2023 Editors’ Choice: Power Amplifiers $3,000 – $6,000

Rogue Audio Dragon

$3995

The Dragon is a sophisticated, hybrid tube/Class D design that stands atop the Rogue Audio lineup. Boasting 300Wpc into 8 ohms, the Dragon offers a near-granular level of finesse and clarity. Speed and transient detail are naturalistic and lively; tonal balance is predominately neutral, with glimmers of midrange warmth and a well-defined presence range. Strings are particularly well-rendered and distinct. Bass response and resolution are superb. The Dragon can reproduce an organ pedal point or the left hand of a pianist on the bottom octaves of a concert grand with lifelike authority. Not just another high-powered beast, the Rogue Dragon is a truly splendid piece of electronics. NG, 311

Cambridge Edge W

$4000

Reviewed alongside Cambridge Audio’s Edge NQ network player/preamp, the 100Wpc EdgeW power amplifier delivers on this London-based manufacturer’s definition of Great British Sound. Opposing-symmetry twin transformers (which cancel electromagnetic interference) contribute to a substantial physical presence, but the performance is anything but heavy. Instead, look for sonic clues in a signal path of just 14 components. It’s this less-is-more approach (also wonderfully realized in the minimalist aesthetic) that has resulted in a power amplifier with surprising transparency and composure. Neither imposing nor polite, the W is a fitting 50th Anniversary celebration from a company known to provide innovation with value. AM, 301

Audio Mirror SET

$4995

This 45-watt monoblock expands the reach of SET designs to include even moderately sensitive 88-to-90dB loudspeakers. Each amp has a pair of Russian 6C33C-B triodes in parallel, thereby significantly extending power delivery. The bass range is well defined, which serves as a foundation for a slightly warm and powerful presentation with satisfying tonal gravitas and a sense of ease on dynamic peaks that is uncommon for a typical SET. The Audio Mirror makes one helluva musical statement and would have earned an enthusiastic recommendation even with a $10k price tag. DO, 289

NuPrime Evolution STA

$4995

Class D amplifiers keep getting better and better, and the NuPrime STA is a prime example. The power-stage topology is full bridge, providing push-pull differential operation with NuPrime’s proprietary MOSFET drive design. Power output is a generous 230Wpc into 8 ohms and 310Wpc into 4 ohms. The front end is fully analog. Both the preamp stage and Class D pulse-modulation circuit use the NJR MUSES8820 op-amp. The STA’s sonic personality is much like that of distilled water, lacking intrinsic flavor. It simply reflects the character of upstream components, making it a good match for a tube preamp, if you’re after a sweet and warm system personality. Its strong suits are tonal purity, soundstage transparency, an expansive depth perspective, and excellent bass control. It’s hard to believe that any amp at this price point, let alone a Class D amplifier, is capable of such exquisite musicality. DO, 330

Atma-Sphere S-30 Mk 3.3

$5100

The Mk 3.3 version of this 30Wpc Circlotron OTL amplifier nudges performance higher in dynamics and soundstage transparency. Although guilty of slight timbre alterations and a somewhat dark tonal balance, these acts of commission, likely due to load interactions, point out the need for a compatible loudspeaker and front-end electronics. The S-30 strikes an intelligent balance between quality and quantity, focusing as it does on delivering a strong first watt. Its asking price is a small price to pay for a generous slice of musical heaven. DO, 261

Pass Labs XA25

$5150

The XA25 amp is among Pass Labs’ most humble efforts to date—at least outwardly. And users will admittedly need to be a little respectful about speaker selection, since this solid-stater is rated at a mere 25Wpc into 8 ohms. But that wattage is delivered courtesy of Pass’ single-ended Class A design. So, buckle up and prepare to luxuriate in pure liquid musicality. Pass gear often suggests sweetness and warmth, but the XA25 takes these qualities a luminous step further. Beyond the extraordinary resolution engraved in the XA25’s personality is an ability to transform a listening space into a three-dimensional tableau of images and ambience. A magical amp. NG, 286

T+A A 200

$5450

This small but mighty (125/250 watts per channel into 8/4 ohms) power amp is part of T+A’s Series 200, a component stack that takes a unique—but undeniably valid—approach to building a reference-level system with a small footprint. Since the fully discrete, thermally protected Class D A200 gets its own chassis, it’s not subject to the digital and other noises that pollute modular integrated amps. The sound is straight out of the Swiss school: wide-open, pure, fast, and dynamic, but with an extra dollop of low-end richness. For those seeking reference-class performance in a compact, reasonably priced amp, the A 200 is hard to beat. AT, 335

Bel Canto e.One REF601M

$5590/pr.

To Steven Stone’s ears, Bel Canto’s 15.4-pound, 300W (600W into 4 ohms) e.One Ref601M Class D monoblock is good enough to qualify as the best all-around power amplifier he’s heard to date, regardless of technology or circuit topology. Its combination of extremely low noise that makes it suitable to drive even highly efficient loudspeakers, precision three-dimensional imaging, relaxed and natural harmonic balance, and power capability, makes for a potent package. Couple all its sonic achievements with its relatively modest price and you have a power amplifier that could well be a benchmark reference for many audiophiles for years to come. SS, 269

Audio by Van Alstine DVA M750

$5598/pr.

This massive hybrid monoblock with a 12AT7 input stage and a transistor output section delivers a whopping 850W into 8 ohms. Industry veteran Frank Van Alstine pulled out all the stops for the DVA M750, including a circuit based on the patented Fet Valve amplifier and unusual lateral MOSFET output transistors. The amp offers a remarkably jaunty and silky sound—with lots of headroom—that always errs on the sound of musical bliss. Despite its high power, the DVA M750’s presentation is elegant and refined. A bargain in powerhouse amplifiers. JHb, 273