Question Arcam A25 + streamer vs Arcam SA35

[Guthrak]

You didn't mention getting a CD player, unless I missed that somehow.

I didn't, but I started looking at it over the weekend since I have some cd's of my late father I would like to be able to play maybe. It's not a priority atm, just looking at long term additions.

EDIT: it's also not really my preffered medium for music. I like vinyl for the big covers, the potential dynamic range and the 'manual laber' it requires to play the music. It adds to an active listening session for me, like a ritual. For all the rest there's digital or streaming so I don't know if I'd actually want one.

 

[Al ears]

I didn't, but I started looking at it over the weekend since I have some cd's of my late father I would like to be able to play maybe. It's not a priority atm, just looking at long term additions.

EDIT: it's also not really my preffered medium for music. I like vinyl for the big covers, the potential dynamic range and the 'manual laber' it requires to play the music. It adds to an active listening session for me, like a ritual. For all the rest there's digital or streaming so I don't know if I'd actually want one.

I see.
The Musical Fidelity M3 scd is available slightly cheaper at £799 but you don't necessarily need a matching CD player to play a few CDs.

 

[matthewpianist]

Don't choose an amp based on having a matching CD player. That cuts quite a few amps out these days anyway, and if you are only going to use a CD player occasionally there are perfectly good ones such as the Denon DCD-600NE, NAD C538 and Marantz CD6007 available for significantly less than the MF ones.

 

[RoA]

Don't choose an amp based on having a matching CD player. That cuts quite a few amps out these days anyway, and if you are only going to use a CD player occasionally there are perfectly good ones such as the Denon DCD-600NE, NAD C538 and Marantz CD6007 available for significantly less than the MF ones.

Agree but some people like having matching stuff. My Audiolab amp looks better with its matching transport than if I use another of my amps. To me anyway.

Just sayin

 

[matthewpianist]

Agree but some people like having matching stuff. My Audiolab amp looks better with its matching transport than if I use another of my amps. To me anyway.

Just sayin

The Audiolab is reasonably priced though, and extremely capable, to the point where it would be very hard to improve upon it.

 

[Guthrak]

Don't choose an amp based on having a matching CD player. That cuts quite a few amps out these days anyway, and if you are only going to use a CD player occasionally there are perfectly good ones such as the Denon DCD-600NE, NAD C538 and Marantz CD6007 available for significantly less than the MF ones.

I wouldn't, but If I could match and still have quality I'd like that. I won't buy the Arcam streamer just to match the A25 for example, since there are much better AND cheaper options.

 

[matthewpianist]

I wouldn't, but If I could match and still have quality I'd like that. I won't buy the Arcam streamer just to match the A25 for example, since there are much better AND cheaper options.

You should look at Audiolab. They make superb amps and CD transports.

 

[Guthrak]

You should look at Audiolab. They make superb amps and CD transports.

Aren't they a more neutral amp? I'd prefer some bass emphasis without losing much of the top end. I know they're highly regarded but the sound profile didn't sound like my cup of tea.
They do look good and I hear a lot of great things about them. If I'd aim for the 6000 range I could get a streamer as well, if it's any good

 

[The_Lecht_Rocks]

in my experience, the amplifier should be capable of providing as much current on demand as is possible.
the speaker then will function as designed on demand.
the amplifier will not colour the sound as much as the speaker selected.
so, buy a speaker that suits the environment and the best amplifier to match the speaker.

 

[Guthrak]

in my experience, the amplifier should be capable of providing as much current on demand as is possible.
the speaker then will function as designed on demand.
the amplifier will not colour the sound as much as the speaker selected.
so, buy a speaker that suits the environment and the best amplifier to match the speaker.

Well I have a pair of Arendal 1723 THX Monitors. Not considered a musical speaker I think? I like them for music as well as movies atm, underpowred by my 'cheap' denon amp.
Would you have any suggestions at what to pair them with? Or should I hold off on buying an amp until I get different speakers? I've always loved the JBL L100 Classics, but am afraid they don't have enough detail. A friend has original ones and they sound lovely, but I need to go listen to them again to see how well they seperate.
I've been eying the the Mission 770 as they have a bit of the same aesthetics but I don't know how they sound. A proper tower would look nice too.
But should I focus on speakers first before the amp? I thought I'd get the amp first, use it with my Arendals until I find a speaker pair I like. but maybe I'd have to change amp too at that point?
How would I dictate what aplifier matches with a speaker? Look around online? Go demo everything? I've heard people talking about groups of manufacturers, also amps designed on a certain speaker brand.

 

[The_Lecht_Rocks]

I am afraid, if fussiness and absolute certainty are paramount, [and lets be frank, this is a hifi forum haha], that home demo is the only solution..

certain speaker brands have renowned following [NEAT, ATC, Spendor, PMC etc] and have their own way of doing things [ATL, Infinite Baffle, etc].

I have found from experience that I like a taut, precise presentation with the widest of soundstages.
I am no fan of over-blown bass nor can I handle forward ringing treble [I am looking at you Kudos] !

My absolute favourite system I have ever heard happens to now live in my home study/office/den. but that may not be preferred by you !

 

[Guthrak]

I am afraid, if fussiness and absolute certainty are paramount, that home demo is the only solution..

certain speaker brands have renowned following [NEAT, ATC, Spendor, PMC etc] and have their own way of doing things [ATL, Infinite Baffle, etc].

I have found from experience that I like a taut, precise presentation with the widest of soundstages.
I am no fan of over-blown bass nor can I handle forward ringing treble [I am looking at you Kudos] !

My absolute favourite system I have ever heard happens to now live in my home study/office/den. but that may not be preferred by you !

I don't like boomy bloated bass either, but I want to feel the kick drum in a song. If it sounds like a wet noodle hitting a shower curtain it's either a mix I don't like or the system is not for me.
I can't really stand high tones, or sibilance so I don't think I'd do well in a bright system, although I do like detail, so that's why I'm aiming at the warm side of neutral atm.

I don't know if I'm all that fussy, I have little to compare to, I just don't want to spend a lot of money on something I won't enjoy. So I'm searching for what I should listen to, instead of listening to everything around and getting overwhelmed.

It's one of the most difficult hobby's I've done or do, not the listening part ofcourse, but trying to find what gear you need.

 

[The_Lecht_Rocks]

I don't like boomy bloated bass either, but I want to feel the kick drum in a song. If it sounds like a wet noodle hitting a shower curtain it's either a mix I don't like or the system is not for me.
I can't really stand high tones, or sibilance so I don't think I'd do well in a bright system, although I do like detail, so that's why I'm aiming at the warm side of neutral atm.

I don't know if I'm all that fussy, I have little to compare to, I just don't want to spend a lot of money on something I won't enjoy. So I'm searching for what I should listen to, instead of listening to everything around and getting overwhelmed.

It's one of the most difficult hobby's I've done or do, not the listening part ofcourse, but trying to find what gear you need.

so what you want is a great speaker mated to a great amp in the room where the speaker is suited.

whats your layout / room size ?

 

[Guthrak]

so what you want is a great speaker mated to a great amp in the room where the speaker is suited.

whats your layout / room size ?

They're in the living room atm, but we're looking for a house where I'll have a listening space, so I can't really tell right now (to make things easier). Maybe I should just wait until I have the room.

 

[The_Lecht_Rocks]

They're in the living room atm, but we're looking for a house where I'll have a listening space, so I can't really tell right now (to make things easier). Maybe I should just wait until I have the room.

indeed; have a look at AlChris if in the UK. a speaker for all occasions and oh-so-easy to drive....