Arcam A32 vs Arcam Solo Music Old model

[TheMaestro]

I own the Solo Music, I believe a 2006 / 2008 model. Have a Cambridge Audio 640P MM/MC Phono Amp attached. Connected to MA RS6 speakers.

I now saw a great deal on an Arcan A32 on a Dutch auction site.

The A32 is sold as part of a setup with also an Arcam CD33 and a Denon TU-1500AE tuner. He's asking € 550,- for the set, which is apparantly in excellent condition. Looks a good deal.

The A32 has a phono stage. My question is if the A32 would be an inprovement soundwise compared to the Solo?

 

[insider9]

Definitely RS6 will do much better with A32. I'd say go for it.

 

[plastic penguin]

I would say the A32 should be a bigger upgrade. However, this comes with a huge caveat: The A32 was first produced in the early 2000s, as with the CD33. As the seller is only asking 500-odd Euros for the two I would be a little dubious of the deal.

CDPs in particular are known to have issues with lasers and/or transport. So unless you are unhappy with the Solo I would suggest save up a bit more and look for A38.

 

[TheMaestro]

I would say the A32 should be a bigger upgrade. However, this comes with a huge caveat: The A32 was first produced in the early 2000s, as with the CD33. As the seller is only asking 500-odd Euros for the two I would be a little dubious of the deal.

CDPs in particular are known to have issues with lasers and/or transport. So unless you are unhappy with the Solo I would suggest save up a bit more and look for A38.

The seller is the 1st owner of the set and it comes from a audiophile home, he had Dynaudio speakers connected. I can listen before I buy. Its just an awesome deal. Normally the A32 is way more expensive even with that age and condition. I love the phono stage, I also think it will sound better than my Cambridge Audio 640P amp I'm using now.

 

[newlash09]

Considering the history of the seller. I think it's an excellent deal and worth taking the risk.

Not to sound pessimistic, but usually old amps just need a recap to perform like new. And doesn't cost too much either

 

[insider9]

Considering the history of the seller. I think it's an excellent deal and worth taking the risk.

Not to sound pessimistic, but usually old amps just need a recap to perform like new. And doesn't cost too much either

A32 is not an old amp. I'd be surprised if it needed recap already.

 

[newlash09]

Considering the history of the seller. I think it's an excellent deal and worth taking the risk.

Not to sound pessimistic, but usually old amps just need a recap to perform like new. And doesn't cost too much either

A32 is not an old amp. I'd be surprised if it needed recap already.

So even that risk is motivated then

 

[newlash09]

Meant even that risk is mitigated then

 

[TheMaestro]

Considering the history of the seller. I think it's an excellent deal and worth taking the risk.

Not to sound pessimistic, but usually old amps just need a recap to perform like new. And doesn't cost too much either

Hi, can you enlighten "Recap" for me? My technical english is not that good.

 

[insider9]

Capacitors - caps

May need replacing in older electronics that's commonly referred to as recapping.

I've used older Arcams than A32 and they were fine. I doubt A32 would need to be recapped. You could do it if you wanted to for piece of mind but I wouldn't bother. It's a well made unit.

 

[TheMaestro]

Considering the history of the seller. I think it's an excellent deal and worth taking the risk.

Not to sound pessimistic, but usually old amps just need a recap to perform like new. And doesn't cost too much either

Hi, can you enlighten "Recap" for me? My technical english is not that good.

 

[insider9]

Considering the history of the seller. I think it's an excellent deal and worth taking the risk.

Not to sound pessimistic, but usually old amps just need a recap to perform like new. And doesn't cost too much either

 

Hi, can you enlighten "Recap" for me? My technical english is not that good.

See post #10

 

[manicm]

Maestro, what exactly about your Solo are you not happy about? I still have my Solo Mini and, at half your power, is still excellent.

I actually auditioned your Solo, and bought the Mini blind based on that.

The A32 may be excellent but I think you'd be giving up a lot of convenience - tuner etc.

Tip - I suspect the B&W 685s will be an excellent match. Or any Monitor Audio Silver speaker.

I haven't read this whole thread so I may be missing something, but I think you'd be making a mistake.

 

[TheMaestro]

Maestro, what exactly about your Solo are you not happy about? I still have my Solo Mini and, at half your power, is still excellent.

I actually auditioned your Solo, and bought the Mini blind based on that.

The A32 may be excellent but I think you'd be giving up a lot of convenience - tuner etc.

Tip - I suspect the B&W 685s will be an excellent match. Or any Monitor Audio Silver speaker.

I haven't read this whole thread so I may be missing something, but I think you'd be making a mistake.

I really like my Solo, its just I was after a A32 from the start given its reviews. I settled for the Solo because I couldn't find an A32 for the right price at the right time. And I love my vinyl, so I think the sound is going to be better with the A32 rather than using the phono amp from Cambridge. Besides I don't like the look of that little box on top of my Solo.

 

[plastic penguin]

I would say the A32 should be a bigger upgrade. However, this comes with a huge caveat: The A32 was first produced in the early 2000s, as with the CD33. As the seller is only asking 500-odd Euros for the two I would be a little dubious of the deal.

CDPs in particular are known to have issues with lasers and/or transport. So unless you are unhappy with the Solo I would suggest save up a bit more and look for A38.

The seller is the 1st owner of the set and it comes from a audiophile home, he had Dynaudio speakers connected. I can listen before I buy. Its just an awesome deal. Normally the A32 is way more expensive even with that age and condition. I love the phono stage, I also think it will sound better than my Cambridge Audio 640P amp I'm using now.

I would certainly go and test it (and the CD33). That's the only way you'll know for sure.

 

[TheMaestro]

The seller currently has the Dynaudio Contour T 2.5 hooked to the set.

It will be my first encounter with the Dynaudio sound. I'm quite excited.

I will go coming Saturday to audition.