What Hi-Fi? Awards 2025: Unshakable Amplifier Kings—Can Anyone Challenge Sony and Marantz?

The 2025 amplifier showdown keeps Sony and Marantz reigning supreme with unbeatable sound and style.

A Calm Year in the World of AV Amplifiers

Well, friends, this year in the realm of home cinema amplifiers turned out to be a breeze. Our major players—Denon, Marantz, Sony, Yamaha, and others—chose to keep it low-key, almost as if it was the calm before a storm! No groundbreaking new models, no wild experiments, just the stalwarts quietly holding their ground.

So, what did we do? Exactly, we doubled down on choosing from the tried and true—amps that have been delighting our ears with rich, immersive sound for a while now. And guess what? The winners remained the same as last time. Why? Because they’re genuinely outstanding!

Sony TA-AN1000: The Quiet Champion Still Holding Strong

Let’s kick things off with our old friend—the Sony TA-AN1000 amplifier. Honestly, it remains Sony’s lone amplifier available in the UK market. Sony just isn’t in a rush to flood us with new options! But no complaints here—this guy nails the cinematic sound experience brilliantly. Sit down to watch a movie, and you instantly get why it’s beloved.

We first tested the TA-AN1000 back in 2022, and it wowed us by surpassing the Denon AVR-X2800H in our best AV receivers ranking for value, though now both reside comfortably in our top AV receivers list.

Sony made an unforgettable first impression with sleek design, easy setup, and exceptional sound quality. Its powerful, vibrant, and detailed audio captures every nuance with perfect dynamics.

While a couple extra HDMI 2.1 ports wouldn’t hurt, the Sony TA-AN1000 remains practically flawless as a home theater amplifier, which is why it still sits proudly in our reference setup today.

Marantz Cinema 30: Beauty and Brawn in Perfect Harmony

Still, we believe it’s better to have two reliable AV receivers at your disposal. Enter the award-winning Marantz Cinema 30…

This devilishly handsome Marantz holds onto its crown again as the “Best Home Theater Amplifier Over £1,500.” This elegant AV receiver delivers rich, powerful, and immersive surround sound at a price lower than pricier competitors like the Arcam AVR31 and JBL Synthesis SDR-38.

What sets it apart? It supports more amplification channels than rivals: 11 channels powering a 7.4.4 system with four subwoofer outputs. It boasts seven HDMI 2.1 inputs, all supporting up to 4K/120Hz or 8K/60Hz signals with Dolby Vision and HDR10+. Add to that the Audyssey calibration system, which tunes the receiver effortlessly, and you’ve got a feature-packed beast.

All packed in a stunning chassis with a textured metal faceplate, charming perforated display, and stylish backlighting that lets the AVR glow beautifully in the darkened home theater.

Sound-wise, it’s equally impressive—powerful, dynamic, yet perfectly controlled, capturing even the subtlest details. Marantz Cinema 30 satisfies the most discerning audiophiles craving cinematic sound excellence.

No wonder we continue to use it as our main audio receiver for testing home theater speakers, pairing it brilliantly with the award-winning KEF Q Concerto Meta 5.1 system.

The Battle Continues—Who Will Take the Crown?

So, here we have two giants going head-to-head, but you’ll have to wait until November 14th to find out which audiovisual titan will snag the coveted “Product of the Year” title.

Sony TA-AN1000 is practically flawless for home theater, and that’s why it remains in our reference system to this day.

Whether you’re a loyal Sony fan or hooked on the sophistication of Marantz, these two continue to define the amplifier landscape.

FAQ

• Which amplifier won the Best Home Theater Amplifier over £1,500?
  The Marantz Cinema 30 took this title, praised for its rich sound and extensive features.
• Is Sony releasing new amplifiers soon?
  Sony has been quiet on new amplifier releases, focusing on maintaining the stellar reputation of the TA-AN1000.
• What makes Marantz Cinema 30 stand out from competitors?
  Its 11-channel support, multiple HDMI 2.1 inputs, and Audyssey calibration system make it a powerhouse in home theater sound.
• Why is dynamic range important in amplifiers?
  Dynamic range allows the amplifier to handle both quiet and loud sounds without distortion, delivering a more immersive audio experience.
• Can I use these amplifiers with existing speaker setups?
  Yes, both Sony TA-AN1000 and Marantz Cinema 30 are highly compatible with various speaker systems, including high-end options like the KEF Q Concerto Meta 5.1.

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