Amplifier dilemma

[hybridauth_Facebook_100002228099278]

Hello,

Recently I've purchased a pair of Dali ikon 6 mk.2's, and now I'm looking for a new amp. I've found an Arcam A85 online, at a reasonable price, but also a A65, with CD73 and T61, for about the same price. Would the A65 be enough to drive the Dali's? Or should I go for a new NAD c326 or even c356? I've seen on the net that a lot of people use NAD with the Dali's, and my local store has these in demo, so I can go and listen to them in combination with the Dali's, unlike the second hand Arcams.
Any advice is greatly appreciated.

 

[Al ears]

Hello,

Recently I've purchased a pair of Dali ikon 6 mk.2's, and now I'm looking for a new amp. I've found an Arcam A85 online, at a reasonable price, but also a A65, with CD73 and T61, for about the same price. Would the A65 be enough to drive the Dali's? Or should I go for a new NAD c326 or even c356? I've seen on the net that a lot of people use NAD with the Dali's, and my local store has these in demo, so I can go and listen to them in combination with the Dali's, unlike the second hand Arcams. Any advice is greatly appreciated.

The Dali's are quite efficient speakers so I would suggest the A65 would have more than enough abilitiy to drive them with no trouble.

 

[audipheonix]

With Arcam A28, dont know whether its me but found(abit flat and unengaging) that it was not until turned upto 58 on the volume dial that it sound good. I think its similar with all British manufacturer they are a bit melow . Then I tried them with a tube amplifier and it was much better. The soundstage was wider and the depth was incredible.

The point I am trying to make is, even if I havnt tried the A65 or A85,but feel that it would be sounding in the same line as A28. I would ask you to demo them and decide along with some other Brands Like Exposure, Denon, Cayin (tube),Marantz, Yamaha.

 

[hybridauth_Facebook_100002228099278]

Thanks, I'll go and have a listen to the new Arcams this weekend, along with the Denon and Yamaha amps. Exposure and Cayin might be a bit more difficult, since I can't find a dealer in the vincinity, but I'm sure the store will have some alternatives.

I'll keep you updated on my adventures in hifi

 

[rainsoothe]

Hi.

You might also wanna look at Hegel H80 or Roksan Kandy K3 - if you don't have a dealer near you, maybe you'll find an online one that accepts returns or gives home trial. The Abrahamsen that's been praised on the forum lately might also be a good idea. The reasone I'm suggesting the Hegel and the Roksan is that apparently those Dali's need a bit of excitement behind them, and these give just that.

 

[philpot1001]

If you are considering buying an old Arcam 2nd hand, you might want to also considering getting an old Arcam power amp too and bi-amping, apparently it significantly livens the sound up. You can pick the old power amps up for around £100-300, depending on what mark you buy.

 

[hybridauth_Facebook_100002228099278]

Hi.

You might also wanna look at Hegel H80 or Roksan Kandy K3 - if you don't have a dealer near you, maybe you'll find an online one that accepts returns or gives home trial. The Abrahamsen that's been praised on the forum lately might also be a good idea. The reasone I'm suggesting the Hegel and the Roksan is that apparently those Dali's need a bit of excitement behind them, and these give just that.

I fear that these might be a bit out of my price range, I'm looking to spend about €500 to €1000. Online will also be a problem, as I don't think there are any online shops here in Belgium who provide this service.
The Abrahamsen does look good, and with the current exchange rate it doesn't exeed the budget. If I only could audition them...

 

[DocG]

Hi.

You might also wanna look at Hegel H80 or Roksan Kandy K3 - if you don't have a dealer near you, maybe you'll find an online one that accepts returns or gives home trial. The Abrahamsen that's been praised on the forum lately might also be a good idea. The reasone I'm suggesting the Hegel and the Roksan is that apparently those Dali's need a bit of excitement behind them, and these give just that.

I fear that these might be a bit out of my price range, I'm looking to spend about €500 to €1000. Online will also be a problem, as I don't think there are any online shops here in Belgium who provide this service.The Abrahamsen does look good, and with the current exchange rate it doesn't exeed the budget. If I only could audition them...

Hi Christophe,

Where in Belgium do you live? I've discovered quite some hifi-shops in our country in these past few years...

 

[hybridauth_Facebook_100002228099278]

Hi,

I live in Wetteren, near Ghent.

 

[iQ Speakers]

The Abrahamsen is superb and you can buy direct from Abrahamsen, you will get far more amp for your money, if you buy the normal version you can upgrade it for about 250 euros and it takes it into the leauge of 3000 euro amps.

 

[DocG]

Hi,

I live in Wetteren, near Ghent.

Hi neighbour,

I grew up in Lede, and I now work in Aalst!

I take it your local shop is TeleSound in Laarne? They have some good stuff there, and I think with your budget, a NAD would be a fine choice. TeleSound also stocks Vincent, a brand that deserves your attention; and some of their integrateds can be had for less than €1000.

Or you could drive to Widescreen Audio in Ghent. Have a look at the Peachtree amplifiers: the Nova 65 SE costs you just shy of 1K EUR. You get a smart looking box, class A preamp, 65 Wpc(into 8 Ohm) of Class D power amps, a headphone amp, an integrated DAC (including a USB-input) and a tube buffer. That is excellent VFM in my book! I'm sure Henk allows a home demo if you ask for it.

If you feel confident, the Abrahamsen Colin suggests, might be your best bet though. Selling factory-direct and not advertising leaves a whole lot of budget for the actual electronics (and the box), and Mr. Abrahamsen knows a thing or two about building fine amplifiers! (but no demo upfront, that's the catch...). EDIT: I'm not sure what you pay for one of those, delivered to your door; you'll have to look into that if you consider this option.

Keep us posted!

 

[iQ Speakers]

You could get the UP version for 892 Euro delivered the normal version for just over 700 Euros

 

[emperor's new clothes]

Hi Christophe,

Good choice with your Dalis. Had mine for a year as front pair of AV and to my ears, they are equally excellent with music and movies. Are you currently using the Denon? I have a Marantz SR7007 bi-amping mine which adds solidity to the bass.(some will argue against this, but my ears say otherwise) In a separate system, the Marantz PM8005 is superb value and, if available in Belgium for the UK discounted price of £650, would be worth adding to your audition list. I have not tried the 8005 with the Dalis, but would expect it to be good match.

 

[DocG]

Instead of making my choice easier it just got harder. But that's just means I can spend more time listening and discovering new things :-D

You came to the forum to make things easier? Ha ha, your mistake, lad! *wink*

 

[hybridauth_Facebook_100002228099278]

I take it your local shop is TeleSound in Laarne? They have some good stuff there, and I think with your budget, a NAD would be a fine choice. TeleSound also stocks Vincent, a brand that deserves your attention; and some of their integrateds can be had for less than €1000.

Or you could drive to Widescreen Audio in Ghent. Have a look at the Peachtree amplifiers: the Nova 65 SE costs you just shy of 1K EUR. You get a smart looking box, class A preamp, 65 Wpc(into 8 Ohm) of Class D power amps, a headphone amp, an integrated DAC (including a USB-input) and a tube buffer. That is excellent VFM in my book! I'm sure Henk allows a home demo if you ask for it.

If you feel confident, the Abrahamsen Colin suggests, might be your best bet though. Selling factory-direct and not advertising leaves a whole lot of budget for the actual electronics (and the box), and Mr. Abrahamsen knows a thing or two about building fine amplifiers! (but no demo upfront, that's the catch...). EDIT: I'm not sure what you pay for one of those, delivered to your door; you'll have to look into that if you consider this option.

The Peachtree does look amazing, especially in the rosewood finish, and having an onboard DAC is an advantage. This one will definitely go on the short list.
The Abrahamson also goes on the list, since apparently it's a little cheaper than the Peachtree and that leaves some budget for a separate DAC. I just hope this will match up with my Dali's, since they can sound a little harsh when incorrectly paired.
Next in line will be the NAD c326 and 356 and the Vincent SV-400.
And finally the Marantz PM7005 and Denon PMA-1520

Instead of making my choice easier it just got harder. But that's just means I can spend more time listening and discovering new things :-D

Hopefully I can make some time next weekend to go auditioning...

 

[knaithrover]

I have an Arcam A85, i tried it with a set of Dali Sensor 3's and it sounded pretty lame tbh weak and lifeless....I know you have the Ikons but was wondering if the Dali 'house' sound isn't suited to the Arcam amp?? My Boston Acoustics M25's sound amazing through the Arcam btw and my Dali's sound great through my Marantz/NAD amps.....

 

[hybridauth_Facebook_100002228099278]

Just went to have a quick listen to the NAD c356 and the Vincent SV-400. I was in the neighbourhood and had some spare time so i swung by the shop. *dirol* Because I didn't have hours to spend, I limited myself to the forementioned amps. The Marantz and Denon amps will have to wait for a next time.
I found the NAD to have too much bass to my taste, and too much 'in your face'. No need to scare away all the wildlife (maybe just the annoying birds who keep waking me up at 5 in the morning...)
The Vincent was better but seemed to lack in excitement, and didn't seem to be a good match for the Dali's. I fear those two amps will be crossed off the list...

I'll try to swing by Wide Screen tomorrow, to have a look (and listen) to the Peachtree Nova. I'll let you guys know how that goes...

 

[iQ Speakers]

Belive me the Abrahamsen is very well balanced the V2.0 plodded along to me coming from a £2.5K amp but the UP version well bounded along excitment in a natural, non fatiging way, notes stop and start when they should if you were in the UK I would offer a home demo but you can buy direct from Abrahamsen in Belgium. You had a really good list, the Peachtree should be good but I had the Vincent 237 on my list as well. Dont forget how much dealer margin you will be paying! Thats why the Abrahamsen is so brilliantly good. in term of sound and build quality. I look forward to your thoughts.

 

[DocG]

Hi Christophe,

I see that your choice is getting too easy too quickly... So I spotted another option for you*diablo*

Mimesis Audio in Lovendegem have an ex-demo Marantz PM7005 for €500. Integrated amp, with USB-DAC and phono stage. 'Vaut le détour' if you ask me! He he.

 

[hybridauth_Facebook_100002228099278]

I see that your choice is getting too easy too quickly... So I spotted another option for you*diablo*

How dare you! *acute*

Just got back from Wide Screen in Ghent. I was able to take the Peachtree with me for a home demo *biggrin*
And I have to say that I am extremely impressed. Everything just sounds right on the Dali's. Controlled bass, very good midrange and a sweet but detailed top end, not a hint of harshness. The soundstage is much bigger than before, and everything sounds open and airy.

It makes you want to keep listening. Instead of skipping to the next track, I just keep enjoying every moment of every single track. I'm surprised not more people have this combo.

This weekend I'll go and have a listen to the Marantz, Denon and the NAD c326, but they'll have to be pretty amazing to convince me to return the Nova65 *smile*

 

[DocG]

I'm delighted you're on the right track! Have you played with the tube buffer yet?

As for the Marantz, check if it's still there; the shop is open on Friday and Saturday, and any other moment if you make an appointment. I doubt it would better the Peachtree - just see how close it gets you for half the price! See if you can arrange a home demo too, for a proper head-to-head.

While you're there, indulge yourself with the gorgeous Pathos, Unison and Synthesis stuff he stocks -- it'll start nagging sooner or later! *diablo*

 

[iQ Speakers]

Sounds like you are getting some where good for you. I know you can not try the Abrahamsen, if you were in the UK i would send you one on home trial, anyway here is a mail i got from a customer who got his on Tuesday.

Hi Colin,
Just tried to post this on WhatHiFi but it's triggered the spam filter. I've only just signed up so will try posting it again later - I ordered the Abrahamsen V2.0 UP yesterday and had it delivered this morning. I'm using it with Dali Ikon 2 Mk II speakers. I previously used those speakers with a Yamaha AS700 amplifier. I was satisified with what I previously had but after seeing posts about the Abrahamsen amp I was tempted to try it so thought I would take a chance on it. I have had several hours of listening with the new amplifier and here's some thoughts. Early impressions are excellent. I'm not quite sure how to describe it but to me it sounds better than what I had before. Music somehow seems more involving and has more depth to it and seems more controlled. I don't really know if that's the right way of describing it but I know for sure that I'm enjoying the music more than I used to. I was a little sceptical about the difference changing an amp would make but I'm delighted with the new sound. Some pros - * The build quality of the amplifier is excellent. It's really heavy and feels very well constructed. I expect it's going to last a long time.* Sounds great at low and high volumes.* Listened to a lot of music today and it's all been enjoyable and no trace of harshness which I occasionally had with my previous amp.* Remote control is a good size and easy to use. Minor downsides - * The kettle lead that came with it was too short for me so I had to replace it.* Replacing the battery on the remote is a bit awkward as you need to take two screws out of the remote before you can access the batteries. Regards, Mike

 

[matt49]

Have you played with the tube buffer yet?

Ooh err!

 

[DocG]

Have you played with the tube buffer yet?

Ooh err!

Hi Matt, I take it I said something funny here, but my English is too blunt to grasp it...*fool* Give me a hint, will you?

 

[matt49]

Have you played with the tube buffer yet?

Ooh err!

Hi Matt, I take it I said something funny here, but my English is too blunt to grasp it...*fool* Give me a hint, will you?

Apologies: my juvenile sense of humour. The words 'tube' and 'buff' are a bit lewd.

Are you familiar with Vic Reeves and Bob Mortimer?

[they sing]

Vic: I was the groom

Bob: And I was your best man

Vic: I stood at the altar

Bob: And I buffed your ring.