Latest release on our site: exceptional streaming amplifiers to elevate your audio setup
Top Picks for Streaming Amplifiers in 2025
In the September issue of a popular tech magazine, four streaming amplifiers have been hailed as favourites, marking a significant leap in the world of home entertainment. This issue, known for featuring high-end hi-fi and AV products, also showcases the SME Model 8 turntable and Fyne Audio F701SP speakers.
The growing variety of slick, good-quality streaming amps available at affordable prices is a testament to the advancements in technology. These devices offer an impressive combination of sound quality and convenience, excelling in multi-room capabilities, power output, and smart features.
Multi-Room Streaming Amplifiers
For those seeking multi-room flexibility and power, the HOLOWHAS Ultra 960W (60W x 16) and MZA-16 Digital 16-Channel / 8-Zone Power Amplifier stand out. The HOLOWHAS Ultra supports 8 streams and 8 zones, making it ideal for whole-home audio distribution. The MZA-16, designed for multi-room setups with 16 channels and 8 zones, emphasizes versatility in large smart home systems.
Pure Sound Quality
Streaming amplifiers like the Cambridge Audio MXN10 and Cyrus 40 ST streaming players offer refined sound quality, tonal neutrality, and spaciousness with dynamic precision. The Cyrus 40 ST, in particular, is praised for its clean, crisp, and direct sound with strong dynamic expression, outperforming even high-end competitors in precision and insight.
Home Theater Integration
For a cinematic immersive experience with streaming, systems like the Sony BRAVIA PULSE wireless surround sound deliver top-tier sound quality with advanced Dolby Atmos support and room adaptation technologies.
Convenience
Many of these amplifiers support smart home integration, various streaming protocols, and multiple inputs. The amplifiers from HOLOWHAS and similar multi-room units provide extensive zone control and simultaneous multi-stream capabilities, making them ideally suited for smart homes with distributed audio needs.
Comparisons in Sound Quality
High power output amplifiers, such as the HOLOWHAS Ultra, offer robust and clean amplification capable of driving loudspeakers efficiently without distortion. Streamers like the Cyrus 40 ST prioritize tonal purity and detail, making them favourites for audiophiles seeking both musical precision and dynamic expression. Multi-room amps emphasize convenience and scalability over absolute audiophile-grade purity but still maintain high standards suitable for most listeners.
The AirPods Max and Premium Headphones
Apple's AirPods Max were a significant development in the world of head-fi in 2020, opening the gates for rivals to join them in the premium headphones category. A group test compares four potential rivals to the AirPods Max, all of which are five-star pairs. Brands like B&W, Sony, Bose, and Dali have entered the premium headphones market, offering a growing variety of options for discerning listeners.
Coaxial Driver Technology
Coaxial driver arrangements offer a more balanced and precise soundstage in stereo speakers. Manufacturers like Fyne Audio and KEF use this technology in their products, ensuring a detailed and expressive music reproduction.
New Products and Innovations
The new Sky Glass Gen 2 TV includes a soundbar and a TV service solution, offering a convenient all-in-one package. SME's high-end Model 8 turntable is an "immaculately made product that gives of the aura of something built to last for decades."
In the Buyer's Guide section of the magazine, a definitive and updated list of the best home entertainment kit is featured, including winners of 2024's awards. The KEF XIO soundbar received a five-star rating for its performance, while the Audio-Technica AT-LP8X turntable and BenQ W272Oi projector have also been reviewed.
In summary, the top streaming amplifiers of 2025 offer a strong balance of convenience and sound quality, each optimized for different uses. Whether you prioritize multi-room flexibility, pure sound quality, or a cinematic immersive experience, there is a device to suit your needs.
- The September issue of a popular tech magazine featured four streaming amplifiers as favorites, marking significant advancements in home entertainment.
- The SME Model 8 turntable and Fyne Audio F701SP speakers were also showcased in the issue, known for featuring high-end hi-fi and AV products.
- For those seeking multi-room flexibility and power, the HOLOWHAS Ultra 960W and MZA-16 Digital 16-Channel / 8-Zone Power Amplifier stand out.
- The HOLOWHAS Ultra supports 8 streams and 8 zones, making it ideal for whole-home audio distribution.
- The MZA-16, designed for multi-room setups with 16 channels and 8 zones, emphasizes versatility in large smart home systems.
- Streaming amplifiers like the Cambridge Audio MXN10 and Cyrus 40 ST streaming players offer refined sound quality and tonal neutrality.
- The Cyrus 40 ST is praised for its clean, crisp, and direct sound with strong dynamic expression.
- The AirPods Max were a significant development in the world of head-fi in 2020, with brands like B&W, Sony, Bose, and Dali entering the premium headphones market.
- In the Buyer's Guide section of the magazine, the KEF XIO soundbar received a five-star rating, while the Audio-Technica AT-LP8X turntable and BenQ W272Oi projector have also been reviewed.
