Stereo Preamplifier Reviews

While many audio enthusiasts may be moving toward multichannel audio, there is still a strong market for high-quality two-channel (stereo) electronics among audiophiles and home theater enthusiasts alike. A stereo preamp provides audio switching and signal processing only, without amplification. (A stereo receiver, meanwhile, adds both amplification and AM/FM tuning.) Generally speaking, a stereo preamp won’t have all the bells and whistles found on the latest AV preamp or AV receiver, but these days you can find features like iPod connectivity, built-in DACs, Bluetooth capability, subwoofer outs, home theater pass-through, and (in some rare occasions) even HDMI video support. Check out our review archive below to read about the hottest electronics in the two-channel world.

  • Fosi Audio ZP3 Review: This Little Preamp Is a Beast

    This thing is a beast: great-feeling knobs, clean sound, and zero sense of compromise.

  • Lyngdorf MP-60 2.1 AV Preamp Processor: A High-End Audio Marvel

    Lyngdorf MP-60 2.1 is a top-tier AV processor that will satisfy the most discerning audiophiles and home theater enthusiasts.

  • Naim Uniti Star Media Player Review: Premium Performance for a Premium Price

    Naim's Uniti Star is a compelling product that delivers superb quality, especially for CD-loving aficionados.

  • McIntosh Introduces the C12000 Preamplifier - Tubes or Transistors? How About Both!

    The new C12000 is a 2-piece, dual-mono preamp with a novel design that maximizes audio fidelity.

  • Rotel RC-1590MKII Pre-Amp Review

    Rotel's latest pre-amplifiers are excellent performers jam-packed with inputs and solid engineering.

  • Rotel RA-1572 Integrated Amplifier Review

    The Rotel RA-1572 has it where it counts - Dennis thinks it might be the the Millennium Falcon of integrated stereo amplifiers. Read on for more.

  • iFi audio Pro iDSD 4.4 DAC/Headphone Amplifier/Streamer Reviewed

    Chris Martens says the iFi Pro iDSD 4.4 delivers the richest mix of audiophile-oriented features and functions of any DAC/headphone amp/streamer near its size or price.

  • NAD M10 BluOS Enabled Integrated Amplifier Reviewed

    NAD's new M10 BluOS Enabled Integrated Amplifier ($2,749) is a very exciting product. And I don't just mean for NAD, but for the integrated amp market as a whole....

  • Schiit Fulla 3 Gaming DAC/Amp Reviewed

    As I write this, it's been about three weeks since my wife finally got approval to work from home during our current stay-at-home order. And it took all of...

  • Naim NAIT 5si Integrated Amplifier Reviewed

    The Naim NAIT 5si lacks all of the digital connectivity you would expect in a modern integrated amplifier, but it's a big winner in terms of value and personality.

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