Hi-fi amplifiers

The £1000 amplifier sector is fearsomely contested, and the Carat gets eaten alive

The Nait XS is as musically engrossing an amplifier as we've heard at this price point. It'll worry the class leaders

The Icon is an impressively built, top-value and fluid and natural sounding valve amp, although it will need careful partnering

The Elicit is a decent, enjoyable amplifier and well worth a listen, though we reckon more ability is available for the same money

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

A lovely object and a splendid amplifier, the CAP-2100 is a gregarious and eloquent communicator

This amplifier is simply inspirational: beautiful to feel and admire, wonderful with all kinds of music

A big, powerful, attractive amp for the money, even if it’s not without competition