Top 5 budget amplifiers

Top 5... BUDGET AMPLIFIERS - Up to £500

There's nothing technical about this top 5 listing and I fully realise that there are loads that could have been here that aren't... but these are amplifiers that I've bought, sometimes owned and sold over the years. They are all, in my humble opinion, great units within their price range. Most are distinctly affordable, so there are obviously far more expensive amplifiers that will better them, but as an affordable purchase these will do you proud...

1. Rega Elex-R

The Rega Elex-R incorporates a very highly regarded phono stage, so you can get your records playing (moving magnet only) without a separate phono pre amplifier. It's a good looking unit and they tend to be well cared for. Having sold in volume and over a long period of time, there are always examples available. It's a really solid performer and you are unlikely to be disappointed. Expect to pay... from £400.

2. Roksan K2 BT

Roksan has produced some great and distinctive looking integrated amplifiers and a few fall within our budget. The Roksan Kandy KA-1 is cheaper and also worth hunting out, but the K2 BT is more modern and, as the name suggests, has built-in bluetooth functionality. Complete with a moving magnet phono stage, it'll get all your hifi options up and running. And of course it sounds good too. Expect to pay... £450

3. Cyrus 1 to 8

Cyrus produces some great affordable integrated amplifiers. While the original Cyrus One was in this section at one stage, these early examples are getting a little old, despite still sending sweet. But later versions are all worth a listen and all will typically fall within our budget price point. Pictured is a Cyrus 8 VS, but any are worth trying and are available in either a satin black, a brushed black (nicer), a smooth silver and a quartz silver (nicer!). Also consider - Rega Brio. Expect to pay... from £150-£450 depending on model

4. Musical Fidelity A3.2

Substantially built, all Musical Fidelity amplifiers are worth consideration. Within our price bracket, the A3.2 (and A3) is possibly the sweet spot. If you are into your vinyl, then this amplifier has the capability to drive both moving magnet and moving coil cartridges. Expect to pay... From £350

5. A&R Cambridge A60

Not only are these super pretty little integrated amplifiers, but the A60 sounds terrific too. It's quite an old beast these days, so expect DIN style inputs which are easily overcome with DIN to RCA adapter interconnects. And age means that switches can get a bit scratchy and capacitors may need a look at. But there's nothing here that cannot be serviced. The wooden cases can get scratched too, so it's worth waiting for one with a good case. Also consider a Creek 4040. Expect to pay... From £120+ for a tidy example.