Replace Arcam alpha 3

[Martin C]

I have an old Arcam alpha 3 amp. The volume knob has nearly failed. It looks as though this might be fixable if I really wanted. But it's probably 30 years old. Bluetooth input would be useful for me and other family members.

I want DAB/FM , and an input from my LMS/squeezebox player. I don't have any vinyl!

We have old Monitor Audio R352 speaker s. Also old as well got them used a long time ago.

My ears almost certainly can't make use of really top end hardware, given, probably , a wee bit of top end hearing loss and very mild tinnitus from time to time.

I bought a Denon ceol N10 which sounds ok in our kitchen. I connected it to the monitor audio speakers and felt it didn't sound quite as good as the arcam, but it's tricky to be sure without doing it blind. What I don't like is the lack of physical buttons on the Denon.

I'm wondering if these 30+ year old speakers are still ok. I suspect they are. What would I need to spend to get an upgrade for them?

Googling I found a Cambridge Audio AxR100D receiver/amp which seems to fit the bill. Would it sound ok after the Arcam? There's also a Marantz equivalent of the Denon unit that seems to have physical buttons.

There are few hifi shops in existence any more, and they're all some distance away. And I can't easily carry my existing speakers with me to the shop to compare.

Thanks for any thoughts.

 

[speedthing]

HiFi has moved on quite a bit in the last 30 years if you like the Arcam sound maybe have a look at the new Arcam Amps. They are very detailed but do need to be paired with the right speakers your speakers may well be excellent but they may not sound so good with your next Amp. If your to far away for any HiFi shops you may be able to get an in home demo Richer sounds do this so do a few others so you can try your new amp with your old speakers before you buy.

 

[plastic penguin]

I have an old Arcam alpha 3 amp. The volume knob has nearly failed. It looks as though this might be fixable if I really wanted. But it's probably 30 years old. Bluetooth input would be useful for me and other family members.

I want DAB/FM , and an input from my LMS/squeezebox player. I don't have any vinyl!

We have old Monitor Audio R352 speaker s. Also old as well got them used a long time ago.

My ears almost certainly can't make use of really top end hardware, given, probably , a wee bit of top end hearing loss and very mild tinnitus from time to time.

I bought a Denon ceol N10 which sounds ok in our kitchen. I connected it to the monitor audio speakers and felt it didn't sound quite as good as the arcam, but it's tricky to be sure without doing it blind. What I don't like is the lack of physical buttons on the Denon.

I'm wondering if these 30+ year old speakers are still ok. I suspect they are. What would I need to spend to get an upgrade for them?

Googling I found a Cambridge Audio AxR100D receiver/amp which seems to fit the bill. Would it sound ok after the Arcam? There's also a Marantz equivalent of the Denon unit that seems to have physical buttons.

There are few hifi shops in existence any more, and they're all some distance away. And I can't easily carry my existing speakers with me to the shop to compare.

Thanks for any thoughts.

I used to own the Alpha 7R and the biggest issues are with crackling knobs and selector switches. As the with the other reply, they aren't worth getting repaired.

If you want a very good replacement with DAB/FM, look at the Marantz Melody. They are digital only, so if you want vinyl playback you need to purchase a phono stage. But the Melodies are excellent sounding, and very similar in tonal balance to the Arcam Alpha ranges.

 

[gasolin]

Theres a fan in a Cambridge Audio AxR100D you might notice at low listening levels

 

[RoA]

Theres a fan in a Cambridge Audio AxR100D you might notice at low listening levels

That’s just plain cruel. Someone let him out.

 

[Martin C]

Thanks all. I dismissed the axr100d due to the fan, and I'd phoned Richer sounds to look at one and none were in stock.

Now I'm wondering: the Marantz melody would be ok, and play nicely with the similar Denon in the kitchen. I could reduce the box count and save a little bit of space.

Or I can spend a little more and get a refurb Arcam A5 amp which has Bluetooth. The existing separate FM tuner will work until at least the expected 2030 FM switch off (only need Radio 4 really, which of course is on the internet too). And my Lms/Squeezebox will still work too.

 

[plastic penguin]

Thanks all. I dismissed the axr100d due to the fan, and I'd phoned Richer sounds to look at one and none were in stock.

Now I'm wondering: the Marantz melody would be ok, and play nicely with the similar Denon in the kitchen. I could reduce the box count and save a little bit of space.

Or I can spend a little more and get a refurb Arcam A5 amp which has Bluetooth. The existing separate FM tuner will work until at least the expected 2030 FM switch off (only need Radio 4 really, which of course is on the internet too). And my Lms/Squeezebox will still work too.

If it's in a limited space or less than ideal acoustics the Marantz Melody would be my choice. But the ideal scenario is a demo or purchase with a 'Returns'. Most reputable dealers will have some sort of returns. It's a good safety net if going to a shop is difficult.

 

[Noddy]

I want DAB/FM , and an input from my LMS/squeezebox player. I don't have any vinyl!

You can get many if not most DAB/FM radio stations online. A streamer will sometimes if not always provide a selection of online radio stations and of course you can stream to the device from a platform with internet access, such as an iPhone or iPad. A Wiim Amp Pro is a good modest priced unit, but with limited inputs. I think it could handle your Squeezebox. Other devices are available. With a subscription you could stream music from Tidal or Spotify etc.

 

[Noddy]

If it's in a limited space or less than ideal acoustics the Marantz Melody would be my choice. But the ideal scenario is a demo or purchase with a 'Returns'. Most reputable dealers will have some sort of returns. It's a good safety net if going to a shop is difficult.

And of course many shops will allow you to take demo product home to try, with no obligation to buy. If you like it, you return the demo unit, and take home a new one.

 

[gasolin]

Wiim amp pro ?

 

[Martin C]

Thanks.

I must admit I was expecting, on a hifi forum, that everyone would say that a proper amp was there only option of I wanted decent sound.

 

[plastic penguin]

And of course many shops will allow you to take demo product home to try, with no obligation to buy. If you like it, you return the demo unit, and take home a new one.

Indeed, Noddy. Most, if not all, high street dealers should have no issues with lending you a demo (off the shelf) unit.

It's always good to build a rapport with one or two dealers. I've done this with Infidelity hi-fi in Hampton Wick and Unilet, as I've purchased numerous different items over the decades.