arcam alpha 8 amp sounds lifeless

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racman

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Joined 2006
#1
hi just puchased an arcam alpha 8 amp to replace an old technics
st-k808 se-a808 pre /power
when wired into system god was i bored from the first note!
i have checked and double checked connections and everything is round the right way!
has anybody else found this??
it just seems flat and dull and very light bass ( speakers are in phase) and nothing like the old technics. i expected it to be a bit better than that!

i have an upgraded arcam alpha 5 plus cd player
ruark prelude 2 speakers
nad 4020a tuner
linn cable
any ideas guys because even the wife says it its crap!!
should i sell the arcam on and get somthing else??
 
#2
Well, Arcam are never going to win awards for "forward" presentation, but they are accurate and precise. All I can suggest is that you need to get used to it, it's a much better amp than the Technics that you replaced it with.
 
#4
Realistically, if a guy doesn't like the sound, advising him to
get used to it or opining that it's how it should be is not very
helpful.

Racman, perhaps you should borrow some other examples of
equipment long enough to see if your wife likes them better.

😎
 
#6
I too, know the feeling of boredom when listening to a neutral amp.

I can respect the intentions of the manufacturer, and you may even grow to appreciate some characteristics of this amp in time, but I feel you'd get frustrated trying to force yourself to enjoy something that you didn't like on first impressions.
 
#7
if you are sure that Arcam is fully functional (ie-not broken) ,put Technics back and enjoy;
it's name of the game-enjoying in music,not measuring what's more realistic;
after this xperience-next time when you feel ichy to change something,first made some tests (in your home,if you can,than pay.
 
#8
pinkmouse said:


So, when you build or listen to something new, you instantly pass judgement on it, not giving it time to show what it can do? 😉
Click to expand...


not to feed Papa's ego-but you say that to man with his mileage under the B(elly)....
he probably hear more different amps than I saw transistors in my 20 years of messing with electronics.....:devilr:
just a little exaggerating 😉

besides-Arcam-nice example of perfect sell of finest British audio fog...
 
#10
Zen Mod said:
...he probably hear more different amps than I saw transistors in my 20 years of messing with electronics...
Click to expand...

Oh I agree! 🙂

I also sympathise with the suggestion that if you like something, then keep using it. I'm sitting here listening to the radio on a 30 year old transistor portable radio, nothing like hifi, but very enjoyable. But if we never push our boundaries by listening to better equipment, then we might as well just all buy cheap midi systems and give up on the idea of accurate reproduction.


...even just from look,I'm not sure that this Arcam must be superior to this Technics
Click to expand...

Arcam have never produced a product that looks as good as it sounds. 😉
 
#13
well you have found out, arcam really don't sound very good, they are renowned for being boring.

I wonder how they actually 'tune' it to give it a characterless sound?

its an area that interests me, how to 'set' the sound of an amplifier...any advice welcome...
 
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