Arcam A15 vs Rega Elex-R vs Marantz PM8005/6

[Entrigo]

Hi all,


My vintage Marantz PM7200 has developed a little hum issue and, rather than spend money fixing it, I am thinking of upgrading - as it was going to happen anyway.

My top of the shortlist contenders have been the Rega Elex-R and Marantz PM8005/6 - I like a touch of warmth to the sound but just want a bit more punch and "PRaT" (I listen mainly to rock/alt-rock/post-punk etc).

I have however been offered a good deal on an ex-demo Arcam A15 and I was wondering if anyone had any experience of this against the other two - especially the Elex (as the Marantz are incredibly hard to find).

I am mainly looking second hand so cannot really demo - and I know by doing extensive reading that the MK4 Elex has a slightly leaner sound signature to the -R, so a demo of the newer model might not be fully relevant/conclusive - and the Arcam in question is a good 160 miles away...

Any insight much appreciated.

 

[RTHerringbone]

Regardless of whether or not it's second-hand, surely it would make sense to try and demo a new Arcam A15 just to get a feel for it?

Your signature says you're based in London and so you should have lots of stores within a reasonable distance that stock Arcam.

 

[Entrigo]

Regardless of whether or not it's second-hand, surely it would make sense to try and demo a new Arcam A15 just to get a feel for it?

Your signature says you're based in London and so you should have lots of stores within a reasonable distance that stock Arcam.

Yes that is actually a good idea. Thing is, RS set the Arcam aside for me until the end of the day, and it might be too short notice to arrange a demo.

But I am anyway starting to think I am better off waiting to find a Rega/Marantz...

 

[Al ears]

Yes that is actually a good idea. Thing is, RS set the Arcam aside for me until the end of the day, and it might be too short notice to arrange a demo.

But I am anyway starting to think I am better off waiting to find a Rega/Marantz...

Personal choice but I would go for the marantz.
The good thing about the Arcam is it should come with some warranty that second-hand amps will not have.

 

[Entrigo]

Personal choice but I would go for the marantz.
The good thing about the Arcam is it should come with some warranty that second-hand amps will not have.

Good point...

Yes personally it's always been an incredibly close call between Rega and Marantz. Mostly because, with the near impossibility of demoing either, with Marantz I know more or less where I stand with regards to sound signature.

But then the Rega gets so many rave reviews everywhere that its tempting.

And there is the fact that the Marantz is nigh on impossible to find. Saw only three for sale since Christmas - all 8005 rather than 8006 and all pick-up only, hours drive from me 🙄.

That said, someone responded to a "wanted" ad on a FB group and has a Rega for around £300. Unless it's falling to pieces, gonna take the punt.