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ARCAM
Apr 26, 2020 12:08:26 GMT
Post by Deleted on Apr 26, 2020 12:08:26 GMT
One of my most fav Amps ever was the A&R Cambridge 'A60' It was my first proper amp i bought back in the early 80's. Kept it for donkies years even when i was was swapping & changing. When they finished producing it in came the 'Alpha' but i was not keen on the looks of the Original version, so skipped that one. I did recently pick up a mint condition 'ALPHA, Mk.2' amplifier to see if it gave me that much loved 'A60' sound. Sadly although the Line Level inputs sound fine im not that overwhelmed with the Phonostage! As i like the Plain matt Black look id like to stick with ARCAM of around that era if i can.
Being a fan of Tone controls that ever birk i spoke to disapproves of i think they can be a god send, Arcam tone controls are very subtle IMHO. So the obvious Amp for me to try is the 'DELTA 90.2' in hope of an improved Phono stage. What im trying to avoid is an additional box, Key is simplicity with this system.
The Burning Question is was the 'DELTA 90' an improvement over the old 'ALPHA' ? I remember buying a later 'A75'/'P75' with 'CD72' upgraded to 'CD92' but was not using records at that time so have no idea about the SQ of later ARCAM Phono stages.
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ARCAM
Apr 26, 2020 14:28:18 GMT
Post by Westie on Apr 26, 2020 14:28:18 GMT
I’ve never heard a delta 90. Looks well built internally, but I’d still bet on an A60 being a much more enjoyable amp. Some things are just “right”. I could live happily with an A60 forever.
I could be completely wrong, but I don’t really believe that designers can reliably and predictably make great amps. I think that rarely they get lucky and end up with a special amp. Any straying from the original recipe, especially when they seek to “upgrade” it or produce a more upmarket model ends in a worse product. It usually costs more too.
It’s a bit like messing with the flavour of classic food products. It’s no longer the thing that got people into it in the first place. Right now I can think of the A60 and the way it makes me feel. That impression will never leave me.
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ARCAM
Apr 26, 2020 14:36:46 GMT
Post by Deleted on Apr 26, 2020 14:36:46 GMT
Yeh that is the thing i do not want to stray too far away from ARCAM's early design sound. They did what i do not approve with Regarding Amplifier models & that is is making Mk.1.2.3 etc.. ffks don't make different revisions of the same, just build a who new model, if they were happy with the initial design leave it at that & move onto something new. Still i don't wanna spend what is it £300 for a used 'DELTA 90' to find no difference in sound to the 'ALPHA 2'. Im not after a bigger power output as i never have music on loud nor use inefficient speakers.
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ARCAM
Apr 26, 2020 14:42:39 GMT
Post by Westie on Apr 26, 2020 14:42:39 GMT
Would a black ash A60 not fit the bill? Even a teak one is easily re-veneered in ash and sprayed. I like the wood finishes but I understand if you want to keep a certain look. I have had a few of the Alpha amps and I don’t think they came close to the A60. They just didn’t have any magic for me. One Matt black amp I think you would like is the MVL A2+. They hardly come up for sale but I’ve had them for as little as £150. One joker is wanting top dollar for one right now but he won’t get it. Nobody remembers them but I thought them to be a bit special. This was one of mine
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ARCAM
Apr 26, 2020 15:00:11 GMT
Post by Deleted on Apr 26, 2020 15:00:11 GMT
Yeh remember the MVL they got great review.. 'A60' were not available in Black Ash, they were just Black sprayed plain veneer cabinets, Walnut, Teak & Rosewood.. But like you say you can easily Veneer one in Ash..
You are right about the 'ALPHA' The phono stage is deffo not as good as the 'A60' to my ears. Ill have a think about it.. I just need to get this Turntable sorted, its the most expensive & time consuming part for me.
As ive narrowed my music listening vastly i will most probably use Vinyl Exclusively before long as i do not intend using a CD player again. Ideally i would like a separate Phono stage, Passive pre Amp & Power Amp, but i don't want separate boxes all over
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ARCAM
Apr 27, 2020 16:32:50 GMT
Post by Westie on Apr 27, 2020 16:32:50 GMT
I’d forgotten about the sprayed cases. I did one myself in black ash and it looked lovely.
I kinda found the alphas to sound like they had a “pillow-like” quality, compared to the A60. Everything just seemed too softened And a bit muffled.
When I first worked in a hifi shop, I completely missed the A60 because of its looks. Anything with a wood sleeve was automatically shite and belonged with the pipe and slippers brigade. I had the same thoughts about the Creeks, which is laughable given their sound. I guess we all live and learn but it’s frustrating to think that most people visiting a shop today will be buying hifi from the 2020 version of the young me.
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ARCAM
Apr 27, 2020 16:47:17 GMT
Post by Deleted on Apr 27, 2020 16:47:17 GMT
First is best in the case of A&R cos what i did buy a while back was A&R 'C200'/'SA200' Pre/Power, I could never afford one back in the day but had chance of this set for £300, Id used my 'A60AP'/'SA60X'as an Active Pre/Power with ARC '101' before which was a killar system. i was expecting that kind of sound but nay, still pre fured the standard 'A60' to the '200'/'200'..
What im noticing with this 'ALPHA' is a softness which i think only bright speakers could suite. I can get my hands on a cheap pair of JPW 'Sonata' speakers that can be a bit toppy i could try but im not allowed out & they are a good 6 miles away.
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ARCAM
Apr 27, 2020 16:53:42 GMT
Post by Deleted on Apr 27, 2020 16:53:42 GMT
Andre, So it's called the Arcam Alpha MK2, the one you find a bit soft sounding? Might try one someday.
S.
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ARCAM
Apr 27, 2020 16:59:30 GMT
Post by Deleted on Apr 27, 2020 16:59:30 GMT
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ARCAM
Apr 27, 2020 17:00:33 GMT
Post by Deleted on Apr 27, 2020 17:00:33 GMT
Thanks chubby.
S.
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ARCAM
Apr 27, 2020 17:07:46 GMT
Post by Deleted on Apr 27, 2020 17:07:46 GMT
Anyone remember the Sansui 'AU-217' that came out in the late 70's that was a very good amp. They made a Mk.II which was an higher power version..
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ARCAM
Apr 27, 2020 17:22:02 GMT
Post by Deleted on Apr 27, 2020 17:22:02 GMT
Saw some internal shots of the Arcam Alpha 2. What a lovely simple tidy layout. I like that!
Is that silver strip the heatsink?
S.
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ARCAM
Apr 27, 2020 17:30:12 GMT
Post by Deleted on Apr 27, 2020 17:30:12 GMT
No Tarzan its a Brace. They didnt have that on the 'ALPHA 1'
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ARCAM
Apr 27, 2020 17:33:07 GMT
Post by Deleted on Apr 27, 2020 17:33:07 GMT
When i get a bit of time im gonna get Schematics out for the 'A60' & the 'ALPHA 2' compare them. Cos when i bought it i was hoping they just put the old 'A60' Phono stage in there.
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ARCAM
Apr 27, 2020 19:29:31 GMT
Post by Westie on Apr 27, 2020 19:29:31 GMT
Andre, So it's called the Arcam Alpha MK2, the one you find a bit soft sounding? Might try one someday. S. You ever tried an A60, Shane?
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