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Integrated amp with phono section for Totem Arro

Hello, gang,

I've been doing research on the following topic already, and I beg your indulgence if this topic has been beaten to death! :-)

In about a week, I should be the proud owner of a brand-new pair of Totem Arro speakers! :-)

Most of the rest of my system comes from the mid-1980s. This includes my amplifier, a PS Audio Elite Plus integrated amp, solid-state, of course, with 70 W per channel. I have assurances from PS Audio that this amplifier should, in theory, have no trouble driving the Arro, which presents a load of 4 ohms. What I'm wondering, however, it is since the Arro is, from everything I've heard, a VERY revealing little speaker, I'm concerned in advance what I ought to do for amplification if the Elite Plus turns out to sound harsh when paired with the Arro.

What I need, then, would be a much more modern, integrated amplifier, including a phono stage, because my main analog source is a SOTA Sapphire turntable.

I'd be looking at something that I could pick up for, say, $700 or less. Something used would be okay.

All suggestions welcome! :-)
rebbi

Showing 2 responses by hieule5

hieule5
115 posts
 
I have auditioned a pair of Arro driven by a Cambridge Audio A640. Good bass, transparent midrange, and good image for a pair of tiny 4.5" driver.

Totem mentioned Rega to me probably because Rega was their distributor in Europe. I was thinking about getting a pair of Arro too but that was I brought home two pairs of Dynaudio monitors. From now, I will bet my money on Dynaudio.

I personally own a NAD C372 and a NAD C270 and use them to drive my Dynaudio monitors also 4 ohm impedance speakers. Both are neutral with the NAD C270 a tad warmer which is better for my taste of bass pitch and definition. Since the NAD C372 can drive the Model 1 well it means the C372 can drive the Arro with much ease.

Cambridge Audio is a very good choice (great for the money) Rega Mira or Creek 5350 are good too just more expensive. Roksan Kandy, the latest version, is also a good candidate. On the tube side, Cayin sounds really warm and is a capable amp for your Arro.

Just don't get that Creek Evo, underpower but very expensive for what it could do.
hieule5
115 posts
 
The Arro is a great speaker choice for under $1K.

Listen to your Arro first and be patient. It will take a while to break them in (common issue with Totem and Dynaudio speakers) before they could sound their best. See if you are content with the sound that your current amp, CDP, and the Arro produce. If you are, do not waste your money to upgrade your electronics until the PS integrated breaks down which I don't think that will not happen any time soon.

Totem has recommended Rega integrated and Rega Apollo with the Arro, a very popular combo in Europe. But of course, Naim 5I and Naim CDP will be significantly better than the Rega combo.

You would have to spend 2 or 3 times more if you want a better CDP than your current Music Hall. The local Totem and Dynaudio dealers in my area have recommended the Music Hall if your budget for a CDP is around $600.

Better interconnect say Monster or AudioQuest helps but do not spend more than $70 per pair. That was my Totem dealer's recommendation.

On the other hand, the speaker cable upgrade is worth the $$ but do not go over the $1K mark. Unless, you can print money faster than you can spend.

Enjoy.
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