Amp to match Arcam CD73 & Usher S520s

[admin_exported]

My Arcam Alpha 9 amp has died. Which amps should I look at to go with my Arcam CD73 and Usher S520 speakers?

 

[plastic penguin]

Budget?!!

Roksan Caspian M1 or Leema Pulse. If youre budget is little more modest then Arcam A18 sounds impressive with the Ushers and CD73. We need further info.

Cheers, pp

 

[John Duncan]

Though following on from a previous thread, A85s are about 350 on eBay which is good value and matches 🙂

 

[Anonymous]

I feel the Usher (I recently listened to some) need an amp that has a slightly rolled off treble and good bursts of power to keep them in tow, I know i'm going to be alone here but I'd suggest the Exposure 2010.

 

[plastic penguin]

Though following on from a previous thread, A85s are about 350 on eBay which is good value and matches 🙂

Yeah, you're probably right but the A18 reasoning is two-fold: Firstly, given that the A85 is a "decadian", you can pick-up the new FMJ for a tad over £400. Sure the A85 may have an advantage SQ-wise, but in isolation the A18 will sound just fine. And secondly, I've only heard the Ushers with the A18...

BTW, have you heard the Ushers down at Hampton Wick yet?

 

[John Duncan]

Not at IF no, but a friend bought some for his old Cyrus 2/PSX combo which sounds very nice (for a Cyrus ;-)). Very good value.

 

[Anonymous]

Thanks for your input...

To be honest I don't really have a budget - I have 2 kids instead! - so I'm trying to work out how much I need to beg/borrow/save to be sure I get something that will do justice to the rest of the set up but not break the bank. For example, am I wasting money if I went as low as a Cambridge Audio Azur 340A?

 

[plastic penguin]

Thanks for your input...

To be honest I don't really have a budget - I have 2 kids instead! - so I'm trying to work out how much I need to beg/borrow/save to be sure I get something that will do justice to the rest of the set up but not break the bank. For example, am I wasting money if I went as low as a Cambridge Audio Azur 340A?

I would suggest the 340 wouldn't be as good as the Alpha 9. Plus the Ushers need IMO a decent amp to make the most of their qualites. Have you thought about another Alpha 9?