Best stereo amplifier under $1000; Review & Buyer’s Guide

Are you looking to get the best out of your sound system? Then getting a stereo amplifier can be the perfect decision to make. Simply adding an amplifier can elevate the quality of music your good system delivers in general. However, finding a quality stereo amplifier won't be that easy, especially if you want it within a budget.

What to do then? Don't you worry at all, now? Because I am here to help you get a top-quality stereo amplifier for your needs. Through extensive research, I have prepared a list of the best stereo amplifier under $1000.

So, you won't have to go through thousands of choices out there; you simply need to go through the top choices I bring you. Now, without wasting any more time, let's get started with the real thing and check out the options.

Top 10 stereo amplifiers under $1000

The stereo amplifiers I have listed here all come in excellent quality. The only thing that differentiates them is their distinctive features. So, you can choose any one of them based on the features that suit your needs the best.

1. Denon PMA-800NE Stereo Integrated Amplifier

If you want to stick with the old-school setup of 2 channel stereo system, this is the perfect pick. It has got all the makings of a quality stereo amplifier that you can choose without thinking twice.

First of all, one of the most impressive factors on this amplifier is the build quality. It's pretty sturdy, and you can tell that it will last for a long time. It's not very bulky either; it still offers a pretty slim design.

Coming to the sound quality aspect, there is simply nothing you can complain about it. It provides a balance control in the sound, whether the bass or the treble. Even without a sub, you get a proper balance in the frequencies out of this stereo amplifier.

Specifications

Pros

• This one comes with a great build quality
• It has got an excellent balance in the sound quality
• The whole system is quite lightweight
• It has a premium and stylish look with a slim design
• There are traditional connectivity options suitable for the old schoolers 

Cons

• It doesn't have many modern connectivity options
• This one may be incompatible with some sound systems 

2. Yamaha A-S701SL Natural Sound Integrated Stereo Amplifier

When it comes to audio gears, Yamaha is always a company you can rely on. This one is no different either. It has got some excellent features along with a very premium look. You will surely love to check this one out.

Starting strong with the power of the unit, it's just impressive. You won't ever feel the lack of power from the amplifier. This reflects entirely on the volume or loudness you get from this. You can expect this one to fill a decent-sized room easily if you have the right speakers.

Next, something you will love about this one is the sound quality. It comes with some natural sounds that feel very satisfying to listen to. Mainly when you use the phono input connection and connect it to your vinyl player, you get extremely satisfying results.

Specifications

Pros

• This amp has got excellent volume control capabilities
• The sound quality you get from this is commendable
• It has got a sturdy build quality for sure
• The connectivity options are enough for most devices
• It works great for vinyl tracks 

Cons

• The unit can feel a bit bulky
• It doesn't have enough volume for a larger room 

3. Cambridge Audio CXA61 Stereo Two-Channel Amplifier – Best in performance

Need a complete package within a smaller dimension? Well, then this can be the perfect choice for your needs. It's not bulky like most other amplifiers, yet it packs up a lot and offers you everything you may ask from a quality amplifier.

One of the most impressive things about this one is the connectivity options. You get all the traditional connectivity features like RCA, Optical, Coaxial, 3.5mm, and whatnot. But you also get the exclusive Bluetooth feature for direct streaming purposes. This makes your life much easier while using this amplifier with your smartphone or any other device.

Whether it's the build quality or the sound quality, you can't complain about anything on this one. It comes with almost full marks in both these aspects. While the sounds are detailed and clear, the build is very sturdy and reliable. Altogether, you get everything packed up in this unit.

Specifications

Pros

• This one comes with a pretty stylish and sleek design
• The build quality is quite impressive on the amp
• It has got the excellent sound quality to offer
• There is a Bluetooth feature for directly streaming with your smartphone
• You get quite a lot of connectivity options on the amp 

Cons

• It doesn't have a phono output for Vinyl
• The maximum power may not be enough for everyone 

4. OSD Nero XA5180 Class H 240W – Best for home theater

Specifications

Pros

• It comes with some good quality sounds for all channels
• The build quality is very much sturdy and durable
• You get both balanced and unbalanced connectivity options
• The power this amp offers is simply amazing
• This is a value for money amp without any doubt 

Cons

• The amp can feel a bit bulky
• It's quite heavy 

5. Marantz PM6006 Integrated Amplifier – Best overall

Specifications

Pros

• This amplifier is super easy to set up and use for beginners
• It provides excellent power and volume control for a mid-sized room
• The sound quality is pretty impressive with the right speakers
• It has good build quality with excellent reliability
• The unit is pretty slim and lightweight 

Cons

• The remote can be a bit scuffed for volume control
• It doesn't have modern connectivity options 

6. Audio Source Amplifier Audio & Video Component Amplifier

Specifications

Pros

• This unit is pretty effective in providing better sound quality
• It has got more than enough power for loud volume
• This is great for home theater systems with multiple channels
• Setting up this amp is pretty straightforward
• It's quite compact and rugged at the same time 

Cons

• You might face some overheating issues from this unit
• The speaker wire terminals aren't of the best grade 

7. A7.MSL M400 HiFi Audio DAC, Supports MQA decoding AK4499 Chip

Specifications

Pros

• This is a very compact and lightweight amplifier
• It comes with good improvement over the base sound quality
• There are plenty of connectivity options available on this one
• It offers Bluetooth connectivity for convenient wireless connections
• The looks and design of the amplifier are pretty stylish and modern 

Cons

• It doesn't pack too much power
• The volume control can be an issue for larger setups 

8. Bluesound POWER NODE Wireless Multi-Room Hi-Res Music Streaming Amplifier

Specifications

Pros

• This one provides you with clean sounds throughout
• It's very compact and lightweight for better portability
• There are wireless connectivity options for convenience
• You get a variety of connections available on this one
• This is support for popular apps like Tidal and Spotify

Cons

• It doesn't feature too much power for larger setups
• The volume control is a bit underwhelming for medium to large rooms 

9. Sonos Amp - The Versatile Amplifier for Powering All Your Entertainment – Best in versatility

Specifications

Pros

• This amp is very lightweight and compact for usage
• It has got the excellent sound quality to provide
• This packs up decent power for almost any setup
• There are several wireless features available on this
• It's super easy to use and set up with a simple interface 

Cons

• It only powers 1 set of speakers
• It's not the best for larger units 

10. NAD - D 3045 HybridDigital DAC/Amplifier

If your need is pretty limited and doesn't need too much power from a unit, this is an excellent pick for you. It's just perfect for lighter setups that you can use for your laptop or your smartphone. You will love the experience you get with this amplifier.

Of course, you will be getting Bluetooth for the connectivity on this one. The Bluetooth function works flawlessly on this unit. However, the best part is that you still get all kinds of connectivity options including, HDMI, Optical, Coaxial, and even Phono input. So, nothing is missing out on this one.

Aside from that, it's just perfectly built. It doesn't have a bulky or oversized size even with all those connectivity options. It's also relatively lightweight at the same time. Altogether, it's just a perfect unit you can get for various usage.

Specifications

• Power: 120w
• Connectivity: HDMI, Bluetooth, USB, RCA, Optical, Coaxial
• Channels: 2
• Color: Black
• Dimensions: 10.44 x 2.81 x 9.31 inches
• Weight: 5.7lbs

Pros

• This offers pretty good sound quality overall
• You get excellent connectivity options on this amp
• The wireless features make it convenient to use
• It's very versatile in usage
• The amp is compact and lightweight 

Cons

• It has got overheating issues when used for long hours
• The build quality isn't the best on this one 

Related: Best DAC under $100

Buying guide for the best stereo amplifier under $1000 

Well, if you are still confused about which one to get from this list, I have something to help you out. Whenever you have to buy a stereo amplifier, there are several things you need to consider. Going through these factors will help you decide on the option that meets your needs the most.

Here are the things you should be considering before buying a stereo amplifier –

• Connectivity options 

Considering connectivity options for your amplifier is a must. Usually, there are two ways to go about this factor. You can either think about the devices you want to use with this amp, or you can simply think about future usage.

When considering the future, the amp must have a wireless connectivity option. This means you should be looking to get an amp with Bluetooth connectivity.

But if you want to use it with your traditional setup, then getting an amp with all the conventional connections can still work out. Although, it's better to have an amp with Bluetooth connectivity, as you can use that for multiple devices.

• Power 

The power will primarily determine how much volume or loudness you can get from the amp. Usually, going for a decent power is recommended, but remember not to overdo it. Because a lot of the time, with too much power, you may end up with distorted sounds from the devices. So, stick with a balance of power and volume control. Anything within 100 to 300 works out the best for a 2-channel setup.

• Channels 

This factor strictly depends on the setup you have and want to use. If you have a two-speaker design, you can simply get an amp with a 2-channel configuration. However, if you're going to use an amp for your home theater system, getting at least a 5-channel, amp becomes crucial.

• Size 

This is also pretty personal and depends on the setup you have. If you don't have too much space on your design, you need to go for a relatively compact amp. You can also try out a compact setup just for aesthetics anyway. No one likes bulky items these days; it's not the 90's anymore, right?

Aside from these things, there is always that concern of sound quality. But it's something you should be getting from a good quality amplifier anyways. So, you won't have to worry about that too much. Significantly, the ones I shared with you all come with good sound quality.

Final thoughts 

All in all, choosing the best stereo amplifier under $1000 mostly depends on your current setup and what you want from the amp. Still, to make it easier for you, I have some top suggestions that you might want to check out further.

If you want the absolute best performance, with almost everything packed inside one unit, then Cambridge Audio CXA61 should be your pick. But if you are looking for an amp to support your home theater system, I would say OSD Nero XA5180 will be your best bet.

As for all-over performance and value, I think Marantz PM6006 Integrated Amplifier is the best overall choice for your stereo amplifier.

Other than these, you can still go with anyone from the list if they meet any of your specific needs. You will end up satisfied no matter which one you choose.