Some help shortlisting amplifiers..

[Jimmer]

Morning all,

I’m looking to shortlist some 2 channel amps for research and demo and was hoping I could get some recommendations from the collective knowledge on the forum.

My current system is an AV system running a Denon AVR-2312, B&W 600 series speakers (685’s on stereo duties), Rega DAC, Sonos ZP90 and Oppo 103 for CD playback. Whilst this has been OK, I’d like to move to a stereo amp for music duties.

My budget is up to £750 but could go higher, although given my speakers I suspect I wouldn’t see much benefit going over my current budget.

Some brands I’ve been looking at so far are Arcam, NAD, Marantz and Rotel, but I’m open to any suggestions you can provide.

Look forward to hearing your suggestions

Best

Jim

 

[newlash09]

Before the expereinced members come round here. Let me forward you the standard questionnaire that everyone expects :

1. Room size
2. Taste in music / genre
3. Do you prefer any particular sound - warm / bright / forward
4. Is there anything you find missing in the denon, that you are looking for in the new amp.
5. Are you open to buy second hand.
6. Are there any dealers where abouts you stay, that you can audition before purchase.

 

[drummerman]

Before the expereinced members come round here.

Ah, counts me out then

 

[newlash09]

Before the expereinced members come round here.

Ah, counts me out then

The experienced que starts with you drummerman

 

[Jimmer]

Hi Newlash,

Room is 7x4m.

Music is a bit of most genres, but mainly rock, metal.

In terms of sound, I’m looking for a well rounded sound, not too warm, not too bright, but with some authority.

I don’t find the Denon very exciting to listen to music with, probably a bit warm, but just doesn’t sound like HiFi.

Second hand is an option, open to any suggestions.

My local shop is Frank Harvey in Coventry, I brought the DAC and speaker stands from David there so intend to go back for the amp purchase if buying new.

Hope that helps.

Jim

 

[Vaprak001]

With your mentioned budget of 750 quid and a preference for Frank Harvey, I'd at least audition the Onkyo A9070 they have on sale there for exactly your budget.

I've had very good experiences with Onkyo (although none with this exact model). Well spec'd, natural but powerful sound that suits rock well. If you like the DAC it might free up your standalone Rega for sale too. Haven't looked to see if it'll do HT pass through with your Denon AV amp - but that would be a bonus.

Good Luck

 

[Jimmer]

Thanks Vaprak001. I'll check the Onkyo out.

 

[CnoEvil]

If your local shop is FH...they have both the Arcam A29 and A30 reduced.

FWIW. If going this route, I'd stretch to the A39 (ex-display) for 849GBP. Worth listening to the Rega as well, in case you much prefer it.

https://www.hifix.co.uk/hi-fi/hi-fi-separates/hi-fi-amps-receivers/arcam-fmj-a39-amplifier-black-display-model

 

[Jimmer]

Thanks Cno.

I saw the ex-display stuff last night when I was having a browse. Certianly some bargains to be had there.

I do like Rega kit, but from what I've read they don't have enough oomph as the 685's are quite power hungry. This could all be nonsense tho...

 

[CnoEvil]

Thanks Cno.

I saw the ex-display stuff last night when I was having a browse. Certianly some bargains to be had there.

I do like Rega kit, but from what I've read they don't have enough oomph as the 685's are quite power hungry. This could all be nonsense tho...

I really like the current Arcam Class G stuff...it has more bite than Arcams of old. I prefer them to Rega....but that is personal; though I think you would have to go to the Rega Elicit to compete with the A39.

Let us know what you do.

 

[Jimmer]

The Arcams do sound nice from what I've read, and I love how they look.

Just trying to arrange some time in the demo room. Will keep you posted.

 

[rainsoothe]

+1 to Arcam, should go great with 600 series BW.

 

[drummerman]

Thanks Cno.

I saw the ex-display stuff last night when I was having a browse. Certianly some bargains to be had there.

I do like Rega kit, but from what I've read they don't have enough oomph as the 685's are quite power hungry. This could all be nonsense tho... 

I have a 60w/ch amplifier that sounds more powerful than my 70 and 100 watt ones.

 

[Blacksabbath25]

Thanks Cno.

I saw the ex-display stuff last night when I was having a browse. Certianly some bargains to be had there.

I do like Rega kit, but from what I've read they don't have enough oomph as the 685's are quite power hungry. This could all be nonsense tho...

I really like the current Arcam Class G stuff...it has more bite than Arcams of old. I prefer them to Rega....but that is personal; though I think you would have to go to the Rega Elicit to compete with the A39.

Let us know what you do.

definitely the Arcam A39 And Arcam A49 are the best models to go for if your in the market for a Arcam amplifier

 

[Jimmer]

Quick update.

I spent some time on Saturday listening to the Rega Brio R, Arcam A29 and Rega Elex R. They all sounded great in their own way, but the Arcam was the standout for me. As soon as the first track started playing, the weight and fullness of the sound was apparent, but without sacrificing detail. The Arcam sound was definatly where I wanted to be. Unfortunatly the A39 was already out on home demo, so we didnt get a chance to listen to that model.

Obviously room acoustics play a massive part in hifi, so I arranged to take the A29 home for some further listening and to see how it faired at home. My intention was to hook it up and have a quick listen before getting on with some other jobs, ready for a decent session on Sunday. Well that didn't quite go to plan, put a couple of tracks on and before I knew it, I'd sat for 3 hours and becoming completely emersed in the music. Needless to say I'm extremely impressed with the A29.

This then brings me to the next hurdel, do I stick with the A29 or do I take a step up and try the A39 as the budget is there, the difference in price is fairly small given the impending new model and the budget, and I'm planning to upgrade my speakers in the next 12-18months?

 

[CnoEvil]

This then brings me to the next hurdel, do I stick with the A29 or do I take a step up and try the A39 as the budget is there, the difference in price is fairly small given the impending new model and the budget, and I'm planning to upgrade my speakers in the next 12-18months?

IMO. The A39 is a good step up and is a no-brainer at the price it's going for.

 

[Jimmer]

This then brings me to the next hurdel, do I stick with the A29 or do I take a step up and try the A39 as the budget is there, the difference in price is fairly small given the impending new model and the budget, and I'm planning to upgrade my speakers in the next 12-18months?

IMO. The A39 is a good step up and is a no-brainer at the price it's going for.

In that case I'll definatly give it a whirl.

Thanks for everyones help with this. I'll keep you posted on how I get on.

 

[Al ears]

This then brings me to the next hurdel, do I stick with the A29 or do I take a step up and try the A39 as the budget is there, the difference in price is fairly small given the impending new model and the budget, and I'm planning to upgrade my speakers in the next 12-18months?

IMO. The A39 is a good step up and is a no-brainer at the price it's going for.

+1

 

[Jimmer]

Well I bit the bullet and opted for the A39 which I picked up yesterday. It's certainly a marked improvement on the A29. The biggest improvement I've seen is the increase in control over the whole sound, bass it more defined, agile, high's are that bit sweeter, and all the elements seem to fit together that bit better. Needless to say I'm extremely pleased.

Having gone from listening to music through my AV receiver to the A39 it certainly does feel like I've taken a HUGE leap forward, but it has also got me thinking. I wonder how much my speakers are holding things back? Don't get me wrong, I'm extremely happy with how my system sounds and wont be replacing my speakers just yet, but I do need some Hifi related reading to do of any evening. So, if you were upgrade my B&W 685's and had a budget of £1,500 what would you be looking to buy?

 

[CnoEvil]

....but it has also got me thinking. I wonder how much my speakers are holding things back? Don't get me wrong, I'm extremely happy with how my system sounds and wont be replacing my speakers just yet, but I do need some Hifi related reading to do of any evening. So, if you were upgrade my B&W 685's and had a budget of £1,500 what would you be looking to buy?

Now you've been bitten by the, "What's holding my system back" syndrome. *biggrin*

IMO. If you can fit a Floorstander , then try the Kef R500s; if not:

- LS50s/R300;

- PMC DB1 Gold/Twenty21;

- Proac Response DB3;

- ATC SCM11;

- Spendor Classic 3/5

- Harbeth P3ESR

- Opera Prima

- Diapason Karis (ex-dem)

 

[DocG]

If you’re into the B&W sound, some ex-dem or recent second hand PM1s are worth a try. The A39 would control them tightly (and they need that).

 

[newlash09]

Glad you are very happy with the arcam a39. Enjoy....

 

[newlash09]

For mostly rock and metal. I would suggest floor standers to fill that room nicely. Most bookshelves could get lost in the space, unless you are sitting close .

 

[drummerman]

....but it has also got me thinking. I wonder how much my speakers are holding things back? Don't get me wrong, I'm extremely happy with how my system sounds and wont be replacing my speakers just yet, but I do need some Hifi related reading to do of any evening. So, if you were upgrade my B&W 685's and had a budget of £1,500 what would you be looking to buy?

Now you've been bitten by the, "What's holding my system back" syndrome. *biggrin*

IMO. If you can fit a Floorstander , then try the Kef R500s; if not: 

- LS50s/R300;

- PMC DB1 Gold/Twenty21;

- Proac Response DB3; 

- ATC SCM11; 

- Spendor Classic 3/5

- Harbeth P3ESR

- Opera Prima

- Diapason Karis (ex-dem)

Revel Concerta 2 M16.

Very impressive in Bristol I thought. They do 'big' and rock.

 

[Blacksabbath25]

Great choice the Arcam A39 Is a lot better then the A19 and the Arcam A49 is better still but great choice