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The Sphinx integrated amplifier may be the most roguish of the lot. Rogue products have, like their moniker, usually gone their own way in design, price, and value.

Rogue Audio Sphinx V3 $1495 ($1595 with remote control) The integral DAC is good, but can be bettered by mating the CXA81 with Cambridge’s $1099 CXN-2 network streamer. A hint of excessive brightness suggests that the CXA81 is best partnered with speakers that are not themselves bright. Sound quality is good for this price, with fine resolution of detail and wide dynamics. The CXA81 can handle digital files up to 384/32 and up to DSD256.

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The 80Wpc unit offers four unbalanced inputs and one balanced input, as well as a wide range of digital ports, including Bluetooth (aptX HD), that feed the ESS Sabre DAC.

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The latest version of Cambridge’s CX Series integrated amplifier is the best yet, featuring higher parts-quality and better sound than the CXA61. The Vena II is surprisingly engaging with a big, bold, somewhat warm sound, regardless of whether you’re in the digital or the analog domain. The Vena II strikes the perfect balance between classic analog inputs and modern digital capabilities. The amp is rated 45Wpc into 8 ohms, and includes a phono section, two analog inputs, a preamp-out jack, and a plethora of digital inputs. The QUAD Vena II is small and gray with a matte finish, though the optional case adds a very nice gloss. QUAD Vena II $1295 ($1395 with optional case) The IDA-8 delivers substance with plenty of gusto-and does so from an astonishingly quiet background.

Its DAC supports USB 384kHz/32-bit and DSD256, and is also capable of decoding DoP (DSD over PCM) via coaxial and optical inputs.

Essentially, it’s a sleek-looking, small-footprint hybrid Class A/Class D integrated amplifier/DAC that combines Class A warmth and resolution with Class D speed, power, and efficiency. Sonically and functionally, there’s plenty to love about the IDA-8. Digital is easy to set up, and while the phono section isn’t perfect, it reveals plenty of detail and has a nice, engaging sound. Despite having a foot firmly in every camp, its presentation is impactful and gracious-an overall solid performer packed with value. It’s an all-in-one solution that comes equipped with built-in DAC, network streaming, Apple AirPlay, multiple line inputs, multiple digital inputs, and a phono section. The Marantz PM7000N integrated stereo amplifier is a good-sounding product that can shrink audiophile sprawl down to something more manageable without sacrificing what matters most. It’s nearly an entire system in a single box (just add speakers), and is perfect for people getting started in the hi-fi world. It sounds good, almost very good, but its real strength lies in the sheer amount of stuff it handles. It outputs 100Wpc into 8 ohms and 160Wpc into 4 ohms, which means it’s fully capable of driving a wide range of loudspeakers. The Yamaha R-N803 is two-channel network receiver with built-in Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, a phonostage, multiple line inputs, AM/FM tuning, and many, many other features. Expect big sound and even more bang for the buck. The Sprout100 has the ability to coax even more open spaciousness, lively musicality, detail, and low-end extension from the small loudspeakers (especially with the “bass boost” option on). Though the original Sprout’s compact, retro-modern form factor remains the same, the new Sprout100 offers a number of upgrades and improvements, including a redesigned phonostage and headphone amp, a new DAC (up to DSD128 and 384/24PCM), a tiny indicator LED, and a remote control. A tremendous bargain and a worthy successor to NAD’s legendary 3020 integrated amplifier. The C328 also acquits itself excellently in nuance and resolution. Although the amp is rated at 50Wpc, Paul Seydor found that the C 328 wasn’t lacking for power in real-world situations. The C 328 can handle a wide range of digital sources, and indeed, features a topology that keeps signals in the digital domain until the switching output stage. NAD calls its new integrated amplifier a “Hybrid Digital DAC Amplifier,” a moniker that hints at its digital prowess. Yes, its lighter overall balance is due to some bottom-octave attenuation, but the D 3020 retains an essential presence, a midrange integrity, that sculpts the body of a performance and makes it live in the listening space. Firmly midrange-centric, it never overreaches in the sense of growing shrill in one direction or tubby in another. For all its humble size and appearance it’s pure NAD. The 30Wpc D 3020 offers 24-bit/96kHz-resolution USB input as well as aptX Bluetooth streaming. Truly a design for our times, the D 3020 is improbably small and portable-and loaded.

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