In this review we feature the best stereo amplifiers that provide high performance sound output per channel for your speakers. These stereo amplifiers come with high quality integrated circuitry to reduce distortion and provide natural sound amplification. Furthermore, these stereo amplifiers deliver multi-zone audio for separate audio channels for multiple stereo setups. Our experts have tested numerous stereo amplifiers to determine which ones provide the best sound quality. We also liked the fact that some of these stereo amplifiers support bass boost and direct mode functionality and large custom audio capacitators. They are also well designed and blend in easily into modern home interior décor. If you are looking for some of the best stereo amplifiers for your audio setup, be sure to check out our top picks below!
#1 Best Overall: Yamaha A-S301BL Stereo Amplifier
Power Rating: 60W + 60W, 20 Hz to 20 kHz frequency range
Connections: Digital coax, Toslink optical input, analog inputs
What we liked: Natural sound amplifications, wide frequency response
View Full Specs: Yamaha A-S301BL Stereo Amplifier
The Yamaha A-S301BL integrated stereo amplifier is an essential part of any sound system as it provides clear amplification. It can amplify two signals up to 60 W with a frequency range between 20 Hz and 20,000 Hz, maintaining the signal as accurate as possible even at maximum power, with a total harmonic distortion rate of only 0.019%.
The preamplifier can be connected through multiple mediums, such as a digital coaxial cable, a TOSLIKNK digital optical input, as well as analogue inputs including RCA. The unit can switch between inputs using a dial located on the front of the amplifier, lighting up with an LED the current selection. The amplifier has 3 modes available, one for each speaker at a time and the third for both speakers and a subwoofer output.
The A-S301BL stereo amplifier also offers controls over the bass and treble, as well as the output balance between the speakers and the loudness, enabling users to have full control over the shape of the sound. The master volume dial is placed on the far right and adjusts the signal at the end of the processing chain.
#2 Best Portable: Fosi Audio TDA7498E Stereo Amplifier
Power Rating: 160W x 2 (4 ohms, 20 Hz to 20 kHz)
Connections: Compatible with iPod, iPhones, mp3 players, CD players
What we liked: 2.0CH audio integrated amplifier, aluminium enclosed
View Full Specs: Fosi Audio TDA7498E Stereo Amplifier
The Fosi Audio TDA7498E is high quality and simple 2 cannel stereo amplifier designed to bring nothing but crystal clear audio. The amplifier is built in such a way to minimize any external sounds including the noise floor, being dead silent when no signal is sent through. It can support 2 signals and boost them up to 160 watts each, with a total harmonic distortion of 0.04% when the impedance is 4 ohms and the frequency ranges between 20 Hz and 20 kHz.
The TDA7498E stereo amplifier can take in the signal from a wide range of devices such as phones, media players, TVs, digital assistants, CD players and streaming services. The front-end of the amplifier has a minimalistic design which only features 1 switch to control the on/off status and 1 dial to control the output level.
Finally, the TDA7498E takes in a multitude of analogue inputs such as bare wire, banana plugs, spade lugs and pin terminators. It’s a class D amplifier built with capacitors, which are responsible for the traditional analogue sound the amplifier outputs.
#3 Best Value: Onkyo M-5010 Stereo Amplifier
Power Rating: 75 W/channel (8 ohms, 1 kHz, 0.0% THD)
Connections: Delivers multi-zone audio, daisy-chain features with additional M-5010s
What we liked: Three-stage inverted circuitry to reduce distortion
View Full Specs: Onkyo M-5010 Stereo Amplifier
The Onkyo M-5010 is a 2 channel amplifier with a simple design created to deliver clear and powerful signals for speakers. The amplifier can boost 2 signals up to 75 watts each and render a total harmonic distortion of 0.08% when the impedance is 8 Ohms and the frequency is 1000 Hz. The Onkoyo amplifier can deliver multi-zone audio with select Onkyo AV receivers, enabling 11-channel surround.
This stereo amplifier uses a three-stage inverted Darlington circuit that reduces distortion to a level where not even the most experience professionals can notice. The M-5010 can be daisy-chained with additional units of the same device for bi-amping or multi-zone audio. It also features an impedance selector switch between 4-8 Ohms and 8-16 Ohms, offering another degree of flexibility in processing the incoming signal.
The signal-to-noise ratio is outstanding at 110 dB. The Onkyo M-5010 is suited to tackle fast-changing dynamics generally associated to movie soundtracks and also delivers a nuanced and musical performance for other types of audio content such as music of any kind of genre.
#4 Best for Hi-Fi: Onkyo A-9110 Stereo Amplifier
Power Rating: 50 W + 50 W (4 ohms, 20 Hz to 20 kHz)
Connections: Direct mode for source-authentic audio reproduction
What we liked: High-current EL transformer, large custom audio capacitors
View Full Specs: Onkyo A-9110 Stereo Amplifier
The A-9110 integrated stereo amplifier by Onkyo provides users with a high level of control and delivers exceptional signal quality suitable for audio enthusiasts and more. It provides amplification to 2 channels of up to 50 watts with an impedance of 4 ohms and a total harmonic distortion of 0.9% between 20 Hz and 20 kHz of range. It is equipped with a Direct Mode switches which enables the signal to bypass the unit without further additional processing.
The A-9110 stereo amplifier uses a phase matching bass boost technology that enhances lower frequencies in a subtle and powerful way. The integrated Wide Range Amplification Technology delivers high-current power stability via large custom capacitators, while low NFB amps capture the depth and spatiality of analogue and high resolution recordings.
It features 5 RCA inputs and is equipped with controls over the bass and treble dials, as well as a balance dial which determine the power output to each channel. This amplifier delivers on its promise of binging excellent signal quality which is suitable in multiple contexts, including listening to music and movie soundtracks.
#5 Best Budget: Yamaha R-S202BL Stereo Amplifier
Power Rating: 40 Station FM/AM preset tuning, 10 Hz to 100 kHz frequency
Connections: Advanced circuitry design, speaker selector for two systems
What we liked: Brushed aluminium and simplistic design
View Full Specs: Yamaha R-S202BL Stereo Amplifier
The Yamaha R-S202BL is one of the best stereo amplifiers that provides crystal clear sound performance and vibrant stereo sound. The R-S202BL features advanced circuitry design with integrated Bluetooth for streaming music. This amplifier features 40 station FM/AM preset tuning with a frequency response from 10 Hz to 100 kHz. The Yamaha stereo amplifier has a brushed aluminium finish and simplistic design. It also comes with a speaker selector for two systems.
We liked the fact that each detail in this amplifier is optimized for maximum power and minimal interference – the power transformer is positioned near the amp circuit for peak power supply. The signal ground and power supply ground connect at one point, achieving a higher S/N ratio. We also liked the fact that the amplifier has an ECO mode that allows you to set the standby mode to drop power consumption to 0.5W automatically.
#6 Most Versatile: Sherwood RX4508 200W Stereo Amplifier
Power Rating: 100W + 100W (2 channel, 40 Hz to 20 kHz)
Connections: 3 audio inputs, 2 audio outputs and phone input
What we liked: aptX audio codec, versatile digital tuning functions
View Full Specs: Sherwood RX4508 200W Stereo Amplifier
The Sherwood RX4508 stereo amplifier has been designed to bring users high quality signal processing and convenience with a single device. It is equipped with Quartz PLL Synthesized Digital Tuning and functions to autoscan. In can tune in both AM and FM frequencies using TuneTone direct, and it also has controls over the bass and treble levels.
The stereo amplifier features 3 inputs and an additional phono input, as well as 2 audio outputs. It uses the aptX audio codec for high quality conversion with minimal loss of data. The unit has a high quality amplifier which provides stereo signal power of up to 100 watts and features a discreet amplifier stage.
The RX4508 can also connect to any Bluetooth enabled device, creating a dedicated connection to a smartphone, tablet or laptop and forwarding the signal onto an external speaker with minimal distortion or interference. This unit works very well for users who need high power outputs from signals which are traditionally quiet such as radio frequencies and Bluetooth transmission.
#7 Best Design: Pioneer Elite A-20 Stereo Amplifier
Power Rating: 50W + 50W (20 Hz to 20 kHz, 0.1% THD)
Connections: Speaker A,B, A+B selector
What we liked: Elegant design, isolated power supply
View Full Specs: Pioneer Elite A-20 Stereo Amplifier
The Pioneer Elite A-20 is a 2-channel integrated amplifier with a Direct Energy design, suitable for providing the highest quality audio processing. It features a symmetrical power amplifier and an isolated power supply which ensures safe and consistent outputs at high power levels. It allows users to toggle between the outputs, either have both at the same time, or just one of them.
The A-20 stereo amplifier provides powers of up to 50 watts for each channel with only 0.1 total harmonic distortion at an impedance of 4 ohms and range between 20 Hz and 20 kHz. The Elite A-20 can take in multiple inputs such as an analogue auxiliary input, FM and AM radio, tape recorder and even a moving magnet phono stage for vinyl records.
Furthermore, the Pioneer amplifier can boost the signal of those mediums effortlessly and integrate them into any sound system with minimal distortion or noise, resulting in a high-quality, audiophile-friendly sonic output. The device also allows users to control the amount of bass and treble for their output, as well as the balance between the speakers.
#8 Best High Performance: Onkyo A-9150 Stereo Amplifier
Power Rating: 60 W/Ch. (4 ohms, 20 Hz to 20 kHz, 0.08% THD)
Connections: RCA audio inputs, MC phono input, 2 optical digital inputs, 2 coaxial inputs
What we liked: Brushed aluminium and simplistic design
View Full Specs: Onkyo A-9150 Stereo Amplifier
The Onkyo A-9150 integrated amplifier provides a high quality sonic experience for the pickiest of listeners. It can power 2 channels up 60 watts each with a resulting harmonic distortion of only 0.08% at a resistance of 4 ohms and a frequency between 20 Hz and 20 kHz by using a high current power supply transformer and 2 high-grade customized capacitors.
The Discrete Spectra module produces high instantaneous voltage for stereo space and frequency separation, providing a better listening experience through instrument separation and better transient response. The digital to analogue converter renders digital media and music CDs accurately, simulating the sound intended by the recording engineer. It uses a DIDRC filter to prevent ultra-high frequency distortion that spills into the audible domain, preventing aliasing.
We also liked the fact that the A-9150 stereo amplifier uses 4 gold-plated RCA inputs alongside a phono input, 2 digital optical cable inputs, 2 coaxial digital inputs and a pair of gold=plated speakers posts to suit cable with banana plugs. The device also gives users control over the bass and treble, as well as the balance between the speakers, and a direct button which bypasses any processing.
#9 Best Wireless: Grace Digital GDI-100W Stereo Amplifier
Power Rating: True 100 Watt Class D Digital Amplifier
Connections: Built-in aptX Bluetooth 4.0, aux-in jack
What we liked: Classy button controls, Bluetooth antenna, 2 amp USB
View Full Specs: Grace Digital GDI-100W Stereo Amplifier
The Grace Digital GDI-BTAR512N is an integrated stereo amplifier with a wireless receiver which is suitable for providing high quality analogue signal processing. The device can connect to any Bluetooth-enabled device and create a dedicated connection to the laptop, smartphone or tablet. The unite has a high performance Bluetooth antenna which ensures a high-quality transmission with no loss of information.
It is a class D amplifier which can boost signals to 100 watts with a total harmonic distortion of less than 0.1% at a power of 50 watts. It is compact in size, meaning that it can fit easily in any kind of already existing setup, whether it’s a rack, bookshelf or desk. It is equipped with enhanced noise filtering that helps lower the noise floor, resulting in clearer audio, especially in quiet passages.
The front panel is equipped with an audio source section button, controls over the volume, bass, treble and balance and everything is indicated by LED lights for ease of use. It can also connect using a line out, auxiliary in and an USB socket for charging smartphones or tablets.
#10 Best DAC Amplifier: Micca OriGain Stereo Amplifier
Power Rating: 50W x 2 power output
Connections: USB, optical audio output
What we liked: Compact and portable design, easy to setup
View Full Specs: Micca OriGain Stereo Amplifier
The Micca OriGain integrated amplifier provides high quality signal processing through a compact unit with minimalist design, making it easy for users to implement and use. It is a stereo amplifier which can boost the signal up to 50 watts for each channel into 4 ohms of impedance and 30 watts per channel into 8 ohms of impedance, resulting in a total of 0.5% harmonic distortion.
The Micca stereo amplifier has an integrated digital to analogue converter which enables this unit to take in digital signals through different mediums at a maximum sampling rate of 96 kHz and a bit depth of 24. It can connect using USB, digital optical cables or an analogue S/PDIF connector. The Micca OriGain includes a UL Certified 24V/4.75A power adapter with a level VI Energy Efficiency rating that enables users to power their device in the most sustainable and efficient way.
This unit is suitable to be used in any kind of environment, either at home for powering a set of speakers or in studio for monitoring purposes. It is easy to use and integrate and its small size makes it very convenient. If you are looking for one of the best stereo amplifiers with DAC functionality, be sure to check out the Micca OriGain amplifier.