Arcam A19 Pairing Suggestions?

[hybridauth_Facebook_10205486476861204]

I'm considering an Arcam A19 Integrated Amplifier, and I read on this site and others that it requires careful matching to really shine.

My local dealer suggested the amp to me, along with a pair of Paradigm Prestige 15B bookshelf speakers and Pro-Ject RPM1 Turntable.

Does this match seem like it makes sense? I'm not super knowledgeable about the world of HiFi, and I'm basically trusting my dealer's opinion -- looking for a second one on this website. He too was the one that suggested the Arcam amp, I'm not married to that decision.

A few of my initial thoughts:

- At first, I was considering a Peachtree Nova 65SE, but I thought the Arcam sounded better in the audition.

- I don't mind that the Arcam doesn't have a DAC -- this setup is for my record collection only. I like that the Arcam has a built in pre-amp / phono stage

- The Paradigm speakers seemed pricey to me but I'm willing to spend if its worth the money. Are they a good match for the Arcam?

- Literally no idea about what makes a good turntable. Anyone have any experience with the Pro-Ject or have another suggestion?

 

[CnoEvil]

Instead of going A19 + 15B; I'd look a A39 + Kef LS 50.

 

[Blacksabbath25]

arcam a39 is the better bet i would say or a cambridge amp

 

[Q5]

Instead of going A19 + 15B; I'd look a A39 + Kef LS 50.

If the LS 50's sound anywhere near as good with the A39 as they do on my A49 then I would agree with CNO.

 

[plastic penguin]

I'm considering an Arcam A19 Integrated Amplifier, and I read on this site and others that it requires careful matching to really shine.

My local dealer suggested the amp to me, along with a pair of Paradigm Prestige 15B bookshelf speakers and Pro-Ject RPM1 Turntable.

Does this match seem like it makes sense? I'm not super knowledgeable about the world of HiFi, and I'm basically trusting my dealer's opinion -- looking for a second one on this website. He too was the one that suggested the Arcam amp, I'm not married to that decision.

A few of my initial thoughts:

- At first, I was considering a Peachtree Nova 65SE, but I thought the Arcam sounded better in the audition.

- I don't mind that the Arcam doesn't have a DAC -- this setup is for my record collection only. I like that the Arcam has a built in pre-amp / phono stage

- The Paradigm speakers seemed pricey to me but I'm willing to spend if its worth the money. Are they a good match for the Arcam?

- Literally no idea about what makes a good turntable. Anyone have any experience with the Pro-Ject or have another suggestion?

General rule of thumb when amp/speaker matching is light and dark. By that I mean if you have a smooth amp, like the Arcam, the best speaker match would be with ones that have a neutral presentation/lively presentation. Can't comment on the ones you've mentioned.

IMO, it's best to avoid smooth with smooth or lively with lively, if that all makes sense.

Regards Pro-ject, I have the Xpression. Out of the box they are wonderful VFM, but their performance can be improved by changing the standard cartridge.

 

[rainsoothe]

Hi. I think the A19 is a great amp, and it partners very well with Focal Aria 906. But I'm an amp first kinda guy, so if the A39 + Kef LS50 is an option, then try audition that as well.

As for the tt, I'd look at Project Carbon Esprit SB instead (and buy an Ortofon 2M Blue replacement stylus if there's no option to have it prefitted instead of the Red version).

Higher budget alternatives:

- Rega RP3 with Ortofon 2M Blue or Exact cartridge, and upgrade it later (or now) with the Rega TT PSU.

- Rega RP6 Exact.

- VPI Traveller (some dealers still have it, even though it's out of production - again with Ortofon 2m Blue).

- VPI Scout Jr. (which can later be upgraded to a Scout 1.1 or Scoutmaster, i forget which).

Pioneer PLX-1000 with Ortofon 2M Blue might also be worth considering.

 

[hybridauth_Facebook_664715932]

Hi. I think the A19 is a great amp, and it partners very well with Focal Aria 906. But I'm an amp first kinda guy, so if the A39 + Kef LS50 is an option, then try audition that as well.

As for the tt, I'd look at Project Carbon Esprit SB instead (and buy an Ortofon 2M Blue replacement stylus if there's no option to have it prefitted instead of the Red version).

Higher budget alternatives:

- Rega RP3 with Ortofon 2M Blue or Exact cartridge, and upgrade it later (or now) with the Rega TT PSU.

- Rega RP6 Exact.

- VPI Traveller (some dealers still have it, even though it's out of production - again with Ortofon 2m Blue).

- VPI Scout Jr. (which can later be upgraded to a Scout 1.1 or Scoutmaster, i forget which).

Pioneer PLX-1000 with Ortofon 2M Blue might also be worth considering.

+1 for arcam and focal combo.

 

[hybridauth_Facebook_664715932]

Instead of going A19 + 15B; I'd look a A39 + Kef LS 50.

with all due respect......

op is considering a19 and you are suggesting a39 which is twice as expencive

 

[Reijer]

Hello Varun.

I've heard the A19 twice, both times with the Kef R300. A great combo to my ears. Have you already had a listen?

 

[CnoEvil]

Instead of going A19 + 15B; I'd look a A39 + Kef LS 50.

with all due respect......

op is considering a19 and you are suggesting a39 which is twice as expencive 

As far as I'm aware, the LS50s are half the price of the speakers in question, so the budget for Amp/Speakers is much the same. IMO. My suggestion of how to spend the budget would sound better...but that is for the OP to decide.

 

[Al ears]

Instead of going A19 + 15B; I'd look a A39 + Kef LS 50.

with all due respect......

op is considering a19 and you are suggesting a39 which is twice as expencive

As far as I'm aware, the LS50s are half the price of the speakers in question, so the budget for Amp/Speakers is much the same. IMO. My suggestion of how to spend the budget would sound better...but that is for the OP to decide.

Quite agree that most of the budget is best spent on the amp.

Never heard speakers in question as not that common in the UK but CnoEvils suggestion is a sound one, in my humble opinion.

 

[hybridauth_Facebook_664715932]

Instead of going A19 + 15B; I'd look a A39 + Kef LS 50.

with all due respect......

op is considering a19 and you are suggesting a39 which is twice as expencive

As far as I'm aware, the LS50s are half the price of the speakers in question, so the budget for Amp/Speakers is much the same. IMO. My suggestion of how to spend the budget would sound better...but that is for the OP to decide.

Quite agree that most of the budget is best spent on the amp.

Never heard speakers in question as not that common in the UK but CnoEvils suggestion is a sound one, in my humble opinion.

fair enough!

I was driving £1500 worth of speakers with £750 amp. Well now i am getting an amp which cost more than twice the price (altough i didn't pay full price) of those speakers.

 

[Andrewjvt]

To save and buy an expensive good quality amp rather than one youll end up selling in a few months when you want to upgrade.

Lots on here must spend loads with sideway upgrades.
all that money could have been spent on quality

 

[Audio Maniac]

The only point I don't disagree on your local dealer's suggestion is regarding amplification. Arcam is a realiable amp maker.

I am not keen on Paradigm and most Canadian and American brands that adopt their own speakers, excepting Thiel, Marting Logan and Magnepan. I'd prefer those brands that adopt third's speakers like Seas, Vifa, Scanpeak, Dynaudio, Pearless and Morel.

I'm sure there're many good speakers near you, such as: the Britishes Epos, Harbeth, Spendor, Tannoy, Castle, PMC, ATC and Linn; Focal and Triangle from France; Opera and Sonus Faber from Italy; Dali, Dynaudio and Audiovector from Denmark; Canton, MBL and Elac from Germany; Morel from Israel, and; many other products that are much better than Paradigm's. For my liking, the latter's products sound bright and unnatural on mids and highs.

Off course, there are many real audiophile Canadian speakers, like Totem, Verity Audio, but they use European speaker in their projects, just like the American Wilson Audio.

As regards amplification, despite I like Arcam a lot, you should consider other amps like Creek (MOS FET models), Roksan (MOS FET models), Sugden, Exposure and ATC amps.

Moreover, I would avoid Chinese made products. Some sound fine, but their built quality is not as good as genuine European, North American and Japanese products. I've seen lots of Cambridge, NAD and Rotel amps broke down in less than 5 years of usage.

 

[hybridauth_Facebook_10205486476861204]

Thank you all for your help!

I think I'm gonna stick with the A19 -- people seem to have to say about it, or at least about Arcam amps in general.

Regarding the speakers, the LS50s are 1500/pair at my dealer, 15Bs are 1600/pair. He seems to think they are both equal matches, but I personally thought the LS50s sounded a bit better. Anyone have any other suggestions bookshelf speakers in the same price range that I should be considering? Anyone have any experience with Paradigm Prestige series at all?

 

[CnoEvil]

Do you have access to ATC.

In GB, the LS50s are £800, half the price of the Paradigms....so there seems to be a heck of a mark-up where you are.

FWIW. The LS50s are the best Standmounts I've heard under £2k.

 

[Andrewjvt]

Do you have access to ATC.

In GB, the LS50s are £800, half the price of the Paradigms....so there seems to be a heck of a mark-up where you are.

FWIW. The LS50s are the best Standmounts I've heard under £2k.

Ls50 and atc a little too much to ask for a19?

 

[CnoEvil]

Do you have access to ATC.

In GB, the LS50s are £800, half the price of the Paradigms....so there seems to be a heck of a mark-up where you are.

FWIW. The LS50s are the best Standmounts I've heard under £2k.

Ls50 and atc a little too much to ask for a19?

IMO. The A19 is fine with the LS50s; though to be fair, I haven't heard the ATCs....My guess is that it would be OK, but wouldn't give disco levels of volume.

 

[rainsoothe]

Do you have access to ATC.

In GB, the LS50s are £800, half the price of the Paradigms....so there seems to be a heck of a mark-up where you are.

FWIW. The LS50s are the best Standmounts I've heard under £2k.

Ls50 and atc a little too much to ask for a19?

Actually, LS50 gets paired with the A19 quite a lot, and people are very pleased with the combo.

OP: Try Focal Aria 906 as well - less fussy about positioning then the LS50, easyer load and great sound with the A19 imo.

 

[iceman16]

A19 plus ATC is a No for me. IME as I used to own a pair of scm40s(not current version) they really need a lot of power for them to sing. Listen for yourself and not get convinced by a dealers sweet words.

 

[hybridauth_Facebook_10205486476861204]

Forgot to mention I'm in the US haha. All those numbers are in USD. Even at 800 GBP (~1200 USD), not even close to half the price of the Paradigms (1500 USD).

I went to the store and listend to both today and I think I've pretty much decided on the LS50s (Though I really do like the aesthetics of the 15Bs)

Does anyone here object to the Pro-Ject RPM1 Carbon or have an alternate comparable suggestion?