Which should I keep?

[ESLee]

I was just looking for some advice/opinions.

I've gotta shift some gear and one of my Amps has to go. I've got an Arcam A28, bought new thats a great match for my speakers but recently aquired a Sony TA-FA777ES for a very good price. Sonically I cannot tell any difference, apart from the Sony has more grip on the speakers and a fair bit more power. The Sony is wonderfully built and better looking than the Arcam but am concerned about age and serviceability of it. Would it be better to make a bit of cash and keep the Arcam?

 

[steve_1979]

Sonically I cannot tell any difference, apart from the Sony has more grip on the speakers and a fair bit more power.

It seems to me like you may have answered your own question here.

 

[ESLee]

Hmmmmmmm.

Maybe I still find it a little difficult to accept that the Sony is better.

I didnt want to have to sell the A28 because its only around 12 months old. Oh well. I suppose the score on the Sony will balance with the loss on the Arcam.

 

[stevebrock]

Sony ES range were killer amps, still are today as you have found it!

Get rid of the Arcam and keep the Sony thats built like a tank

 

[Hi-FiOutlaw]

Sonically I cannot tell any difference, apart from the Sony has more grip on the speakers and a fair bit more power.

It seems to me like you may have answered your own question here.

+ 1. That Sony Is/Will be a classic!

:cheers:

 

[ESLee]

I think I've developed a penchent for ES gear unintentionally. Not to mention Champagne coloured components!

The amp is a stunner, it's a good 3x the size of the Arcam! The Arcam will be cheaper to post to somebody at least. It's a good amp for sure, better than the Naim and Rega I also demoed but needs must.

 

[hoopsontoast]

I think I've developed a penchent for ES gear unintentionally. Not to mention Champagne coloured components!

The amp is a stunner, it's a good 3x the size of the Arcam! The Arcam will be cheaper to post to somebody at least. It's a good amp for sure, better than the Naim and Rega I also demoed but needs must.

The Sony ES stuff is underrated, and the 777ES is/was on my one day wish list. Having had a 770ES twice, and a 670ES they are silly VFM for the prices they go for. I would not be supprised that the Sony is better than the Arcam.

With regards to servicing, there are plenty of smaller companies that can look at them, and some individuals.

The later 777ES should give you no trouble for many a year, the older 770ES and 670ES had one or two niggles, but they are a bit older and older design internally. Also made to mass market (relatively) where as the 777ES was more of a statement amp.

 

[ESLee]

It's mint inside and out so looking at it I dont appreciate it's age. Obviously it was cherished by its previous owner. I was just unsure of servicing and maintinence as most people nowadays have adopted a throw away attitude to most things and didnt want to be stuck with a beautiful but useless door stop!

For now I'll keep enjoying it worry free!

:cheers:

 

[the record spot]

The Sony by a mile. And then some.