Final decision: amp! (rega saturn / rega p3-24 / dali ikon 6)

[admin_exported]

Hi guys

Following a trip to a hi-fi specialist, I am now a proud owner of Rega Saturn CDP and Rega P3-24 (Elys 2) turntable! Both are simply stunning units and I managed to get an amazing discount (both ex-dem), so am very very happy! This now leaves me to finalise the choice of integrated amp. I am all but sure that I will be looking to get an Arcam FMJ A32, however I wanted to get some feedback regarding any other amps! Maybe there's a hidden gem that I need to check out...

So, this is the system as it stands:

Rega Saturn / Rega P3-24 / ????? (amp) ????? / DALI Ikon 6 floorstanders

I want an amp that is clear, musical, has deep soundstage and warm (weighty?) bass (DALI's need a bit of a push there). I want to avoid any overly bright-sounding amps. A32 seems perfect (indeed, the Saturn sounded excellent with the A38) - but I just wanted to check if anyone has any other suggestions for amp choice?

Not really interested in Rega's own amp range as this seems weaker than their CDP's / turntables...

Cheers!

Roman

 

[shooter]

Nice to see your getting your system together the Rega are very nice and you should get hour of pleasure from them.

Your looking for an amp to partner them.

If you have the room i would suggest the Jungson JA-88d. These amps retail for 1K but you can get them online for around half that.
The amp can deliver 80 w in class a mode or 200w in a/b mode.
One magazine called it stunning value for money Class a monster integrated; extreme power and clarity at a puzzlingly low price. That was a 1k.

The only thing is finding a dealer with them in stock so you can demo.

 

[d_a_n1979]

I agree with you Roman; I do think that Rega's integrated amps let their side down a bit and wouldnt work well with the Dali's!

I'm deffo still pushing the Arcam FMJ A32 as it's a stunning amp and would work very wekk. Not sure on your budget though but I think the NAD C165 pre and the C275 (or even a C272 if you can find one 2nd hand) would be a great partnership.

You could also look to go down the Arcam pre/power route vie ex-dem or 2nd hand (the P35 power amps seem to crop up regularly on eBay and all you'd need then is a good pre amp

)

If your budget allows it though the Moon i-1 integrated amp could be worth looking at as well

 

[Anonymous]

cheers guys! Moon i-1 is probably out of the budget... however will look into the NAD combo's... That Jungson JA-88d looks interesting, if somewhat lacking on features.

keep the suggestions coming! =)

Cheers

Roman

 

[True Blue]

Naim Nait XS or higher.

My saturn and P2 Sing with those Naim watts

 

[True Blue]

PS Cracking choice of kit so far

 

[d_a_n1979]

Hmmm... Naim doesnt sound that great with the Dali Ikon 6's

I heard that combo and the Nait 5i a few weeks back and it was overall too bright and not a lot of bass depth either!

The Arcam FMJ A38 realloy embarrassed the Naim gear afterwards

 

[d_a_n1979]

roman_sub:
cheers guys! Moon i-1 is probably out of the budget... however will look into the NAD combo's... That Jungson JA-88d looks interesting, if somewhat lacking on features.

keep the suggestions coming! =)

Cheers

Roman

Have a demo with the NAD C355BEE Roman; I know it's not a high priced mid-range amp but it's bloody good! Bags of power and it'll drive the Dali's very well indeed.

I've heard the combo and there's bags of power but the sound wasnt right for my taste in music. Superb bass depth and punch though

 

[bretty]

Hi,

Great purchases that you've made, so far!

I understand the Arcam A32 FMJ is a great amp (i've never heard it myself) and are like hens teeth, to pick up second hand.

I had a search about last week, when someone else on the forum was looking for one. The only one I found was

HERE.

 

[True Blue]

d_a_n1979:Hmmm... Naim doesnt sound that great with the Dali Ikon 6's

I heard that combo and the Nait 5i a few weeks back and it was overall too bright and not a lot of bass depth either!

The Arcam FMJ A38 realloy embarrassed the Naim gear afterwards

Indeed, which is why I recommended Nait XS or higher

 

[True Blue]

d_a_n1979:Hmmm... Naim doesnt sound that great with the Dali Ikon 6's

I heard that combo and the Nait 5i a few weeks back and it was overall too bright and not a lot of bass depth either!

The Arcam FMJ A38 realloy embarrassed the Naim gear afterwards

Indeed, which is why I recommended nait XS or higher

 

[matthewpiano]

Once again I'm going to recommend trying the Sugden Mystro. Should match your other kit really well and it is a fabulous amp - certainly what I would have at that sort of price point.

 

[Anonymous]

True Blue:d_a_n1979:Hmmm... Naim doesnt sound that great with the Dali Ikon 6's I heard that combo and the Nait 5i a few weeks back and it was overall too bright and not a lot of bass depth either! The Arcam FMJ A38 realloy embarrassed the Naim gear afterwards Indeed, which is why I recommended nait XS or higher

How does 5i compare to XS?

I listened to Nait 5i combo through very familiar speakers and I found that it lacked depth, was a little too forthright and didn't really give me the "perspective" I was after. As I said, Dali's really need some warm weighty bass dialled in by the amp - so do you think that Naim XS would be able to do this? I really like Naim's are designed, how they feel to use - but from my experience with the 5i's it just seems to be totally at odds with the sound that I want to get. Obviously, if you feel that the XS is different enough than it would be worth considering it seriously, especially as you have the same CDP and turntable as myself =) However I have no experience with your speakers....

Jungson is too big / too heavy and I think it's features are lacking, so I think I can safely rule that one out - thanks for the suggestion though!

I tried NAD C355BEE and I didn't like it. C165 / C275 combo is something that I will look into however! Is there any particular strength in having this pre/power amp combo?

Arcam FMJ A32 still seems to the best choice - especially as I've now found a second used one for less than 600. My only concern with the A32 is that it may not be as clear or as "exciting" as others - probably the most laid-back amp out of this group?

Sudgen Mystro looks fantastic and has just the right features - however I've no idea where to find one to listen to...

Cheers guys!

Roman

 

[d_a_n1979]

The Arcam FMJ A32 amp isnt laid back compared to its older siblings (i.e. Arcam Alpha 10 integrated etc...)

It's a very lively sound but with a good, smooth midrange which is well detaild and great treble. Superb bass weight as well and I think it'd drive the Dali's to their best

Dont forget though that in the future you could look to add a P25/P35 or a P38 power amp as well to bi-amp the Dali's!

That'd be a superb combo IMO

 

[shooter]

Sugden would be a good match as i've put before and the Jungson is like a Sugden on steroids in all respects just a shame it doesn't have the features your looking for, what are they if you don't mind.

To find a Sugden dealer it could be worth contacting them direct unless they have a list of dealers on there site.

Happy demoing!

 

[Anonymous]

Ideally looking for 4-5 line inputs, maybe built-in phono board, balance control (one of those things that makes me happy for some reason!)... The 3 line-inputs and XLR input of the Jungson wouldn't work for me. Dimensions and weight are too large for me as well!

i don't think there are any Jungson UK dealers and I don't want to buy an amp without listening to it! Sugden looks good but I guess it's a little more than i want to spend...

all but sure that I am going to get the A32...

 

[d_a_n1979]

Get the Arcam A32 before it gets sold to someone else!

Believe me; you wont regret it

 

[Anonymous]

d_a_n1979:Get the Arcam A32 before it gets sold to someone else! Believe me; you wont regret it

what guarantee can you put on that? acceptable guarantees: house / car / hifi...

;-)

just kidding! i'm 90% sure that it's the perfect choice. Rega Saturn & Arcam A38 sounded simply stunning, so the same setup with the A32 should be even better! I hope...

 

[d_a_n1979]

Pah

It'll work very well indeed...

Sometimes, chances need to be taken!

 

[jaxwired]

I'd recommend the NAD C375bee to save yourself some money over the NAD 165/275. They are both stunningly good, but the 375 is a one box version that is much cheaper than the 2 box version.

 

[Anonymous]

thanks everyone! I huffed and I puffed... and bought the A32 in the end.

Something about the amp just seems right. NAD didn't make any sort of an impression when I tried it so was reluctant to give it another go to be honest!

Took a chance on the A32!

Will post a photo / impressions of how it all sounds.

Overall pretty chuffed as got the whole system together at about 60% of RRP's (incl cables & interconnects)!

 

[d_a_n1979]

Brilliant

Be great to see it all set up.

I can understand where youre coming from re the NAD's as I feel they're like Dali as well. You'll either like the sound or not.

However when I first heard the NAD C355BEE it was brand new and it sounded could and distant but when I went back a week or so later and it'd been used a few times it had really come to life!

 

[bretty]

roman_sub:
thanks everyone! I huffed and I puffed... and bought the A32 in the end.

Something about the amp just seems right. NAD didn't make any sort of an impression when I tried it so was reluctant to give it another go to be honest!

Took a chance on the A32!

Will post a photo / impressions of how it all sounds.

Overall pretty chuffed as got the whole system together at about 60% of RRP's (incl cables & interconnects)!

You bought it from Steve's hi-fi, then? Well done, he only sells good gear there. I just spoke to him, he said you'll have the amp tomorrow.

Let us know how you get on with it, ok?

 

[Anonymous]

bretty:roman_sub:

thanks everyone! I huffed and I puffed... and bought the A32 in the end.

Something about the amp just seems right. NAD didn't make any sort of an impression when I tried it so was reluctant to give it another go to be honest!

Took a chance on the A32!

Will post a photo / impressions of how it all sounds.

Overall pretty chuffed as got the whole system together at about 60% of RRP's (incl cables & interconnects)!

You bought it from Steve's hi-fi, then? Well done, he only sells good gear there. I just spoke to him, he said you'll have the amp tomorrow.

Let us know how you get on with it, ok?

wow, you called him! Yes, indeed, I got it from there. Spoke to them several times and they seemed very nice and knowledgeable - also have excellent reviews on the web.

Btw: If anyone is desperately after an A32 here's another one.

thanks guys!! will post my progress in due course.

Roman

 

[bretty]

I deal with Steve a lot. You're right, he knows his stuff, and won't lie to you to make a sale. If he thinks a certain amp won't suit your musical taste, he'll tell you. For example, I had a Cyrus Two until recently. I called Steve to arrange a demo of the Quad 34/405 combo that he has. He told me straight, don't bother, as it wasn't a patch on the Cyrus. That kind of honesty is hard to come by, especially in retail.