NEW AMP NEEDED IS YAMAHA AS1000 ON A PAR WITH ARCAM A38 ?

[audioaddict]

Im now at last in a position to buy a new amp ive set my sights on a yamaha as1000 which hughes are doing for 650 or ive seen one online for 600. Only thing is ive seen an arcam a38 for sale in my local paper for around the same price. Is the yamaha on a par with th arcam ? In most ways id prefer the yamaha for its build and looks and ive heard it briefly and seems to have the deep rich sound im after and ive also heard th arcam although it was with the.cd 37 although the amp.did sound deep and musical any help from guys who have owned.both or know both amps well would be great. Thanks guys

 

[CnoEvil]

It's always dangerous asking somebody else to comment on which amp you will prefer. Those who like Arcam will say Arcam, and vica versa.

Taste is a funny thing. I personally would rather have a cheaper amp from a brand I like, than an expensive one from a brand I don't....even if the expensive amp is technically better.

FWIW. The Yamaha A S2000 is probably closer to the Arcam.

 

[plastic penguin]

Pretty much as Cno says.

More of an issue for me regards your new set-up is how close will it get to your old Audiolab Monoblocs, rather than comparing one integrated with another. I know you want a space-saver solution, but really do think whatever option you choose below a 1.5k will probably fall a little short.

The only reason why I mention this is because I've have listened to few diifferent combos over the past few months and decided that once the novelty of the new system wears a little thin, I'll start to pining for the Leema again.

Just my opinion, the Arcam will get closer to the Audiolabs than the brands you've currently mentioned.

 

[matthewpiano]

Both very good amps to be honest although I think all Arcams are over-priced at their list price which makes them less competitive normally. I'd actually lean towards the Yamaha, but I'd also suggest keeping an eye open for a deal on a Denon PMA1510AE - a fabulous amplifier. Whilst you are at it, why not audition some of the new stuff that is coming out like the Pioneer A50 and A70. I'm becoming more and more convinced that the Japanese manufacturers give more value and performance for your money than some of the so-called specialist brands.

 

[plastic penguin]

TBH, I think most Japanese brands have always been good value for money.

Is Arcam over-priced at the list? again this comes down to the individual, although in this particular instance, if there's one for below £700, that is good value IMO.

The OP has started so many threads, not an issue, apart from the fact I don't he's any clearer than when he started last year, hence why I warned him about the possible disparity in sound between his old set-up and the new one.

 

[audioaddict]

You take this forum far far far to seriously pp yeah i have started a ton if threads in here in some repetitive and some just thinking out loud and trying to get various ideas in some of the equipment im interested in but mostly.to stop myself makin another expensive mistake like i did with my audiolab stuff. Ive lost count on how many threads ive actually read mine included where youve said something like ... i havent actuallly heard that equipment so cant comment, or something similar so i think to myself , why comment ? Do you need to get noticed that bad. Im now leaving this forum so instead of discussing any ideas and pressjng a few buttons first i will keep travelling thirty five miles to norwich to keep listening . Thanks to all u others who have given me ideas and advice.

 

[drummerman]

A bit harsh but yes, pretty much what I'd do ... actually go and listen to what I may buy.

The Arcam A38 is not a bad amplifier. There are not many bad amplifiers out there really full stop but what I'd suggest you do is perhaps add some AV receivers to your audition. You may be pleasantly surprised and they have often a whole bunch of very usefull facilities, even if you dont use them all. Someone here mentioned Harman Kardons HK3490, which is not strictly part of that group but falls somewhere in between. - On paper it certainly looks interesting and you may save a lot of money in the process.

regards

 

[cse]

. travelling thirty five miles to norwich to keep listening . Thanks to all u others who have given me ideas and advice.

Where do you go in Norwich? I live near Norwich (26 miles) and would be interested in which dealers you go to. Also, thinking about an A38 myself. Don't leave the forum, even though it is full of over opinionated know it all types.

 

[plastic penguin]

. travelling thirty five miles to norwich to keep listening . Thanks to all u others who have given me ideas and advice.

Where do you go in Norwich? I live near Norwich (26 miles) and would be interested in which dealers you go to. Also, thinking about an A38 myself. Don't leave the forum, even though it is full of over opinionated know it all types.

Just merely pointing out that his Audiolabs are very high quality and the amps he's mentioned over the past year IMO maybe a disappointment once the novelty factor wears off.

Reducing boxes is one thing, but it could compromise the overall musical effect. On the other hand if I was less than honest and said "yes, the Yamaha would be fantastic" (or other integrateds) and they weren't to the standard, he would, no doubt, whinge at me for giving him false information.

Damned if you do, damned if you don't.

 

[matthewpiano]

I think PP's comments have been taken the wrong way to be honest.

However, I think the main point here is that the OP previously had Technics seperates (IIRC) and has never really settled with the Audiolabs. Whilst the Audiolabs have many talents they aren't the most involving listen and, like quite a lot of more expensive kit, it can all get a bit 'hi-fi above the music'. The Audiolabs might be great on paper but that isn't the whole story.

 

[shafesk]

Pretty much as Cno says.

More of an issue for me regards your new set-up is how close will it get to your old Audiolab Monoblocs, rather than comparing one integrated with another. I know you want a space-saver solution, but really do think whatever option you choose below a 1.5k will probably fall a little short.

I completely agree with PP here, I've recently heard the A-S1000 with a range of speakers, MS Aviano 8s, Tannoy DC 6s, Dynaudio Excite (the floorstanders, can't recall the model number), 2/7s. They all sounded better paired with Audiolabs pre power 8000s, they sounded cleaner, had better grip, bass, treble and midrange. This wasn't just my opinion though, the dealer and my friend who I was demoeing for also agreed. I'm not familiar with the Audiolab range so I cannot tell you what year the 8000 pre/power combo was from but I think you get the general idea. Maybe you should look a bit higher if you want a true upgrade to your Audiolab, perhaps change to the new Audiolabs....I've yet to hear a better pairing for BnWs than Audiolabs, previously having heard BnW n Marantz/Cambridge Audio/Yamaha I prefer Audiolabs.

 

[ISAC69]

My opnion is that YAMAHA AV receivers are much better than their hi fi amps . you should look at other such as ROKSAN ,

AUDOILAB , REGA atc .

 

[audioaddict]

thanks cse maybe i should not have said that this is a fun forum and a good place to get advice. i have posted a few too many times on here at a time when i was in a bit if a state about spending a small fortune on my system and not being happy with it so i kinda voiced a lot of questions out loud on here only to get told off by certain people, never mind. as for dealers in norwich i use sevenoaks normally, though richers sounds and hughes have been good too. there is another upmarket hifi shop round the corner from john lewis though i forget the name