Amp and speakers for smaller space

[6and8]

I’m looking to upgrade my amp and speakers, currently an Arcam FMJ A19 and a pair of 30 year old Musical Fidelity MC4s mounted on sturdy, solid filled Soundstage stands.

I have a vinyl and CD set-up. If it’s relevant, a Pink Triangle LPT with Origin Live modded RB300, Nagaoka MP200 and Graham Slee Reflex M phono stage, the CD player is an Audiolab 8200CD.

I have some practical issues to consider. My listening room, a back bedroom, is small – about 3 x 4sq m. We live in a terraced house with neighbours either side; I need an amp that still sounds good without being cranked up.

The Arcam fills the space easily but perhaps a beefier amp would give a more authoritative sound. I tend to listen to more jazz, blues and classical these days, the rock comes out only occasionally.

On the amp front, considerations so far include the Moon 240i (described by WHF as ‘engaging at quieter volumes’), and Arcam A39 (a natural progression from what I currently enjoy). As for speakers, anything that works well with its back to the wall. Or even hanging on the wall.

I’ve not auditioned any kit as yet, just reading reviews, so would appreciate any thoughts on which direction to go. As for budget, I can go to about £3k – £4k.

 

[CnoEvil]

Given your taste in music, as well as Arcam, you might also consider Sugden, Croft, Lavardin and Pathos.

On the speaker front, maybe ProAc, Audio Note (designed to work against the wall/in corners), Harbeth and ATC.

 

[6and8]

Thanks for those suggestions. Familiar with (most of) the names but have never listened to any of them. My next task is to try and track down dealers where I can audition them.

 

[bigfish786]

Your setup seems decent enough, no weak links really. What is it specifically that you think is missing?

I know it doesn’t give the same feeling, but a decent pair of headphones might me good for late night listening.

If it’s more punch at low levels, could you be looking at an amp with bass and treble controls?

 

[mond]

For that money you could get a seriously good amp such as ...

ATC SIA 150

https://www.whathifi.com/atc/sia-2-150/review

Or maybe

Rogue Audio Sphinx integrated amplifier

https://www.stereophile.com/content/rogue-audio-sphinx-integrated-amplifier

and some speakers that work well in small rooms like ....

Audiosmile Kensai

http://www.hifichoice.co.uk/news/article/audiosmile-kensai--pound;1503/10184/

or some MY AUDIO DESIGN MAD 1920, But if you opt for them I would recommend you add some supertweeters to enhance the top end

http://www.hifichoice.co.uk/news/article/mad-1920--pound;1350/9239

 

[gasolin]

Active speaker like AE1 Active or Kef LS-50A, + a preamp of your choice

 

[record_spot]

Go active. Plenty of options to choose from and some come with their own preamp/onboard DAC, others not. Been using actives for a few years now (since about 2015) and wouldn't look back.