New amplifier

[admin_exported]

Hi.

Im looking at purchasing a new (or new to me) amplifier to go with Monitor audio BX2's, ive currently got a Cambridge Audio A5 and whilst this does power the speakers quite adequately im looking for a little more.

Originally i was looking at either the Cambridge audio 351 or 651 mainly cos richer sounds is down the road. but these cost upwards of £300 which for me is quite a chunk of money.

So a browse on ebay has thrown up an Arcam A75 and fmj A18, I was just wondering how these amps would stack up not only against my current amp, but against the two cambridge audio amps mentioned previousley. I look at stuff like this because it will be at least half the price of the cambridge audio ones, albeit second hand.

any help suggestions would be gratefully recieved.

 

[Pete68]

Hi

Last year I purchased a Marantz PM6004 amp and Marantz PM6004 CD player as well as the Monitor Audio BX2 speakers for a friend who gave me a budget for a new HiFi. The Marantz amp sounded very good with BX2s. I also hooked up the BX2s to my own system - Arcam Alpha9 / 9P and the Arcam Alpha 9 CD - I was stunned at how wel they performed. I am moving house soon and if I don't have the room for my current floor standers then I would have no hesitation in getting the BX2s.

The Marantz was excellent. Richer Sounds are currently One on eBay for £279. Admittedly I also have the 9P but you could always add later if you like.

You have a very good pair of speakers. Partner with the right kit and you will hear what excellent value for money they really are. Enjoy.

 

[poldo]

I would go for a 2nd hand Yamaha stereo amp, it is an awesome amp with great value.

 

[ksoundwerx]

Slightly OT, but worth mentioning: Richer Sounds are so bias toward Cambridge Audio stuff (main reseller, bigger profit margins, sales based incentive for staff) ,they will twist your ear until you give in!

I went their to listen to the Cambridge Audio 351 with matching CA CD and compare to the Marantz 6004 amp/cd pair. They basically told me the Marantz sounded much weaker and during the Marantz audition kept saying 'No, really don't like it at all' ... Whereas I wholly disagreed and left with the Marantz CD player (and bought the 7004 amp they don't sell, online elsewhere).

So by all means use Richer to listen to what gear you want (they are helpful in allowing demos etc I must give them that) but please make the decision entirely yourself regardless how much they talk at you!

 

[k77stan]

arcam amps sound great with ma speakers..

 

[Anonymous]

The Arcam Alpha 9 was stunning. One on eBay for £279. Admittedly I also have the 9P but you could always add later if you like.

currently looking at a arcam alpha 9 and arcam cd player on ebay, which is at £190 so far. if it stays low i mite snatch the par up, as i can possibly sell the cd player for £100. otherwise i would say £280 is a little steep in my eyes for an aging second hand amp ive never listened to.

I know the diva range gets some very mixed reviews and opinions, but if the diva A75 stays reasonably cheap, would it be worth it?

and theres a few cheaper alpha 7's on there, are they any good?

And theres a lot of NAD stuff on there but i personaly theink they are quite ugly.