Editors’ Choice: Best Power Amplifiers Under $1,000

NuPrime STA-9

$899

Producing 120Wpc and weighing just under 10.5 pounds, the STA-9 uses a Class A input circuit along with a Class D output circuit. NuPrime’s website says it “is designed with enhanced even-order harmonic circuitry that mimics the most attractive features of tube-amp sound without incurring tubes’ drawbacks and limitations.” It’s easily bridgeable into 290Wpc monoblocks, and its 47k-ohm input impedance should work with virtually any preamplifier. In monoblock mode, the STA-9 produced powerful bass, even with small KEF speakers. Vade Forrester, 273

Topping LA90

$899

If you have mid- to high-efficiency loudspeakers that you love, you may find the LA90 to be an ideal power or integrated amplifier for your system. Reviewer SS could easily see a single LA90 as the “summer amp” in a high-efficiency horn system. You can, if you require more power, bridge the LA90 into a mono configuration. Still, SS would not recommend even two LA90 to owners of 2-ohm Apogee Scintillas or Thiel 3.5s. Some loudspeakers simply need more power than even two LA90s can provide. If you are intrigued by the LA90’s potential, you’re going to have to take a leap of faith and buy before you try, just like SS did. You can always return it, but SS seriously doubts that you will. SS, 335