Best Stereo Preamp Under 500

For any music lover with an inclination towards serious sound quality, the right unit of an integrated amplifier is a very important piece. The right model combines the right wattage with the right set of features to deliver the best range of sound from a system. It is the amplifier that provides the right amount of power to the speakers of the system and delivers the desired output. So in a sense, they constitute the brawn of any music system. Choosing the right amplifier can be a complicated task for the uninitiated as there are a wide variety of choices in the market.

An integrated amplifier is a combination of a power amplifier and a pre-amplifier. While the first part provides the wattage, the second party accepts the right inputs along with the right controls. So we have crafted out this review to help you with your purchase and listed the best models within the price of 500 dollars from the market. There are various types and varieties of amplifiers and we will list down some best stereo Preamp under 500 common factors that will help you make the right purchase.

Buying Guide For Best Stereo Preamp Under 500

These are the following factors that you need to look for when you consider buying an amplifier.

The right connection points

The right number of connection points are very necessary to allow you to connect the various existing units to the amplifier. These include analogue inputs like RCA audio inputs and an RCA phono input. Multiple digital audio inputs like optical, coaxial, USB and Ethernet connectivity is also necessary to make the unit user-friendly. Some of the systems also come with a built-in digital-to-analogue converter for additional convenience.

Matching with the speaker

To match the amplifier with the speaker, it is often recommended to select a model which has twice the power of that of the rated amount in the speaker. This excess amount of power will allow enough allowance for the speaker to deliver a clean and undistorted sound output. This is also important if you choose to play music which has a large dynamic range. In case you are working in a sensitive studio environment, you should select an amplifier which is three to four times more than the speaker’s program power rating.

The right impedance

Most amplifiers are designed with 4, 8 or 16 ohms of resistance and the optimum performance is obtained when the total ohm load of the loudspeakers match with the amplifier. The power delivery to the loudspeakers will depend on the value of the impedance and overloading may damage the system. It is also possible to connect multiple speakers with one amplifier provided the wiring is done correctly and the total impedance does not fall below the specified output impedance of the amplifier.

The right placement

The surface or the position where you put the amplifier can make a world of difference to the overall sound quality. Since the power loading can heat the unit up, makes sure that you give it enough breathing space and use the right type of rack. The type of surface depending on glass or wood can affect the sound delivery. While glass makes it slightly upbeat, wound provides a more warm tone.

Wi-Fi connectivity

Many amplifiers come with built-in Wi-Fi and allow you to connect the unit to your home’s wireless network. They also come with Bluetooth that allows you to connect with any external device like a Smartphone. Some devices also come with Apple Airplay that offers seamless connectivity with all Apple devices.

Onkyo A-9110 Integrated Stereo Amplifier

This is a reliable and efficient amplifier with a classical design that is the perfect entry-level model for hi-fi newcomers. 

Overview

Onkyo has built up a reputation for its fleet of products and this model definitely ranks among its best ones. The unit comes with vibrant dynamics, deep bass, superior craftsmanship and layered detail that will definitely be exciting for the music lovers.

Feature and Benefits:

Elegant design

This is a unit that has an old school design with the tidy looking front face being dominated by the centrally-placed volume control. It comes in a metal chassis that has large, wide-spaced insulators.

Good sound

The amplifier can deliver the right amount of power to the whole range of speakers that will result in the perfect sound quality. It also has Optimum Gain Volume Circuitry that reduces noise and distortion.

Solid bass

The bass output provided by this amplifier is impressive. The output carries sufficient weight along with neutrality. The Phase-Matching Bass Boost feature is also an added boost.

Great features

The unit comes with a built-in headphone amplifier along with a 6.3 mm jack. There is also an efficient Direct Mode that eliminates all kinds of sound-reducing influences.

Key Specifications:

• Weight: 15.4 pounds.
• Impedance: 4-16 Ohm.
• Dimensions: 5.1 x 13 x 17.1 inches.
• Frequency Response: 20–20,000 Hz
• Power Output: 50 W + 50W

Pros and Cons:

With its superior features and great sound delivery, this is a speaker that offers a lot more than your expectations, making it a great choice.

Cambridge Audio Digital DacMagic Plus

Offering superb performance and an affordable price within a compact package, this is the right amplifier to provide your sound system with the right boost.

Overview

This has been a very successful model from Cambridge and offers some excellent features. It is aimed mainly at the computer-based audiophile and offers a whole array of connectivity options. Inexpensive and lightweight, it is one of the best budget options in the market.

Feature and Benefits:

Excellent connectivity

The unit comes with two S/P-DIF inputs and a separate USB input. The unit can also add the BT100 Bluetooth dongle to enable wireless playback from any device.

Good sound

The unit offers a natural sound that is free from distortions and has a distinct note. The details of the voice and the instruments are captured perfectly providing a good listening experience.

Additional features

The unit comes with digital filters along with a balanced XLR output and RCA phono output. The unit also offers twin Wolfson 24-Bit DAC and AFT2 upsampling.

Effective control

The unit has the volume control knob with a dual function. It can be used for switching the output mode as it is equipped with a fixed line-level output mode.

Key Specifications:

• Weight: 2.65 pounds.
• Output Impedance: < 50 Ohms.
• Dimensions: 7.5 x 8.5 x 2 inches.
• Frequency Response: 10–20,000 Hz
• Signal to Noise Ratio: -112 dBr

Pros and Cons:

This is one of the finest models from Cambridge and it offers good sound along with a few extra features that definitely gives it an edge.

Cambridge Audio Digital DacMagic 100

This unit offers a fantastic way to improve the audio quality being generated from a wide range of sources making it a very good choice.

Overview

This unit is marked by its high level of engineering that delivers optimum performance from it. The custom designed technology digitally processes the sound signals and dramatically improves the sound quality resulting in enhanced listening pleasure.

Feature and Benefits:

Great sound

This unit offers amazing clarity and brings in great details to the sound generated from a variety of sources. This is a unit that delivers you the true hi-fi sound range.

Excellent compatibility

The unit offers good support to almost every type of audio file that you will want to enjoy. It offers three different digital connectivity options and can connect with four devices simultaneously.

Good design

The unit comes with the high-grade digital to the analogue converter from market-leader Wolfson. Every aspect of this device has been built with care to ensure the best sound output.

Asynchronous USB

This connection adds a surprising amount of detail into the sound delivery from a USB device. The low-level ambient detail along with a wider, deeper soundstage will keep you highly satisfied.

Key Specifications:

• Weight: 1.1 pounds.
• Output Impedance: < 50 Ohms.
• Dimensions: 4.1 x 5.8 x 1.8 inches.
• Frequency Response: 20–20,000 Hz
• Output Level: 2.3 V rms.

Pros and Cons:

This unit is capable of bringing older audio files back to life with its top-class features and also offers you a whole range of flexibility in terms of input.

Pro-Ject Pre Box S2 Digital

With superb specifications and great sound quality, this unit will definitely appeal to those who need a digital unit with a small footprint.

Overview

The unit is versatile in terms of functionality and can work as a stereo preamplifier as well as a headphone amp and DAC. The controls are very effective and there are multiple filter settings as an added advantage. This is a nicely designed unit that also sounds very good.

Feature and Benefits:

Good features

This unit ticks every box in terms of features and also include some premium ones like MQA decoding. The ESS Sabre ES9038 dual DAC chip delivers an optimised performance at all levels.

Superior sound

The sound delivery of this unit is extremely good with clarity, balance and detailed delivery being the main features. Even a harmonically rich piano piece will be delivered with the right level of warmth.

Good build

The compact shape of the box allows it to be set anywhere within your space. The metal body is robust and features like the stepped rotation on the volume control feel good.

Effective display

The one inch LCD screen offers very good clarity along with excellent readability. The essential information is very well organized which is a major plus point of this unit.

Key Specifications:

• Weight: 1.83 pounds.
• Impedance: 8 Ohms.
• Dimensions: 7 x 4.1 x 1.4 inches.
• Frequency Response: 20–20,000 Hz
• Dynamic range: 124 dBA.

Pros and Cons:

With a good power delivery and sound output, this is a unit that offers a lot of well-packed features at a very competitive price.

V90-DAC Digital To Analogue Converter

This is a well-designed DAC that is also very well-priced and will definitely meet the requirements of those who are looking for an easy upgrade within a reasonable price.

Overview

This is a well-designed unit that comes with state-of-the-art design features along with high-end components to deliver the best output. The compact but efficient model will easily find a place on any shelf. This is a reasonably priced package that delivers good quality sound.

Feature and Benefits:

Good connectivity

The unit has USB as its main connectivity option along with two optical and one coax digital input. There are also two analogue outputs for connection to any receiver or amp.

Well built

This is a nicely constructed unit and the brushed aluminium box is durable enough. The overall compact size also gives this unit an additional edge in terms of portability.

Good sound

The sound delivery is smooth and fluid both across the mid-range and the lower ends. The overall sound delivery is very well balanced, making it a good piece to listen to.

Value for money

This unit can easily compete with those models that cost much higher than it in terms of performance and features, making it a real value for money option.

Key Specifications:

• Weight: 2.16 pounds.
• Output Impedance: 47 Ohms.
• Dimensions: 11.7 x 8.7 x 2.5 inches.
• Frequency Response: 20–20,000 Hz
• Maximum Output: 2.2 Volts.

Pros and Cons:

This is an excellent option for those who are looking for an audiophile-quality stereo sound from any sound source at a very reasonable price.

Cambridge Audio Azur DacMagic Plus DAC

This is a perfectly designed all-in-one music system that connects a whole range of devices and offers a simple and versatile range of features.

Overview

If you are looking to obtain great sound from your PC, then this simple and compact digital-to-analogue converter can easily help you to bypass your computer’s circuitry. It can also connect with any other audio device that has an optical digital output and provides a great sound output.

Feature and Benefits:

Compact unit

Being a device powered through the USB drive, this unit offers very good portability. It also provides the additional advantage of being connected with a headphone amplifier.

Good build

The device has maintained a high standard about the quality similar to the other Cambridge units. The compact and clean design along with the sturdy build makes it a great unit to use.

Good sound quality

The sound quality is smooth and refined along with the right dynamic range. It also delivers a deeper bass and clearer highs that make the output more enjoyable.

Easy operation

The plug-and-play feature of this unit makes it a real joy to use. Just plug it into any USB port of your computer and it will install itself and will be ready for use.

Key Specifications:

• Weight: 1.0 pounds.
• Input Bit depth: Up to 24 bits.
• Dimensions: 1.5 x 1.4 x 0.4 inches.
• Frequency Response: 10–25,000 Hz
• Maximum Output: 2.0 Volts RMS.

Pros and Cons:

This device offers a huge improvement in the sound quality of any device at a very reasonable price making it a very good choice in the current market.

Conclusion

So these are some of the best stereo Preamp under 500 and they provide a high-quality sound along with rich bass. The units are also loaded with the best components that make them a perfect choice for digital to analogue conversion. If you are looking for easy to use models that offer dynamic sound, any one of these models will definitely be a very good choice from that aspect. In terms of performance, the Onkyo A-9110 integrated stereo amplifier is a very good choice that can be marked as the best pick from this lot.

With the wide range amplification technology and phase matching bass boost, you can expect the perfect dynamics from this unit. The bass range will definitely keep you satisfied and the overall perfection of the design will allow you to enjoy the supreme clarity of analogue sound. The high-quality circuit also reduces any amount of unwanted noise, making the sound output very smooth. On the whole, this is a very good choice as it provides an extremely good range of features at a decent price.