When you look to improve your audio system with an additional component, an integrated amp could be the way to go. However, some amplifiers can come with a 4-digit price tag, which for most of us, is above the justifiable cost for an upgrade, especially if you are on a tight budget.
This is exactly why we thought to do a bit of research that could assist you find the best integrated amplifier under $500. All you need to do is go through the list and make your decision.
We created this product list after having reviewed each product and compared the most important aspects of each unit. So, in no particular order, below are the best options for a tight budget friendly integrated amp.
1. Wet Sounds Stealth 6
First up on our list is the Wet Sounds Stealth 6. This sound bar/integrated amplifier features six, 3 inch full range drivers, is 20.7 inches long, and is water resistant to stand up to the outdoors. This type of integrated amplifier can be safely used on any type of vehicle, whether it is a car, a golf cart, or maybe even a boat. With a dual one inch titanium tweeters, extruded aluminum housing, and 150 watts of RMS power that provides with exquisite sound.
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Another great feature is the sliding mount channel, which is very useful when you want to add extra accessories for that custom look. Furthermore, it includes a waterproof wiring harness, which of course comes along with everything that you need to install it and enjoy unparalleled quality of sound wherever you go, on land or water. The Wet Sounds Stealth 6 is an all rounder and definitely seen as the best integrated amplifier under $500.
- Strong built
- Water resistant
- Awesome sound performance
- Variety of mounting plates
- Auto shutoff feature
- 2 year warranty
- Limited mounting place, due to the width
2. Cambridge Audio Topaz AM10
Next up on our list is the Camberige Audio Topaz AM10. The Topaz Series is the perfect setup for both good value and high quality. This awesome amplifier gives an extra performance boost with 35 watts of power per channel. Furthermore, it also uses torodial transformers in order to produce the best possible sound quality. It also has an integrated phono stage for moving magnet cartridges which you’ll need if you want to connect your turntable.
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It offers few connectivity options, making it very convenient and user-friendly. As far as build goes, it is enclosed and covered in an all-metal case in order to prevent vibrations and prevent interference and noise to the output.
- Integrated phono stage for moving magnet cartridges
- Wide selection of inputs
- Very versatile
- Strong power handling
- Not quite the best looks around
3. Bazooka BTA8250D-DE BT Series
As all-in-one solutions go, you simply can’t beat the 250 watt Amplified Bass Tubes subwoofers by Bazooka. This is a double ended eight inch bass tube with 250 watts of pure digital power and optional speaker level outputs. Designed to be a simple-to-install yet effective upgrade to your car’s existing mobile audio system.
With a built-in crossover to remove the high frequencies that the woofer cannot play, you get exactly what you need from the integrated amplifier, crisp, clean bass and nothing more. Furthermore, it features a drop-in design, which means it can be installed quick and easy in no time at all.
- Easy to install
- Powerful
- Compact and convenient
- Can fit easily almost in any vehicle
- Straps are low quality
4. Silverstone Tek EB01S-E
We’re half way through our list and here we have the Silverstone Tek EB01S-E. Silverstone has a renown reputation and their amplifier on this list is amazing. It provides exceptional sound and users who know how to appreciate accurate sound reproduction will love this one. It is very compact, with its small size and light weight that comes around less than 3 pounds, its ideal if you are limited by space.
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This amazing unit offers three digital input options which include a coaxial connection, slink optical or simply USB connection. It is also compatible with computers, tables, smart phones and other digital media devices. What else do you need from a best integrated amplifier under $500?
- Excellent sound quality
- Solid build quality
- Attractive aesthetic
- Simple installation procedure
- Included cables feel cheap
5. DENON Integrated Amplifier
Next up on the list is an integrated amplifier by DENON. This integrated amplifier is specifically designed to stop interruptions and vibrations to the sound while it is in use. It includes signal level divided construction, which results in precise and clear sound, which separates the layout of the signal. Furthermore, this amp includes a remote control and every little thing that you might need to get it mounted and installed quick and easy in no time.
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Another thing worth pointing out is the fact that this amp is compatible with a wide array of devices that are up to 100 kHz. As far as the build goes, this unit is made of high quality materials and it is designed for longer life span, guaranteeing you will be listening to your favorite songs and music for years to come.
- Low interruptions and vibration
- Remote control adds to convenience
- High connectivity
- Might have distortion
6. HIFIMAN EF100
Up next on the list is the HIFIMAN EF100. The main purpose for this amplifier is that it was designed to be used with speakers or headphones. It consists of an input impedance of 47k. Furthermore, it can serve the role of a hybrid amplifier for different sizes and types of headphones or speakers.
It is also worth pointing out that this unit is very compact, weighing in at a mere 5.5 pounds, it is very easy to carry and move around if needed. As far as sound quality goes, it is excellent. This unit achieves that using the amazing vacuum technology, which ensures an authentic and smooth sound.
- Cool design
- Very powerful
- Uses vacuum technology
- Smooth sound
- Not highly durable
7. Teac AI-301DA-BK
We’re nearing the end of our list and next up is the Teac AL-301DA-BK. This is an all-round amplifier. Very versatile and extremely easy to connect with other types of media devices. Connectivity is available via Bluetooth, USB or coaxial connection. This is a 110v powered amplifier and it is very compact, with its small size it can fit in pretty much anywhere. So if you are limited with space than you should probably consider this one.
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It also includes a digital-to-analog conversion capability which can come in very handy in certain occasions. Furthermore, this cool amplifier offers a 2.8 MHz DSD native playback, which is achieved by using a USB input.
- Excellent build Quality
- Solid DSD playback
- Sound stage Punches well above the rated output
- Many input options
- Small size makes it ideal for desktop use
- May have minor glitches with PC using windows media player
8. Yamaha A-S301BL
Another giant manufacturer on our list in the name of Yamaha. Their entry in our top picks is the A-S301BL which can be seen as the best integrated amplifier under $500. This amazing sound amplifier includes TOSLINK optical output and digital coax connection options. Furthermore, it features analog inputs like Phono, in addition to that it has a subwoofer output. It also comes with a remote control for additional convenience.
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Another cool feature is the standby feature, which can be set to up to 8 hours. This amplifier is also very convenient and can be connected and used even in your home stereo system, whether it is you use it for music or movies.
- Easy to use
- Powerful
- Extremely clean
- No DAC converter
9. Onkyo M-5010
We’ve come down to the final unit on our list and we present to you the Onkyo M-5010. What we have here is very affordable and high quality amplifier, and rightfully in our list of the best integrated amplifier under $500. It includes an impedance selector switch from 4-8 Ohms and also 8-16 Ohms. It consists of three stage inverted Darlington circuitry in order to minimize distortion and be able to produce the most authentic and clean sound.
Furthermore, it is compatible with all sorts of home theater components, which can be very neat. In addition, it has several ways to connect to those devices. As far as build goes, it is made from top quality materials which include a metal chassis in order to reduce the vibrations.
- Can produce up to 75 watts RMS per channel
- Capable of supporting multi-zone audio
- Sleek and unique design
- Minimal distortion
- Lacks balance and tonal controls
Conclusion
All of the above integrated amplifiers below $500 have a very high potential of satisfying your needs. They are very reliable and offer different benefits. Still, you should determine your own needs and choose a suitable one accordingly.
We hope that we have proved here that you don’t have to make a huge investment, still get a high quality integrated amp. We suggest being patient and do some research before you make a purchase. This is guaranteed to save you money, time and energy.
