malcolmduffin
Established Member
Hi folks,
I have a 15ft x 10ft work studio at home where I have my 2nd system. Currently a Tidal via Bluesound Node 2i into Marantz PM6006 UK Edition Amp and Acoustic Energy AE300 Standmount Speakers. Quite happy with it but always felt that, while good, I could probably improve on the amp. Audio Affair has a very good deal on Arcam SA10s at the moment at just £439 as oppose to rrp of £699 so thought worth the punt. Had high hopes but, while finding the sound warmer, objectively I couldn't hear any massive improvement. Is it my ears? Am I just not appreciating it? The Marantz is livelier and brighter to me but not in a fatiguing way. The Arcam more relaxed, warmer and grown-up but perhaps a bit too relaxed?
Anyone got any views on this? It's such a good deal that I'd hate to return if I've not set up properly or something. Was I naively expecting too much of an improvement?
Tried RCA out through Bluesound and also via the amps Toslink but to me that sounded much poorer than analogue input as think Bluesound DAC is superior.
To be clear - the sound to my ear isn't bad. Just bit of a sideways move. Wondered what others think of the Arcam who might have had it for a bit / compared with the Marantz?
If I do return - is there anything out there below the £700 mark (before any deal) that is a markedly better amp? I'm happy to save up the pennies for a few months for that.
I have a 15ft x 10ft work studio at home where I have my 2nd system. Currently a Tidal via Bluesound Node 2i into Marantz PM6006 UK Edition Amp and Acoustic Energy AE300 Standmount Speakers. Quite happy with it but always felt that, while good, I could probably improve on the amp. Audio Affair has a very good deal on Arcam SA10s at the moment at just £439 as oppose to rrp of £699 so thought worth the punt. Had high hopes but, while finding the sound warmer, objectively I couldn't hear any massive improvement. Is it my ears? Am I just not appreciating it? The Marantz is livelier and brighter to me but not in a fatiguing way. The Arcam more relaxed, warmer and grown-up but perhaps a bit too relaxed?
Anyone got any views on this? It's such a good deal that I'd hate to return if I've not set up properly or something. Was I naively expecting too much of an improvement?
Tried RCA out through Bluesound and also via the amps Toslink but to me that sounded much poorer than analogue input as think Bluesound DAC is superior.
To be clear - the sound to my ear isn't bad. Just bit of a sideways move. Wondered what others think of the Arcam who might have had it for a bit / compared with the Marantz?
If I do return - is there anything out there below the £700 mark (before any deal) that is a markedly better amp? I'm happy to save up the pennies for a few months for that.
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