I’m not the most attentive listener, which is why I appreciate contemporary streaming amplifiers. These devices come with controls for services like Spotify, Apple Music, Tidal, and more, integrated into user-friendly interfaces. The quality of streaming amplifiers has significantly improved in recent years. It wasn’t long ago that devices with internet connectivity delivered subpar sound, but that’s no longer the case with the new models on the market. My top recommendations at the moment include the Cambridge Audio Evo 150 ($2,999) and the Naim Uniti Atom ($3,799). Both models feature stunning color displays and offer exceptional sound quality (along with some of the most delightful knobs I’ve ever encountered). They are compatible with virtually every popular streaming service and can connect via Bluetooth.
For a more budget-friendly alternative, consider Yamaha’s R-N1000A ($1,800) stereo network receiver. It boasts high-end components, including a SABRE ES9090Q DAC for high-definition digital audio, along with ample A/B amplification to power nearly any speakers you might have. Equally important, it delivers consistent performance and is rich in connection options, spanning numerous streaming services and internet radio stations to turntable inputs and HDMI ARC for linking to your TV. Its retro aesthetic—bypassing a color screen in favor of a sleek digital display paired with tactile knobs—evokes nostalgia while still providing impressively high sound quality.
If you desire a more simplified option that maintains great sound, check out Outlaw Audio’s RR2160 Mk II ($999). This updated version enhances the remarkable clarity and punch that made the original popular, featuring improvements like hi-res Wi-Fi streaming and Ethernet connectivity. However, this isn’t the ideal choice if you want a plethora of modern features; it lacks an HDMI ARC port for easy TV connectivity and omits ubiquitous streaming standards like Bluetooth and AirPlay. Instead, this affordable powerhouse rewards your investment with outstanding fidelity and ample connectivity options, including a solid phono input for both Moving Magnet and Moving Coil cartridges. Once you hear it, you’ll understand why this makes for a great foundation in a streamlined audio system that emphasizes sound quality.
If your budget is tighter, I highly recommend exploring the Canadian brand NAD. Their amplifiers, such as the NAD C 316 V2 ($399), may not win fashion points, but they deliver exceptional sound for the price. Similar to the options mentioned earlier, the C 316 features a built-in phono channel, allowing you to connect a turntable—a nice perk, especially since NAD’s model doesn’t include streaming capabilities. If you prefer to stream, you can easily find a suitable dongle to connect your phone.
Vinyl is making a comeback! Turntables are more enjoyable—and offer better sound—than ever before. If you’re in the market for a beginner model with audiophile-quality audio, you might want to consider options like the Pro-Ject T1 ($399) or Debut Carbon Evo ($599). For those willing to spend a bit more, we recommend the Rega Planar 2 ($775), which delivers a more open and dynamic sound, and U-Turn’s Orbit Theory ($999), renowned for its impressive performance thanks to features like a custom magnesium tonearm that accurately positions the needle in the groove.
If you possess a vintage stereo system, it likely comes with a built-in phono preamp, allowing you to connect a turntable directly and dive right into listening. However, if you have a more modern stereo setup, you may need to purchase a dedicated phono preamp to enjoy your records through headphones or speakers. Always check both your turntable and stereo, as connectivity can vary, and some turntables feature built-in phono amps that can be activated via a switch. Nonetheless, while some integrated options—like the one found in the Orbit Theory above—perform commendably, others may not meet your sound quality expectations.
