PDA

View Full Version : Amplifier help please


Rockerman
30-04-2023, 10:38
Hi all I have been offered a choice of 2 amplifiers arotel ra 01 amplifier or a arcam a90 amplifier both in very good condition. Could anyone give there opinions on what's the better amplifier. Thank you
Macca
30-04-2023, 11:09
The Arcam has twice the power of the Rotel. 95 watts compared to 40 (into 8 ohm).
Pigmy Pony
30-04-2023, 11:30
Depends on the prices asked. The Arcam has more value than the Rotel. But then it appears the Rotel has a MM phono input while it's an option on the Arcam, so may or may not be on yours.
Lawrence001
30-04-2023, 16:43
Also to consider, I actually prefer the sound of Rotel amps, so unless they were powering insensitive speakers, or go to loud volumes or in a large room, I'd probably prefer that on a SQ basis.

I find Arcam a bit grainy and closed in/rolled off near the top. Rotel always sounds more open and airy to me. YMMV.
Macca
30-04-2023, 19:50
Also to consider, I actually prefer the sound of Rotel amps, so unless they were powering insensitive speakers, or go to loud volumes or in a large room, I'd probably prefer that on a SQ basis.

I find Arcam a bit grainy and closed in/rolled off near the top. Rotel always sounds more open and airy to me. YMMV.

pretty much the impression I've had over the years.

Depends on the speakers too. Went to a demo once, 7.2 set up with Monitor Audio and Harmon Kardon Citation amps. Hard, and bright as hell. We told the dealer and he swapped to a rack of Arcam amps. Sound was then perfect.

No idea what was happening there, but it happened.
hifi_dave
30-04-2023, 22:41
There are far better amps to be had than either but it depends on budget.
Lawrence001
30-04-2023, 23:34
True Dan D'Agostino are good.
Pigmy Pony
01-05-2023, 06:45
True Dan D'Agostino are good.

https://www.kjwestone.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/momentum_integrated-sq-new.jpg
Bargain! Should give the Rotel a run for its money :)
walpurgis
01-05-2023, 07:41
Bargain! Should give the Rotel a run for its money :)

Not sure I'd be happy with the way the house lights dim when it's turned on.
Macca
01-05-2023, 07:42
Captain Nemo called.. etc
Pigmy Pony
01-05-2023, 08:01
Not sure I'd be happy with the way the house lights dim when it's turned on.

That would be the 'energy saving' mode. Pay for itself in no time :)
Pigmy Pony
01-05-2023, 08:07
Captain Nemo called.. etc

No expense spared internally.

https://i.pinimg.com/736x/77/97/09/7797098ca6d1e8173f8b8e2863aa9f87--nautilus-submarine-jules-verne.jpg
Macca
01-05-2023, 08:16
That rug really ties the submarine together.
struth
01-05-2023, 08:21
That rug really ties the submarine together.

just what modern subs need... a decent quality rug..
Pigmy Pony
01-05-2023, 09:03
That rug really ties the submarine together.

https://s3.crackedcdn.com/phpimages/article/7/3/7/890737.jpg

Fuckin' A!
hifi_dave
01-05-2023, 09:26
No expense spared internally.

https://i.pinimg.com/736x/77/97/09/7797098ca6d1e8173f8b8e2863aa9f87--nautilus-submarine-jules-verne.jpg

Got a lot more inside than most megabuck amps, it's waterproof and goes deep. Costs a few squid though.