Group test: Budget stereo amplifiers £180-£250

An integrated amplifier is an essential part of any hi-fi separates system and you don't have to spend much nowadays to appreciate improved two-channel performance. All of these models are attached to entry-level price tags but design quality and sound performance has improved dramatically in recent times as competing manufacturers battle it out in a fiercely competitive market. Sound quality this good has never been so affordable. Overview Price: £200 More info: Cambridge Audio Size: 430x320x100mm Weight: 7.4kg Power output: 2x60W Line level inputs: 5 Phono stage: Optional Tape loops: 2 Tone control: Yes Headphone output: Yes Cambridge Audio Azur 540 v2.0 Cambridge Audio is largely responsible for revitalising the budget hi-fi market with its Azur range of CD players and amplifiers setting new standards at affordable prices. And, the latest version offers the same impressive sound quality with an enhanced specification. Several audio improvements have been made to make the V2.0 more powerful while extra features include an ergonomic remote, Control Bus in/out and the company's Incognito Ready multi-room outputs. This is an advanced multi-room system that can be used power three separate rooms, offering a more complete and cost effective way of distributing music around your home. The metal cased design is impeccably constructed with a solid aluminium front panel (also available in black) and a low resonance, acoustically damped chassis. Amplification power is rated at 60 watts per channel while connectivity includes five line level inputs, two tape loops and a preamp out - but no phono stage. Partnered with the right equipment, the sound is incredibly expansive and intricately detailed. Clarity and expression are exceptional at this price point with every subtlety exposed and superb separation between different layers of music. This is all delivered with a rhythmical sense of timing that keeps pace across any tempo without sounding strained. At this price there's not much to criticise but high frequencies can occasionally sound slightly harsh and require tone control adjustments with some material. Verdict Plus points Excellent build quality; flexible multi-room features; detailed, dynamic and rhythmical sound Minus points Occasionally bright treble; no phono stage

Overview Price: £250 More info: Denon Size: 434x121x347mm Weight: 7kg Power output: 2x50W Line level inputs: 5 Phono stage: yes Tape loops: 2 Tone control: yes Headphone output: yes Denon PMA-700AE Denon's PMA-700AE is a well-specified amplifier with a warm, natural delivery but it struggles to keep pace with the hi-fi specialists in this ultra competitive market. The curved design featuring a brushed aluminium front panel (also available in black) looks attractively different compared to the typically straight cut designs elsewhere. Internally, there's an advanced power amp arrangement offering 50 watts amplification for each channel and a microprocessor that turns off when not needed to protect the audio signal. There are numerous front controls including a useful record out selector and tone controls with loudness function, which can be bypassed using the source direct control to produce a cleaner sound. The delivery is expectedly warm with an expressive, natural sound that's a hallmark of Denon's audio products. The midrange is detailed and accurate but there are restraints at either end of the sonic spectrum, which upsets the balance and creates a coloured sound with most material. Compared to Rotel's similarly priced RA-04, high frequencies sound too forward while bass can feel overwhelming at times, which confuses the overall presentation. The PMA-700AE is still an impressive performer but both the Cambridge Audio and Marantz offer better-balanced sound quality for less money.

Verdict Plus points Stylish design; comprehensive features; expressive midrange Minus points Unbalanced sound; more expensive than rivals

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