Vinyl is like a good wine – it gets better with age. If you want to get the most out of your vinyl collection, you need the best amplifier for turntable as it significantly improves the sound quality.
We’ve reviewed 16 products to find 5 best of the best with the Pyle Home Audio Power Amplifier System being our Editor’s Choice. We looked at the type of amplifier – whether it’s power or integrated to ensure it’s compatible with your turntable. We also checked the power output, which should be at least 50 watts per channel to get a good sound. The next thing is the impedance – it should be within 8-16 ohms to work with most turntables. Finally, we considered frequency response and made sure the amplifiers from our list can reproduce sound accurately.
More features: LED output level display, EQ controls, push type speaker terminal, connect and stream, 1-year limited warranty
When it comes to incredible and high quality sounds, you absolutely need to have a power amplifier. These devices are needed in a home sound system to complete your audio setup and produce the wonderful sound that will make your home come alive and have a blast. There are different categories available, but the Pyle Home Audio Power Amplifier System is our top choice. This home audio power amplifier system comes with plenty of impressive features which we love.
Pyle makes some of the best rated power amplifiers on the market, and this model is no exception. Like the best models on the market, it is made with high quality materials that ensure that it lasts for a long time. It sports a compact design and will contribute significantly to the overall quality of sound.
This model is very versatile and can be used for different settings. All of the features come at an affordable price and offers incredible value for price.
This amplifier is a two-channel amp with power output of 120 W at 4 ohms. Some of the other features that will certainly make you happy include a pair of level controls, power LED output level display, useful and highly responsive EQ controls and the connect-and-stream function.
While in use, it might run a bit warm. Thankfully though, there is air-cooling function to stop the risk of overheating. While sturdily built, there is a 1-year warranty period. Thus, if you run into any problems in that period, you can replace or repair at no additional cost.
This excellent unit lacks a high powered headphone output. Considering the price, we’d have expected it to come with this option.
More features: auto standby (8 hours), gold plated analog inputs including phono
The Yamaha A-S501BL is an amplifier with a durable build. It’s chunky, feels solid, and probably will last you for years. In addition to an excellent performance for this price tag, it’s also packed with many useful features.
The detailing is to be paid close attention to, from its remote control handset down to its intended chunky finish. This amplifier definitely gives us old-school, retro vibes and somehow resembles the best vintage amplifiers from the past.
The design itself also speaks volumes. Unlike its counterparts, buyer’s intuition has overwhelmingly been in favor of the Yamaha being long-lasting.
Why so? Its range of features such as its 5-line level inputs, standby power consumption of 0.5W, and a moving magnet phono stage all corroborate that. The only thing that it lacks is a USB capability to connect to a PC, but it’s not a deal breaker for many of Yamaha admirers, as people more often report using it with a TV, a Blu-ray player, or, of course, a turntable. Another small drawback is that there is no built-in Bluetooth, but you can easily fix it by adding am outboard unit, the YBA-11.
The device also sets itself apart from its previous version due to the installation of digital inputs and optical and coax connections. Another feature that the Yamaha A-S501BL boasts about is its weight and feel. Buyers of the Yamaha’s predecessor complained about its bulkiness. It looks like the new and improved version has taken this into consideration, with this newest model garnering a more positive feedback for its lean and bright balance. The sound definitely got better, it’s clean and more even.
More features: 40 station FM/AM preset tuning
The Yamaha R-S202BL Stereo Receiver prioritizes stereo sound with simplistic connectivity. It has installed RCA inputs and outputs, as well as a headphone output. This allows for recordings to be transferred to external devices such as a CD.
Don’t forget, however, that this is a power amplifier, so there is no option to directly hook your turntable. Either the turntable would need to possess a phono preamplifier, or a completely separate one would need to be bought.
Onto its design; this amplifier has the ideal circuit layout because of its positioning. Sincethe power transformer is located next to the power amplifier. It allows for reduced power loss while simultaneously improving power supply for higher output. It also comes with an IR remote-control system and produces up to 100W/channel at 8 Ohms. Additionally, there is plenty of room for storage for up to a maximum of 40AM and FM stations that can be carefully chosen from either the receiver itself or the remote-control.
Another strength of this amp is its simplistic design that allows buyers to easily locate the buttons and knobs on the device. It also delivers Bluetooth functionality to stream music services from several devices. It means that you can easily connect your Bluetooth turntable to avoid dealing with all that countless cords and wires.
As a cherry on top, this amplifier boasts of an advanced power-saving system. It converts to standby mode after some time and allows for a 2, 4, 8 or 12-hour setting.
More features: original Tripath TA2020-020 amplifier chip, Gold Plated RCA
Integrated amplifiers are the future of home sound, and the Kinter K2020A+ is without a doubt one of the best options that you can find right now. It is the most compatible option out of all the models that we have reviewed.
This compact option comes with up to four different types of controls. These are the tone, volume, treble, and bass. With the controls and design, you will find the type of output that you want.
One of the best things that we love about this option include the type of input that it comes with. Here you can connect the 3.5 mm input. The implication is that there is almost no audio device that you cannot connect this amplifier with. Therefore, it is the most compatible option that we have reviewed.
The connectors are high quality and are billed to last for a long time. As the connectors are gold-plated, you have very low resistance and reduced risk of losing signals.
Out of all the options we have considered, these give arguably the best type of connectors.
As with several high quality options, this model is easy to set up. The sound performance is also excellent.
More features: Bluetooth 5.0 / stereo L/R RCA / MM Phono & Turntables, SNR >90dB, 4 multi-functional toggles, independent treble/bass control and volume control
This classy looking stereo though looking complicated and complex to understand is simple and easy to use in homes as desktop audio systems. It is compatible with several devices like phones, CD player, TV, Computer, MM record player, and many more.
The vacuum tube amplifier can perfectly amplify sounds to filter it out and produce very clear and awesome sounds. Even when you’re listening on low, the sound coming through this amplifier is powerful and distinct and when you’re listening on high frequency, it can also be very clear.
The amplifier has a lot of output power of 160W x 2 but a low frequency output. Wuth the bass and treble knob, you can easily control the tone of the amplifier to produce a more delicate and smooth sound. Also, through the bypass function of the amplifier, you can fine tune the sound to produce a more original sound.
Another benefit you derive from this sound amplifier is that it has Bluetooth connectivity. It is compatible with Bluetooth versions 5.0 and APTX-HD to produce higher quality sounds.
The toggles in the amplifier has multiple functions. The first one, the input switch toggle, is used among Bluetooth, RCA and Phono inputs. The tube switch is used to choose whether or not to use a tube buffer. The third, the tone switch is used to choose if to bypass the tone circuit. And the last one the tube light to adjust the tube light.
When trying to figure out the best amplifier to purchase for your turntable, it is important to identify which device caters specifically to your needs. This supplementary buying guide and FAQs section will ensure that any and all of your queries have been met, leaving you satisfied when walking out of the store with your amplifier in hand.
An amplifier is basically a device that supplies increased strength to a signal. It helps boost the level of signals, current, and voltage. It is a part of most audio devices that use wireless communication and broadcasting.
To help you understand the need for an amplifier for your turntable, it is critical that we discuss the types and roles of an amplifier.
There are two types of amplifiers for a turntable – the ones with a built-in pre-amp, called integrated amplifiers, and the ones without it, also known as power amplifiers or stereo receivers.
A preamplifier alters a relatively weak electric signal into a stronger, noise-resistant output for additional processing. A power amplifier converts low-power radio and guitar signals into strong enough signals to activate loudspeaker devices. A main (integrated) amplifier is a combined product of a power amplifier and preamplifier.
Luckily, most modern turntables come equipped with a pre-amplifier. These work with the turntable’s cartridge signal, amplifying and equalizing it.
For turntables without a built-in preamplifier, there are plenty of options featured in this article to choose from.
Choosing the right amplifier for your turntable is no joke. Having sad that, there are some essential details such as the power output, the number of channels, the impedance, frequency response and total harmonic distortion, and the auto standby options in an amplifier that you should pay attention to when looking to purchase an amplifier that will deliver the most bang for your buck.
Below is everything that makes a turntable amplifier stand out.
The power output that an amplifier can produce is the most accurate representation of how well an amplifier can perform. The United States Consumer Electronics Association (CEA) has designed a uniform system for grading power rating for amplifiers and other stereo components. The system introduces root mean square (RMS), the average power an amplifier can give out without any damage.
We recommend that you carefully consider the RMS before purchasing an amplifier and choose an amplifier that would overpower your system rather than underpower.
Having talked out the importance of power output to when investing in the right amplifier, the number of channels is also a critical factor. Simply put, channels in an amplifier represent the number of speakers the amplifier is compatible. For example, a 4-channel amplifier is able to support 4-speaker systems. A 5-channel amplifier on the other hand, is capable of power four speakers and a subwoofer.
Most amplifiers work with loudspeakers of 4, 8, and 16 ohms of resistance. However, for best performance and results, it is recommended that you choose an amplifier that is a correct match for your loud speakers.
Matching an amplifier with the right impedance of your system can be a complete game changer. Wondering why we say that? Consider this. If the total impedance of your loud speaker is low, the power delivered to the loudspeaker will be higher and it can possibly overload the system and damage your amplifier. Whereas, if the impedance is too high, the power being delivered to the speakers will be too low.
Furthermore, we suggest that you pay close attention to the frequency response of all the devices as they vary. The 20 Hz to 40 kHz range of the Pyle Home Audio Power Amplifier System delivers vastly different results than the 20 Hz to 20 kHz range of the Kinter K2020A+.
In today’s day and age, we’re all prone to a hands-free approach when it comes to our technology. The auto standby option is super convenient for people who aren’t bothered to keep tabs on their amplifiers activity. The Yamaha R-S202, Yamaha A-S501BL, or the Douk Audio X1 would all be a suitable pick here.
Individual features are also important. Not all amplifiers possess an ideal infinite bandwidth or a zero common-mode gain. Always make sure to ask for feedback on the devices you intend to buy.
Connecting an amplifier to a turntable is a fairly simple process.
There are two methods involved, each for the option of the preamplifier installation. If there is the need for an external preamplifier, then a set of cables (most probably RCA ones) will have to be linked to your audio system. If the preamplifier is built in, proceed by attaching the turntable’s ground wire (if needed) to the grounding post on the phono preamplifier.
Connecting your amplifier to your headphones entails connecting the power supply of your device by plugging it in with an EP stereo plug (for example, the MXP-38 (Jack) to EP Converter) and then just simply connecting your headphones to the headphone amplifier.
Sound capabilities battle down to the Pyle Home Audio Power Amplifier System and the Yamaha R-S202BL. It’s a relatively hard choice, since both receivers specialize in top-notch sound systems.
There are several amplifiers that fit well and provide accommodation for your Apple products. These receivers branching out to support the Apple ecosystem include the RAL KEB02IP DAC headphone amplifier, the SHURE SHA900 (portable) headphone amplifier, and the Sony PHA-3 USB DAC headphone amplifier. Other options that are labeled as a slight variation of the amplifier, but still very much compatible with Apple products include the Fostex HP-P1 headphone amplifier and DAC and the Ultrasone NAOS HI-RES DAC for any smartphones. The overwhelming choices available should not coerce you into buying an amplifier not suited best to your needs.
Our final verdict comes down to a set of the most valuable factors when cherry picking your device. The Pyle Home Audio Power Amplifier System and the Yamaha R-S202BL Stereo Receiver are categorized in the highest ranks for several reasons. Firstly, both amplifiers are known to specialize in something, be it the glorious sound system of the Onkyo, or the versatile connectivity options of the Yamaha R-S202BL. Therefore, we picked the Pyle Home Audio Power Amplifier System to be the best integrated amplifier for turntable, shortly outrunning the Yamaha A-S501BL in performance and consistency. Although, the latter can be extended to Bluetooth compatibility. The best power amplifier, accordingly, is the Yamaha R-S202BL.
Finally, for users on the lookout for the supreme added value factor, the budget-friendly pick would be of major influence. If you are willing to overlook Bluetooth glitches, or if that type of technology is simply not a deciding factor, then the Kinter K2020A+, priced from $39.88, may be a suitable fit.
