arcam a19 :( alternatives?

[danrv]

Defo get some speaker stands and set up so you are sat in the middle in a triangle of sorts. Once you have your room set up, you'll truly start hearing what that little amp is capable of

+1 You'll need speaker stands anyway whatever amp you have. The WHF review does say that the amp has a tendency to hold back a little and not let loose when needed. Maybe this is what your experiencing when playing rock or lively music. Also not an easy amp to match with speakers. Sounds like the amp needs forward sounding speakers.

I reckon give it a little time listening in the triangle with tweeters at ear level, your favourite CD's and move the speakers apart gradually to get the best position for stereo image and soundstage. Also experiment with toe-in angles. My Dali's need very little.

Took me a while with my setup. I have the speakers 8' apart and sit 8' from them.

 

[plastic penguin]

Also worth pointing out that Arcam generally, despite a lovely tonal presence, does benefit from adding a power amp IMO. No need for one if the speakers are easy to drive but if a little tricky then a power amp is pretty much essential - assuming, of course, your preferance is playing loud.

 

[p_m_brown]

Also worth pointing out that Arcam generally, despite a lovely tonal presence, does benefit from adding a power amp IMO. No need for one if the speakers are easy to drive but if a little tricky then a power amp is pretty much essential - assuming, of course, your preferance is playing loud.

Can't imagine he'll need a power amp with the wharfdales PP! It drove my Kefs just fine and to decent levels when I had one here...it really is a great amp!