as a big arcam fan, i'd personally look to change your preamp before i replaced the power amp. i have the alpha 9 integrated, which i believe has a substantially identical amp as your alpha 8, and i've gotten much better results using the arcam's inboard power amp than using beefier (and pricier) external parasound or rotel power amps. lots of experimentation (and lots of good advice on these forums) has taught me that it really is the quality, and not the quantity of the power that's determinative, and these arcams have really good power. on the other hand, i'm not as impressed with adcom's preamps, although i still use one in my office system--they're serviceable but not memorable. i'd suggest pairing the arcam amp with either (a) a comparable-series arcam pre; or (b) an inexpensive passive pre such as luminous axiom or channel island. i sincerely believe you'll be happier with that combination than with the other gear you're considering.
Power for Paradigm Studio 40 v4
I am thinking of upgrading my amplification and I need help!
I currently have an adcom 710 pre- and a arcam alpha 8 power amp. I am on a budget, i do not want to spend a fortune.
On complex music, the system feels flat and overwhelmed. On simple music, the system sounds ok, well balanced, neutral.
I am thinking that the arcam is running out of steam. What I would like to improve is not how loud it can play, but rather refinement, warmth, bass dynamics/dynamics overall. In other words more headroom.
So I see two possible paths: either an integrated, or going separates in 2 phases.
So far, my very short list is:
- NAD 326bbe integrated;
- onkyo 9555 integrated;
- UPA-2 emotiva power amp keeping the adcom and eventually get the matching emotiva pre-amp;
Any suggestions? I know some would rather buy better gear used but I don't fell comfortable buying used electronics.
I currently have an adcom 710 pre- and a arcam alpha 8 power amp. I am on a budget, i do not want to spend a fortune.
On complex music, the system feels flat and overwhelmed. On simple music, the system sounds ok, well balanced, neutral.
I am thinking that the arcam is running out of steam. What I would like to improve is not how loud it can play, but rather refinement, warmth, bass dynamics/dynamics overall. In other words more headroom.
So I see two possible paths: either an integrated, or going separates in 2 phases.
So far, my very short list is:
- NAD 326bbe integrated;
- onkyo 9555 integrated;
- UPA-2 emotiva power amp keeping the adcom and eventually get the matching emotiva pre-amp;
Any suggestions? I know some would rather buy better gear used but I don't fell comfortable buying used electronics.