Upgrading Speakers but will my Arcam 7R amp cope

[dirtyharry44]

I'm looking to replace my 25 year old Ruark Epilogue book-shelfs with Wharfedale Diamond 12.3 floor standers but, before I do, I'd appreciate any advice as to whether or not my equally as old Arcam 7R amp will cope with the demands of this more modern speaker, or any other floorstanding speaker for that matter.

I have a budget up to c.£700 so there is an option to go for something a little cheaper, (e.g. Wharfedale 230s c.£350) and have enough left out of the budget to upgrade the amp too. However, whilst I'd rather hang onto the Arcam, I don't want to make the mistake of investing in new floor-standers if it won't cope.

So am I expecting too much out of my old Arcam? If it makes any difference, I'm only using the set up to listen to vinyl on my Rega Planar 2.

Any tips would be greatly appreciated, as well as any other speaker/amp recommendations.

 

[Al ears]

I'm looking to replace my 25 year old Ruark Epilogue book-shelfs with Wharfedale Diamond 12.3 floor standers but, before I do, I'd appreciate any advice as to whether or not my equally as old Arcam 7R amp will cope with the demands of this more modern speaker, or any other floorstanding speaker for that matter.

I have a budget up to c.£700 so there is an option to go for something a little cheaper, (e.g. Wharfedale 230s c.£350) and have enough left out of the budget to upgrade the amp too. However, whilst I'd rather hang onto the Arcam, I don't want to make the mistake of investing in new floor-standers if it won't cope.

So am I expecting too much out of my old Arcam? If it makes any difference, I'm only using the set up to listen to vinyl on my Rega Planar 2.

Any tips would be greatly appreciated, as well as any other speaker/amp recommendations.

You shouldn't have any issues with your amp and the Diamond 12.3, if fact, looking at the figures (89dB 8ohm, minimum 5ohm), they may even be an easier load on your amplifier than your old Ruarks.....

 

[dirtyharry44]

You shouldn't have any issues with your amp and the Diamond 12.3, if fact, looking at the figures (89dB 8ohm, minimum 5ohm), they may even be an easier load on your amplifier than your old Ruarks.....

Many thanks for the reply. Good to hear my Arcam will be saved from the amplifier graveyard! Cheers

 

[matthewpianist]

The Alpha 7R is a nice amp and, having owned a pair of 12.3s, I can say they aren't especially challenging to drive. What change in sound are you looking for though?

 

[dirtyharry44]

The Alpha 7R is a nice amp and, having owned a pair of 12.3s, I can say they aren't especially challenging to drive. What change in sound are you looking for though?

Difficult to pinpoint exactly, but I just feel the Ruarks are lacking in depth/warmth? They're a little overly treble, if that makes sense, but it's only really come to light of late, now that I am getting back into my vinyl. Just need something with a bit more oomph!

 

[matthewpianist]

Difficult to pinpoint exactly, but I just feel the Ruarks are lacking in depth/warmth? They're a little overly treble, if that makes sense, but it's only really come to light of late, now that I am getting back into my vinyl. Just need something with a bit more oomph!

You will certainly get more bottom end from the 12.3s, but they can get slightly edgy at the top end with some recordings, especially if you have lots of hard surfaces in your room. I would suggest also considering the Q Acoustics 3050i - still available, and a touch more balanced than the Wharfedales. Both excellent for the money, but my choice would be the Qs.

 

[dirtyharry44]

You will certainly get more bottom end from the 12.3s, but they can get slightly edgy at the top end with some recordings, especially if you have lots of hard surfaces in your room. I would suggest also considering the Q Acoustics 3050i - still available, and a touch more balanced than the Wharfedales. Both excellent for the money, but my choice would be the Qs.

Oh ok, I hadn't considered the Qs. I'll take a look now, thanks for your reply.