headphone amplifiers, hand-built at its own site in Lubliniec. Most of the range is output-transformerless, so the tubes drive the headphones directly, and the circuits are wired point to point with single-crystal copper. Unusually for tube amplifiers, they drive planar magnetic headphones as well as high-impedance dynamic ones while keeping the noise floor low. Owners can swap both power and driver tubes to change the sound, and the range runs from the compact Echo 2 to the 300B-based Envy flagship.
Product Page
Product Page
Naim
Uniti Nova
6899
6899
/
13
Reviews
Naim's idea is one streaming platform shared from the entry-level Uniti Atom up to the flagship ND 555 player. The British company, founded in 1973, designs many components to be upgraded later, for example by adding an external power supply instead of replacing the unit. Oversized, lit volume knobs are a design signature across several lines. The Uniti Atom suits a small room or a second system, the Uniti Star adds CD playback and ripping, and the Mu-so 2nd Generation is on our Best Wireless Speakers list.
Expand Details
Product Strengths
- Combines comprehensive functionality, connectivity and usability with good performance, and elegant design
- Exceptional sound quality is described as refined, muscular, detailed, confident, transparent, and natural
- Easy to use, has a great control app, a remote, and an intuitive interface that removes itself from the system
- Well-built with premium materials, including CNC-machined aluminum casework, finned heat sinks, and a hefty toroidal transformer
- Has a musicality that makes it hard to be objective about, the music flows as you listen and makes you want to repeat
Product Considerations
- Overheating may occur due to undersized heatsinks under demanding conditions
- Naim's speaker connectors may be unique, although banana plugs are an acceptable workaround
- Although a detail performer, it isn't the quietest digital source or imaging performer in the market
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Vs Uniti Star: The Nova has a more substantial amplifier section, with greater current delivery and stability into tricky loads
- Vs SuperUniti: The Nova offers a more dynamic, detailed, fluid, and natural sound–with a bigger soundstage
- Vs Chord Electronics CPM2800 MkII: The Nova is closer spiritually to separates like the Chord CPM2800 MkII than to other all-in-one systems
- Vs NAD M10: The Naim Unit Nova has full unwavering control of the entire frequency range, from the deepest chest-thumping bass to the most delicate highs
- Vs Naim Uniti Atom: The Nova has more power to get a good result in bigger rooms, whereas the Atom needs to be in a smaller room
Takeaway: The Naim Uniti Nova is a well-designed and easy-to-use all-in-one system that combines comprehensive functionality with very good sound quality. It's a good choice for those who want a convenient and high-performing audio solution without the complexity of separates.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Naim's idea is one streaming platform shared from the entry-level Uniti Atom up to the flagship ND 555 player. The British company, founded in 1973, designs many components to be upgraded later, for example by adding an external power supply instead of replacing the unit. Oversized, lit volume knobs are a design signature across several lines. The Uniti Atom suits a small room or a second system, the Uniti Star adds CD playback and ripping, and the Mu-so 2nd Generation is on our Best Wireless Speakers list.
Product Page
Product Page
LUXMAN
L-507Z
8995
8995
/
11
Reviews
Luxman’s new generation Z series integrated amplifiers. The L-507Z is the debut model heralding our new generation of amplifier products. Featuring our newly developed LIFES amplification feedback engine, we look towards the future of Luxman. This amplifier has realized a dramatic development in musicality that goes far beyond its class. L-507Z combines advanced technology and sophisticated functionality. Our new, innovative Z series integrated amplifier generation begins with this superb model.
LUXMAN still fits tone controls to its flagship amplifiers, using a circuit that goes back to the SQ-5A of 1961. The Japanese company started its business in 1925, the year radio broadcasting began in Japan, and builds amplifiers, tube models among them, alongside analog and digital players. Reviewers hear a musical, natural sound. The larger power amplifiers use LUXMAN's own circuits, ODNF in the M-700u and M-900u and LIFES in the M-10X. The M-200 can be bridged to mono for more power, and the L-590AXII is on our All Class A Amplifiers list.
Expand Details
Product Strengths
- Delivers music with a very pure, low-grain tonality, not compromised by frequency response or dynamic trickery
- Beautifully crafted with a traditional, recognizable Luxman aesthetic and excellent build quality
- Has enough power to drive a wide range of speakers
- Possesses a good moving magnet (MM) and moving coil (MC) phono stage
- Features the new Luxman Integrated Feedback Engine System (LIFES) amplifier topology
Product Considerations
- The volume control can be finicky and hard to dial in
- Some reviewers wished it had separate phono inputs for MM and MC cartridges, instead of a selectable one
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Versus Hegel H590, the Hegel has more relaxed sound, while the Luxman has a more forward presentation, brilliance and sheen—the Hegel had better bass control
- The 507Z is a step up from the Luxman L-507UX2 with improved aesthetics, including a new LED display
- Versus the Luxman L-590II (Class A), the L-590II is slightly warmer, but less dynamic
- Some 509X owners preferred the Luxman L-507Z
Takeaway: The Luxman L-507Z is a beautiful and well-built amplifier that produces pure, high-quality sound. It has enough power for most speakers and offers versatile features like tone controls and a phono stage, making it a great choice for an all-in-one audio solution.
Video review
Our take on the brand
LUXMAN still fits tone controls to its flagship amplifiers, using a circuit that goes back to the SQ-5A of 1961. The Japanese company started its business in 1925, the year radio broadcasting began in Japan, and builds amplifiers, tube models among them, alongside analog and digital players. Reviewers hear a musical, natural sound. The larger power amplifiers use LUXMAN's own circuits, ODNF in the M-700u and M-900u and LIFES in the M-10X. The M-200 can be bridged to mono for more power, and the L-590AXII is on our All Class A Amplifiers list.
Product Page
Product Page
What competes at this price?
Marantz
Model M4
3500
/
Released
2024
MODEL M4 is a four-zone, rack-mountable distribution amplifier engineered to offer superb Marantz sound from a wide range of streamed music services, locally connected music sources, and your TV.
Marantz is a hifi and home theater brand founded in 1953. It started in New York, and Shirakawa Audio Works has been its manufacturing home since 2002. Many of its amplifiers use HDAM, Marantz's own modules that replace standard op-amps, and HEOS streaming is built into its receivers and network products for multi-room playback. The CINEMA receivers include the slimline Cinema 70s, and entry receivers have preamp outputs for every channel so power amplifiers can be added later. The PM7000N combines a DAC, network streaming and a phono input in one integrated amplifier.
Expand Details
Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Delivers 100 watts per channel across four independent zones, ensuring even demanding speakers can be driven with ease
- Integrated HEOS technology allows effortless streaming of music or TV audio to different rooms independently or grouped
- Supports high-resolution audio formats, including DSD and PCM up to 24-bit/192kHz
- Features Marantz Music Digital Filtering (MMDF) to reveal natural detail and tonality in music
- Offers versatile connectivity options with multiple inputs and outputs for various audio sources
Product Considerations
- Requires an Ethernet connection, as it does not have built-in Wi-Fi
Takeaway: The Marantz Model M4 is a powerful and versatile amplifier that delivers high-quality audio throughout your home. Its seamless streaming capabilities and robust design make it a great choice for audiophiles seeking a premium multi-room audio experience.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Marantz is a hifi and home theater brand founded in 1953. It started in New York, and Shirakawa Audio Works has been its manufacturing home since 2002. Many of its amplifiers use HDAM, Marantz's own modules that replace standard op-amps, and HEOS streaming is built into its receivers and network products for multi-room playback. The CINEMA receivers include the slimline Cinema 70s, and entry receivers have preamp outputs for every channel so power amplifiers can be added later. The PM7000N combines a DAC, network streaming and a phono input in one integrated amplifier.
Product Page
Product Page
Cambridge Audio
EVO 150
2999
/
Released
2021
With Evo 150, we've brought your audio past and present into the future. With outstanding Hypex NCore Class D amplification and our class-leading StreamMagic streaming platform on board, all you need to do is add speakers to enjoy superb high-resolution audio quality from one elegant, discreet box. And thanks to its suite of digital and analogue inputs, as well as its high-quality digital-to-analogue converter, Evo can be the heart of your hi-fi system for years to come.
Cambridge Audio picks its parts by ear, choosing toroidal transformers and ESS Sabre DAC chips for how they sound rather than how they measure. The British company launched in 1968 and now makes turntables, streamers, amplifiers, speakers and earbuds. The Edge A integrated amplifier uses the company's own Class XA amplification and twin toroidal transformers, and the EVO 75 builds in streaming through the StreamMagic Gen 4 module. Owners who want streaming and amplification in one box can start with the EVO 150, which heads our Best Streaming Amplifiers list.
Expand Details
Our Summary
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.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Cambridge Audio picks its parts by ear, choosing toroidal transformers and ESS Sabre DAC chips for how they sound rather than how they measure. The British company launched in 1968 and now makes turntables, streamers, amplifiers, speakers and earbuds. The Edge A integrated amplifier uses the company's own Class XA amplification and twin toroidal transformers, and the EVO 75 builds in streaming through the StreamMagic Gen 4 module. Owners who want streaming and amplification in one box can start with the EVO 150, which heads our Best Streaming Amplifiers list.
Product Page
Product Page
Naim
Uniti Atom Headphone Edition
3799
/
Released
2021
There is no easier way for you to get up close and personal with music than with the Uniti Atom Headphone Edition; put on your headphones, take yourself away, with no distractions. For even more flexibility, you can keep up to three headphones plugged in and switch sets depending on your listening preference.
Naim's idea is one streaming platform shared from the entry-level Uniti Atom up to the flagship ND 555 player. The British company, founded in 1973, designs many components to be upgraded later, for example by adding an external power supply instead of replacing the unit. Oversized, lit volume knobs are a design signature across several lines. The Uniti Atom suits a small room or a second system, the Uniti Star adds CD playback and ripping, and the Mu-so 2nd Generation is on our Best Wireless Speakers list.
Expand Details
Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Offers a comprehensive and flexible specification, functioning as a headphone amplifier and streaming preamp
- Produces superb sound quality, described as clear, pure, detailed, dynamic, and musical, without being overly analytical, regardless of genre or recording quality
- Features a well-made, elegant, and attractive design with a beautiful screen for album art and a satisfying volume control
- Supports a comprehensive range of streaming services and digital formats including AirPlay 2, Chromecast, Spotify Connect, Tidal Connect, Qobuz, Bluetooth, UPnP, and Internet Radio, and is Roon Ready
- Intuitive and stable app, especially for those who know what they want to listen to
Product Considerations
- The price is high relative to other headphone amplifiers/DACs on the market
- The front display is not a touchscreen
- Some might prefer a more analytical sound presentation
- The HDMI ARC connection is absent
- The Naim app lacks polish compared to dedicated music apps
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Vs Cambridge Audio Evo 150 and NAD M10—the Uniti Atom Headphone Edition is specifically focused on headphone use
- As a headphone amp, it is every bit as good as the Chord Hugo TT2
- Naim puts less of itself into the performance as opposed to McIntosh MHA200
Takeaway: The Uniti Atom Headphone Edition is a great self-contained system for headphone listening, with an easy-to-use interface and a beautiful design. It is a quality product that can be a centerpiece for your home audio.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Naim's idea is one streaming platform shared from the entry-level Uniti Atom up to the flagship ND 555 player. The British company, founded in 1973, designs many components to be upgraded later, for example by adding an external power supply instead of replacing the unit. Oversized, lit volume knobs are a design signature across several lines. The Uniti Atom suits a small room or a second system, the Uniti Star adds CD playback and ripping, and the Mu-so 2nd Generation is on our Best Wireless Speakers list.
Product Page
Product Page
Audiolab
9000A
2999
/
Released
2022
As ever, the 9000A is the centre of the audiolab focus in being the beating heart of any high-performance audio system. It's more powerful, capable and feature-packed than any of the preceding models – the most advanced audiolab integrated amplifier yet.
Audiolab's idea from the start was hifi that cost less and was simpler to use than the equipment of its day. The British company was founded in 1983 by Imperial College students Philip Swift and Derek Scotland. It has long built its digital sections around ESS Sabre DAC chips, and the main range has three tiers, the 6000, 7000 and 9000 series. Reviewers hear detailed, punchy sound with refinement. The 7000A adds HDMI ARC for a television, and the Omnia puts an amplifier, CD player and streamer in one box.
Expand Details
Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Sonic clarity, detail resolution, and control
- Sturdy build and fine finish with solid casework and nicely damped
- Flexible product offering integrated, pre-amp, or pre-power combo options
- Balanced nature means that no particular genre of music is favored above any other
- Impressively equipped with a wide range of inputs including RCA, XLR, Coax, Optical, USB B, and Bluetooth 5.0 with aptX HD and LDAC
Product Considerations
- Dynamic contrasts could be stronger
- Rhythmic drive could be stronger
- Phono stage a little flat-footed
- The display graphics on the screen can be on the small side to read from across a room
- Treble could be more exciting and dynamic
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Vs Audiolab 6000A: Offers better instrumental separation, clarity of guitar strings, and a fuller bass response
- Vs Naim Nait XS3 or Rega Elicit Mk5: Delivers less entertainment and rhythmic drive
Takeaway: The Audiolab 9000A is a capable and flexible amplifier offering sonic clarity and a range of features to slot easily into most systems. It charms and delights, never forcing music onto your ears but always upgrading the sound for great speaker performance.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Audiolab's idea from the start was hifi that cost less and was simpler to use than the equipment of its day. The British company was founded in 1983 by Imperial College students Philip Swift and Derek Scotland. It has long built its digital sections around ESS Sabre DAC chips, and the main range has three tiers, the 6000, 7000 and 9000 series. Reviewers hear detailed, punchy sound with refinement. The 7000A adds HDMI ARC for a television, and the Omnia puts an amplifier, CD player and streamer in one box.
Product Page
Product Page
Rega
Elicit MK5
3345
/
Released
2022
The all new Elicit MK5 stereo integrated amplifier is designed and built to the highest standard. Housed in our latest custom case to match the rest of the Rega range, the new MK5 builds on previous Rega designs by using our multi-award-winning Class A/B power amplifier circuit to deliver a powerful 105 W per channel into 8 Ω loads (127 W into 6 Ω). Our engineers have designed a new Rega DAC circuit offering digital connectivity and greater integration with a variety of other products. We have taken great care to incorporate a high-quality MM phono stage and the headphone output has been configured such that the speaker switching is performed by the output mute relay to avoid obstructing the signal path.
Rega's turntables are light where everyone else's are heavy. The British company, founded in 1973 and still owned by co-founder Roy Gandy, builds stiff, low-mass plinths, makes its own tonearms, and assembles everything by hand in the south east of England. Reviewers hear the result as timing and musical coherence. The Planar 1 Plus has a phono stage built in, so it plugs straight into an amplifier or a pair of powered speakers, and the Planar 3 heads our Best Turntables list.
Expand Details
Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Ground-breakingly different than its predecessor (Elicit-R) and the Elex R, integrating the Athos sound and signature
- Combines musicality with a real sense of propulsion
- Taut, punchy, clear sound with impressive clarity and detail
- Excellent built-in moving magnet phono stage, delivering enjoyable results across various music genres
- Internal DAC is of good quality, sitting comfortably beside the analogue line stages in quality, with lively and punchy character, strong detail levels, and dynamic contrasts
- Lacks USB input or Bluetooth connectivity
Product Considerations
- May run hotter than usual
- Can sound a little bright tonally, requiring careful speaker choice
- Volume control steps on the remote may be too large for precise adjustments
- Functional looking rather than stylish
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Vs. Roksan K2: The Elicit MK5 is a brawny amplifier with a full package for the audiophile journey
- Vs. Exposure 3510: The Elicit has a decent headphone option and the MM input, while the Exposure would suit if one already has a decent phono stage and a DAC in place
- Vs. Cambridge Audio Edge NQ / 2 x PA-10: While the Edge / PA-10 setup justifies its higher sticker, the Rega Elicit MK5 has a ballsier take on music
Takeaway: The Rega Elicit MK5 is a well-built amplifier that delivers a detailed, clear, and punchy sound, making music sound great and alive. With its integrated DAC and phono stage, it is ready to be the heart of any great listening setup.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Rega's turntables are light where everyone else's are heavy. The British company, founded in 1973 and still owned by co-founder Roy Gandy, builds stiff, low-mass plinths, makes its own tonearms, and assembles everything by hand in the south east of England. Reviewers hear the result as timing and musical coherence. The Planar 1 Plus has a phono stage built in, so it plugs straight into an amplifier or a pair of powered speakers, and the Planar 3 heads our Best Turntables list.
Product Page
Product Page
How to buy
Amplifiers
Search every hifi product
Explore our database of 10,000+ new and 25,000+ used hifi products.
