There are dozens of premium hi-fi and home audio/visual equipment brands out there to choose from, and navigating your way through this huge maze of products can be daunting – especially for anyone new to hi-fi and home audio.
This is our pick of 10 of the best brands, and all 10 are worth exploring if you are thinking about a new purchase or an upgrade for your system.
If you’re just getting into hi-fi for the first time, this list was made for you and we hope that you’ll find it an especially useful resource. Bookmark it and please do keep checking back, as we regularly keep the list updated, but for now please read on and enjoy!
Marantz
First up we have Marantz – a mainstream high-end hi-fi brand well known for its premium audio equipment including amplifiers, receivers, turntables and other components. Founded in 1952 by Saul Marantz, the brand has a long history of producing some of the best audiophile-grade equipment available on the market, at reasonable price points (for high-end audio, that is).
Marantz are one of the more ubiquitous brands in the market, and you’ll find them on the shelves of most hi-fi stores. This is for good reason – you can always rely on Marantz to deliver premium sound quality and performance, backed with great reliability and with a classic yet sleek design aesthetic.
While we’re on the subject of the looks, Marantz hi-fi amplifiers have what I would call a ‘modern classic’ hi-fi look to them, blending in nicely with separates from other brands. Meanwhile, the AV receivers and network players (like the MARANTZ SACD 30N shown above) feature a really cool ‘ribbled’ look – almost like carbon fibre in appearance. Personally I like this look but as always aesthetics are very subjective, so judge for yourself!
Pricing varies a lot across the range, and you’ll find Marantz amps and receivers at pretty much every price point. For example, they have some great entry-level integrated amps such as the PM6007 Integrated Amplifier (around $400), and range goes right up to the PM-10 for around $9000. We think that the low to mid range is where Marantz really shines, but whichever price point you’re at you know that you’re going to get great value, quality and reliability with Marantz.
The brand’s amplifiers are understandably highly regarded by audiophiles around the world. If you are new to hi-fi, not sure what to go for and are looking for top-of-the-line audio equipment that can deliver a reliable, high-quality listening experience at a reasonable price then Marantz is a great place to start.
Check out the Marantz range at marantz.com (not a sponsored link).
(Warning – you may end up buying lots of stuff!!)
McIntosh
If you’re looking for something a bit more unusual and definitely next level (and if you have deep pockets), then allow me introduce you to McIntosh. This company produces some truly original, radical gear. But be warned – most of it is seriously, seriously expensive!
McIntosh are the epitomy of top end luxury audio hi-fi equipment, and it shows even before listening to any audio – just one look at their quirky designs tells you that this is no ordinary hi-fi equipment manufacturer. However, although McIntosh products look ultra-modern and unusual, most people are surprised to learn that the company was actually founded in 1949. They are based out of Binghamton, New York.
McIntosh have been in the industry for decades then, and in that time have rightly earned a reputation for producing some of the very best, most innovative hi-fi equipment out there. They offer a massive range of products – including amplifiers, preamps (solid state and valve driven), digital audio players, AV receivers, AV gear, turntables, speakers, headphones and more.
Not only do McIntosh products look cool, but the brand is known for its extremely high build quality, and each product is hand-crafted in the USA – which means that it will last, and the serviceability is excellent.
McIntosh products are considered to be a status symbol among audiophiles and high-end hi-fi enthusiasts. They offer a premium customer service and support, and their equipment is seriously built to last. As a result, secondhand prices remain very high, and deservedly so. Buying a McIntosh is more akin to a lifetime investment than anything else.
Of course, this all comes at a premium price. McIntosh are one of the most expensive and exclusive hi-fi manufactures out there. If you’re new to hi-fi this is probably not the best place to start (unless you have plenty of money to burn). But it’s fun drooling over the gear and if you ever get the opportunity to listen to a full-blown McIntosh setup, you should – you can then decide for yourself whether you think the sound quality is worth the premium price tag.
Something to aspire to perhaps?
Check out the McIntosh range at mcintoshlabs.com (not sponsored, we just link to help you out!)
NAD Electronics
So far we have Marantz serving the mid-range market, and McIntosh serving the high-end. What about those who want a great hi-fi setup, but a bit more towards the budget end of things?
Enter NAD Electronics into the arena.
NAD (New Acoustic Dimension) is a Canadian-based high-fidelity audio brand known for producing affordable, high quality equipment. The company was founded in 1972 and has built a solid reputation for producing high performance audio equipment that won’t break the bank. They offer a wide range of products including integrated amplifiers, preamplifiers, power amplifiers, digital audio players, and more. As with many manufacturers, just about the only thing that they don’t do are speakers.
NAD products are generally uncomplicated, beginner friendly and favour function over form. If you like the minimalist look, and are on a low-to-mid range budget then definitely take a good look at NAD.
Discover NAD at nadelectronics.com (not a sponsored link).
Cambridge Audio
So now we move onto a company that DOES do speakers as well as everything else.
Let me introduce you to Cambridge Audio.
Cambridge Audio is a British hi-fi brand that has been producing high-quality audio equipment for over 50 years. As a self-confessed audiophile, I have always been impressed with the brand’s commitment to producing equipment across the whole range of needs that provides a dependably solid listening experience, often at an affordable price. Cambridge Audio do the lot, and cater to different needs and budgets – this includes integrated amplifiers, preamplifiers, power amplifiers, digital audio players, turntables, headphones and speakers.
The company’s products are designed to provide exceptional sound quality without breaking the bank, and the brand’s attention to detail can be seen in the quality of the components and craftsmanship of their products.
The brand’s integrated amplifiers are a great example of this balance, they are designed to provide a neutral and transparent sound, revealing the full potential of the music. The preamplifiers and power amplifiers, too, are designed to deliver powerful, detailed and dynamic sound. While at the modern end of things, Cambridge Audio’s digital audio players are known for their ease of use and ability to stream high-quality audio files. Turntables as well? Sure, their turntables are pretty good too and built to provide high-fidelity sound reproduction from your vinyl collection.
As mentioned, not all of the high end amp brands also make speakers, but Cambridge Audio most certainly do, and in fact they’ve pioneered and produced many fine speakers over the years. They offer a wide range of options to cater to different needs and budgets in the speaker department too. The brand’s bookshelf speakers are a great option for audiophiles on a budget, and they are designed to provide a natural and accurate sound that makes the listener feel as though they are in the same room as the musicians. The floor-standing speakers and home theatre speakers, on the other hand, are designed to provide a truly immersive listening experience.
Cambridge Audio is a hi-fi brand that truly embodies the audiophile spirit. The brand’s products are designed to provide exceptional sound quality at a (to some) affordable price and the brand’s attention to detail and focus on providing a balance between sound quality and value for money make it a great option for audiophiles who are just getting started on their journey into better quality sound. The customer service and support are top-notch too, and their designs are sleek and modern. You may be able to tell – we really rate Cambridge Audio!
If you are a new (or old!) audiophile who is looking for honest, decent, reliable equipment that will truly transport you into the music and reveal the full potential of your music collection, then Cambridge Audio is definitely a brand that you should take a close look at.
Check out the Cambridge Audio range at cambridgeaudio.com (not a sponsored link).
To see prices and reviews etc, have a look at the Cambridge Audio Amazon store.
Naim Audio
Naim Audio is another British hi-fi brand that truly embodies the audiophile spirit. Founded in 1973, this company has been dedicated to producing some of the finest audio equipment on the market. The brand is known for its high-end, high-performance equipment and has earned a reputation among audiophiles as a company that produces some of the best-sounding audio equipment available. The product range includes integrated amplifiers, preamplifiers, power amplifiers, digital audio players, and speakers, all of which are designed to work together seamlessly to provide an exceptional listening experience. Naim Audio has a unique approach to audio design and the company places a strong emphasis on creating equipment that delivers the most natural and accurate sound possible.
From their power amplifiers to their speakers, every piece of equipment is meticulously crafted, and the attention to detail is evident in every product. In Naim Audio, the sound quality comes first, and the design is a close second. The brand is often associated with a luxurious, high-end image and the company is known for its excellent customer service and support. They are the kind of brand that serious audiophiles look for when they want to upgrade their systems, the company’s products are not for the fainthearted but for the ones who seek the ultimate sound experience.
Check out the Naim Audio range at naimaudio.com (not a sponsored link).
Hegel
Hegel is a Norwegian high-end audio brand that has been making waves in the audiophile community since the late 80s. This company is known for producing equipment that provides a truly exceptional listening experience and has a reputation for producing some of the best-sounding audio equipment available.
The company produces a wide range of products including integrated amplifiers, preamplifiers, power amplifiers, digital audio players, and speakers. All of the equipment produced by Hegel is designed with the goal of reproducing music as accurately and naturally as possible. The brand places a strong emphasis on high-quality components, careful design, and rigorous testing to ensure that each piece of equipment meets their strict standards.
One of the things that sets Hegel apart from other audio brands is their unique approach to audio design. The company’s founder, Bent Holter, has a background in engineering and is a true audiophile at heart, who has dedicated his life to creating the perfect sound. Hegel equipment is known for its ability to provide a truly natural and transparent sound that reveals the full potential of the music. The company’s products are designed to handle a wide range of music styles, from classical to rock and jazz, and to provide a truly immersive listening experience.
Check out the Hegel range at hegel.com (not a sponsored link).
Bowers & Wilkins
Bowers & Wilkins, often referred to as B&W, is a British hi-fi brand that has been producing high-quality audio equipment for over 50 years. This company is known for producing equipment that provides a truly exceptional listening experience and has a reputation for producing some of the best-sounding audio equipment available.
B&W has a wide range of products, including speakers, headphones, integrated amplifiers, and digital audio players. The company has a unique approach to design, which can be seen in the quality of the materials and craftsmanship of their products. From their flagship speakers to their entry-level bookshelf speakers, B&W’s attention to detail is evident in every product, and they are designed to provide a truly immersive listening experience.
B&W are dedicated to audio research and development. The company has invested in a state-of-the-art anechoic chamber, which allows them to test and optimize the performance of their equipment in a controlled environment. This dedication to audio research and development is evident in the sound quality of their products, which are known for providing a neutral, accurate and detailed sound that reveals the full potential of the music.
In particular, they offer a wide range of speakers that cater to different needs and budgets, from bookshelf speakers to floor-standing speakers, and home theatre speakers. All of the company’s speakers are designed to provide a natural and accurate sound that makes the listener feel as though they are in the same room as the musicians. The speakers are also known for their excellent soundstage, which creates a feeling of space and depth in the music.
The brand is also known for its excellent customer service and support. The company’s team is made up of passionate audiophiles who are always happy to help and provide advice on how to get the best out of their equipment. B&W also offers a wide range of accessories and replacement parts to ensure that their equipment can be enjoyed for many years to come.
When it comes to the overall design, B&W equipment has a sleek and modern aesthetic that exudes elegance, and the company’s equipment can blend seamlessly into any room. The build quality is exceptional, and the equipment is built to last. The brand’s products are not just built to sound good but they are also built to last, they are made of high-quality materials, and the craftsmanship is impeccable.
Check out the Hegel range at bowerswilkins.com (not a sponsored link).
Rotel
Rotel is yet another high-end audio brand worthy of consideration. We have lot’s of Rotel gear in our team! Rotel have also been producing high-quality audio equipment for over 50 years. The company is known for producing high-performance, audiophile-grade equipment that is designed to provide a truly exceptional listening experience. Rotel’s product range includes integrated amplifiers, preamplifiers, power amplifiers, digital audio players, and speakers, all of which are designed to work together seamlessly to provide an exceptional listening experience.
One of the things that sets Rotel apart from other audio brands is their unique approach to audio design. The company’s products are designed to provide a neutral, accurate and detailed sound that reveals the full potential of the music, and the brand places a strong emphasis on high-quality components, careful design, and rigorous testing to ensure that each piece of equipment meets their strict standards.
Rotel’s amplifier and preamplifier designs are particularly noteworthy, they are designed to deliver a high level of power and control while retaining the subtle nuances of the music. The company’s power amplifiers are known for their ability to provide a clean and powerful sound, making them ideal for high-end home theater systems and high-performance music systems.
The brand’s digital audio players and CD players are also of high quality, they feature advanced digital signal processing and analog circuit design which makes them exceptional in reproducing the music in the most natural way possible. Rotel’s speakers are also notable, their speakers are designed to provide a natural and accurate sound that makes the listener feel as though they are in the same room as the musicians.
Check out the Hegel range at bowerswilkins.com (not a sponsored link).
Parasound
Parasound is a high-end audio brand that has been producing high-quality home audio equipment for over 40 years. The company is known for producing equipment that is designed to provide a truly exceptional listening experience, and their products are highly sought after by audiophiles and music enthusiasts.
One of the reasons why Parasound is considered one of the best companies for home audio equipment is their dedication to audio research and development. The company’s engineers are constantly looking for ways to improve the performance of their equipment, and they use the latest technology and techniques to ensure that their products are of the highest quality.
Another reason why Parasound is considered one of the best companies for home audio equipment is their use of high-quality components. The company uses only the best components in their equipment, which ensures that their products are built to last and that they provide a truly exceptional listening experience.
The company’s amplifiers and preamplifiers are particularly noteworthy, they are designed to deliver a high level of power and control while retaining the subtle nuances of the music. The company’s power amplifiers are known for their ability to provide a clean and powerful sound, making them ideal for high-end home theater systems and high-performance music systems.
Parasound is also known for their exceptional customer service and support, their team is made up of passionate audiophiles who are always happy to help and provide advice on how to get the best out of their equipment. They also offer a wide range of accessories and replacement parts to ensure that their equipment can be enjoyed for many years to come.
When it comes to the overall design, Parasound equipment has a sleek and modern aesthetic that exudes elegance, and the company’s equipment can blend seamlessly into any room. The build quality is exceptional, and the equipment is built to last. The brand’s products are not just built to sound good but they are also built to last.
Check out the Parasound range at parasound.com (not a sponsored link).
Yamaha
Yamaha is a well-known and respected brand in the audio industry, known for its high-quality home audio equipment. Whether you’re looking for a budget-friendly home theater system or high-end audiophile-grade equipment, Yamaha has something to offer for every need and budget.
One of the key strengths of Yamaha’s products is their attention to detail and quality in every stage of production. From the selection of high-quality components to rigorous testing, every piece of equipment produced by Yamaha is designed to provide a truly exceptional listening experience. Their integrated amplifiers, for example, are known for their ability to provide a clean and powerful sound, perfect for high-end home theater systems and music setups alike.
Yamaha’s speakers are also noteworthy, with a wide range of options available for different needs and budgets. Whether you’re looking for bookshelf speakers, floor-standing speakers or even home theater speakers, Yamaha’s speakers are designed to provide a natural and accurate sound that immerses the listener in the music. They also have a range of digital audio players and CD players that feature advanced digital signal processing and analog circuit design, ensuring a truly natural sound reproduction.
When it comes to customer service and support, Yamaha stands out, their team of passionate audiophiles are always ready to help and provide advice on how to get the best out of your equipment. They also offer a wide range of accessories and replacement parts to ensure that their equipment can be enjoyed for many years to come.
In terms of design, Yamaha’s equipment boasts a sleek and modern aesthetic that seamlessly blends into any room. Built to last, with high-quality materials and craftsmanship that is second to none, Yamaha’s equipment not only sounds great but looks great too.
All in all, Yamaha is a brand that offers a wide range of high-quality home audio equipment that cater to different needs and budgets. They are known for their attention to detail, use of high quality components, and dedication to providing a truly exceptional listening experience. Their integrated amplifiers, speakers, digital audio players and CD players are particularly noteworthy, and their attention to detail and quality in every stage of production is evident in their sound quality.
In addition to their high-quality equipment, Yamaha also stands out for their exceptional customer service and support. The company’s team of passionate audiophiles is always willing to help and provide advice on how to get the best out of your equipment. They also offer a wide range of accessories and replacement parts, ensuring that you can enjoy your equipment for years to come.
Check out the Yamaha audiovisual range at usa.yamaha.com (not a sponsored link).
Closing thoughts
Well, there you have it – our roundup of what are (in our opinion) 10 of the greatest hi-fi brands in the home audio space. Of course, there are many more but we hope we’ve presented a good cross-section here, with something for everyone. You can’t go far wrong with equipment from any of these top brands, so enjoy browsing and selecting your next purchase!