This must be one of the most closely-matched groups, at least in terms of price. Six stereo integrated amplifiers take the stand in turn, each costing within $1000 and $2000. Their features and facilities don't vary all that much, either, so there really is everything to win or lose in terms of sonic performance.
There's plenty of scope for making amplifiers with subtly different sound characters within the constraints imposed by a target price. Massively different sound is likely to be a function of either a gross flaw or some faintly bizarre design decision, but it's the subtle differences that make one amplifier more pleasant or rewarding in the long term. It's also these sonic details that define an ideal solution for any particular listener with his or her partnering equipment, tastes in music and hearing characteristics.
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Over the years that SmartHouse has been investigating the ins and outs of audio, differences have become more subtle than they used to be (except possibly in the rarefied high end). This is simply because the basic quality bar has been raised, and raised again. That in turn is due to a general consensus on certain desirable technical standards and ways of achieving them. Perhaps surprisingly, though, detailed design approaches to this still vary considerably from one manufacturer or range to another. Study the circuit diagrams of the amps in this or any of our Group Tests and you'll find plenty of divergence in approach.
And that's without even beginning to consider the emerging breed of digital amplifier, one of which is included in this group. Now, in specific cases, it's perfectly possible that two very differently designed and built amplifiers may sound very similar, but in general it's far more likely that there will be differences between them. Our mission, as we see it, is to try to identify those differences and suggest how they may appeal – or not – to you the listener. In turn, your mission, should you choose to accept it, is to take our findings and add to them the invaluable evidence of your own ears. (Fortunately, this review will not self-destruct in five seconds.)
In this way, we hope that you'll find your ideal hi-fi at your predetermined budget, a goal that once achieved can result in many years of blissful listening. Let battle commence! First up: Arcam...
