Amp: ARCAM FMJ A19 or NAIM Nait 5si to replace my UR Simply Two ?

[eborr]

Hello All !

Despite the fact that I love my UR Simply two amp, I am thinking to replace it by an integrated amp because of too many constraints as replacement of the tubes, power consomation (not eco friendly), ...

I know that integrated cannot be compared to a tube amp, but I am wondering if the Arcam or Naim will do the job here ?

My audio install is composed by:

- CD player Cambridge Audio 640 v2

- DAC Rega

- Speakers JMR Twins signature (Hi-Fi) or Monitor Audio Bronze BX5 (Home cinema)

- Analog interconnect QED

- Digital interconnects SUPRA

Any advices ? I can consider other option in this budget range...

Thanks !

Eric (from Belgium)

 

[plastic penguin]

A SS integrated will sound a little different to a tube, but no less capable. As I'm not familiar with your amp I can't advise. A dem will be essential to see how the Arcam and Naim stacks up. But also look at Rega Brio-R, Roksan Kandy K2 and Creek.

 

[drummerman]

I would source a Sony STR DB930.

It is, apart perhaps from John Shearne products, the closest I have used to both a good tube amplifier and solid state. It is my main system (2channel) amplifier. I also have a cyrus system but use that in my bedroom/2nd system.

The Sony is powerful, dynamic, fluent and very easy on the ear. Internally superbly constructed and flexible it does that thing that a good valve amplifier does; macro dynamics and ebb and flow whilst staying cohesive. - I have modified mine but even in stock form it is a very, very good stereo amplifier with more flexibility than many. Over 240w/ch 4ohm dynamic headroom but it sounds divine at low volume too.

regards

 

[eborr]

Thanks for your inputs. Anyone who has a good experience with both kind of amp (tube vs integrated) ? Cheers

 

[davedotco]

If the limited functionality is not an issue, get the best of both worlds and go for this, line only or phono versions.......

http://www.croftacoustics.co.uk/main.html

 

[plastic penguin]

If the limited functionality is not an issue, get the best of both worlds and go for this, line only or phono versions.......

http://www.croftacoustics.co.uk/main.html

They do look quite nice; they remind me, from memory, of the old Tag Mclaren amps...

 

[DocG]

Hi Eric,

The amps you mention are (give or take) 800 and 1200 EUR respectively. What is your maximum budget? Is a Lavardin IS within reach? 1800 EUR ex-demo.

BTW, where in Belgium are you based?

Regards,

Erik (East-Flanders, Belgium)