Arcam SA10 - Bass Improvement with Rega RP1

[CS Garth]

A question: I have the above set up but the SA10 has really poor bass when I play records via the analogue input (no pre amp), speakers currently QA 3020s but soon to get some Dali Oberon 5s.

Would a pre amp (into a normal input rather than phono to bypass the inbuilt pre amp) rectify the situation? I was also looking at a Schiit Loki but would this work between the deck and amp (ie is the signal from the deck sufficient or would it need a pre amp?).

If I can’t find a way of improving the bass the amp will have to go and I’d rather do this as a last rather than first resort

Thanks all

[Monty Python]

Seems you're not alone:

https://www.whathifi.com/arcam/sa10/review

First, the Loki isn't a pre-amp, so it won't work. Instead, try the Edwards Audio Apprentice MM or the Rega Fono Mini A2D - both under £100 so will allow you to see if the problem is solved without breaking the bank.

Edited by Monty Python on Wednesday 5th August 20:54

[911newbie]

I go via a Rega Fono Mini A2D pre amp into my SA20.
I've no complaints re bass from vinyl. Quality is absolutely excellent.

The other bonus is that it has a USB out. I use this into a laptop running audacity to digitise my vinyl to FLAC.
Quality via this route is as good as CD as far as my ageing ears can tell.
It has a level knob for this purpose.

[CS Garth]

Thanks both much appreciated

[CS Garth]

Update: I’ve gone for a Graham Slee Pre Amp 2 alongside the Oberon 5s. Let’s see if this cracks it.

[CS Garth]

And it has. The Dali Oberon 5s make all the difference, the phono amp in the SA10 is actually pretty good but the external pre amp is unsurprisingly better.

Thanks both