Hi-fi amplifiers

Convincing digital amplifier, quality build but perhaps for the price we might expect a little more body and warmth

Up there with the best, some imperfections, but when it comes to sound quality it's well worth the five-star rating

Not a true all-rounder, but its superb way with singers makes the Seconda worth a second look

Last year's Award-winner still has what it takes, delivering an expansive, convivial sound and a solid spec

Unusual looks, high price, low power output – things don't look great for the Preludio, until you hear the beautiful midrange and unbridled enthusiasm

This is an amp we so wanted to like, but it’s consistently out-pointed by rivals

The Audiolab 8000S is still a decent amplifier, but it's no longer the class-leader it once was

Receives a highly respectable four-star verdict, but we had hoped for much more

Still a great amp, but not quite as good as its younger brother, the £100 cheaper (and remote-less) RA-04

This Pathos delivers a sincere sense of the music being ‘alive’