Top 5 Amps Under $1000 in 2025

Written By Jonathan Beach

This list is based on my personal opinion from going over the spec sheets and hearing the quality of a few of these different amps. This is in no (best to worst) order because these amps serve different functions for various listening experiences. Because this list is made based on my criticism assume anything wrong is out of my own error.

These are the five best speaker amplifiers I believe will provide the best listening experience for an msrp under $1000.

I think it’s important to know what specifications are important for these speaker amplifiers when selecting them. Understanding these specs will give you a better understanding of what the amp is capable of and what function it is best at serving.



Use this chart as a reference for the descriptions of these terms as I will not be explaining them later in this article.

  1. BasX A5 Five-Channel Power Amplifier

    These specs are for the audio files that want to know their equipment inside and out. I will be sharing what I find top seven worthy about each of these amps in the section below the specifications. Not all specs will be available due to my limited surfing for this info, but I found most of the important stuff.

    Audio Specifications

    Power Output (ALL channels driven):

    • 95 watts RMS per channel; 20 Hz – 20 kHz; THD < 0.1%; into 8 Ohms

    • 130 watts RMS per channel; 1 kHz; THD < 1%; into 4 Ohms

    Power Output (two channels driven):


    • 120 watts RMS per channel; into 8 Ohms


    • 175 watts RMS per channel; into 4 Ohms

    Power Bandwidth (at rated power; 4 Ohm - 8 Ohm load): 20 Hz to 20 kHz (+ / – 0.02 dB)

    Broad Band Frequency Response: 10 Hz to 80 kHz +0/-1.8 dB

    THD + noise: < 0.02% (A-weighted); ref rated power

    Signal to Noise Ratio (8 Ohm load):
    > 116 dB; ref rated power; (A-weighted)

    Minimum Recommended Load Impedance (per channel): 4 Ohms (equals one 4 Ohm load or two paralleled 8 Ohm loads)

    Damping Factor (8 Ohm load): > 500

    Input Sensitivity (for rated power; 8 Ohm load): 1.2 V

    Gain: 29 dB

    Input Impedance: 27 kOhms

    Input And Output Connections

    Input Connections: Unbalanced (RCA); one each per channel

    Speaker Output Connections: Audiophile grade 5-way binding posts

    Trigger:


    • Trigger Input: 5 – 12 V (AC or DC); <10 mA input current required.


    • Trigger Output: 12 VDC; can drive any load up to 120 mA

    Power Requirements

    115 VAC or 230 VAC @ 50 / 60 Hz (automatically detected)

    Front Panel Controls and Indicators

    • Standby: push button

    • Status LEDs: one per channel; blue

    • Status LEDs change to red to indicate a fault condition

    • Standby LED: amber

    Rear Panel Controls

    AC Power switch: rocker switch (switches AC main power)

    Status LEDs switch: disables front panel Status LEDs

    Protection

    The BasX A5 is protected against excessive operating temperature, shorted speaker connections, ground faults, and other common fault conditions.

    Mechanical

    Dimensions:


    • 17” wide x 4” high x 15-1/2” deep (unboxed, not including connectors)


    • 21-1/2” wide x 8” high x 21” deep (boxed)

    Weight:


    • 26.5 lbs (unboxed)
    • 33 lbs (boxed)

$650

Starting off with the THD level being at >0.02% is great for this price point. The audio quality driven through this amp is going to be very high. It has a reasonable power output for its price point. With an SNR of 116 the BasX is going to have little to no hum or hiss typically accompanied with amps. Depending on your shipping rates this amp will be listed between $650-$700.

2. Denon PMA-600NE Stereo integrated Amplifier

  • Amp Type: Integrated Amp

  • Number of Channels: Stereo

  • Watts per Channel @ 8 ohms: 45W

  • Watts per Channel @ 4 ohms: 70W

  • Phono Input: 1 x Dual RCA Stereo

  • Analog Inputs: 4 x Dual RCA Stereo

  • Analog Outputs: 1 x Dual RCA Stereo, 1 x RCA (sub)

  • Digital Inputs: 2 x Optical, 1 x Coax

  • Speaker Outputs: 2 x Dual Binding Post

  • Bluetooth: v4.2

  • THD: 0.02%

  • Control I/O: 2 x 1/8" (IR)

  • Remote: Included

  • Power Source: Fixed AC cable

  • Height: 4.76"

  • Width: 17.08"

  • Depth: 12.12"

  • Weight: 14.99 lbs.

$499

I picked this amplifier because it is an integrated amplifier which is put simply a pre-amp stuffed into an amp. This makes connectivity and control more simple. The PMA-600NE is pushing average power with a low THD. It can be wired to another amp to boost power. This amp is built for moderate power with low distortion and easy control. For a price point at $500 it deserves a spot in my top 5.

3. Marantz MM7025

  • 140 watts per channel into 8 ohms (20-20,000 Hz) at 0.08% THD with 2 channels driven

  • 170 watts per channel into 6 ohms

  • frequency response: 8-100,000 Hz (±3 dB)

  • signal-to-noise ratio: 105 dB

  • Discrete Current Feedback circuit for accurate, natural sound at all volume levels

  • oversized power transformer for high current levels

  • one RCA and one XLR input for each channel

  • DC trigger input/output

  • IR flasher input

  • gold-plated binding post speaker terminals

  • detachable power cord

  • 17-3/8"W x 5"H x 15"D

  • weight: 23.8 lbs.

$999

The price tag fits the quality with this sleek stereo amp. High fidelity, clear sound, and Power. This amp coupled with high capacity speakers will make any room sound like a concert hall. This is power in a box, but at a higher price point.

4. Yamaha A-S501

$549

Watts RMS per Channel (8-ohms) 85w

Watts RMS per Channel (6-ohms) 100w

Watts RMS per Channel (4-ohms) Not given

Frequency Bandwidth 20hz-20khz

THD 0.019%

Minimum Impedance 4 ohms

Amplifier Class AB

Signal to Noise Ratio 99

DAC Bit Depth 24-bit

DAC Sample Rate 192kHz

This amp isn’t pushing any serious specs, but it is a great balance of efficiency and power being a class AB. It has a low THD for clarity and a 24 bit digital to analog conversion offering higher resolution listening capabilities. It’s middle of the road in price and tips the scale in quality for a spot on my top 5.

5. XPA-1 Gen3 Monoblock Audiophile Power Amplifier

$999

Power Output:
•300 watts RMS/channel; 20 Hz – 20 kHz; THD<0.1%; 8 Ohms; one channel driven
•550 watts RMS/channel; 20 Hz – 20 kHz; THD<0.2%; 4 Ohms; one channel driven

Power Bandwidth (at rated power; 4 Ohm - 8 Ohm load): 20 Hz to 20 kHz (+ / – 0.1 dB)

Broad Band Frequency Response: 5 Hz to 80 kHz +0/-2 dB

THD + noise: < 0.005%; at 100 watts RMS; 1 kHz; 8 Ohms.

Signal to Noise Ratio (8 Ohm load):
•> 117 dB; ref FTC rated power; unbalanced input (A-weighted)
•> 91 dB; ref 1 watt; unbalanced input (A-weighted)

Minimum Recommended Load Impedance (per channel): 4 Ohms (one 4 Ohm load or two paralleled 8 Ohm loads)

Damping Factor (8 Ohm load): > 500

Input Sensitivity (for rated power; 8 Ohm load): 1.71 V

Gain: 29 dB

Maximum Power Consumption: 1,000 watts

The boom box would be a fitting name for this high performance power amplifier. It’s pushing high rms watts at high resistance and with low THD the XPA-1 Gen3. This box looks great and will make your speakers sound great.

Finding the right amplifier under $1000 requires balancing performance, features, and value. The amps highlighted in this list provide a range of options for audiophiles and enthusiasts, whether you're looking for a budget-friendly solution with solid power output, low distortion, or versatile connectivity. From high-quality class AB amplifiers to compact and efficient designs, each of these models offers excellent sound quality and reliability without breaking the bank. By carefully considering factors like power, build quality, and overall sound signature, you can find an amplifier that meets your needs and elevates your audio experience, all within an affordable price range.

Jonathan Beach

Let’s Tech Together

https://www.pha.systems
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