Comparison of Arcam A85 & Primare A30.1 ??


I'm looking for an integrated amp for my new Totem Hawks (recommended 60-120W)and would be interested in feedback on the 2 mentioned models. I heard the Hawks thru a Moon I-5 and they sounded alive but bright on the highs.

Thanks !!
jimi_goldenears

Showing 1 response by wijdeveldbb54

I've audited the Primare 30.1, the Arcam A85 and the 47Lab Shigaraki Ingrated Amplifier. While there is no doubt that the 47Lab is the best amplifier here, I found the sound too 'fast' and tiring for long periods on my Von Schweiker VR-1's. The Arcam was a bit too 'bright' for my taste and lacked the control of the Primare. That left the Primare, which is a bit 'over-controlling' with regard to following the music (not nearly as fast as the 47Lab with a piece like the Firebird Suite van Stravinsky) but left me with the feeling that I was listening to a tube amplifier with the bonus of a better overall control of a heavy (dual mono!) transistor amplifier.

So, the Primare is a fine choise, but if you've different speakers try to audit the 47 lab!

P.S. I've used the Meridian 507 as source