Sonos Connect ZP90 + Arcam IrDac + Arcam A19? - is it good setup for the money?

madeinstein

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Hi,

I've got Sonos Connect currently plugged in into old Yamaha DSP-AX863SE AV Receiver and Epos M5i speakers together with all my TV stuff.

I'm looking at setting up a dedicated music system and was wondering if this is a good setup?

  • Sonos Connect ZP90
  • Arcam IrDAC (~400£)
  • Arcam FMJ A19 (~650£)
  • Epos M5i speakers

In the past I've tried couple systems and I quite liked Linn & Arcam systems and found Naim too harsh just to give you a perspective.

Thanks

M
 

BigH

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You could try the Creek 50A amp, Creek and Epos are same company. In a group test the Creek bet the Arcam A19, also gets good reviews in other mags, see Andrew Everard's recent review.

Are you happy with your speakers? What sort of music do you play?

You may want to consider the AVI 9RS at £1,250 they inc, dac and amps, for me they were better than all these type of systems. I heard the Creek and Epos M5is at a demo.
 

madeinstein

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I'll have a look at Creek.

Re Epos.. I can't really compain as I got them half-price (250£) to complement the rest of my av system (Epos M16 floorstanders + Mi8 centre speaker) and to be honest they've never been used properly in a music setup so not sure how good they will be. If one day I finally setup my TV room with all the speakers then it's likely that I will purchase other speakers for the music system - I always liked the sound of B&W 600 series so maybe I get a pair of 685? Which speakers ppl recommend for Arcam amps?

What's AVI 9RS? - sorry google didn't help much. The idea of DAC & Amp in one box sounds good. Shame that Linn stuff is so expensive (looks like they will annouce something DS related tomorrow, countdown on http://www.linn.co.uk)

Thanks
 

The_Lhc

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madeinstein said:
What's AVI 9RS? - sorry google didn't help much. The idea of DAC & Amp in one box sounds good.

It's the AVI ADM 9 RS (Red Spot), they're an active speaker, the DAC and amp are inside the speaker housing, so you wouldn't be able to use your existing Epos speakers if that's what you were intending.
 

BigH

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I heard the M5is with a Creek 50A and Roksan Kandy K2 I think, they were OK, sounded a bit lean compared to some others. What sort of room size do you have? Whereabouts are you located?

Not sure the B&W 685 would be much better than your Epos maybe more sideways step, I would try to make some big steps forward.
 

madeinstein

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Hi,

I'm in SW / Central London, the room is ~4x5m (reception) and the system will be between chimney breast and a side wall.

Re speakers I don't think I will change them at this time but would prefer to get a good DAC/Amp setup with possibility of changing speakers maybe next year.

My friend recommended getting a second hand Linn DS/DSM although I'm not sure if it can be used with Sonos or it's more like a replacement for Sonos.

Answering earlier question about the type of music I'm listening I've prepared a Sonos list that I might use to test the system. It's pretty much a bit of everything.
https://play.spotify.com/user/madeinstein/playlist/6plEZwI9ODfQXH2MIP5MIb

Just noticed that the new whathifi issue has DAC test so I'll check it out.

Thanks
 

davedotco

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The simple answer is, as mentioned above, the Creek 50a, assuming you can find one. It has provision for an onboard dac module that, depending on availability, can be ordered with, or fitted later, the analogue output from the Connect will be fine in the interim.

There is little doubt in my mind that the Creek is the most acomplished amplifier in its class in technical and hi-fi terms but it is a 'purist' design and might not give you the sound you are looking for so do try and hear it.

A sort of warning, initially it appears to have 'less' bass than the A19 but to my mind it is more articulate and better controlled, a genuine case of 'less is more' in my view.

It does not have the 'profile' of more mainstream models from bigger manufacturers and of course it very much suits my preference for smaller, more specialised manufacturers, though you might have a different view on this.
 

BigH

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As you are in London, I suggest you head to Islington, Barletts stock AVI among other brands and Grahams stock Creek, of course check stock and book a demo before going.
 

p_m_brown

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Well I have to admit being a bit of an Arcam fan but I think the A19 is a great bit of kit. I heard it in my system when I bought one for my dad and it did a great job. Very controlled bass, really detailed and a soundstage to rival many sub 1000 amps I have heard. My dad has a similar setup to what you are proposing now with the exception of the rdac. He has the Sonos running through an aesthetically matching SonLink and it sounds great! Do try and listen to all the suggested set ups so you can make up your own mind,
 

ID.

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As far as speakers and the Arcam, I've seen an awful lot of recommendations of matching it with Kef R100s. Arcam also traditionally match well with Monitor Audio.

Bear in mind that I haven't actually heard them, but hopefully others who have can confirm. I haven't heard of people matching B&W 685s with the A19, but ultimately it is you who needs to be happy, so try to have a listen to the combinations you are interested in.
 

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