The Final Results Impressive Integrated Amplifiers Test (Part 1)

The verdicts are all in and checked and it’s down to us to reveal the final results of impressive integrated amplifiers test...

All six amps have some very worthwhile features, but in terms of all-round ability there are winners and losers. The Rotel RA-12 is amazingly well equipped for the asking price, which is the lowest in the group. The slightly strained performance with some material and the indifferent ergonomics do count against it somewhat. The Teac AI-1000, on the other hand, is beautifully assembled and with the right music is capable of excellent performance, but it lacks consistency and the limited functionality are issues to take into account.

The Arcam FMJ A19 is a more capable all-rounder and one that is offered at a very agreeable price. The soft bass and safe presentation deny it a top three place, but there are many situations where its amenable ability with most music might be ideal for some listeners. The NAD C 356BEE DAC does steal into the upper half. This is a powerful and lively sounding amplifier with bundles of inputs that as tested also happens to have a very capable USB input, making it a bit of a bargain for anyone looking for an amp to use as a computer audio system.

The Pioneer A-70 has the competition on the ropes in terms of features, though. The combination of digital inputs, the most sophisticated phonon stage in the test and the promise of the most horsepower would be irrelevant if the A-70 didn’t sound good, but it is a very tonally sweet and detailed amplifier that can approach a wide variety of musical styles with confidence and do justice to all of them. When you consider the excellent build quality as well, you have an amplifier that very nearly takes the top spot.

Winner

No other amp here can match the Evolution 50A for the balance of detail, scale and sheer enjoyment it brings to music. Considering the build, good looks and useful features, you have not only a winner, but possibly the best integrated amplifier under $1587.7.

Arcam FMJ A19

Arcam FMJ A19

·         Price: $1,032.00

·         Sound: 4/5

·         Value: 4.5/5

·         Build: 4/5

·         Features: 4.5/5

·         Overall: 4/5

Considerable all-round ability, but it’s bettered in some areas by its rivals

Creek Evolution 50A

Creek Evolution 50A

·         Price: $1,111.4

·         Sound: 5/5

·         Value: 4.5/5

·         Build: 5/5

·         Features: 4/5

·         Overall: 5/5

An extremely capable and well thought-out amp that delivers superb sonic

NAD C 356BEE DAC

NAD C 356BEE DAC

·         Price: $1,111.4

·         Sound: 4.5/5

·         Value: 4.5/5

·         Build: 4/5

·         Features: 4.5/5

·         Overall: 4.5/5

A strong value amp that needs careful matching to get the best results

Pioneer A-70

Pioneer A-70

·         Price: $1270.2

·         Sound: 4.5/5

·         Value: 5/5

·         Build: 4.5/5

·         Features: 5/5

·         Overall: 4.5/5

A very capable amp that offers a lot of functionality and a controlled sound

Rotel RA-12

Rotel RA-12

·         Price: $952.62

·         Sound: 3.5/5

·         Value: 4/5

·         Build: 4/5

·         Features: 5/5

·         Overall: 4/5

A well specified amp at a competitive price lacking the all-round ability of rivals

Teac AI-1000

Teac AI-1000

·         Price: $1270.2

·         Sound: 4/5

·         Value: 4/5

·         Build: 5/5

·         Features: 3/5

·         Overall: 4/5

Capable of excellent presentation, but performance is rather inconsistent