Power Amplifier Reviews
Musical Fidelity 550K Supercharger
Musical Fidelity 550K Supercharger
Price £1500
Rating 9.8/10
The Musical Fidelity 550K Supercharger is definitely not a run of the mill power amplifier. It is intended to supplement your existing integrated amplifier in that you feed it directly from the output, one for each monobloc, it then emerges from the outputs hugely amplified. Being monoblocs you’ll need two of them of course so they’ll cost £3,000 but output is 550W. If you want an amplifier to have a vice like grip on your speakers then the 550K is for you. It takes no prisoners and the influence it has on the sound is massive. Dynamics are elevated to frightening levels at high volumes, but at lower levels maintain supreme control. The 550k’s are a power amplifier with the emphasis of the power, they relish high volume and never has the slightest hint of running out of steam. The sheer attack that they emanate is colossal. With the grunt that they boast you might well ask what about refinement? Well it’s definitely not a case of brawn over brain they are extremely articulate and delicate. Lower frequencies are handled with dexterity, massive control and taken to a completely new level. The only criticism that can be aimed at them is possibly a slight reduction in detail resolution compared to the best. They are still worthy of recommendation because there are very few that can compete at this level.
Specifications
Bridgeable No
Power out (watts) 550
Type Mono
Phono in 1
XLR in 0
Dimensions (hwd, cm) 40x22x22
Weight (kg) 15
Quad Elite Stereo
Quad Elite Stereo
Price £700
Rating 8.2/10
Quad is a well known name that’s been around for over 50 years making well respected Hi Fi. The latest addition to the range is the Quad Elite Stereo. With an appearance similar to the old 99 range, the Elite can be easily overlooked. The improvements however are on the inside with superior components and circuitry. Keeping up the Quad tradition, it’s well specified and has a very neutral sound and perhaps lacking excitement. Tonal balance is admirably neutral, and detail is impressive. Reproduction of voices is particularly commendable as well as integration across the frequency range. If stacked and using Quads own propriety cables for signal, control, and mains then performance suffers. Quads intention to make things neater at the back rather than the usual rats nest we’re accustomed to results in restricted detail and less lucid.
Overall Quad seems to have struck the right balance with the Elite the result is a very capable performer.
Perhaps not as dynamic as it’s best rivals, the Quad Elite nevertheless warrants serious consideration.
Specifications
Bridgeable No
Power out (watts) 80
Type Stereo power amplifier
Phono in 1
XLR in 0
Dimensions (hwd, cm) 7x32x31
Weight (kg) 6.25
Cyrus Mono X
Cyrus Mono X
Price £1250
Rating 9.8/10
The Cyrus Mono X is a monobloc amplifier rated at 150W into 8 Ohms, but increasing to 240 W into 4 Ohms. It has a burst power potential of 1500 W that means that for a very short duration such as transients power output is increased to cope with instantaneous power demands. What it means is that the Cyrus Mono X can take transients in its stride with no strain. There can be no doubt that it has serious muscle and can cope with the most demanding speakers around with ease. In order to cope with such high outputs Cyrus have incorporated a fan, but, more importantly it only switches on during heavy power demands so it’s unlikely ever to be heard. As you might expect this amp can deal out thumping bass notes as good as the best with remarkable control. The Cyrus has a remarkable amount of poise and elegance; it never draws attention to itself, just gets on with the job. The speed is just astonishing, and layer after layer of detail is retrieved. Listening to old favourites you are aware of things that you’ve never heard before. Is it refined? – Absolutely. It’s convincingly natural without any hint of being analytical. It takes difficult speaker loads in its stride without getting flustered. The imaging is 3-dimensional with superb focus.
So what exactly is so good about the Cyrus Mono X? Well just about everything. It must be considered something of a bargain for the price and recommendation is mandatory.
Specifications
Bridgeable No
Power out (watts) 150
Type Mono
XLR in 1
Dimensions (hwd, cm) 22x8x36
Weight (kg) 5.5
Cyrus 8 Power
Cyrus 8 Power
Price £850
Rating 9.8/10
Considering the enviable reputation that Cyrus already has the results from the Cyrus 8 power amp were nothing short of thrilling. Transients are reproduced with accomplished realism with taut and controlled bass that was deficient on previous models. Results are fast with authority and a soundstage that’s rock solid. The midrange is particularly articulate. Extremely nimble the Cyrus 8 handles music in an engaging confident manner that’s exceptional. The top end is crisp with no hint of edginess. The addition of the PSX-R off-board power supply takes the sound to an even higher level. The only criticism that can be aimed at the Cyrus is that the bass could be slightly thin to some ears but never bloated. The ability to upgrade the Cyrus gives it versatility in future. Considering how revealing the Cyrus is, it appears to take a long time to run in but it’s well worth the wait. One of the best sounding power amps anywhere, and recommendation is mandatory.
Specifications
Bridgeable No
Power out (watts) 60
Type Stereo
XLR in 0
Dimensions (hwd, cm) 7x22x36
Weight (kg) 5
NAD C275BEE
NAD C275BEE
Price £820
Rating 7.8/10
The NAD C275BEE is not lacking for sheer grunt and authority. It has plenty of attack and thunderous bass. Where it loses out is clarity and detail, and considering the price you’d expect a better finish to the amp at this price level. Where it never quite matches its better rivals is in transparency and tonal balance, being good enough but not outstanding. The NAD avoids being too ham-fisted and burly that some of the competition can be accused of. It will handle any tortuous track you care to throw at it with consummate ease, without getting ruffled. Higher levels of volume are handled in the same manner, just with greater authority. Its power level of 150 Watts is good at this price especially coupled with NADs legendary soft clipping. There are few that can match its thunderous bass with such authority. There are better finished power-amps around, some that are more nimble, but again the NAD is good enough to warrant a recommendation.
Specifications
Bridgeable Yes
Power out (watts) 150
Type Stereo
XLR in 0
Dimensions (hwd, cm) 13x44x35
Weight (kg) 15
