Understand the basic audio components of a Hi-Fi stereo system so you know what to look for when shopping for audiophile equipment. Amplifier. Amp. Preamp. Integrated amp. Phono stage. Tube amplifier.

TEAC announces its new HA-507, a Reference 500 Series pure analog headphone amplifier/preamplifier that incorporates TEAC’s premium audio technologies to achieve a crazy level of sound quality.

At $1,999, the Technics HA-507 is a pure analog headphone amplifier and preamplifier with a balanced/dual mono configuration. Although TEAC’s Reference 500 series includes UD models that combine both ...

Forbes contributors publish independent expert analyses and insights. Technology journalist specializing in audio, computing and Apple Macs. Probably one of the most celebrated amplifiers ever ...

Synergy has unveiled the SYN-20IR, a tube amp head with a revolutionary design that allows players to swap preamp modules in and out, making for a fully customisable guitar amp – and this head has ...

There are obviously things even clever people don't think of when dishing out advice on turntables. Like phono pre-amplifiers, for example, not to mention the delicacy of "phono" inputs. Salespeople ...

The renowned Japanese hi-fi brand’s newest amplifiers are poised for home theater excellence. If you buy from a link, we may earn a commission. Learn more In May 2025, Marantz introduced two reference ...

Marantz has been in the high-end audio for over 70 years and has announced the latest additions to its home theater components: the AV 20 AV Preamplifier and AMP 20 Power Amplifier. The two new models ...

The Classic preamp is an ideal example. Put it next to the original and at a glance it’s hard to know which is the older design. But don’t assume that means the company has stood still – it hasn’t.

Does the Mercury/Solis pairing tick all the boxes?

If you're at all an enthusiast of great-sounding music and are looking to up your game to make what you're playing sound its best, it's hard to be a great stereo receiver or integrated amplifier.

Big-name tube amplifiers often don’t come cheap. Being the preserve of dedicated audiophiles, those delicate hi-fis put their glass components on show to tell you just how pricy they really ought to ...