Looking for an upgrade to my Yamaha A-S500 amplifier I ventured to my local 7oaks to see what suggestions they might have to drive my Monitor Audio GX50s. Eyes were drawn immediately towards the Arcam A19 as if an obvious "no brainer" as the salesman put it.
He then set up the amp and speakers with my cd player: a Musical Fidelity M3. A synergy was immediately apparent as I played my Miles Davis Kind of Blue CD. The bass was big and strong from these little speakers with all instruments set in an equally big soundstage and the subtle touches on James Cobb's cymbals were lushly portrayed and Miles trumpet leapt forward of Bill Evans' complimentary piano playing in life like fashion.
A switch to a Musical Fidelity amp proved a bit diisappointingly flat and so it seemed the A19 was a "no brainer" in this scenario. The salesman was at a bit of a loss to think of an alternative other than a Roksan Caspian at over twice the price. It must be a little frustrating for hifi salesman to have such a scene stealer that upstages its competition even at higher prices :wall: . My thoughts turned to a Creek Evolution 50A tnat has had good reviews but there is no outlet for these in my region.
And so it is I am in a dilemma. The Arcam has enticingly proved that the A-S500 can be improved upon but would the perhaps leaner approach of the Creek be a better option. Has anyone heard this amp with GX50 speakers?
He then set up the amp and speakers with my cd player: a Musical Fidelity M3. A synergy was immediately apparent as I played my Miles Davis Kind of Blue CD. The bass was big and strong from these little speakers with all instruments set in an equally big soundstage and the subtle touches on James Cobb's cymbals were lushly portrayed and Miles trumpet leapt forward of Bill Evans' complimentary piano playing in life like fashion.
A switch to a Musical Fidelity amp proved a bit diisappointingly flat and so it seemed the A19 was a "no brainer" in this scenario. The salesman was at a bit of a loss to think of an alternative other than a Roksan Caspian at over twice the price. It must be a little frustrating for hifi salesman to have such a scene stealer that upstages its competition even at higher prices :wall: . My thoughts turned to a Creek Evolution 50A tnat has had good reviews but there is no outlet for these in my region.
And so it is I am in a dilemma. The Arcam has enticingly proved that the A-S500 can be improved upon but would the perhaps leaner approach of the Creek be a better option. Has anyone heard this amp with GX50 speakers?
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