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.
Arcam A5 or A15?
- Thread starter Ozborg
- Start date
Al ears
Well-known member
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.
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Noddy
Well-known member
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.
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nopiano
Well-known member
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!
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
Well-known member
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
Well-known member
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
I guess you like it a little loud and a little bass with the kind of speakers you have
Al ears
Well-known member
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
Well-known member
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
Well-known member
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
Well-known member
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
Well-known member
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
Both at medium levels should sound the very close to each other, a little different at high volume
speedthing
Well-known member
gasolin
Well-known member
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
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
Well-known member
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.
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.
gasolin
Well-known member
It's not about playing super loud but having a little more power than you need, so it always sounds clean and still have enough if you upgrade speakers to someting less efficient , 40 watt peak isn't much if you wanna play loud
If people have the money they should find an amp that sounds good and have just about enough power and buy the amp above it, if possible
You might be able to sell your a5 and get a more power full amp if you need it but you don't have to if you have a bigger amp,
you could get a power amp but then you don't have anything to sell to use for buying the power amp = extra money spend
1000 euros on a power amp or spending around 400 euros extra on the A15 and don't have to upgrade to a more power full amp when getting new speakers or a bigger room
How often do you go 200mph or 320kmh in your sportscar,hypercar
The power it has makes it easy to go past slower cars and the engine can handle alot of weight,load without feeling asthmatic
Makes a difference having a little extra power
if 40 watt is enough why do you have a 2x160 watt in 8 ohm amp ?
Why not a galion (thomas & stereo) TS34 or the TS A20
Al ears try for a week to live with a 2x40 watt amp and tell us if it's enough, also when playing loud
If people have the money they should find an amp that sounds good and have just about enough power and buy the amp above it, if possible
You might be able to sell your a5 and get a more power full amp if you need it but you don't have to if you have a bigger amp,
you could get a power amp but then you don't have anything to sell to use for buying the power amp = extra money spend
1000 euros on a power amp or spending around 400 euros extra on the A15 and don't have to upgrade to a more power full amp when getting new speakers or a bigger room
How often do you go 200mph or 320kmh in your sportscar,hypercar
The power it has makes it easy to go past slower cars and the engine can handle alot of weight,load without feeling asthmatic
Makes a difference having a little extra power
if 40 watt is enough why do you have a 2x160 watt in 8 ohm amp ?
Why not a galion (thomas & stereo) TS34 or the TS A20
Al ears try for a week to live with a 2x40 watt amp and tell us if it's enough, also when playing loud
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podknocker
Well-known member
I think many mainstream amps are designed to have just enough power to easily drive most of the speakers out there. Some people need louder systems and bigger amps will easlily drive very large and tricky speakers.
My Audiolab Omnia is quoted at 50WPC and my Q Acoustics 3030i need between 25WPC and 75WPC so it's more than enough in my modest sized living room.
Having more power for the sake of it is a good thing, as you have an increased choice of speakers in the future. Also, the electrical relationship between and amp and speakers will always work better with more current on tap. You need to avoid clipping and distortion with low impedance designs.
The only downside with a very powerful amp is turning the volume control too quickly and popping your pricey speakers. I've mentioned before that I will only use and amp with buttons and this also avoids the inherent problems with volume knobs and potentiometers.
If you can afford the Arcam A15 then buy it, knowing it will be more capable than the A5 model.
My Audiolab Omnia is quoted at 50WPC and my Q Acoustics 3030i need between 25WPC and 75WPC so it's more than enough in my modest sized living room.
Having more power for the sake of it is a good thing, as you have an increased choice of speakers in the future. Also, the electrical relationship between and amp and speakers will always work better with more current on tap. You need to avoid clipping and distortion with low impedance designs.
The only downside with a very powerful amp is turning the volume control too quickly and popping your pricey speakers. I've mentioned before that I will only use and amp with buttons and this also avoids the inherent problems with volume knobs and potentiometers.
If you can afford the Arcam A15 then buy it, knowing it will be more capable than the A5 model.
gasolin
Well-known member
My yamaha amp you can set max volume, problem solved
Play loudest cd or album,song on spotify, tidal and adjust max volume, then it wil never distort unless jimi hendrix is playing
Al ears
Well-known member
There is obviously some confusion in your mind as to what I currently have as amplification and what this thread is actually about and that is the OPs question.
Once you have understood that then perhaps your replies will be directed in that direction and actually mean something.
As a complete aside I used to run my system with a 23 wpc amplifier which some older forum members are aware of. What I currently have is irrelevant to what is actually required to run my current speakers .
Go back to trying to answer the OPs question with considered answers please.
Much obliged.
gasolin
Well-known member
As a complete aside I used to run my system with a 23 wpc amplifier which some older forum members are aware of.
Sugden a21 ?
Sugden a21 ?
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Al ears
Well-known member
podknocker
Well-known member
I can set the power on volume level with the Omnia so not an issue for me either. The lack of a volume knob is always going to be a safer option, if you can't manage the initial volume level at power on. Some people will destroy their speakers if they have a huge amp and are careless with its use.My yamaha amp you can set max volume, problem solved
Play loudest cd or album,song on spotify, tidal and adjust max volume, then it wil never distort unless jimi hendrix is playing
Al ears
Well-known member
You guys are away on a different and odd tangent.
Try answering OPs question
No wonder he hasn't returned.
gasolin
Well-known member
gasolin
Well-known member
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