Worth adding a power amp stage to this system?
Discussion
Hi All
I have a very basic stereo system consisting of:
- Arcam Alpha 5+ integrated amplifier
- Arcam Alpha 7 CD player
- Pioneer floorstanders of unknown model
Having not listed to this for a while, I stuck a CD on the other day and was blown away by the difference between this and the compressed garbage going through my other "lifestyle" stuff.
So, I'm considering upgrading this to something even better, but without spending the earth. However I am not expert at all in this field!
Firstly, Arcam Alpha series power amps are available off ebay for little money. I think I have reasonable ears, would I hear the difference if I added a power amp to this system? If I got a (say) Alpha 9P power amp, would the 5+ integrated system still be a decent enough "head" or would I need to pair it with something more up-range?
Secondly: bi-wiring and bi-amping. Worthwhile?
Cheers
I have a very basic stereo system consisting of:
- Arcam Alpha 5+ integrated amplifier
- Arcam Alpha 7 CD player
- Pioneer floorstanders of unknown model
Having not listed to this for a while, I stuck a CD on the other day and was blown away by the difference between this and the compressed garbage going through my other "lifestyle" stuff.
So, I'm considering upgrading this to something even better, but without spending the earth. However I am not expert at all in this field!
Firstly, Arcam Alpha series power amps are available off ebay for little money. I think I have reasonable ears, would I hear the difference if I added a power amp to this system? If I got a (say) Alpha 9P power amp, would the 5+ integrated system still be a decent enough "head" or would I need to pair it with something more up-range?
Secondly: bi-wiring and bi-amping. Worthwhile?
Cheers
PhilboSE said:
Hi All
I have a very basic stereo system consisting of:
- Arcam Alpha 5+ integrated amplifier
- Arcam Alpha 7 CD player
- Pioneer floorstanders of unknown model
Having not listed to this for a while, I stuck a CD on the other day and was blown away by the difference between this and the compressed garbage going through my other "lifestyle" stuff.
So, I'm considering upgrading this to something even better, but without spending the earth. However I am not expert at all in this field!
Firstly, Arcam Alpha series power amps are available off ebay for little money. I think I have reasonable ears, would I hear the difference if I added a power amp to this system? If I got a (say) Alpha 9P power amp, would the 5+ integrated system still be a decent enough "head" or would I need to pair it with something more up-range?
Secondly: bi-wiring and bi-amping. Worthwhile?
Cheers
If you're going the second-hand route I'd suggest going for something like Alpha10/10P - I used this combo for years and it was superb. Would have cost you thick end of £1500 new - can be had for a lot less now!I have a very basic stereo system consisting of:
- Arcam Alpha 5+ integrated amplifier
- Arcam Alpha 7 CD player
- Pioneer floorstanders of unknown model
Having not listed to this for a while, I stuck a CD on the other day and was blown away by the difference between this and the compressed garbage going through my other "lifestyle" stuff.
So, I'm considering upgrading this to something even better, but without spending the earth. However I am not expert at all in this field!
Firstly, Arcam Alpha series power amps are available off ebay for little money. I think I have reasonable ears, would I hear the difference if I added a power amp to this system? If I got a (say) Alpha 9P power amp, would the 5+ integrated system still be a decent enough "head" or would I need to pair it with something more up-range?
Secondly: bi-wiring and bi-amping. Worthwhile?
Cheers
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Arcam-Alpha-10-Integrate...
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Arcam-Alpha-10-Power-Amp...
StuH said:
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Arcam-Alpha-10-Integrate...
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Arcam-Alpha-10-Power-Amp...
Those are the exact items which prompted the question!http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Arcam-Alpha-10-Power-Amp...
PhilboSE said:
StuH said:
Those are the exact items which prompted the question!
Oh, and bi-amping - most definitely - originally used my Alpha10/10P3 in a home cinema system with the DAVE module, but ended up running them to bi-amp a pair of Talisman 2's - top notch kit!
Edited by StuH on Wednesday 14th November 16:05
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