Need an Arcam amplifier

[James Bardwell]

Hi Everyone,

I have just registered on the AV Forum and this is my first post. I have very much enjoyed reading various posts and have found a number of things very useful and informative.

I purchased a CD73 about a year or so ago to use as part of a small recording studio setup, however, it has had very little use in that environment so I have decided to put it in our lounge as part of a separates hi fi system ... problem is, I don't have any other components!!

I'd like to stick with Arcam since I have started down that road (and the CD73 is great!), however, the budget is limited. If buying new I could only look at an A65+, however, if I look at used then I could look at an A75+, or maybe more, although used A85s still seem expensive. I also like the idea of bi-amping and wondered if it would be worth picking up a used Arcam power amp as well.

What do you experienced folk think? Would something like an A75+ be better than a current A65+ or is it not worth it and still better to buy a new entry level model? Also, other than eBay what is my best bet for finding second hand models - is anyone here looking to upgrade such kit in the near future?!!

At this stage I'm not too worried about speakers, I thought I would take this one stage at a time!

Sorry for the length of post, but thanks so much for any input you can give.

James

[GW43]

Hi James - welcome!

It really depends on quite a few factors - mainly how large is your room, and how loud do you like to listen?

If the answer is "big and loud", then an A85 would be able to go louder before it distorts than say an A65. However, if it's a relatively small room then the A65 will be fine.

I had a 40wpc Alpha 5+ and that was fine except when I got an A85 I noticed that it was able to go much louder and stay "clean". However, this is too loud to listen to for long periods - even in a detached house!

You could always get an A65 first, then later get a P75/85/90 for bi-amping, using the A65 to drive the treble, and the power amp on the bass units, if you found the A65 on it's own a little lacking.

You might still be able to get an A65 in the sales for quite a bit less than £400 - they are regularly on E-Bay for less than £300, as are A85s for around £400-£450.

However, a dealer would be a safer bet for an ex-demo or second hand - warranty, try it before you buy, etc.

[James Bardwell]

Thanks so much for the response, GW43. From what you've said an A65+ will probably be fine as the room isn't that big and we don't listen that loud ... or not often anyway!!

I'll go and demo one I think!!

Thanks again!