Arcam Alpha 9 Replacement

[admin_exported]

Hi I have a Arcam Alpha 9 integrated AMP, I am using this with a CD73T. Would a Diva A70 sound better? What is the equivalent arcam amp to replace the alpha 9(which is very good) ? How will it compare to the new divas ?

Thanks

Tim

 

[Andy Clough]

We gave the DiVA A70 four stars when we tested it back in Dec 06.

For: Loads of features; good build; balanced sonic presentation

Against: Needs abit more zest to challenge the class leaders

Verdict: The A70 is a good amp for the money, but falls short of being the class champ we hoped for

 

[timwileman]

was that at the £500 plus price point, i think you can get them way cheaper now

 

[the record spot]

End of line A90, brand new & boxed, £499, from Billy Vee (see BADA Marketplace). Full 3 YEAR warranty thrown in.

(I don't work for these guys I should probably add. Again!)

 

[d_a_n1979]

What speakers do you have currently and what music do you listen to most?

IMO id stay away from the Arcam A90

Having auditioned it with my RS6 speakers and against my Arcam Alpha 9 integrated on it's own, the A90- sounded wanting! It lacked bass presence and the midrange was wooley. Dont get me wrong; it's plenty of power and i think with the right speakers it could do well but to me, it sounded awful when matched against my Arcam Alpha 9 set-up.

IMO the best replacement; if you want to stick with the Arcam sound; would be the Arcam FMJA32 integrated amp. There's a few on eBay currently that are brand new and being sold by various businesses for c£600-£700 each.

If you want to vere away from Arcam but still want that puncy sound then you could take a look at either the NAD C352 (and save £££) or go for the newer NAD C355BEE. Both are very good amps and can drive a wide range of speakers very well!

 

[Anonymous]

I am using it Monitor Audio BR5's , I really like the sound. So you are saying an A70 won't be an upgrade. what about a 9p to bi amp off ebay.

ÿ

I have an onkyo 875 with kef 3005se for movies, but it does not come near the Arcam for music.

ÿ

 

[the record spot]

Could be a good option; you know it'll partner well and it's bound to be on a deal or Ebay somewhere. If you also like the Arcam sound, it could be a ready made solution.

 

[plastic penguin]

Oddly enough, about a week ago, I dusted off my old Alpha 7R and rigged it to my RS6's and compared it to my A65+ and I found the Alpha timed slightly better and was a tad richer in the bass, although not quite as open as the A65+. So now I'm giving half-a-thought about maybe adding a power amp to it.

Back to your original question, I agree with d_a_n, by the way, avoid the A90. The A70 when I tried it lacked presence as well as punch compared to the A65+. So no, it is not an upgrade [IMHO]. At best it's a step sideways.

Bi-amping a power amp seems the most logical upgrade.

 

[d_a_n1979]

I dont think going from an Arcam Alpha 9 to an Arcam DiVA A70 would be an upgrade; more like a sideways step, or IMO a backwards step.

I feel that if you were to add the Arcam Alpha 9P power amp you'd notice a big difference.

The soundstage really opens up; the bass becomes deeper and more refined/well controlled; the midrange is smooth and well timed and the treble stays crisp and clear.

If you dont like the Arcam Alpha 9P addition then as above; you can always stick it back on eBay.

After a number of recent demo's the only amp set-up that i thought beat my current set-up was an Arcam FMJ A32 partnered with the FMJ P35 power amp.

 

[Anonymous]

Thanks for the input. D_A_N a question on your Alpha 9, I get a slight volume imbalance at very low volumes. I have contacted Arcam to see if I need a new volume pot. They said that all alpha 9's push to the left channel (slightly louder )ÿuntilÿ10.9% power. They said it is how the amp was designed. Do you find the same with your amp.

ÿ

From what you are all saying spending less than £500 on a new amp will be a step back ?ÿ

ÿ

ÿ

 

[plastic penguin]

Sorry to hijack this post. A quick question to d_a_n.

What other sonic benefits would I get by adding a power amp to my A65, apart from bass?

Thanks.

 

[d_a_n1979]

jpfreestyler:
Thanks for the input. D_A_N a question on your Alpha 9, I get a slight volume imbalance at very low volumes. I have contacted Arcam to see if I need a new volume pot. They said that all alpha 9's push to the left channel (slightly louder )ÿuntilÿ10.9% power. They said it is how the amp was designed. Do you find the same with your amp.

ÿ

From what you are all saying spending less than £500 on a new amp will be a step back ?ÿ

ÿ

ÿ

To be honest i rarely play my system that quietly but yes i have noticed that Arcam amps to tend to lean more to the left until they're cranked up a little bit. Nothing to worry about.

I would however advise to switch the amp off, leave it powered off for a good few hours, remove the cover and spray with compressed air (you can get it from Maplins) to remove all the dust thats inside and around the control/volume knobs. It makes a noticable difference!

Upgrading to the A70 to me is a step back yes; reasons as above. The DiVA range sounded hollow and lacking in bass weight and midrange clarity whereas the Alpha range (8-10) had great bass weight with smooth midrange and crisp clear treble. Arcam sound may not be to everyones taste but for me, the music i listen to and my RS6 speakers, its perfect!

I think that you should try and get yourself a matching Arcam Alpha 9P power amp or if you can find onel an Arcam Alpha 10P power amp. Once connected and settled into the system; you'll notice a change in sound stage as well as bass weight, midrange clarity etc...

It's a worth while investment and it will make your BR5's sing as they should!

 

[d_a_n1979]

plastic penguin:
Sorry to hijack this post. A quick question to d_a_n.

What other sonic benefits would I get by adding a power amp to my A65, apart from bass?

Thanks.

Basically as ive mentioned in the above posts and previous topics.

Adding the power amp gives your speakers a new lease of life so to speak.

It enables you to split the signal so you can use the integrated amp to power the HF's and the power amp to power the LF's.

This in turn gives you a cleaer, more open soundstage with deeper, more controlled bass, well timed midrange and smooth, crisp & clear treble.

Power amps dont make your system louder, IMO, they add refinement!

 

[plastic penguin]

Sorry d_a_n. . .I haven't read your previous posts in their entireity. Brownie points lost there, I fear?

 

[d_a_n1979]

Ah dont worry about it... School Boy Error haha

 

[plastic penguin]

d_a_n1979:Ah dont worry about it... School Boy Error haha

Schoolgirl error, morelike!

At least I have my toe in both camps (so to speak), with the A65 & Alpha 7.

 

[Anonymous]

In my opinion, the Alpha series was Arcam's 'crown', so to speak, and is much better than the DiVA series. I would suggest you stick with your Alpha 9 or look for an Alpha 10.

 

[d_a_n1979]

EvilWolf:In my opinion, the Alpha series was Arcam's 'crown', so to speak, and is much better than the DiVA series. I would suggest you stick with your Alpha 9 or look for an Alpha 10.

I agree.

I wanted the Arcam Alpha 10 & 10P but was offered the Arcam Alpha 9 & 9P at a great price which would of been daft to turn down.

I still consider upgrading to the Alpha 10 set-up but i really dont think it's going to make that much of a difference...

 

[Anonymous]

I recently got my mate an Arcam Alpha 7SE CD Player as a birthday present for £70.00. It was in immaculate condition. What surprised me was how good it still is! Still looks good too!

I've listened to the DiVA range of amps, and I'd still go for the Alpha series.

 

[matthewpiano]

IMO the A70 would be a significant backward step from your Alpha 9. The Alphas always strike a good balance for me and have plenty of drive when its needed. The A70 sounds gutless in comparison. Adding a power amp looks like the best route for you although it would be worth trying to hear an FMJ A32 to see how it strikes you. Also worth a look if you decide you want a change are the better Cambridge Audio amps. I've had Alpha 8, DiVA A65+ and DiVA A70 in the past and my Azur 740a is, IMO, the best amp I've ever owned. Plenty of drive, a well balanced sound tonally, and spades of detail.

 

[Anonymous]

So from what you are all saying the Alpha 9 is theÿequivalentÿof a £1200 amp. You can't compare it with a £500 amp of today ?

 

[matthewpiano]

jpfreestyler:So from what you are all saying the Alpha 9 is theÿequivalentÿof a £1200 amp. You can't compare it with a £500 amp of today ?

 

[matthewpiano]

jpfreestyler:So from what you are all saying the Alpha 9 is theÿequivalentÿof a £1200 amp. You can't compare it with a £500 amp of today ?

I wouldn't go that far. I honestly think you'd find the CA 740a or 840a a decent improvement over the Alpha 9 and they are only priced at £500 and £750 respectively. I think you could even find the NAD C355 an upgrade as well.

The Arcam FMJ A32 might have been £1200 originally but I think it competes much more in the ball park of the Naim Nait 5i etc which is where run-out pricing has now placed it.

Best thing you can do is book some comparative demos at a decent dealer, taking your Alpha 9 with you. Then YOUR ears can decide what sounds best and whether its worth raiding your wallet.

 

[JoelSim]

The A70 isn't a good enough amp. The 9 was a higher end amp than the A70.

 

[Anonymous]

I have seen a ARCAM DELTA 290P on Ebay for £115 , will this match ok with the Alpha 9 ? how will is compare with the 9p. I think they were similar.

cheers