Arcam A38

[admin_exported]

The Arcam A38 just won a group test of high-profile amps in another Hifi magazine . Could WHF get another sample from Arcam to see if it has improved since these 2 problematic testings ?

Thank you .

 

[Andrew Everard]

Preferences and tastes vary from listener to listener, and from magazine to magazine. Not sure there's any reason to retest a product just because another publication rates it...

 

[d_a_n1979]

Very true re what Mr Everard said TBH...

If you like the looks of the Arcam FMJ A38 then I'd demo it yourself.

I as well dont agree with the What Hifi review as I found the Arcam A38 to be a very good amp but that was with a Rega CDP and Dali & Monitor Audio speakers. The WHF team will have used other seperates etc...

 

[crusaderlord]

You will always get these opinion differences - WHF is now well documented as loving the Cyrus sound and handing out its awards in this direction. The other magazine you refer to love Arcam.

As both offer different presentations it isnt surprising they dont agree as its down to the listeners opinions. What you learn over time is which magazine best matches your own ears.

Me - i love Arcam

 

[Anonymous]

My reasoning was that WHF admitted that there was a problem with the sample sent to you .

A review with another piece could give another rating .

It was not in any way a criticism towards any of the magazines or the testers

 

[Andrew Everard]

I think given that we had a problem, then the amp was recalled and refettled after the first review and still disappointed, suggests we gave it a fair crack of the whip...

 

[JoelSim]

There are many factors involved, including the room in which it is listened to.

I love Arcam too.

 

[plastic penguin]

As always, if anyone has reservations then it's always best to listen and decide for yourself.

Like Joel, I love Arcam amps...

 

[drummerman]

I like the A38, can't say the same for 28 and 18. It would be better value at around £900 though to bring it in line with Roksans K2. If I was Arcam I'd kill the A28 altogether then do a an upgraded, re-designed integrated with DAC which materially at least is on par with other £1000+ amps. Mind you, Naim's XS does'nt look to posh either ...

If I have missed anything Arcam currently does it's because I don't follow any developments as much as I'd like to at the moment. As always, my opinion only.

 

[chebby]

drummerman:If I was Arcam I'd kill the A28 altogether then do a an upgraded, re-designed integrated with DAC

Might detract from their soon to be launched DAC.

Maybe an integrated with an 'option' slot in the back for a DAC card?

Although the trend seems to be for manufacturers to put external DAC connections into CD players which seems a bit daft to me. The market for DACs is more likely to be from people who don't want CDPs any more and want to reduce the box count.

Putting optional DAC card slots in the back of an amp means they can still sell extra kit and market the appeal of reducing the box count and attract buyers who are shedding CD players as well as traditional buyers who don't want to pay the premium for an integrated DAC.

Are you listening to me Yamaha?

A-S1000 with optional plug-in DAC card please

(2 x optical and 1 USB would be nice. Ta.)