Amplifiers are the "quarterbacks" of a two-channel system. A linestage (a.k.a. line preamp) takes analog signals from a source (DAC/digital player) and passes them to a power amplifier, which drives the speakers. A phonostage (a.k.a. phono preamp) transfers analog signals from a turntable to a line preamp. Good synergy between the sources and amplifiers provides effortless musicality and lifelike reproduction.
My amplifiers:
Audio Research LS27 "Orpheus" Linestage
Bryston 14B-SST2 "Thor": Power Amp
Bryston BHA-1, "Shogun": Headphone Amps
Simaudio Moon 310LP "Hedy Lamarr": Phonostage
About Bryston
Bryston (bryston.com) first opened for business in 1962 as a manufacturer of medical equipment. The company was purchased in 1968 by John W. Russell, an ex-NASA engineer. Together with sons Chris, Brian and John D., they first started exploring the field of accurate, reliable audio amplification in the early 1970s. Since that time Bryston has become legendary for their hand-built quality, superb performance and dependability in the home, professional and commercial markets. Bryston amplifiers are used in some of the world’s most renowned recording studios and owned by many discerning music professionals. Bryston applies precision manufacturing techniques and materials in the assembly of their electronic equipment that are more typically utilized by the military and aerospace industries. Bryston is based in Peterborough, Ontario, Canada, northeast of Toronto, and is sold through over 150 dealers in North America and 60 countries worldwide.
From Bryston's website: "The equipment choices for a system in a recording studio are the same as the requirements in a "state-of-the-art" playback system in your home, namely, reproduce the input as accurately as possible. The purpose is the same: to capture a space and moment in time and allow the listener to experience that moment in their home environment".