For the amplifier market, 2026 is a year not of evolution, but of convergence. The line between an integrated amplifier and a streaming amplifier has effectively vanished, and what was considered a compromise for convenience just five years ago is now receiving top marks from experts. In this article, we will review what has changed technologically, which models have won major awards, and what you need to know when choosing an amplifier for your system.
What has actually changed in smart amplifiers?
One amplifier instead of three components
Today, a streaming amplifier combines a streamer, DAC, and power stage. The difference from earlier models is that the weak link is gone. Manufacturers now pack the same DACs and network modules they used in their standalone components into a single chassis. NAD C 3050 with MDC2 BluOS-D module, Arcam SA 45, Ruark R610, Cambridge Audio Evo 150 SE, Marantz MODEL 60n – they all compete not with convenient devices, but with classic Hi-Fi sets in the same price category.
There is an important detail—the modular principle. In the case of NAD, the streaming part is a replaceable MDC2 module, meaning the network functionality can be upgraded without changing the entire amplifier. This is a response to "smart" electronics, where the hardware lasts 15 years, but software ecosystems change every 3–5 years.
Room correction has become a standard, not an add-on
This is the biggest change for quality. Dirac Live, RoomFit, and proprietary correction systems from other manufacturers have trickled down to the 500–1000 euro price point. The conclusion can be drawn that a mid-range system in an imperfect room can sound better today than an expensive system without room correction—bass modes and early reflections distort sound more than the difference between two decent amplifiers.
A professional warning is that room correction does not improve acoustics; it corrects the signal. Diffusion, absorption, and proper placement of loudspeakers remain the fundamental things that must be done, while DSP is the last step.
HDMI eARC televisions have become an equal source
Another barrier that has disappeared is between Hi-Fi and home cinema systems. Today, we find HDMI eARC even in conservative Class AB amplifiers (e.g., Musical Fidelity B1xi, which consciously opted out of Wi-Fi but kept Bluetooth and HDMI eARC). This is proof of a real trend where a single stereo pair plays both music and movies, with the TV controlling volume via its own remote.
Class D has matured
Purifi, Hypex, and new-generation Texas Instruments architectures have finally shed the "digital" and "dry" sound stigma from Class D. Marantz uses Purifi Class D modules with copper shielding in its flagship MODEL 10. In the more accessible segment, the WiiM Amp Ultra, with two TPA3255 chips and PFFB (post-filter feedback) technology, achieves 100 W/channel into 8 Ω and about 200 W into 4 Ω—power that a decade ago required a heavy and expensive chassis.
The same direction in the automotive segment
Helix uses Class HD, and in multi-channel models – Class GD architecture, allowing over 1000 W from a single box.
Software has become part of the product
Qobuz Connect, Tidal Connect, AirPlay 2, Roon Ready, BluOS, HEOS, voice control, touchscreens on the front panel. When you buy a smart amplifier in 2026, you are also buying a 3-year manufacturer's software warranty. This is a new criterion for reliability that simply didn't exist in older amplifiers.
Has sound quality improved? The answer with a caveat
Objective parameters such as distortion, signal-to-noise ratio, and power have certainly improved in models within accessible price ranges. But expert evaluations show that functionality is growing faster than musicality.
An obvious example is the What Hi-Fi WiiM Amp Ultra review. Having strongly praised the compact design, smooth control, clarity, and impressive power, the reviewers also noted that the sound could be more evocative, and among the drawbacks, they highlighted the single analog input and lack of a headphone output. This accurately describes the entire segment. Now, for 500 euros, you get what cost 1500 euros a decade ago, but emotional engagement remains an area where more expensive Class AB and Class A designs win.
Conclusion - if your system is centered around a TV and background streaming music, a smart amplifier is the right solution. If you sit down for an hour to listen to music, it is worth comparing it with a classic integrated amplifier plus a separate streamer.
What Hi-Fi? Awards stereo amplifiers
In the 2025 awards, the stereo amplifiers category was one of the most dynamic – only one model remained from last year’s list of winners.
|
Category |
Winner |
|
Up to 500 eur |
Rotel A8 – the only one remaining from last year’s list |
|
500–1000 eur |
Arcam A5+ – replaced its predecessor, the A5 |
|
1000–2000 eur |
Arcam A15+ – improved circuitry and better sound |
|
Over 2000 eur |
Cyrus 40 AMP – compact, with a phono stage and upgradeability |
It is worth mentioning separately that the Gryphon Audio Diablo 333 earned a What Hi-Fi “Temptation” award, and Rega founder Roy Gandy received the “Outstanding Contribution” award for his services to the Hi-Fi industry.
Streaming amplifiers and systems
- NAD C 3050 (with MDC2 BluOS-D module) – product of the year in the music systems category. In February 2026, What Hi-Fi also added it to the list of best stereo amplifiers as the best streaming amplifier, replacing the Naim Uniti Atom that was there.
- Ruark Audio R610 – winner of the Readers' Award and winner in the 1000–1500 euro price category.
- Arcam SA35 – a newcomer that pushed a long-time favorite off the list.
- Technics SA-C600 – holds its position firmly in the 500 to 1000 euro range.
Home cinema amplifiers
Things were quiet here in 2025, as the winners did not change. The Sony TA-AN1000 and Marantz Cinema 30 (11 channels of amplification and the over 1500 euro category). Both models are used in What Hi-Fi’s reference testing system.
EISA Awards 2025–2026
EISA brings together over 50 specialist publications from nearly 30 countries, so its assessment is the closest thing to a “European consensus.”
Hi-Fi
-
Marantz MODEL 10 – High-End Integrated Amplifier. Purifi Class D modules, copper shielding.
-
Marantz MODEL 60n – Streaming Amplifier. 60 W into 8 Ω / 80 W into 4 Ω Class AB, HDAM SA3 and SA2 modules, HEOS, AirPlay 2, Roon.
-
Musical Fidelity B1xi – Best Value Integrated Amplifier. Class AB, upgraded power supply, USB input, phono stage, Bluetooth and HDMI eARC. Wi-Fi was intentionally omitted to keep the price accessible.
-
Denon PMA-3000NE / DCD-3000NE / DP-3000NE – Hi-Fi System.
-
Focal Diva Utopia – High-End Streaming Loudspeakers. Active system with Naim electronics, 2×400 W, HDMI eARC.
Car audio (in-car)
- STEG K4.01 II – In-Car Amplifier
- Helix V EIGHT DSP ULTIMATE – In-Car DSP Amplifier. 8 amplification and 14 DSP channels, 12 high-level inputs, 6 RCA, optical and bidirectional USB-C (PerfectStream), Class HD architecture
- Ground Zero GZDSP 6-10SQ – In-Car Sound Processor
- ESX QS-TWO-BT – In-Car Streaming Amplifier
- DSP PC-Tool 6 – In-Car DSP Software. Supports about 30 BRAX, HELIX, and MATCH models, interface redesigned according to the actual signal path, free updates
- Musway M6v4 and Musway myCON – upgrade and integration categories
- Morel Supremo 63 Special Edition – In-Car High End Component
Important information. The winners of EISA 2026–2027 will be announced on August 24, 2026, and the awards ceremony will take place at the IFA exhibition in Berlin. The above list remains valid until then.
Other ratings. Sound+Image 2025
Australia's Sound+Image awards are useful because they evaluate a broader price range
- Up to 1000 EUR – Rotel A8
- 1000 – 2000 EUR – Onkyo TX-8470 (revived brand; 120 W Class G, four HDMI inputs, phono, streaming)
- 2000 – 5000 EUR – Electrocompaniet RENA SA2
- 5000 – 10 000 EUR – Denon PMA-3000NE
- Over 10 000 EUR – Hegel H600
What's new in 2026?
The main annual HIGH END exhibition has moved from Munich to Vienna (June 4–7, 2026) – a symbolic change after decades in Bavaria. Key news.
- Hegel H400 – Successor to the H390 with a new DAC and streamer, inherited from the H600, and an upgraded power supply.
- Accuphase E-700 – New AAVA volume control, eliminating the classic variable resistor.
- McIntosh MA2375 – First McIntosh tube integrated amplifier in over a decade.
- Rotel Michi X430 – the debut of the new Prestige series in 2026.
- Eversolo SA200 integrated streaming amplifier and AMP-F8 / AMP-F6 power amplifiers – a sign that Eversolo is transforming from a player manufacturer into a full ecosystem.
- Arcam A50 Signature – the company's flagship.
- Wiim Bar – starting from 479 EUR, with Dolby Atmos, DTS:X, RoomFit, and HDMI eARC; showing where the mass market segment is heading.
- Aavik U-301 Unity – streaming, DAC, preamplifier, and 300 W in a single chassis. Proof that the "all-in-one" amplifier has reached the highest price segment as well.
- Constellation Statement monoblocks with a switching power supply (C-SMPS) – a technology that the high-end segment long avoided has now become acceptable.
Practical conclusions for choosing an amplifier
Main source – TV plus streaming music.
Choose a streaming amplifier with HDMI eARC and room correction. Classes like NAD C 3050, Ruark R610, Marantz MODEL 60n, Arcam SA35.
If you listen to a turntable and sit in front of the system.
A classic integrated amplifier with a quality phono stage still provides more musical engagement for the same money. Arcam A5+/A15+, Cyrus 40 AMP, Musical Fidelity B1xi.
You have a limited budget and this is your first system.
Rotel A8 or WiiM Amp Ultra – depending on whether you need network features. The difference is more in functionality than in sound quality.
Difficult room.
Room correction support is more important than an extra 30 W of power. But first – acoustic treatment, only then DSP.
Car.
A DSP amplifier with factory integration (Helix, Audison) provides the biggest jump in quality for the amount invested today – especially in cars with factory premium systems where the signal is already distorted by the manufacturer.
Where to buy?
We recommend only specialized audio equipment salons, where you will receive qualified consultation, can listen to audio systems on the spot, and will be provided with a warranty. In Kaunas, at Armatūrininkų str. 1, Autogarsas.lt salon, you will receive full information and will be able to choose from a wide variety of models according to your taste and budget.
Autogarsas recommendations
Our salon specialists recommend the most popular and customer-beloved models: Marantz model 40N, Onkyo A-50, Wiim AMP Ultra, Denon DRA-900H. In the store, you can view and listen to more than 50 audio amplifier models before making your choice. We offer products from the world's most renowned manufacturers, such as Onkyo, Denon, WiiM, Cambridge Audio, NAIM, Marantz, Yamaha, Rotel, and others.
What to watch for in the near future?
The winners of EISA 2026–2027 are announced on August 24, 2026, and the What Hi-Fi awards are traditionally announced in November. Both lists will show whether streaming amplifiers will finally take over higher price segments as well. Currently, they dominate up to the 3000 EUR threshold.
The main conclusion is that in 2026, the differences in technical parameters between decent amplifiers are small, while the differences in room acoustics, speaker matching, and system integration are large. Therefore, listening with your own speakers before buying remains the most valuable criterion for your decision.
Publication date 2026-08-27
