Arcam SA30 or Roksan Caspian M2 Amp

[Vortex]

I’m looking at an amp for my second system in an upstairs music room. Currently looking at the Arcam SA30 or Roksan Caspian M2. Will be connected to a Rotel RCD1572 CD player (later to be replaced by a Roksan Caspian M2 CD player from the main system in the lounge). Speakers are a pair of Kef C95’s I’ve had about 30 years! May change the speakers at a later date to Kef LS50 Meta’s. Any thoughts on these two amps - pro’s and cons with each? Thanks.

 

[plastic penguin]

What amp do you currently use?
Do you stream music or pure analogue?

 

[Al ears]

As above plus synergy is everything so I would suggest the Roksan amp purely because of this but not if vinyl is ever likely to be your source.

 

[plastic penguin]

As above plus synergy is everything so I would suggest the Roksan amp purely because of this but not if vinyl is your source.

Think either amp should match the LS50s well. It all boils down to the OPs source(s) and whether he needs a turntable.

 

[nopiano]

I’ve got a soft spot for the Caspians having used the CD player when demoing some speakers a few years ago.

There’s nothing to beat a matching pair, so I’d choose the Roksan given your longer-term plans.

 

[aversaurus]

I would choose the roksan there great sounding amplifiers

 

[Vortex]

Thanks for all the replies. Not planning to use a turntable any time soon (at the moment anyway) so it seems everyone is leaning towards the Roksan. Did have a Rotel RA1570 amplifier in this system previously. Source is going to be mainly CD but may add a streamer later. I like the idea of being able to add the second power amp with the Roksan at a later date (they seem to come up quite a lot on eBay in virtually new condition). My main system has a Hegel H590 so used to a fair amount of a power / control, having said that this system is in a smaller room. Sound quality is the main priority, smooth and not harsh / tiring to listen to for extended periods.

 

[plastic penguin]

Thanks for all the replies. Not planning to use a turntable any time soon (at the moment anyway) so it seems everyone is leaning towards the Roksan. Did have a Rotel RA1570 amplifier in this system previously. Source is going to be mainly CD but may add a streamer later. I like the idea of being able to add the second power amp with the Roksan at a later date (they seem to come up quite a lot on eBay in virtually new condition). My main system has a Hegel H590 so used to a fair amount of a power / control, having said that this system is in a smaller room. Sound quality is the main priority, smooth and not harsh / tiring to listen to for extended periods.

Why have you shortlisted just those two? I like both but there's plenty of other really good brands.

 

[Al ears]

Why have you shortlisted just those two? I like both but there's plenty of other really good brands.

Yes I did wonder as well as the two listed are completely different with the Arcam including streaming and an inbuilt DAC the Roksan being a much simpler affair.

 

[plastic penguin]

Yes I did wonder as well as the two listed are completely different with the Arcam including streaming and an inbuilt DAC the Roksan being a much simpler affair.

Yes, there's plenty of analogue only amps, from Rotel to NAD to Rega... all in the similar price bracket as the aforementioned amps.

 

[plastic penguin]

Yes, there's plenty of analogue only amps, from Rotel to NAD to Rega... all in the similar price bracket as the aforementioned amps.

And well worth bearing in mind that one or two people on here have complained about the SA30s software upgrades.

 

[Waroroses]

I’m looking at an amp for my second system in an upstairs music room. Currently looking at the Arcam SA30 or Roksan Caspian M2. Will be connected to a Rotel RCD1572 CD player (later to be replaced by a Roksan Caspian M2 CD player from the main system in the lounge). Speakers are a pair of Kef C95’s I’ve had about 30 years! May change the speakers at a later date to Kef LS50 Meta’s. Any thoughts on these two amps - pro’s and cons with each? Thanks.

I’m looking at an amp for my second system in an upstairs music room. Currently looking at the Arcam SA30 or Roksan Caspian M2. Will be connected to a Rotel RCD1572 CD player (later to be replaced by a Roksan Caspian M2 CD player from the main system in the lounge). Speakers are a pair of Kef C95’s I’ve had about 30 years! May change the speakers at a later date to Kef LS50 Meta’s. Any thoughts on these two amps - pro’s and cons with each? Thanks.

Avoid the Arcam SA30 like VD. It is glitchy. Apps suck. Firmware updates not for the faint of heart or technical skills.

 

[Al ears]

Avoid the Arcam SA30 like VD. It is glitchy. Apps suck. Firmware updates not for the faint of heart or technical skills.

I would agree.
Too ma ny things to go wrong von a lot of today's amps.
If you want an amplifier buy a simple amplifier....

 

[Waroroses]

I would agree.
Too ma ny things to go wrong von a lot of today's amps.
If you want an amplifier buy a simple amplifier....

I did. A Decware Zen Triode. Heaven. Also added an Eversolo Master Series. Total cost: $2600. Smokes the Arcam junk.

 

[Al ears]

I did. A Decware Zen Triode. Heaven. Also added an Eversolo Master Series. Total cost: $2600. Smokes the Arcam junk.

My mistake, my suggestion was meant to be directed at the OP.