The best integrated amplifier under €2,000 for most systems is the Cambridge Audio CXA81 Mk II (€1,199), with 80 W per channel, a built-in DAC and a balanced input. If you want streaming and a TV connection in a single box, the WiiM Amp Ultra (€635) delivers 100 W per channel and HDMI ARC for a fraction of the price. We have gathered seven amplifiers we stock, from the most affordable to the most expensive, with the power published on each product page and who each one suits.
The selection at a glance
| Model | Price | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| WiiM Amp Ultra | €635 | Streaming and TV in one box |
| Marantz Stereo 70S | €770 | A simple system with streaming and HDMI |
| Musical Fidelity M3si | €1,050 | Turntable owners and demanding speakers |
| Heed Audio Asterisk | €1,190 | Small rooms, a smooth and musical sound |
| Cambridge Audio CXA81 Mk II | €1,199 | The right choice for most systems |
| Heed Audio Elixir | €1,590 | Vinyl, headphones and analog inputs |
| Arcam A25+ | €1,990 | The top of Arcam's Radia+ range |
Why we chose each model
WiiM Amp Ultra (€635)
It delivers 100 W per channel into 8 ohms and has a 3.5-inch touchscreen, RoomFit room correction and a subwoofer output. It connects to the TV over HDMI ARC and supports AirPlay 2, Chromecast, Spotify Connect and Tidal Connect. It is the best way in for anyone who wants to stream music without adding a separate streamer. To compare it with the other WiiM models, see our guide WiiM: which one to choose.
Marantz Stereo 70S (€770)
A slim stereo receiver with 75 W per channel, built-in HEOS streaming and an HDMI input with 8K support. It works with Spotify, Tidal and AirPlay. The unit we have in store is a demo model, as new and with warranty.
Musical Fidelity M3si (€1,050)
It delivers 85 W per channel and has an MM phono input and a remote control. If you own a turntable, you get a phono stage already built in. The comfortable power suits more demanding speakers. The unit in store is a demo model, as new and with warranty.
Heed Audio Asterisk (€1,190)
A compact integrated with 2 x 30 W RMS into 8 ohms, using Heed's own Transcap technology for a smooth, natural sound. Heed says it copes well even with difficult speakers. It makes sense in small and medium systems, where musicality counts for more than raw power.
Cambridge Audio CXA81 Mk II (€1,199)
Our central recommendation. It delivers 80 W per channel into 8 ohms and 120 W into 4 ohms, with an ESS ES9018K2M DAC that accepts up to 32 bit/384 kHz and DSD256 over USB. It has a balanced XLR input, four RCA inputs, coaxial, optical and aptX HD Bluetooth. It also drives two pairs of speakers. It has no phono stage and no network streaming, so it pairs well with an external streamer. You can read more in our guide Cambridge Audio: AX, CX, Evo or L/R.
Heed Audio Elixir (€1,590)
It combines a preamplifier with a dedicated output, a power amplifier, an MM phono stage and a class A headphone amplifier. It has four analog inputs and uses discrete bipolar transistors with Transcap technology. It is the choice for anyone who listens to vinyl and also uses headphones.
Arcam A25+ (€1,990)
Arcam describes it as the best and most versatile of its Radia+ integrated amplifiers. It has Bluetooth and Auracast. The product page does not publish the power output, so we recommend listening to it in store with your speakers before deciding.
What to consider before buying
- Check which inputs you need. A turntable needs phono, a TV needs HDMI ARC and streaming needs a network platform or a separate streamer. Our guide to DACs and streamers explains when you need each.
- Match the power to your speakers' sensitivity and impedance. 4 ohm speakers need an amplifier with good current reserve.
- If you may separate preamp and power amp in the future, read integrated amplifier or preamp plus power amp.
- Whenever possible, listen with the speakers you will use. The same amplifier sounds different depending on the room.
Is it worth raising your budget?
If you can go past €2,000, the Cambridge Audio Evo 150 SE (€2,399) combines 150 W per channel in Class D with StreamMagic streaming, an MM phono stage and HDMI ARC in a box as wide as a vinyl sleeve. It removes the need for a separate streamer and phono stage. See also our integrated amplifiers collection.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best integrated amplifier under €2,000?
For most systems, the Cambridge Audio CXA81 Mk II (€1,199). If you want streaming and TV built in, the WiiM Amp Ultra (€635). If you own a turntable, the Musical Fidelity M3si (€1,050) or the Heed Audio Elixir (€1,590).
How many watts do I need?
It depends on your speakers and room. For bookshelf speakers in small rooms, 30 to 50 W is enough. For floorstanding speakers or larger rooms, 80 W or more gives you more headroom.
Do I need a separate DAC or streamer?
Only if the amplifier has no streaming. The WiiM Amp Ultra and the Marantz Stereo 70S already include it. The CXA81 Mk II has a DAC but no network streaming.
Which speakers go with these amplifiers?
Any of them makes good use of quality bookshelf speakers, such as those we gathered in best bookshelf speakers under €1,000. If you prefer floorstanders, our floorstanding speakers collection has options for every budget. Drop by the listening room to hear them connected to the amplifier you choose.
Also read integrated amplifier or preamp plus power amp and DACs and streamers explained.