Arcam A5 or A15?

[Ozborg]

I would like some advise on which which amplifier would best suit my system. am looking for a new amplifier and I like the new Arcam series, I am in doubt whether to choose the A5 or A15. The other components in my set are: Phono: Audio-Technica AT-LP5X; CD: Marantz CD6007; Speakers: KEF Q750. Pricewise the A15 is in a different class, should I therefore choose the A5? Would greatly appreciate your opinions on this.

 

[Al ears]

I would like some advise on which which amplifier would best suit my system. am looking for a new amplifier and I like the new Arcam series, I am in doubt whether to choose the A5 or A15. The other components in my set are: Phono: Audio-Technica AT-LP5X; CD: Marantz CD6007; Speakers: KEF Q750. Pricewise the A15 is in a different class, should I therefore choose the A5? Would greatly appreciate your opinions on this.

You say you like the new Arcam amps. Have you heard them?
If not go audition.
Nobody here can tell you how to spend your money, although many will try!
I am not sure what the difference is between these two amplifiers by the way apart from price.
I would be asking why you want an amp with inbuilt DAC and an inbuilt phono stage when you already have one in your turntable and one in your CD player.
That said, and if you have plenty of LPs, buy the cheaper amp and spend money on upgrading your turntable.

 

[Noddy]

I would like some advise on which which amplifier would best suit my system. am looking for a new amplifier and I like the new Arcam series, I am in doubt whether to choose the A5 or A15. The other components in my set are: Phono: Audio-Technica AT-LP5X; CD: Marantz CD6007; Speakers: KEF Q750. Pricewise the A15 is in a different class, should I therefore choose the A5? Would greatly appreciate your opinions on this.

Realistically the only difference should be power and connections. I see Richer Sounds give a 6 year warranty on both, that’s nice, my Arcam blew after a few years. There’s an A5 elsewhere with a dented packing box at a good price. Oh yes, and best to demo one at home.

 

[nopiano]

Whilst I invariably enjoy the benefits of a more powerful amplifier with any speaker, there is no logical reason that you need more than 50wpc with your KEFs unless you live in a huge house or play at stadium levels.

If you are considering changing speakers or sources then one might think again, and bear in mind as pointed out above you don’t need several of the features the Arcam includes. But it looks nice and is well reviewed, so go listen!

 

[speedthing]

I have the A15 and im running it with AE320 floor standers i love the sound very smooth the new Arcams are more detailed than the older ones you really need to pair them with the right speakers they run very nicely with 3 ways

 

[gasolin]

Get the most power full amp the A15, since the spakers go down to under 4 ohm and you want stability without using all the power when playing loud or bass heavy music

I guess you like it a little loud and a little bass with the kind of speakers you have

 

[Al ears]

Get the most power full amp the A15, since the spakers go down to under 4 ohm and you want stability without using all the power when playing loud or bass heavy music

I guess you like it a little loud and a little bass with the kind of speakers you have

The fact his speakers may occasionally dip below 4 ohm is no reason at all to buy the more expensive amp.
To be honest he doesn't need either of these...

 

[plastic penguin]

I'm not qualified to speak about these new Arcs, as I've not heard them. But I suppose it depends how loud you play your music will dictate the choice of amps. Bear in mind the OPs Kefs dip to 3.8 ohms (according to the Kef website). Only a demo will tell you which of the Arcams is best suited to your room and volume requirements.

 

[gasolin]

The fact his speakers may occasionally dip below 4 ohm is no reason at all to buy the more expensive amp.
To be honest he doesn't need either of these...

How much power does a Parasound Halo Hint 6 have ?

Arcam a15 match pretty good the price of a pair of kef Q750 and is not to power full

 

[Al ears]

How much power does a Parasound Halo Hint 6 have ?

Arcam a15 match pretty good the price of a pair of kef Q750 and is not to power full

Your first question is, once again, totally irrelevant.
Paying the same price for your amplifier as you did for your speakers is also not a necessary requirement.

 

[gasolin]

You say the a15 is to much, how can you say that when you have much more power

Both at medium levels should sound the very close to each other, a little different at high volume

 

[speedthing]

There is no such thing as to much power with an Amp ive always found its best to have power in reserve if you need it.

 

[gasolin]

Thats why i don't know why Al ears say:

The fact his speakers may occasionally dip below 4 ohm is no reason at all to buy the more expensive amp.
To be honest he doesn't need either of these...

If the amps are the same quality (remember the A5 and A15 are A/B amp the A25 is a G amp) i would get the bigger more power full amp

of course If you can afford it, more power

It makes the sound louder (no s... sherlock), less distortion before you ran out of steam, can improve bass,can give better control of the bass or complex music (not just one person and 2 + instruments, something like an orcestra, big band)

Most amps are fine for background music not always loud classic, rock or bass heavy music

Rather have more than enough then just enough

 

[Al ears]

Still waiting for OP to come back and explain why he picked the two Arcam amplifiers when they contain bits he doesn't need.
If he's determined to go for one or the other then, the only way the A15 makes sense, is if he is likely to be running less efficient speakers at some time in the future.
Yes it's nice to have some wpc in reserve but if you are never going to use them why pay for them??
I would suggest very few forum members use the output of their amps to the full and are probably running at les than 40 wpc on a daily basis.