Arcam FMJ A19 - has anyone heard it yet?

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fatman

New member
Nov 11, 2007
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No discount on the A18? Both the A18 and A19 priced the same? Jeepers. Richer Sounds were offering the A18 at £299..
 

low pass

New member
Sep 29, 2014
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Hello. I`ve read a lot about the Arcam a 18 and the a 19 models. The opinions are similar, they reproduce gently, without booming or blasting dynamics, but their sound is generally: warm, charming and relaxing, and many, many listeners to jazz may be satisfied. I think it`s nothing surprising, minding that it`s 50 watt per channel (8 ohms). The forum people say that the a 19 is cheaper made than the a 18. When I look at the photographs of interior and the specification , I have the same impression. I see the manufacturing place is at stake on this forum, so I`ll try to explain. The Arcam`s headquarters is situated at Stirling House on cb25 9pb, Denny End Road in Waterbeach, Cambridge, England, but the production House is situated on cb25 9qr Pembroke Avenue, Waterbeach, England. I guess the production of higher models is still there, but as the a 18 model was produced there, the next a 19 model is ordered at GP (the brand which owns for example KEF Speakers) manufacturing hall in China (Schenzhen I guess). That`s all of my investigation. I also consider buying A 18 model. Best regards.
regular_smile.gif
 

drummerman

New member
Jan 18, 2008
540
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low pass said:
Hello. I`ve read a lot about the Arcam a 18 and the a 19 models. The opinions are similar, they reproduce gently, without booming or blasting dynamics, but their sound is generally: warm, charming and relaxing, and many, many listeners to jazz may be satisfied. I think it`s nothing surprising, minding that it`s 50 watt per channel (8 ohms). The forum people say that the a 19 is cheaper made than the a 18. When I look at the photographs of interior and the specification , I have the same impression. I see the manufacturing place is at stake on this forum, so I`ll try to explain. The Arcam`s headquarters is situated at Stirling House on cb25 9pb, Denny End Road in Waterbeach, Cambridge, England, but the production House is situated on cb25 9qr Pembroke Avenue, Waterbeach, England. I guess the production of higher models is still there, but as the a 18 model was produced there, the next a 19 model is ordered at GP (the brand which owns for example KEF Speakers) manufacturing hall in China (Schenzhen I guess). That`s all of my investigation. I also consider buying A 18 model. Best regards.

I don't mean to put you off posting here but that is a pretty pointless first effort if you don't mind me saying so.

You haven't heard either model yet comment on a thread called ... ' have you heard ... ?'

Then you're implying that simply because something is manufactured in china (by the way, it is spelled Shenzhen) it is of secondary quality compared to 'made in Britain'. - I once worked for Pace Electronics and let me tell you, I vowed then never to buy anything with that name attached to it.

Your guess is ill-informed at best. I am sure that not everything made in china is lovingly put together ... but they have some of the most modern manufacturing plants and, usually probably a work ethic which could embarass some manufacturers here (UK).

I use a british made/designed brand in one of my systems. Would I use them if the manufacturing moves to 'Schenzhen'? - Almost certainly.

Rant over :)

regards
 

low pass

New member
Sep 29, 2014
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Sorry,I didn`t want to flood this forum, I must admit I didn`t hear the A 19 model. I must loudly say, I don`t think the made in China is worse or sth. I would even say that factories which respect the worker produce the good piece of electronics. I once worked as a seler and people were sceptical towards Made In China, I persuaded them that those products are ok and even better than European. I worked also in electronics manufacturing company , but I think the work ethic and conditions are the point. I own many Chineese goods I don`t know whether they`re made in sweatschops or not but they work for years. But let`s be honest "Made In England" is Made in England. Besides if u`re from England u should be proud of your inventions and the labour as well. Best regards
 

drummerman

New member
Jan 18, 2008
540
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low pass said:
Sorry,I didn`t want to flood this forum, I must admit I didn`t hear the A 19 model. I must loudly say, I don`t think the made in China is worse or sth. I would even say that factories which respect the worker produce the good piece of electronics. I once worked as a seler and people were sceptical towards Made In China, I persuaded them that those products are ok and even better than European. I worked also in electronics manufacturing company , but I think the work ethic and conditions are the point. I own many Chineese goods I don`t know whether they`re made in sweatschops or not but they work for years. But let`s be honest "Made In England" is Made in England. Besides if u`re from England u should be proud of your inventions and the labour as well. Best regards

I appreciate your considered reply.

You are also right in saying that well made things should be appreciated wherever they are made.

regards
 

gowiththeflow

Well-known member
Jan 10, 2009
52
11
18,545
low pass said:
Hello. I`ve read a lot about the Arcam a 18 and the a 19 models. The opinions are similar, they reproduce gently, without booming or blasting dynamics, but their sound is generally: warm, charming and relaxing, and many, many listeners to jazz may be satisfied.

You may have missed it, but almost all (if not all) reviews and opinion about these two amps, from the HiFi press, owners and those who've heard/demo'd them; say that the A19 is a marked improvement over the old A18 in sound quality terms and much less laid back.

.
 

JohnNB

New member
Sep 6, 2010
3
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I auditioned and A19 for a weekend when I was looking to upgrade my Yamaha A500. It was more refined than the Yamaha, and I would agree with the concensus on these posts about it being very smooth sounding. It was like the aural equivalent to a hot soapy bath - nice for a while, but not particularly exciting! I then auditioned the Roksan K2 and it immediately grabbed me. The music was as detailed as the A19, but it jumped out of the speakers and demanded to be listened to. The A19 lacked prescence and the sound retreated into the background if I didn't give it my full attention. The Roksan felt alive by comparison. My system is quite laid-back, so I think needs the injection of energy the Roksan provides, but with a lively system I think the A19 would be perfect. Depends what you like and what you match it with I suppose.
 

BigH

Well-known member
Dec 29, 2012
142
19
18,595
I have heard it also although only a short audition with B&W CM1s. I thought it was refined but for me over refined, it sounded a bit sterile and over processed, around that price I thought the Creek 50A was much better. The Roksan Kandy K2 I also heard it was alright if you want the power and bass but for me lacking in clarity. But you need to audition them preferrably at home with your speakers.
 

unsleepable

New member
Dec 25, 2013
6
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I auditioned many amplifiers before settling for the A19, and after I bought it. While I thought that it was better than most in its price range and others more expensive, I also found the Creek Evolution 2 and the Exposure 2010s2 equally good—just with a different sound presentation. I preferred the A19, but I can see how others could be happier with one of these other amplifiers, depending on music taste and the speakers that the amplifier is to be played with.
 

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