Quick! These amazing entry-level stereo amplifiers are still under £500 in the Cyber Monday sales
This has been the Black Friday of stereo amp bargains
We're counting down to the end of the Cyber Monday sales for another year, but there's still time to nab a bargain, especially if you're in the market for an entry-level amplifier at a great price.
You might be looking to build a budget system from scratch, or maybe you want to inject some new life into an older system. If so, we have a trio of amazing options, all of discounted to less than £500, plus a special entry right at the end.
All the models listed below have been tested by our crack team of reviewers, and they're all five-star models too, which means we can vouch for their sonic abilities.
Take a look and see what you think...
Even with the new A5+ now on the scene, the original What Hi-Fi? Award-winning Arcam A5 is still a supremely well-rounded performer. It features three line-level inputs, a moving magnet phono stage, digital inputs and Bluetooth connectivity. It's still a seriously entertaining amp, especially at this discounted price, and one that you should give proper consideration before it's out of stock.
Price check: £549 at Peter Tyson
Is the Arcam A5 right for me?
Buy if
- Arcam's insightful, articulate and entertaining presentation is for you
- You prefer a strong feature list
- That 'bumblebee' aesthetic floats your boat
Avoid if
- You need a really clear display
- You need a USB input
The Cambridge Audio AXA35 stereo amplifier sounds punchy, precise and very nice indeed. Its midrange is especially expressive, while the combination of a minimalist front panel, smart grey finish and slender height give it a clean and appealing appearance.
Deal also at Amazon
Is the Cambridge Audio AXA35 right for me?
Buy if
- You want a punchy, precise sound
- You really value an expressive ,articulate midrange
- You love Cambridge's aesthetic style
Avoid if
- You want a really massive saving
- You want Bluetooth connectivity
A former What Hi-Fi? Award winner and a five-star favourite, the Marantz PM6007 has been one of our favourite stereo amps below £500 for some years now. Entertaining to listen to and beautifully made, £130 off makes it supremely good value this Black Friday.
Deal also at Richer Sounds and Amazon
Is the Marantz PM6007 right for me?
Buy if
- You want a clear, punchy performer
- You like that solid, shiny Marantz aesthetic
- You don't want to spend (that) big
Avoid if
- You want the newest gear on the market
- You need Bluetooth or a USB connection
The Rotel A8 is so good, it doesn't need a discount in order for us to recommend it. As a budget, even entry-level amplifier, we've rarely come across better, with the A8 getting straight to the heart of your music and bringing it to life with exceptional confidence. It's the budget amp we recommend to everyone, and if you get your hands on one, you'll soon understand why.
Is the Rotel A8 right for me?
Buy if
- You love a punchy, engaging sound
- You live for expressive dynamics
- You're after a What Hi-Fi? Awards winner
Avoid if
- You want an actual discount
- You want something with a more premium feel
MORE:
Black Friday hi-fi deals: the best prices on five-star turntables, stereo amplifiers, speakers and more, live!
Black Friday 2025: our experts select the best home cinema deals on projectors, soundbars, AVRs and more
Black Friday quick links
- Amazon: browse all of today's best deals
- B&W speakers: save £200
- Bluetooth speaker: 38% off five-star JBL
- Bose QC Ultra Headphones: save over £100
- Bravia 8 TV: lowest-ever price on 55in Sony TV
- Denon AV receiver: save £600
- Dolby Atmos soundbar: down to £268
- ELAC Debut 2: five-star speakers now £179
- Headphones: Sennheiser Momentum 4 now £165
- LG C5 55-inch: lowest-ever price at Richer Sounds
- JBL soundbar: now better than half price
- John Lewis: £200 off LG and Sony OLED TVs
- Richer Sounds: browse Black Friday deals
- Sevenoaks: £150 off Award-winning speakers
- Sony headphones: now just £29
- Stereo amplifier: Cambridge Audio now £299
- TVs, movies, home cinema: browse the best deals
- Vinyl: 3 for £66 at Amazon
- Wireless earbuds: Award winners now £75
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Harry McKerrell is a senior staff writer at What Hi-Fi?. During his time at the publication, he has written countless news stories alongside features, advice and reviews of products ranging from floorstanding speakers and music streamers to over-ear headphones, wireless earbuds and portable DACs. He has covered launches from hi-fi and consumer tech brands, and major industry events including IFA, High End Munich and, of course, the Bristol Hi-Fi Show. When not at work he can be found playing hockey, practising the piano or trying to pet strangers' dogs.
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