Onkyo must be applauded for taking the plunge into affordable digital amps, but the A-5VL is beaten by the best analogue alternatives
The PI-1 from Electrocompaniet is a musically involving amplier, but lacks the sparkle of top rivals
Excellent amplifier up with the elite at this price level
Look beyond the outdated looks – the 6XP's controlled sound makes this a serious player
NAD's C326BEE amp is a real gem, but only for those with a budget system
The Icon is an impressively built, top-value and fluid and natural sounding valve amp, although it will need careful partnering
A fine concept and not without charm, the AMP-30 is a desktop amplifier and might be just the thing to power an iPod, but its sound is a let-down
A fantastic product good enough to put most similarly priced alternatives to shame
Can perform miracles with less frenetic genres, but isn't built for anger
Superior product in some ways, but the PM5003 lacks the cohesion to trouble the class leaders
Leema's original Tucana integrated amplifier was a great amp. The new, subtly tweaked Mk II version makes a great design even better