I had the C31 for a year or so. Generally speaking Arcam is nice gear, but this preamp (Driving a P35 at the time) had an average phono section. I had to turn the volume way up even when using a 6mv high output moving magnet.
The phono sound while clear did not float images and did not give me the decay on plucked strings.
I went on to a McIntosh C2200. Much, much better. And now have the C2300 with a moving coil cartridge. WOW.
Also, the Arcam C31 headphone amp would not drive AKG701 phones to loud volumes and lacked powerful bass the AKG's are capable of.
The phono sound while clear did not float images and did not give me the decay on plucked strings.
I went on to a McIntosh C2200. Much, much better. And now have the C2300 with a moving coil cartridge. WOW.
Also, the Arcam C31 headphone amp would not drive AKG701 phones to loud volumes and lacked powerful bass the AKG's are capable of.