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Do you stream hi-res music or download hi-res tracks? We want your opinions!
Question Speakers for ARcam CD73/A80
- Thread starter NeilR
- Start date
I would be looking second hand upto £500.
Due to space constraints, I cannot mount too far away from the wall - 15cm max.
Looking to understand what would be best way to upgrade the system, hence looking for some input on what is the weak link.
Mainly listening to classical, jazz and some rock.
Due to space constraints, I cannot mount too far away from the wall - 15cm max.
Looking to understand what would be best way to upgrade the system, hence looking for some input on what is the weak link.
Mainly listening to classical, jazz and some rock.
Al ears
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- Nov 23, 2008
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Al ears
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Update, I just put the R1's back on the stands and the difference is amazing - for this level of improvement, I'll just have to find a way round my space constraints.
Still would be interested to hear views of where I should upgrade. I've heard using an Arcam power amp such as a P90 and bi-wiring would be a good move, but it is hard to find these power amps second hand.
I'm using Chord chameleon silver plus cable between CD and amp and QED Qudos speaker cables
Still would be interested to hear views of where I should upgrade. I've heard using an Arcam power amp such as a P90 and bi-wiring would be a good move, but it is hard to find these power amps second hand.
I'm using Chord chameleon silver plus cable between CD and amp and QED Qudos speaker cables
Al ears
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If you can find a P90 going cheap it could be worth a go even though I have never really seen the logic in using a power amp with an integrated, but in your case it's possibly the way to go without selling on your A80.
Perhaps this thread may be helpful:-
www.avforums.com
Perhaps this thread may be helpful:-
ARCAM A80/P80 and A90/P90
I started a thread in another topic re a Cyrus/Arcam question, but I need some more advice on the Arcam side of things. Firstly, my speakers are PMC DB1+, and m source is going to be an audiophile music streamer, i.e. Slim Devices Transporter, and/or a CD Player. Might be buying a new one but...
www.avforums.com
If you can find a P90 going cheap it could be worth a go even though I have never really seen the logic in using a power amp with an integrated, but in your case it's possibly the way to go without selling on your A80.
Perhaps this thread may be helpful:-
ARCAM A80/P80 and A90/P90
I started a thread in another topic re a Cyrus/Arcam question, but I need some more advice on the Arcam side of things. Firstly, my speakers are PMC DB1+, and m source is going to be an audiophile music streamer, i.e. Slim Devices Transporter, and/or a CD Player. Might be buying a new one but...
Thanks Al ears, that thread is very useful.
I'm happy to sell on the A80, given the difficulty of finding P80/90 power amps, and get an FMJ integrated amp, the thread mentions the FMJA32 which doesn't appear very often. There are plenty of A19's but would this be a real step up from what I have?
I do prefer Arcam kit, have previously owned the delta 290 amp until the input switch failed.
Al ears
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Just wondered why you felt the need to add a power amp in the first place. I am not familiar with the qualities of the A19 so cannot answer this question, perhaps someone more knowledgeable will be along to offer advice soon.
From what I can see it is actually less powerful than your A80, any P80 power amps going around rather than P90?
If you are in UK there's one going on eBay, current bid £34.....
plastic penguin
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Rather than looking at a power amp it's wiser to spend money on a better amp. As a big Arcam fan, for around the price of good P90 you can pick up a A29. It has Arcam's Class G amplification which gives it a cleaner sound, yet still retains the Arcam house sound.
I demoed the A39 some time ago and it's terrific. The A80 is a good amp but it is going on 20 years old.
I've just changed my CD player, after owning the CD73 since 2005. I purchased an Exposure CD 2010 and it's a noticeable improvement over the 73.
My choice would be PMC DB1i with Exposure and A80
I demoed the A39 some time ago and it's terrific. The A80 is a good amp but it is going on 20 years old.
I've just changed my CD player, after owning the CD73 since 2005. I purchased an Exposure CD 2010 and it's a noticeable improvement over the 73.
My choice would be PMC DB1i with Exposure and A80
Thanks pp, so based on your last sentence, you're saying leave the amp and upgrade CD and speakers first?
How would you compare the A19 to the A80, there are plenty of A19's around?
Your choice is probably out of my budget, I'm looking to spend £500 ish on an upgrade.
How would you compare the A19 to the A80, there are plenty of A19's around?
Your choice is probably out of my budget, I'm looking to spend £500 ish on an upgrade.
Al ears
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From his past statement perhaps that last sentence is incorrect, I thought he was going to saying A29......., could be wrong.
plastic penguin
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My first upgrade would be to look at something like a Arcam A29 or A39, as that'll give you a noticeable upgrade - a better option to adding a power amp. Having heard the A80 with a P80 the only slight difference is in the midrange detail. Plus you're not adding extra boxes.
Not heard the A19 but have demoed the A18, and comparing it to my then A65+ there was little to choose.
Your Tannoys are a good match for Arcam but I prefer PMC DB1is. Had them on demo with the A65 and sounded sensational... on stands.
I currently own their bigger brothers TB2i, powered by a Leema Pulse MKI. Another fab combo.
Al ears
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There's one on eBay for £380 buy-it-now bidding on another at £270 or better an A39 current with bids up to £403
plastic penguin
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As I mentioned for around the price of a good power amp you can get a A29 or A39. That would be the route I'd go down. That's just my personal opinion.
Al ears
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plastic penguin
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Let me just clarify. If I was in the OP's shoes and looking at amps, I would first look at the A29 or A39.
My instinct, though, would be to search for a better speaker that would fit into the same space and the A80 would be able to power without clipping. To that end PMC DB1i (originally retailed at £800, now can be picked up for around £500-£600) would be my 'go to' speaker. The + versions are a little cheaper.
My instinct, though, would be to search for a better speaker that would fit into the same space and the A80 would be able to power without clipping. To that end PMC DB1i (originally retailed at £800, now can be picked up for around £500-£600) would be my 'go to' speaker. The + versions are a little cheaper.
plastic penguin
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Just noticed the OP's earlier post. As the speakers can only be 15 cm from the back wall, scrap the PMC idea as they need a good 12-18" to work at their best.
Definitely look at the A29 or A39.
Sorry.
Definitely look at the A29 or A39.
Sorry.
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