I have just purchased some Dali Opticon 6 MK2 speakers and am looking to upgrade my Arcam A19 amplifier. I am considering the Cambridge AX81, but could I just add an external DAC instead?
Upgrading Arcam A19 sound
- Thread starter Rmc696
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rainsoothe
Well-known member
Hi. You're considering a DAC in addition to the A19 vs the CA with it's integrated DAC?
Also, what's your source?
muljao
Well-known member
If you're happy with how it all sounds now just add a dac. If you need something different consider a replacement
Al ears
Well-known member
yes, your A19 is a good amp. Integrated dacs in modern amps are good but obviously not upgradable.
nopiano
Well-known member
I think the DAC in the CXN should be fine for your system. But if you want to try one, get a new Cambridge DAC Magic 200M on home trial from Richer Sounds. It would make sense in the context of your system.
Otherwise, look for a used Arcam A39 on eBay, preferably from a dealer.
All that said, I’m not really sure what you are seeking to improve, or what is lacking with your new speakers
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plastic penguin
Well-known member
My instinct would be to go for a Arcam A39, as mentioned by @nopiano . It's an excellent amp and will be a very decent upgrade to the A19. And the added bonus is its phono stage. It doesn't have a Dac built-in so you'll need to budget for something like a Arcam iirDac.
In terms of synergy, my hunch is It's a better match than the Cambridge.
Alternatively, I'd also look at a Creek Evo 100A, but you'll have to factor in a phono stage and Dac.
rainsoothe
Well-known member
I also think an amp upgrade would be beneficial, and the CXA81 is not it, imo, just a sideways move. I'd also audition Naim's Nait XS3 and Musical Fidelity M5si. The CXN has a decent dac, imo, and only a similar expenditure would be a real upgrade, and atm I think an amp brings more to the table.
Also, I think the A19 is a great amp at it's price level.
RoA
Well-known member
CA's CXA81 is a (very) capable amplifier for the cost. I did briefly try it when I considered an Audiolab 6000a. It sounded powerful and controlled. However, at the time I preferred the CXA61 over both the others, just, because it sounded slightly warmer, a result of less control over upper bass due to a lesser power supply.
With a floor stander I would imagine the 81 to excell over the other two though the Audiolab would likely not be far behind. Terrific bass for a small amp but does not quite have the mid range solidity of the other two.
The Audiolab was the best built/looking by some margin and has superb features. A bargain.
I never thought much of older (pre class G) Arcam's but the newer ones sounded good at the Bristol.
As an alternative may I suggest a s/h Hegel H90 if you can get your hands on one. - Imho better than any of the above and it will work with most speakers regardless of sound or impedance difficulty. £900 should get you a mint one. Because its only a few years old you should not have any issues for a long time and may even have some manufacturer/dealer warranty left if you are lucky. Good DAC's and subjectively looks high end in the flesh. Certainly more so than the others. Don't let the 60w power rating put you off. The H90's power supply is bigger than some amplifiers twice the rating and it sounds it.
It would be my pick at the price.
With a floor stander I would imagine the 81 to excell over the other two though the Audiolab would likely not be far behind. Terrific bass for a small amp but does not quite have the mid range solidity of the other two.
The Audiolab was the best built/looking by some margin and has superb features. A bargain.
I never thought much of older (pre class G) Arcam's but the newer ones sounded good at the Bristol.
As an alternative may I suggest a s/h Hegel H90 if you can get your hands on one. - Imho better than any of the above and it will work with most speakers regardless of sound or impedance difficulty. £900 should get you a mint one. Because its only a few years old you should not have any issues for a long time and may even have some manufacturer/dealer warranty left if you are lucky. Good DAC's and subjectively looks high end in the flesh. Certainly more so than the others. Don't let the 60w power rating put you off. The H90's power supply is bigger than some amplifiers twice the rating and it sounds it.
It would be my pick at the price.
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muljao
Well-known member
Firstly I'm not sure exactly vwhat you want it for, but this unit (which I haven't heard but is getting rave reviews around the net) covers a multitude of bases at not silly money
LOXJIE D30 AK4493EQ DAC Headphone Amplifier XMOS 32bit 768kHz DSD512 - Audiophonics
Loxjie offers with the D30 a small DAC and headphone amplifier combo with high performance and affordability. It features excellent components for great sound reproduction.
It's already been said above, but to echo...
Forget about a DAC your CXN is great in its own right. If you like the A19 go up the range.
I've previously owned the A29, A39 and a CXN.
Skip on past the A29, they are prone to issues with the rails. The A39, for the money is a beast of an amp and is an almighty jump up from what you've got at the moment. I loved mine and it saw off plenty of competition...
Expect to pay in the region of £550-£650 for a good example. Also, if you pick one up, ask the seller if they have proof of purchase or warranty details - the FMJ's have a 5 year no quibble transferable warranty which you can take advantage of.
Forget about a DAC your CXN is great in its own right. If you like the A19 go up the range.
I've previously owned the A29, A39 and a CXN.
Skip on past the A29, they are prone to issues with the rails. The A39, for the money is a beast of an amp and is an almighty jump up from what you've got at the moment. I loved mine and it saw off plenty of competition...
Expect to pay in the region of £550-£650 for a good example. Also, if you pick one up, ask the seller if they have proof of purchase or warranty details - the FMJ's have a 5 year no quibble transferable warranty which you can take advantage of.
plastic penguin
Well-known member
I think the Naim XS3 would be a step too far. Heard earlier Naim XSs and they require smooth speakers to hear them without the eardrums exploding.
IMO Arcam and Creek are the best match for Dalis on a budget.
plastic penguin
Well-known member
Agreed: if it wasn't for the Leema I would have the A39 at the top of my short list.
rainsoothe
Well-known member
Never heard a Dali that wasn't smooth, but also like Arcam and Creek ( Evo 2 and Destiny, don't care much for the Evo 50, though, sounded a bit gutless to me, haven't heard the 100).
plastic penguin
Well-known member
Fair play.
Do you remember JoelSim? He had a Arcam A85 with a P85 powering his Ikon 6 and loved it. Currently @Blacksabbath25 has a Yammy powering his Rubicon 8. Although not a bright speaker Dali seem to prefer a more considered presentation.
Blacksabbath25
Well-known member
I would not put a Cambridge amp with Dali speakers i had a demo on a Cambridge flagship Pre - and power amp and i felt it sounded dull .
Do not get me wrong the Cambridge amps are capable but just not on a sonic level and not to get the very best out of the Dali opticons .
Amps you want to look at are Yamaha , Arcam A39 upwards , Hegel , Luxman if you get the combination right you will no .
Do not get me wrong the Cambridge amps are capable but just not on a sonic level and not to get the very best out of the Dali opticons .
Amps you want to look at are Yamaha , Arcam A39 upwards , Hegel , Luxman if you get the combination right you will no .
rainsoothe
Well-known member
Yeah, sorry about my lazy wording there, what I meant was that I was also a fan of the Arcam suggestion. But having Naim on the list is never a bad thing, imo.
RoA
Well-known member
rainsoothe
Well-known member
plastic penguin
Well-known member
Can you explain what you mean by dull? Cambridge are generally livelier than the brands I've mentioned. One thing the Cambridge shouldn't be is dull.
plastic penguin
Well-known member
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