Every product is carefully selected by our editors. If you buy from a link, we may earn a commission.
5 Amp and Speaker Pairings For Aspiring Audiophiles
We've paired some of our favorite bookshelf speakers with an amplifier that can properly drive them. If you're looking to build your own hi-fi system, here are some ideas as to where to get started.
Two components make up the foundation of any hi-fi system: the speakers and the power amplifier to properly drive them. If you want to create a vinyl hi-fi system, you'll also need a turntable and a phono preamplifier, but neither is anything without a speaker and power amplifier.
Power amplifiers don't always go by that name. Imbued with extra features, they're sometimes called receivers (amplifiers with wireless capability from radio to Wi-Fi) or integrated amplifiers (amplifiers with a built-in phono preamp for your turntable). But they're primary job is the same: take a weak audio signal and boost it so it's powerful enough to drive a speaker.
Pairing an amp to a speaker is the cornerstone of hi-fi nerdery, with all sorts of logics to govern your choices. But it's also possible to get objectively wrong. An amp needs to be powerful enough to drive the speakers it is paired with, as well as match-up the impedance (measured in ohms) so that the speaker-and-amp combination will work and sound best — and it all gets a little bit complicated.
So to get you started here are five d five pairings of passive bookshelf speakers and an amplifier that's capable of driving them to their full potential.
Pairing #1
Amazon
Speakers: Q Acoustics 3020i
The Q Acoustics 3020i is one of our favorite entry-level pair of bookshelf speakers. The U.K.-based audio company released the 3020i in 2018, and they are essentially an all-around better version of the previous 3020. They're slightly slightly taller and have a 25-percent deeper chamber, which gives the 3020i significantly more powerful bass despite being smaller speakers. Now almost two-years-old, you can often snag a pair of 3020i bookshelf speakers for less than $300.
The AXA35 is one of the best affordable amplifiers you can buy. It's a two-channel integrated amplifier with an integrated phono preamplifier, which gives you the flexibility to add a turntable to your setup down the road. It's also able to power 35-watts per channel, which is plenty enough to power a good entry-level pair of bookshelf speakers like the Q Acoustics 3020i. The downside is that the AXA35 doesn't support Bluetooth or Wi-Fi, so you'll need another component if you want a streaming system.
The R-51M are the most affordable speakers in Klipsch's high-quality Reference line. Each speaker features a 5.25-inch driver along with Klipsch's signature Tractrix horn tweeter and, together, the pair are able to deliver rich, room-filling sound with deep bass. In addition to being some of the best-sounding and bang-for-your budget bookshelf speakers you can buy, it's really their cool, retro flair that make the Klipsch R-51M unforgettable.
The Onkyo A-9110 is a two-channel integrated amp that's able to deliver 100-watts of total power (50-watts per channel), and it pairs nicely with the Klipsch R-51M without the need of worrying about blowing them out (the Klipsch R-51M can handle up to 85-watts of power). Additionally, the Onkyo A-9110 has loads of connectivity options — four analog RCA inputs, a phono input with a MM phono equalizer, an analog RCA line-level output and a subwoofer pre-out — in case you want to built out your system down the road.
The Q150 review are the smallest and most affordable speakers in KEF's Q series. Each speaker features a unique Uni-Q driver — which consists of a centered tweeter-and-woofer combo, instead of two separately mounted drivers, resulting it a more direct and accurate sound — that's similar to ones found in KEF's more expensive lines. The Q150 also have a nominal impedance of 8 ohms, making them fairly easy to drive for most amplifiers. If you're looking for a more refined sound compared to most "entry-level" passive bookshelf speakers but don't want to take out a loan, these are all-around great speakers.
Yamaha's WXA-50 is a beautiful two-channel stereo amplifier that can deliver up to 70-watts per a channel, which is more than enough to power KEF's Q150. The big advantage of the WXA-50 is that it's a wireless streaming amplifier with loads of connectivity options. It works with the MusicCast app and can be integrated into any MusicCast multi-room speaker system. It also has built-in Bluetooth, so you can stream music directly to the system directly from your smartphone or computer, too.
The B&W 606 are definitely on the high-end, but they're also some of the best-sounding and most dynamic bookshelf speakers you're likely to find. They feature B&W's Continuum cone driver technology, which has been a signature feature of the company's higher-end speakers for years. And both speakers have a rear-firing port that helps the speakers deliver surprisingly punchy bass. If you're a true music lover and you have a bigger room to set up your system (these get loud), the B&W 606 are fantastic compact speakers.
Rega, the UK hi-fi manufacturer, is well known for making highly musical amps. The Brio, for example, is a fantastic integrated amp that's capable of driving some of the more powerful and sensitive speakers. It lacks streaming support, so it might not be the perfect fit for those building and new-age digital/analog system. But it does have an excellent built-in phono stage that pairs superbly with Rega's high-end turntables.
With Polk Audio's Legend Series, you're entering true audiophile territory. The L100 speakers have a finely tuned 1-inch pinnacle tweeter and a proprietary 5.25-inch Turbine Cone midrange/bass driver, the combination of which results in an ultra-detailed sound. The frequency range is incredibly wide, too. You're getting lows in the 50Hz range and highs up near 50kHz. These speakers, if you can afford them, are incredible.
The Sonos Amp is a beast. It's capable of driving 125-watts per channel, which should be more than enough to drive the Legend L100 (Polk recommends driving the L100s with 70 watts per channel, although they can handle up to 160 watts of peak power). The Amp is a great amp if you already have several Sonos speakers, because it allows you to integrate your non-Sonos speakers into your existing Sonos multi-room system -- so you can play music on all your speakers at once. Additionally, the Amp has an HDMI ARC port, which allows you to connect your passive bookshelf speakers to your TV, just like a Sonos's Arc or Beam soundbars.
Outerknown's ultra-sustainable garments are essential for anyone who wants to believe in what they wear while also being more comfortable than they've ever been. This blanket shirt is truly the closest thing you can get to wearing your favorite throw.
Anthony Bourdain always said you really only needed one good knife in the kitchen. This one could be it. It is made with a fiberglass handle and a three-layer blade construction that will stand the test of time.
Huckberry and Timex threw it back to the 70s and 80s with this collaboration. Starting with a blank slate, the brands led with the iconic cola colorway, added a military-inspired dial and finished it off with a woven stainless steel bracelet and aluminum timing bezel.
This matches the lowest price we've seen on Apple's premium AirPods. Competition is now fierce in this headphone category, but the quick pairing and native integration with Apple devices still make the AirPods Pro tough to beat.
A wireless charger looks great on your desk and keeps excess cords out of the way. This one is wrapped in Horween leather for a rugged look and can charge any wireless-compatible iPhones plus AirPods and AirPods Pro.
Staub's enameled cast iron is versatile, distributes heat evenly, and works with any heat source, including induction. This is one of our favorite pieces of cookware.
This is undoubtedly the perfect layer (and color) for spring. It looks great over a t-shirt, is soft enough to wear every day at home and looks nice enough for dates and Zoom meetings.
Now that many of us are working exclusively from home, Wi-Fi connectivity has never been more precious. Make sure your entire home is covered with this Wi-Fi extender, which can boost coverage up to 1,200 feet and connect to 20 devices.
Being at home more often is a blessing to many of us, but only if our home is prepared for our presence. If the air is getting a little stale and dry, pick up a humidifier to bring your space back to life and give you some fresh breathing room just in time for allergy season.
Using half bison fiber and half wool, the Bison Ultralight weighs less than a pound and offers extremely well insulation. It also sports a recycled ripstop shell with a PFC-free DWR coating and compactly folds into its own pocket.
Best Made is back and we're grateful because it means we have access to its thoughtfully made goods that are always high quality. This pocket knife is forged by a fifth-generation Japanese blade maker and will develop a patina over time that is unique to you.
Solo Stove took the 360 Airflow Design that made its fire pit so exceptional and turned it into a charcoal grill that is perfect for backyard hangs. This bundle comes with the grill, a grill stand, a cover, a carry case, plus briquettes and starters to get you going.
With a not-too-short-but-not-too-long 8-inch inseam, these versatile shorts are excellent for going out for a run but won't show too much skin when you head to the gym. Plus, they have four pockets. Who doesn't love pockets?
Hydro Flask really needs no introduction at this point, so when you can get a 32-ounce wide mouth with its Temp-Shield insulation at 31 percent off, you do it.
Making more coffee from home now? So are we. Ditch the Mr. Coffee and unlock all the flavor your freshly roasted beans have to offer with a french press. It is super simple to use and really does make exceptional coffee.
Stasher bags are one of our favorite alternatives to single-use plastic wrap and bags. They keep your food fresh, contain no BPA and are dishwasher and microwave safe. Plus, you can also use them for marinades or sous vide thanks to their Pinch-Loc seal.
A midweight insulated jacket is a must-have in every outdoor enthusiast's wardrobe. This one from The North Face is packed with features, including a DWR finish to fend off light rain, post-consumer recycled insulation and is packable for easy stowing (or for use as a travel pillow).
Four-way stretch, seamless construction, and extreme breathability make this our pick for the best premium workout shirt. It is simple, and simply good.
This smart vacuum senses when it is full, locks itself back into its port and empties without any work on your end. It also keeps a record of its ventures into your home, making for more efficient journeys in the future. This combo includes an Echo Dot for only $10, which is a valuable add-on that has many more benefits than just the vacuum connectivity.
This is one of The North Face's most iconic silhouettes. Supremely warm, this jacket comes in four retro colorways and has a relaxed cut that is both street-ready and mountain-ready.
This content is created and maintained by a third party, and imported onto this page to help users provide their email addresses. You may be able to find more information about this and similar content at piano.io
