Arcam SA30 vs Denon PMA- A110


Hi Audiogon Fam, I currently have the Arcam SA30 and want to upgrade in sound quality. I have really been keeping an eye on the Denon PMA -A110. Ive heard great things about it. I will be using the Arcam ST60 as the source for streaming and Focal Aria 936 K2 Speakers. Any input would really help me. Thanks. 

128x128edwinf

I kinda see this as a lateral move at best ...

I'd poke around on The Music Room ... it has a Hegel H80 in your budget.  TMR has very good reputation ... a considerable leap forward!

 

@blackbag20 I've heard great things about Hegel too.

So are tou saying the Denon PMA-A110 is in the same ball park as the Hegel H80?

 

@edwinf -"So are tou saying the Denon PMA-A110 is in the same ball park as the Hegel H80?"

@blackbag20 -"I’d poke around on The Music Room ... it has a Hegel H80 in your budget."

If soundstage and resolution are at the top of your list, the Hegel will be more resolving in all dimensions than the Denon because it has greater neutrality. I don't think you lose any presence going with the Hegel, when compared with the Denon, because your Focal are forward sounding speakers. The Hegel is also well-engineered and manufactured.

The Denon A110 is not a step down from any Hegel integrated amp. You take the top cover off and the Japanese made true dual mono amp is the clear winner if parts quality and design are important. Hegel sells its products with specs... watts /damping factor not with sound or build quality.  At this price point don't expect a near SOTA amplifier but the Denon exceeds with musical flow and cohesiveness where the Hegel does grunt and vice grip control that can sound detached and mechanical which is better suited for home theater applications.