High Fidelity Amplifiers at Elusive Disc: The Force Behind Pure Audio

An amplifier is the heart of your audio system.

Whether you're an experienced audio enthusiast or an audio newbie starting out, one thing is clear: the amplifier is the heart of your audio setup. Though your turntable, cartridge, and speakers all contribute in their own right, your amplifier puts it all together and brings the power and control that's required in order to convert an audio signal into an enjoyable listening experience.

At Elusive Disc, we pride ourselves on offering you the highest quality, high-performing audio equipment. Our amplifiers, integrated amps, and phono preamps have all been handpicked for the musician and enthusiast who demands nothing less than superior sound quality. Whether you're a lover of the warm, expressive sound of tubes or the clear dynamics of solid-state designs, we have the ideal amp for you and your musical needs, listening space, and price range.

What Does an Amplifier Actually Do?

Fundamentally, an amplifier amplifies the signal of the audio that is created by your player—be it a turntable, CD player, streamer, or DAC—or readies it for playback on your headphones or speakers. Amplification is not merely getting music louder though. It's a matter of how the music is delivered.

An excellent amplifier reproduces the audio signal with clearness and precision with no added distortion or noise. It manages the bass strongly, retains vocal definition, and opens up the soundstage to generate depth and reality. It makes even the finest source equipment and the finest speaker components sound dull, lifeless, and even underwhelming without it.

Types of Amplifiers Available at Elusive Disc

1. Phono Preamp Boards (Phono

If you're a vinyl lover, a phono preamp (also known as record player preamp) is a crucial element of your gear. Turntables produce a signal that is considerably lower in voltage compared with other sources. This signal requires both amplification and equalization according to the RIAA curve to correctly reproduce the sound.

Some amplifiers have phono stages built-in but serious listeners tend to favor a standalone dedicated phono preamp for its better performance.

Top Models of Elusive Disc:

• Gold Note PH-10 Phono Stage – Equipped with digital control, adjustable EQ curves and MM and MC cartridge compatibility.
• Musical Fidelity MX-VYNL – Balanced input/output with ultra-low noise floor and adjustable loading.
• Creek OBH-8mk2 – A cost-effective yet small format MM phono stage with a precise tone.

2. Integrated Amplifiers

An integrated amp puts the preamp and power amp into one unit: a preamp for processing and controlling the audio signal and a power amp providing the horsepower for driving your speakers. Integrated amps are convenient space-savers, easy to use, and usually less expensive than separates.

No matter if you're putting together your initial serious audio system or upgrading from a beginner configuration, integrated amplifiers provide vibrant, punchy sound with sufficient power and versatility to accommodate nearly any source.

Hot Integrated Amps offered at Elusive Disc:

• Creek Evolution 100A – A British-designed solid-state amp with high-resolution imaging and detail. Modularity enables the added phono board as an option.
• Cayin A-300B – an amazing tube amp that gives rich harmonics and a vintage vibe using 300B triode tubes.
• Musical Fidelity M6si – With 220W per channel, this is a solid-state amp with a built-in high-end DAC and more inputs for complete system integration.

3. Power Amplifiers & Preamplifier Combos

For audio purists who insist on the greatest flexibility and potential for upgrading, separates—a separate preamplifier and a power amplifier—are the epitome of system optimization. This configuration enables fine-adjustment, better component isolation, and the flexibility of changing each link in the chain as desired.

No matter if your preference is for ultra-low distortion, high damping factor, or tube/solid-state hybrid designs, Elusive Disc separates enable you to strive for the highest fidelity.

Tube vs. Solid-State: Two Flavors of Sound

One of the most significant choices when purchasing an amp is whether you want a tube amp or a solid-state amp. Both give you outstanding sound, but each has a different tonal signature and maintenance requirements.

Tube amplifiers

Famed for their warm musicality and harmonic resonance, tube amplifiers deliver a natural, lifelike sound that releases the emotional essence of music. Tube amps excel with acoustic, jazz, vocals, and classical music with a natural softness and fluidity of sound.

Why Use Tube Amps?

• Lush, three-dimensional sound
• Increased midrange texture
• Vintage appeal and charm
• Ideaal for intimate, critical listening

Solid-State Amplifiers

Solid-state amplifiers, however, offer precision, speed, and a neutral balance of tonal qualities. They tend to deliver more power for the dollar spent, less distortion, and improved bass control—all of which make them suitable for rock music, hip-hop, classical works, and intricate modern recordings.

Advantages of Solid-State:

• Clean, accurate output
• High reliability and low maintenance
• Tight bass and extended dynamics
• Excellent power efficiency

Things To Look For When Picking Your Amplifier 

1. Speaker Compatibility

Match the amp's power output (watts per channel) with the sensitivity and impedance of your speakers. Some high-efficiency speakers might sound wonderful with a low-watt tube amp; less efficient designs require the added oomph of a high-power solid-state unit.

2. Listening Environment

The size and acoustics of your room play a role. Small rooms might require 20–50 watts, but open-space or large rooms need 100+ watts for adequate headroom and extension of the bass.

3. Source Input Requirements

Are you playing vinyl, streaming with Bluetooth, or using a CD player? Shop for amplifiers with compatible inputs—RCA, XLR, USB, optical, coaxial—or built-in phono preamps and/or DACs if necessary.

4. Upgradation Potential

Consider the long-term. Do you want a system you can continue to grow with? If so, look for integrated amps with modular possibilities or separates that you can adapt as your tastes change.

High-Quality Brands You Can Trust

Elusive Disc is excited to carry amplifiers from a few of the most highly regarded audio companies:

• Creek Audio – precision British engineering with modular flexibility.
• Cayin – Famous for their handmade tube designs and classic sound.
• Musical Fidelity – High-powered amplifiers with internal DACs and advanced voicing.
• Gold Note – Italian elegance and warmth coupled with clever features.
• VPI – More famous perhaps for turntables but a little-known gem for all-in-one tube amps such as the VPI 299D.

These companies have built their reputation on decades of award-winning innovation and performance.

Elusive Disc: Specialist Assistance with Each Purchase

Selecting the appropriate amp can be overwhelming. For that reason alone, Elusive Disc does not simply provide high-end equipment—we offer expert assistance in matching you up with the perfect amp for your system.

• Not sure which amp matches your speakers?
• Confused concerning MM vs. MC phono preamps?
• Considering whether you require a tube amp or a solid-state amp?

Our professional audio staff is on hand by email or telephone to guide you through your equipment setup and locate the equipment that suits your tastes, price range, and technical requirements.

Final Thoughts: Let Your Music Reach Its Potential

Your amplifier is the key to emotive, lifelike sound. Whether you're listening again to your record collection, streaming high-res audio, or playing back SACDs, the appropriate amp brings it all alive.

At Elusive Disc, we're convinced that every audio enthusiast should have access to reference-level performance. From entry-level marvels to audio masterpieces that stimulate the senses, our family of amplifiers assists you in creating a system that motivates you—a note-at-a-time experience.

Explore our entire selection of amplifiers today and enjoy music the way it is intended: bold, dynamic, and unforgettable.

Shop Elusive Disc for the best selection of phono preamplifiers, amplifiers, and integrated amplifiers from premium, trusted brands like Creek, Calvin, Music Hall, Music Fidelity, and VPI. Our best sellers are the popular Creek Evolution 100A Integrated Amp for a safe audio bet and budget-friendly option, or the Cayin A-300B Tube Integrated Amp for a more high-end musical magnification desired by most audiophiles.

With the multitude of amplifiers to choose from, picking the right one to pair with your turntable and speakers can be an intimidating process. Give our sound engineers a call. They have first-hand knowledge to help you choose the right equipment for your specific setup.