Amplifier upgrade

[DelClark]

Hi all,
I am looking to replace my ageing LInn Intek with a budget of 1-2k
I want something with much more connectivity than Linn.
Requirements are:
Phono stage for my TT
Optical (for my CD so that I can use the Better DAC in new amp)
HMDI ARC (to connect to TV)
Bluetooth

The chap at Richer Sounds recommends a Cambridge, but I don't think they have Phono stage.

Therefore my short list, after a lot of research for an audition are:
Arcam A15+ (possibly A25+)
Audiolab 7000a (RS have deal on 1/2 price CD transport with this one)

I was just wondering on your faults between the two, or is there something else I should consider.
I am hoping I like the Audiolab, as the 1/2 price deal on the CD is very tempting.
I don't really need a receiver as I have DAB+ and internet radio covered at the moment.

Cheers

Del

 

[Al ears]

Hi all,
I am looking to replace my ageing LInn Intek with a budget of 1-2k
I want something with much more connectivity than Linn.
Requirements are:
Phono stage for my TT
Optical (for my CD so that I can use the Better DAC in new amp)
HMDI ARC (to connect to TV)
Bluetooth

The chap at Richer Sounds recommends a Cambridge, but I don't think they have Phono stage.

Therefore my short list, after a lot of research for an audition are:
Arcam A15+ (possibly A25+)
Audiolab 7000a (RS have deal on 1/2 price CD transport with this one)

I was just wondering on your faults between the two, or is there something else I should consider.
I am hoping I like the Audiolab, as the 1/2 price deal on the CD is very tempting.
I don't really need a receiver as I have DAB+ and internet radio covered at the moment.

Cheers

Del

 

[Al ears]

The dac in the amp may not be better than the one in your CD player.
Might be useful only if you are going to replace the CD player with a transport.
Apart from that nothing wrong with either of those amplifiers as far as I am aware.
The new Fell Audio amplifier and matching CD player might be worth considering but available only from Peter Tyson.
EDIT: forget Fell, just seen HDMI requirement

 

[daytona600]

Intek was a decent sounding amplifer
1/ Add a modern dac /streamer with HDMI & spend the rest on records
2/ Exposure 2510 + Wiim

 

[DelClark]

Unfortunately the Intek is playing up and Linn say that they cannot work on them anymore, so a new amp for me.

I may upgrade the CD if I go for the Audiolab as I will get the matching Audiolab one half price.

Although at the moment I do have the Majority Fitzwilliam 2025, which does me very nicely for DAB+ and internet radio. It also has Spotify, but I am yet to try it yet,
If I do get into streaming I may upgrade, but the Majority is fine for now.

But for now just need a new amp as the Linn is on the fritz, And I would really like one that I could connect to TV (hench need for HDMI ARC).

 

[Gray]

Unfortunately the Intek is playing up

What's wrong with it Del?

 

[gasolin]

You forgot to mention what speakers you have

 

[DelClark]

What's wrong with it Del?

A couple of times it stopped working, then later started working again, but when it's working it makes a sharp 'cracking" sound every so often.
Definitely on its way out.
When I get a new amp I will get a local chap to have a look at it to see if it can be repaired.
As I said Linn are not interested.

 

[DelClark]

Job done.
After auditioning the Audiolab 7000a, Arcam A15 and Cambridge audio CXA100, the Cambridge was a clear winner, in fact the Arcam struggled to drive the Oberon 5 speakers.
The Cambridge was a bit over budget, but well worth it.
Although the Cambridge sounded great there are a few minor niggles (not deal breakers)
1. No phono ( more money on a Phono pre amp )
Although I did manage to get a refurbished one from Cambridge themselves for a good price, I should expect it will be much better that the one in my old Linn
2. No BT output (would have been nice to use BT headphones}
3. The volume level does not appear on the display !
4. USB is type B !! C would have been better
5. Its not black (the grey is growing on me though)


Maybe matching streamer next (letter to Santa sent)

 

[Jasonovich]

Job done.
After auditioning the Audiolab 7000a, Arcam A15 and Cambridge audio CXA100, the Cambridge was a clear winner, in fact the Arcam struggled to drive the Oberon 5 speakers.
The Cambridge was a bit over budget, but well worth it.
Although the Cambridge sounded great there are a few minor niggles (not deal breakers)
1. No phono ( more money on a Phono pre amp )
Although I did manage to get a refurbished one from Cambridge themselves for a good price, I should expect it will be much better that the one in my old Linn
2. No BT output (would have been nice to use BT headphones}
3. The volume level does not appear on the display !
4. USB is type B !! C would have been better
5. Its not black (the grey is growing on me though)


Maybe matching streamer next (letter to Santa sent)

Congrats Del on your purchase.
My comment on the niggles 😂

The USB, it is purely format preferences, type B is no more or less capable than C, latest gen 3.2 or 4 (Thunderbolt USB C only) you're find 3.2 on both B and C, however Thunderbolt the one with the biggest bandwidth is implemented for PCs, unlikely to find in audio, though would be fantastic if they standardised it for audio.

No BT, meh, blessing in disguise 🙂, it means you can get the finest wired headphones for the budget and start enjoying your music more. 👍

 

[DelClark]

Congrats Del on your purchase.
My comment on the niggles 😂

The USB, it is purely format preferences, type B is no more or less capable than C, latest gen 3.2 or 4 (Thunderbolt USB C only) you're find 3.2 on both B and C, however Thunderbolt the one with the biggest bandwidth is implemented for PCs, unlikely to find in audio, though would be fantastic if they standardised it for audio.

No BT, meh, blessing in disguise 🙂, it means you can get the finest wired headphones for the budget and start enjoying your music more. 👍

Already have some very nice wired ones.
BT would have been nice for when I'm doing stuff around the housee/garden/garage.
Not a problem really as I can stream from my phone.