arcam alpha 9 and 9p amps v cambridge audio azur 840 a v1

[zappa 100]

How do my 9 and 10 year old amps(in bi amp mode) compare to the mark 1 version of the cambridge amp?

 

[Gerrardasnails]

zappa 100:How do my 9 and 10 year old amps(in bi amp mode) compare to the mark 1 version of the cambridge amp?

I have the original 840A and it's a brilliant amp. I've not listened to your Arcams but if you can still get the 840 for £399 from RS, do so, you will not be disappointed.

 

[JoelSim]

I would imagine the Arcams would sound better

 

[Anonymous]

Good imagination

 

[Gerrardasnails]

igglebert:Good imagination

Yes, although I own the 840A and love it, I can see beyond the end of my nose - when Arcam is concerned, Joel cannot.

 

[matthewpiano]

I've heard both. Both are excellent but the Cambridge is, for me, quite a step forward from the Arcams. Its a very flexible amplifier.

 

[plastic penguin]

I would plump for the Cambridge - although the Alpha 9 is very good, especially when bi-amped, the Cambridge will have a tad more clarity. More importantly, with the Cambridge you have one box to achieve a similar result.

 

[zappa 100]

Yep,good point. Each amp uses 500 watts................

 

[JoelSim]

Gerrardasnails:igglebert:Good imagination Yes, although I own the 840A and love it, I can see beyond the end of my nose - when Arcam is concerned, Joel cannot.

Not entirely true, but biamped Arcams are very very good. I'll be interested to hear what you think of the 840 if you get it as the 9 and 9P are getting old now.

ÿ

 

[Anonymous]

Nothing wrong with a bit of brand passion, eh, Joel

I've not heard the 9's biamped but I would suspect the CA is going to be a more detailed and clear sound (as pointed out!). Don't get me wrong, the Arcs are still an excellent pairing.

 

[Anonymous]

My Alpha 9 (admittedly without 9P) does not sound "very good", just inoffensive. I thought my old Denon DRA-375 was much more musically involving in retrospect. The main problem is that timing is poor and bass output is missing in action.

The Cambridge would probably be a step (never heard them), but why not hear other brands aswell, like Naim or Cyrus? In other words something exciting instead of flat.