Too Bright?

[Anonymous]

l have been in touch with AVI regarding the S2000 components. Unfortunately, they are stating that both the CD & amp are now too old to be servicable, with parts unavailable. However, l would take a chance on the amp, as they tend to be reliable & not need replacement parts.

l've had a good look round & considering the forward/bright nature of the MA RS1's, l never thought l would consider this, but what do people think of the Arcam Alpha 8 CD/lntegrated amp & later an Arcam power amp to bi amp the MA's?

Fraziel, you state that you like Arcam Cd players, but not as amps, any views?

 

[Anonymous]

PS l know l said l only wanted a one box amp, but they are limited in terms of welly & cost.

 

[drummerman]

Your question was not directed at me but perhaps you want to read my reply in bi-amping decisions by wavejig, 18th Feb. before embarking on that road. Good luck with your system build.

 

[Anonymous]

Drummerman,

the question wasn't directed at you, but l'm glad you have replied.

l took a look at the above thread that you have highlighted.

l know that we all can get hooked on the "more is better" route, that's why l would rather have a one box amp solution rather than bi-amp. Problem is that, unless you are willing to spend lots of money, the one box option is, it would seem, limited.

l have a source for a second hand AVI S2000MI, though as l said, AVI are stating that as they are now approx' 10 years old many parts are not available.

l'm tempted to take a chance as, in my experience, amps seem to be fairly robust & reliable; just don't want to spend the cash & end up with something that will be un-servicable if it needs attention.

l now you have given your opinion before, but what was your experience with the AVI amp?

What do you think as the Arcam Alpha 8 as a source?

 

[drummerman]

[quote user="chesterfieldhouse"]
l now you have given your opinion before, but what was your experience with the AVI amp?

What do you think as the Arcam Alpha 8 as a source?

[/quote]How much money have you got to spend?

 

[Anonymous]

l guess it's a case of how much money can l justify spending, with other commitments etc.

Having said that, l could look to buy the signal source first (CD) then the amp & would look to buy second hand.

Approx £300 on each.

As opposed to bi-amping, perhaps l should look to go pre-power, to get the necessary wattage?

 

[drummerman]

[quote user="chesterfieldhouse"]
l guess it's a case of how much money can l justify spending, with other commitments etc.

Having said that, l could look to buy the signal source first (CD) then the amp & would look to buy second hand.

Approx £300 on each.

As opposed to bi-amping, perhaps l should look to go pre-power, to get the necessary wattage?

[/quote]

At what volume levels do you normally listen to music? Your little MA's are very limited in how much air they can move and are a fairly easy amplifier load. Do you really need hundreds of watts? Look for quality watts and a relatively high amplifier damping rate figure to control that rather soft bass of your speakers.

I bought the AVI's because I liked them. I compared the amp with a number of SS products and thought it was outstanding. The player came because I liked the look of the combo. It will easily partner your speakers and play them as loud as they are capable of but you should listen before buying.

 

[drummerman]

Just to confuse you more, I would, as an alternative, suggest an Audio Innovations Series 700 integrated. Its a 25w/channel valve amp. It has very good drive, slam, detail, dynamics and is not fatiguing. Bass is solid and tight and it sounds more powerful than the AVI until insane levels ie. the windows start to rattle when the latter keeps going. I had one and unfortunately sold that too. It also looks gorgeous especially on a nice rack at night with dimmed lights. Joy.

 

[Anonymous]

Drummerman, thank you for taking the time to respond, l really do appreciate it.

As you say, the MA's are fairly sensitive (91db) & relatively easy to drive. l don't wish to/can't listen to music at high volumes & recognise that "valve watts" are more powerful. l did toy about with a Chinese valve amp a couple of years ago & as you say, at night with those valves glowing, it was just like sitting in front of the fire!

Still undecided about the AVI amp. The person whose selling it wants £400 ono. For a ten year old amp,even though it has apparently had little use, many parts are now unavailable.