Group test: Stereo amplifiers £500-£600 pt2

< Previous page: Advance Acoustic MAP305DA II, Cambridge Audio Azur 740A 1 2

Overview Price: £595 More info: Creek Size: 430x80x340mm Weight: 8.6kg Power output: 2x85W Line level inputs: 4 Phono stage: No Tape loops: 1 Tone control: No Headphone output: Yes Creek Evo integrated The slimmest and sleekest amplifier in this group is the UK-designed, Chinese-built Evo from Creek, a brand with an enviable track record on the budget integrated front. Its clean lines disguise a power amp section whose output nearly doubles into a halving of load, a good sign that's combined with a purist approach to circuitry that eschews the novelty of tone controls. Instead you get a Burr-Brown stepped attenuator volume control - volume controls are one of the biggest barriers to sound quality in any amp - and a usefully clear numeric volume display. Creek also makes great play out of the quality of the internal components, more so than the alternatives in this group at least. The remote handset is also quite nice, I particularly liked the brown rubber back but the lack of supplied batteries was less popular. The Evo's character is more distinct than most in this group - it goes in for very clear leading edge definition and as a result has the most precise timing of the lot. The other side of this coin is that the sound can be a little aggressive at higher levels, and while there's decent amounts of power on tap, the top end is not as sweet as the best alternatives. The bass is well articulated and controlled, its 85 watts offering more grip than the Cambridge's 100 watts but it doesn't quite match the dynamics of that model. Imaging on the other hand is remarkably precise and here it leads the pack. Combined with the right speakers the Evo has great entertainment potential.

Verdict Plus points Solid sound that provides excellent grip, great timing and precise imaging, nice clean casework design Minus points Not as relaxed as some nor as well featured

Overview Price: £600 More info: Pioneer Size: 420x113x369mm Weight: 11.5kg Power output: 2x55W Line level inputs: 4 + USB B-type Phono stage: MM/MC Tape loops: 1 Tone control: Yes Headphone output: Yes Pioneer A-A9 The A-A9 is Pioneer's attempt at emulating the highly successful A400 with which it wowed the hi-fi world in the early nineties. Tuned at AIR studios by engineers who make records for a living it took a different R&D path to the A400 but ultimately both share the same goal, which is to produce great sound at a reasonable price. Among its inputs is a USB socket for computers as well as a 'Sound retriever' function that is designed to make such sources sound sweeter. You also get a motorised Alps volume control that should help the sound and a 'direct' setting which has the same aim but which defeats the backlighting on the display so that the numerical volume indication can't be seen. Unfortunately the source name is also invisible when in 'direct' mode except while you change something. The remote is a slimline device but one which allows both source selection and volume control. The A-A9 is a refined and smooth sounding amplifier with decent resolving power but a slight shortage of welly by the standards achieved elsewhere. It does however have a very fine touch when it comes to dynamics, it tracks the volume of different instruments and voices within the mix superbly, this means that music sounds uncannily lifelike and vibrant. It also has a decent sense of timing but doesn't lean on the leading edges, so there's no inclination to forwardness - a welcome trait which makes for relaxed long-term listening. What it lacks in grip is easily made up for with high resolution and open spacious imaging. In the A-A9 Pioneer has combined the charm of the A400 with greater transparency and more features.

Verdict Plus points Nicely sculpted front panel, great timing and spaciousness along with a clean detailed and dynamic sound Minus points Not quite as incisive or as powerful as some

Final verdict This proved an impressive group of amplifiers, all have their strengths and inevitably, by comparison at least, some strengths are more appealing than others. The wide range of sonic styles means that you should really base your decision on personal taste and partnering speakers, any of these amps will give a great result when carefully paired with the right speakers. As ever, you really should audition both together for best results. The Cambridge Audio may be the least expensive here but it gave the alternatives cause for thought when it came to dynamics and features. The Advance Acoustic on the other hand is an enthusiastic and stylish design with superb build and even better power meters. The Creek has the firmest grip on musical proceedings which made a big contrast with the relaxed feel of the Pioneer, and finally made up our mind about the eventual winner of this test. However, both are very fine designs and only you, your speakers and your music can really say which is your own personal pick of the bunch.

< Previous page: Advance Acoustic MAP305DA II, Cambridge Audio Azur 740A 1 2

AVR Glossary