Price: $2000
Website: www.arcam.co.uk
Al said: Arcam’s Solo Music will be great for those who want to dispense with a component-based hi-fi system. With everything included -- amplifier, preamp, SACD/CD player, DLNA network streamer -- all you need to add are speakers (and a sub, if you’ve got one).
Read the SoundStage! Simplifi review.
The gist: The most simplified Arcam system so far.
Price: $20,000
Website: www.audioresearch.com
Doug said: For those who want a neutral sound, excellent resolution, high power, ease of use (for a tubed amp), superb build quality, and beautiful industrial design, Audio Research’s GS150 is very tough to beat.
Read the SoundStage! Hi-Fi review.
The gist: Retro styling and modern sound by a legendary company.
Price: $7690
Website: www.devialet.com
Hans said: With the Expert 130 Pro, Devialet has continued to build on the most excellent foundation of past successes like the 120 and Expert 200. Despite my apathy for such monikers as ADH and Magic Wire, their clever circuits continue to set the bar for audio realism.
Read the SoundStage! Hi-Fi review.
The gist: Hans was blown away by this thing.
Price: AU$25,900
Website: www.devialet.com
Peter said: If you care for the precision that can fully flesh out the intricacies of great studio production or the nuances that only a highly-resolving amplification instrument can provide, then the Devialet Expert 440 Pro takes you on an oh-so-satisfying road to the unadulterated truth in your music.
Read the SoundStage! Australia review.
The gist: Tremendous functionality and superb sound quality the Devialet way.
Price: $4000
Website: www.hegel.com
Al said: Listening with the H190 was an absolute pleasure, and it drew out qualities in recordings I’d previously overlooked. I’d certainly want to own one, and recommend it highly to anyone looking for a powerful, network-capable integrated amplifier.
Read the SoundStage! Simplifi review.
The gist: Al is still smitten with Hegel.
Price: $3000
Website: www.hegel.com
Oliver said: If you think you might like to explore versatile source connectivity and networking capabilities without compromising your system’s sound, the Hegel Röst should be at the top of your audition list.
Read the SoundStage! Hi-Fi review.
The gist: Modern features and classic Hegel sound in one sleek package.
Price: $3000
Website: www.hegel.com
Al said: Hegel Music Systems’ Röst is a versatile, forward-thinking hi-fi component -- I can’t think of another integrated amplifier with connectivity options that address not only the needs of audiophiles, but also those of the custom-installation market. It looks interesting, it sounds great, and it has AirPlay -- to hear uncompressed music, you need only whip out your iPhone.
Read the SoundStage! Simplifi review.
The gist: Update on Hegel’s very successful integrated-amp platform.
Price: $649
Website: www.nadelectronics.com
Sathyan said: The NAD C 338 is an excellent value, especially for those interested in using Chromecast.
Read the SoundStage! Hi-Fi review.
The gist: Not your father’s little NAD integrated.