Now its really singing! About 8 hours it has been playing tunes.
My current evaluation is as so:
-Bass is very tuneful - not loose and yet not underpowered.
-Mid range is very open and clear and exceptionally smooth - this amplifier would suit much more expensive loudspeakers.
-Treble is very slightly rolled off - enough to cut out harsh brightness but preserve detail; just how I like it! This amplifier can be driven to extreme volumes without hurting sensative ears or giving a headache.
-The overall sound is best described as fluent: After 8 hours the sound is very natural, but there are no excessive peaks; it therefore suits speakers such as Monitor Audio and B&W which have a brighter, peakier nature than other manafacturer's products. This amplifier is not warm like its predecessors - however it is not in the slightest cold.
The A32 is also very musical. It does not sound artificial like Rotel products or very cold like Cambridge Audio amps.
The soundstage is a particular highlight which is expansive, very focussed and spreads far past the outside of the speakers. Q encoded material is handled superbly.
Interface wise, I have not EVER come across a better product. The quanitity of settings may seem to some to be pointless, but when you realise that the settings are very handy (such as source trim settings) you begin to realise that Arcam are very smart. The user interface does not compromise sound quality. I currently cannot tell any difference between the display being on or off.
The casing and finish are excellent, the case does not resonate at all, and the buttons reflect the great design of the overall FMJ system. This attractive and simplistic design continues on the rear. The remote works with FMJ and Diva products, controlling all the amplifier's functions and the essential controls on my Diva CD73. I would have appreciated a fast forward, rewind button however. The tuner is very well served with plenty of buttons to serve most functions on the amplifier's remote (CR-389).
So its a superb amplifier, and as I got it for only £800, a superb bargin. 5 year warrranty is as standard (I doubt I'll need it with the superb build quality) and the P35 power amplifier and upgradable multi-channel add-on would both improve this set-up depending on whether you prefer stereo or home-cinema systems. A great piece of kit, and It's not even run in!
All of the photos are mine. Enjoy!