Buying A New Amplifier Arcam?

2002-08-31 10:48:09

I informed myself a little and plan to buy an Arcam A85.
Is this a good buy or will I regret it?
Thanks.

Buying A New Amplifier Arcam?

Reply #1 – 2002-08-31 12:07:04

Good buy !

All electronic buttons including the volume and speaker selection, nearly all command available on the remote control (exept the source selection for record), the volume control is very accurate (0.5 db steps) even at very low volumes.
It is both audiophile and powerful (80W-8 Ohm, 120W-4 Ohm).

I can't comment on the stereo imaging, as it's not my cut of tea, but the sound itself is sharp, and it has a good sound at both low and high volume.

Beware that it took me 6 monthes to get the optional phono input on special order !

In the same shop, I compared it to a NAD, that costed 75% of its price. The Nad sound seemed at bit blurry, less sharp. A Marantz that costed 130 % its price had a neutral sound, but I didn't see the need for the extra price.

I think it's characteristing is the sharpness, the detail. Maybe it will be it's drawback for other listeners (I mean, maybe it's a bit artificial).

Edit : I listened to it with my own speakers, that I brought in the shop : a pair of Dynaudio Gemini.
It costed me about 1250 € without the phono input.

Buying A New Amplifier Arcam?

Reply #2 – 2002-08-31 18:23:29

I never have heard an arcam product but their quality rep is very good. Seems they are not really well known in Canada. We have Bryston here for cheap, and they live around the same price points.

But I have also heard both the NAD 350 and 370. There were no clarity issues that I could detect. Very good amps IMHO. Smooth and powerful. Not edgy in the high mids and highs like a lot of inexpensive amps. The 370 had outlandish power for the money asked.

I may buy one

Buying A New Amplifier Arcam?

Reply #3 – 2002-08-31 18:45:50

mmmh Bryston.. I was considering to get a 4BST when i got my current set of speakers, but availability in Germany was lacking, to say the least..