Stereo amplifiers are no longer as straightforward and uncomplicated as they once were. The days of only having analogue inputs and outputs, as well as a pair of speaker terminals, are long gone.
The integrated amplifier has evolved to keep up with the times as laptops, smartphones, and streaming services have become increasingly popular audio sources. Many now have built-in DACs, phono stages for turntables, USB connectors for laptops and hard drives, and Bluetooth streaming. Some even include network streaming, allowing them to function as a full-fledged just-add-speakers system.
Vinyl records and turntables are renowned for generating smooth, rich, and powerful sound. It is great to search for these traits in an amplifier when selecting one to use with our turntable.
All of the amplifiers recommended in this article are high-quality amplifiers with a strong focus on high-fidelity sound. They’ve been hand-picked for vinyl collectors.
When looking for the best amplifier, there are a few things to keep in mind. And first, it all depends on whether or not your turntable already has a built-in preamplifier. If that’s the case, you’ll need a power amplifier. If you don’t, a primary (integrated) amplifier or a preamplifier/amplifier combination would be the best option.
When do you need a preamplifier?
A preamp is required if you want to connect your record player to external speakers or audio systems. However, you may already have one without realizing it. Internal preamps are found in several turntables. Some of the components you might want to connect to your turntable, such as a receiver or amplifier, have similar requirements.
We took this into consideration, so whatever your requirements are, you’ll find anything on our list to meet them. We also looked at an amplifier’s frequency response, which refers to the frequency range it amplifies, impedance, and total harmonic distortion, among other things.
Quick Comparison of Top Amp/Receiver
Top 5 amplifiers for turntables
Pyle Power Amplifier System for Home Audio
When it comes to fantastic and high-quality sound, a power amplifier is a must-have. These components are required in a home sound system in order to complete your audio setup and provide the amazing sound that will bring your home to life and make you have a good time. There are other categories to choose from, but we recommend the Pyle Home Audio Power Amplifier System. This home audio power amplifier system has a lot of great features that we really like.
Pyle is known for producing some of the highest-rated power amplifiers on the market, and this model is no exception. It is composed of high-quality materials, much like the greatest models on the market, to ensure that it lasts a long time. It has a small footprint and will make a big contribution to sound quality.
This model is quite adaptable and can be utilized in a variety of different situations. All of the features are reasonably priced and provide excellent value for money.
This is a two-channel amplifier with a 120 W power output at 4 ohms. A pair of level controls, a power LED output level display, helpful and extremely responsive EQ controls, and the connect-and-stream function are just a few of the other features that will make you delighted.
It may get a little warm while in use. Fortunately, there is an air-cooling mechanism to prevent overheating. While the product is well-made, it only comes with a one-year warranty. As a result, if you have any issues during that time, you can replace or repair them at no additional expense.
This fantastic device is missing a high-powered headphone output. Given the pricing, we would have expected it to include this feature.
Turntable
Pros
- Affordable
- Warranty: 1 year
- Solid build
- Protection against overheating
- Exceptional performance
Cons
- Lacks high end headphone output
Features
- Type: power amplifier
- THD: 3%
- Audio: 2 channels, 20, 32, 120W
- Power output: 120W
- Impedance: 4 Ohm
- FR: 20 Hz – 40 kHz
Additional features include an LED display of the output level, EQ adjustments, a push type speaker terminal, connect and stream, and a 1-year guaranteed warranty.
Yamaha A-S501BL
The Yamaha A-S501BL is a solidly built amplifier. It’s substantial, feels robust, and will most likely last you for years. It not only performs admirably for the price, but it also comes with a slew of handy functions.
From its remote-control handset to its intended hefty finish, the detailing is to be paid special attention to. This amplifier has an old-school, retro air about it, and it reminds us of the best vintage amplifiers from the past.
The design itself also conveys a lot of information. Unlike its competitors, buyers have overwhelmingly believed that the Yamaha will last a long time.
Why is this the case? The fact that it has 5-line level inputs, a 0.5W standby power consumption, and a moving magnet phono stage backs this up. The only thing it lacks is the ability to connect to a computer through USB, but this isn’t a deal breaker for many Yamaha fans, who prefer to use it with a TV, Blu-ray player, or, of course, a turntable. Another minor flaw is the lack of built-in Bluetooth, but this may easily be remedied by using an outboard unit such as the YBA-11.
The addition of digital inputs, as well as optical and coax connectors, distinguishes the device from its predecessor. The Yamaha A-weight S501BL’s and feel are also noteworthy features. The bulkiness of the Yamaha’s predecessor was a complaint from customers. This appears to have been taken into account in the new and improved version, with the new model receiving more good comments for its lean and bright balance. The sound has improved significantly; it is now cleaner and more consistent.
Pros
- Strong build
- High power
- Spacious sound
- Easy-to-use
Cons
- Bluetooth isn’t built in
- No USB connection
Features
- Type: integrated amplifier
- Audio: 2 channels 85 W/Ch
- Impedance: 8 Ohm
- FR: 20 Hz – 20 kHz
- Power output: 120 W
Additional features include an 8-hour auto standby mode and gold-plated analog inputs, including phono.
Kinter K2020a+
Integrated amplifiers are the way of the future in home audio, and the Kinter K2020A+ is unquestionably one of the best solutions available right now. Out of all the models we’ve looked at, this one is the most compatible.
Up to four different types of controls are available with this tiny alternative. Tone, loudness, treble, and bass are the four parameters. You’ll get the type of output you desire using the settings and design.
The little amplifier is merely an extruded metal 4.7 by 5.8 by 1.6-inch box with plastic volume, bass, and treble buttons, and it doesn’t look like much. It’s certainly small enough to fit into even the busiest desktop programs.
The Tripath power chip, which developed a tech cult following for its “tube like” sound, is the K2020A+’s not-so-secret sauce. I wouldn’t go quite that far, but the amp’s 20-watt-per-channel output was plenty to make my Dayton Audio B652 Air speakers sing. The speakers are priced at roughly $50 for a pair. Inspired by what I heard, I paired the K2020A+ with Emotiva’s excellent Airmotiv B1 bookshelf speakers, which retail for $299 a pair. The audio quality was excellent.
The K2020A+ is an excellent choice for a modest bedroom, den, or office system, or as a first amplifier for beginner audiophiles.
The soundstage was truly massive when listening to Cliff Martinez’s theme for The Knick TV. The sound of the all-synth music grew to fill the full front wall of my listening area. True, the B652 Air speakers’ powerful bass didn’t bother my downstairs neighbors, but definition was adequate.
The K2020A+ differs from the similar-looking Lepai LP2020Ti amp in two major ways: the K2020A+ uses the Tripath amp chip instead of the Texas Instruments chip found in the K202A+, and the K2020A+ has a greater capacity 5-amp power supply as well as a wall wart. A 3-amp supply is required for the LP2020Ti.
I couldn’t say the differences between the Kinter K2020A+ and the Lepai LP2020Ti were striking, but they were there. The K2020A+ was slightly louder without sounding overly aggressive, and the treble was more open and spacious. Oh, and the K2020A+ is four dollars less than the LP2020Ti right now. Is the NAD C 316BEE V2 amp, which costs more than 12 times as much, a better sounding amp? In every aspect, yes.
Nonetheless, the Kinter K2020A+ is a stunner; it gets the crucial details right, and it sounds surprisingly fantastic for the price. If I’ve piqued your interest in high-quality audio but you don’t have a lot of extra cash, the K2020A+ can give you a taste by streaming Spotify from your computer or phone through a pair of Dayton B652 Air speakers. For less than $100, you’ll be onto a winner.
pro
- Versatile
- Connectors with gold plating
- Robust build
- Robust build
Cons
- Design not that attractive
Features
- Type: integrated amplifier
- 2 channels of audio
- 47 Ohm Impedance
- FR: 20 Hz – 20 KHz
- THD: < 0.5%
- Power output: 2 x 20W
Additional features include an original Tripath TA2020-020 amplifier chip and gold-plated RCA connectors.
Yamaha R-S202BL
The Yamaha R-S202BL Stereo Receiver puts stereo sound first while keeping things simple. There are RCA inputs and outputs, as well as a headphone output, on the unit. This enables the transfer of recordings to external devices such as a CD.
Remember that this is a power amplifier, thus you won’t be able to connect your turntable directly to it. Either the turntable must come equipped with a phono preamplifier or a separate one must be purchased.
To get back to its design, because of its location, this amplifier has the optimum circuit arrangement. Because the power transformer is near the power amplifier. It enables for lower power loss while also increasing power supply for increased output. It also has an IR remote control and can output up to 100W per channel at 8 Ohms. There is also plenty of room for up to 40 AM and FM stations to be stored, which can be carefully selected from either the receiver or the remote control.
Another advantage of this amplifier is its straightforward design, which allows purchasers to quickly discover the device’s controls and dials. It also has Bluetooth capabilities, allowing you to stream music services from many devices. It means you can connect your Bluetooth turntable without having to deal with a tangle of cords and connections.
This amplifier also has a sophisticated power-saving technology as a cherry on top. After a period of time, it switches to standby mode and can be set for 2, 4, 8, or 12-hours.
Pros
- The sound is very strong.
- Compatible with Bluetooth
- Design that is simple but effective
- 2-year limited guarantee
- advanced power-saving system
Cons
- You won’t be able to power more than one set of speakers at once.
Features
- Type: power amplifier
- Audio: 2 channels 100 W/Ch
- 0.2 percent THD
- 100 W of power output
- Impedance: 8 Ohm
- FR: 40 Hz – 20 kHz
- Additional features include tuning presets for 40 FM/AM stations
Douk Audio X1
This classy-looking stereo, despite appearing sophisticated and difficult to grasp, is simple and straightforward to use in homes as desktop audio systems. It works with a wide range of devices, including phones, CD players, TVs, computers, MM record players, and more.
The vacuum tube amplifier can precisely magnify sounds, filtering them out and producing crystal-clear and amazing sound. The music coming through this amplifier is loud and distinct even when listening on low, and it may also be very clear when listening on high frequency.
Although the amplifier has a high output power of 160W x 2, it has a poor frequency output. You can easily modify the tone of the amplifier with the bass and treble knobs to generate a more delicate and smooth sound. You may also fine-tune the sound using the amplifier’s bypass function to create a more unique sound.
This music amplifier also includes Bluetooth connectivity, which is an added bonus. It works with Bluetooth versions 5.0 and APTX-HD to deliver higher-quality audio.
The amplifier’s toggles serve a variety of purposes. The input switch toggle, for example, is utilized with Bluetooth, RCA, and Phono inputs. The tube switch determines whether or not a tube buffer is utilized. The tone switch is used to select whether or not to bypass the tone circuit. The last one is the tube light, which may be adjusted.
Pros
- Lightweight
- Bluetooth compatible
- Classy look
Cons
- Expensive
Features
- power amplifier
- Audio: 2 channels, 40W, 50W
- Impedance: 4-8 Ohm
- Power output: 160W x 2
- Bluetooth 5.0
- FR: 20 Hz – 20 KHz
- THD: 0.5%
Additional features include 4 multi-functional toggles, independent treble/bass control, and volume control
Consider the following
When looking for the perfect amplifier for your turntable, it’s important to pick out which device is most suitable for you. This additional guide and FAQs section will ensure that all of your questions are answered, leaving you satisfied as you leave the store with your amplifier in hand.
What is a turntable amplifier, and why do you need one?
An amplifier is essentially a gadget that boosts the power of a signal. It aids in the enhancement of signal, current, and voltage levels. Most audio equipment that use wireless transmission and broadcasting include it.
It’s vital that we go over the different sorts of amplifiers and their functions to assist you understand why you need one for your turntable.
For a turntable, there are two sorts of amplifiers: those with a built-in pre-amp, known as integrated amplifiers, and those without, known as power amplifiers or stereo receivers.
A preamplifier converts a weak electric signal into a stronger, noise-resistant output that can be used for further processing. Low-power radio and guitar signals are converted into powerful enough signals to trigger loudspeaker devices via a power amplifier. A power amplifier and a preamplifier are combined to form a main (integrated) amplifier.
Fortunately, most new turntables include a pre-amplifier. These work with the cartridge signal from the turntable to amplify and equalize it.
There are many of possibilities in this article for turntables that don’t include a built-in preamplifier.
What characteristics distinguish the best turntable amplifier?
It’s no laughing matter when it comes to selecting the correct amplifier for your turntable. After that, there are some important details to consider when seeking to buy an amplifier that will give you the best bang for your buck, such as the power output, the number of channels, the impedance, frequency response and total harmonic distortion, and the auto standby choices.
Before choosing an amplifier, we recommend that you carefully analyze the RMS and select an amplifier that will overpower rather than underpower your system.
After discussing the relevance of power output when purchasing an amplifier, the number of channels is also an important consideration. Simply put, the number of channels in an amplifier indicates the number of speakers with which it is compatible. A four-channel amplifier, for example, can support four-speaker sets. A 5-channel amplifier, on the other hand, can drive four speakers and a subwoofer at the same time.
Final verdict
When it comes to picking your device, our final conclusion basically comes down to a few key considerations. For a variety of reasons, the Pyle Home Audio Power Amplifier System and the Yamaha R-S202BL Stereo Receiver are at the top of the list. To begin with, both amplifiers are known for specializing in something, whether it’s the Onkyo’s magnificent sound system or the Yamaha R-extensive S202BL’s networking possibilities.
As a result, the Pyle Home Audio Power Amplifier System was chosen as the best integrated amplifier for turntables, easily outperforming the Yamaha A-S501BL in terms of performance and consistency. The latter, however, can be extended to provide Bluetooth compatibility. Accordingly, the Yamaha R-S202BL is the best power amplifier.
Finally, the budget-friendly option would have a significant impact on people looking for the highest added value element. If you’re ready to ignore Bluetooth flaws, or if that type of technology isn’t a deal-breaker, the Kinter K2020A+, which starts at $39.88, could be a good choice.
Hi, my name is Afnan Bin Ibrahim, and I’m an aspiring freelance writer. Read more
