Arcam A-19 and Kef R500

[JohnKK]

Hi!

Need options; what do you think can A-19 drive R500 up to moderate listening levels?

I know that it will work, but can it control the bass or R500 would be an overkill for this amp?

Thanks!

 

[BigH]

What size room and music do you have?

 

[matthewpiano]

Arcam and KEF pair together nicely and I'm quite sure the A19 will be able to drive the R500s. What it probably won't do is control the low-end as tightly as something better like an A38. An audition is really going to be the only way, and preferably at home in your listening space.

 

[BigH]

Why are you only looking at the A19?

I would consider Creek 50A, Marantz Pearl Lite and Roksan Kandy K2 all about the same price.

 

[JohnKK]

I am looking at A-19 because I alreday have it.

Just considering options...

Different music really, acustic, chillout, cafe del mar, vocals, some pop and rock (80s, 90, recent), some smooth jazz, classic,...

I am not listening to some bass heavy music.

Room is 3,8m (wall on which is TV and speakers), 9m on right side of the room (when looking toward speakers) and 4m on left side. Room is about 4m high.

Curently using R100 which are absolutely great for size, but just cannot cover bass and deeper nots as much as I would like.

 

[BigH]

Thats a big room, only way is to try them, can you get a home demo?

You may want to read this post:

http://www.whathifi.com/forum/hi-fi/kef-r500-vs-r700

The A19 maybe OK but I think in the future you should be looking to add a power amp or a more powerful int. amp.

 

[philipjohnwright]

Keep the R100's and get a subwoofer?

For what an upgrade to R500's would cost you could get a top of the range BK Monolith + and still have change (sorry to everyone if I'm sounding like a stuck record vis a vis BK)

 

[matthewpiano]

Keep the R100's and get a subwoofer?

For what an upgrade to R500's would cost you could get a top of the range BK Monolith + and still have change (sorry to everyone if I'm sounding like a stuck record vis a vis BK)

Seems an eminently sensible idea to me and would provide controllable bass extension.

 

[BigH]

Keep the R100's and get a subwoofer?

For what an upgrade to R500's would cost you could get a top of the range BK Monolith + and still have change (sorry to everyone if I'm sounding like a stuck record vis a vis BK)

Seems an eminently sensible idea to me and would provide controllable bass extension.

+ 1

 

[Philim]

I demo'd the r500 last month with the k2, naim 5i and xs.

The k2 was very poor sounding like it was playing under a blanket, the 5i was better but a little bright and lacking detail. The xs was awesome with detailed and natural sound.

 

[JohnKK]

Thanks for comments!

Regarding Naim XS - that amp is almost 3x price of A-19, taking into account upgrade price for speakers and amp - that is just too much compared to what I am prepare to finance, so that is out.

Regarding sub, I have so-so feeling. If I have to give 1k euro for good musical sub than calculation is not so much on sub option...

Also have some concerns regardsing integration, but am willing to try.

Current sub that I am using is some cheap Monitor Audio amp wich is good for movies, but not for music.

BK Monolith is not available in my county, do you have some other ideas what should I demo? Music is number 1 priority as I think that any musica amp will be good enough for movies (which I watch maybe 1-2 per week)?

Thanks

 

[BigH]

Which country are you in?

 

[JohnKK]

Croatia

 

[csq2]

Kef R series are difficult to drive and require a powerful amp with at least 75W or more. Look for more sensitive speakers. Amp is more important than speakers IMO, so choose your speakers wisely. If you did hook up the Arcam A19 with R500, you might be disappointed that a cheaper speaker will sound better with the Arcam.

 

[CnoEvil]

IMO. You should try to hear the R500s on the end of the A19 and see what you think.

I suspect the paring will keep you happy until upgraditus strikes sometime in the (near) future.

It is worth reading this review (if you haven't already) to see what speakers were used by WHF: http://www.whathifi.com/review/arcam-fmj-a19

 

[markiedee]

I can't see no reason why the A19 should not be able to handle the r500s, when i demoed the arcam i heard it with the r300s and i wish i only had the space to accommadate them as the sheer quality of bass control and clarity was amazing.

It also didn't require lots of volume to get the speakers singing so i can't see it being a problem with the r500s.

 

[JohnKK]

I will for sure go for demo and try them and see.

Any sugestions for sub?

 

[CnoEvil]

I will for sure go for demo and try them and see.

Any sugestions for sub?

IMO. You should leave the Sub until you are sure that you need one...........then if you still want one, we can give some suggestions (if you give a budget). You could of course put the money to the R700s.

 

[plastic penguin]

Keep the R100's and get a subwoofer?

For what an upgrade to R500's would cost you could get a top of the range BK Monolith + and still have change (sorry to everyone if I'm sounding like a stuck record vis a vis BK)

Or PMC is another good option - they pair very well with Arcam.

 

[BigH]

Not sure what is available in Croatia, have a look on the internet, best if you had a few demos and then came back if you need more help.

Just beware that rooms can have a major effect on the sound.

 

[JohnKK]

Not sure what is available in Croatia, have a look on the internet, best if you had a few demos and then came back if you need more help.

Just beware that rooms can have a major effect on the sound.

If you are reffering to what brands are available, I can get lets say mainstream brands: Kef, MA, B&W, mission, ... and other bigger brands, but not some specilized ones (like MK monolith; I assume they produce only subs?).

But question is can I get a good musical sub for up to 500 euros S/H or new?