Current slide {CURRENT_SLIDE} of {TOTAL_SLIDES}- Best-selling in Amplifiers & Pre-Amps
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My previous amp was the lovely Marantz PM6005, itself a What Hi-Fi award winner, a great fun, toe tapping rhythmic amp. However, my ambition had been to swap it out for the Arcam FMJ A19, a highly regarded midrange amplifier. Instead, I opted for its bigger brother, the A29, which pushes out 40 watts per channel more ( into 8 ohm speakers, double for 4 ohm ) at 80 watts, than the A19. Initial observation was the weight of this amp for its relatively slim proportions, it is a hefty slab of metal, justifying its name. Upon initial listening, I found myself missing the ability to change the tonal settings of the amp, there was no doubting the quality of the machine but I just felt it was going to take me some getting used to after the Marantz. I also missed the Marantzs’ modern flexibility digitally, with its coaxial and optical input options. This is old fashioned Hi-Fi analogue due to its lack of an onboard DAC. And, actually, that is no bad thing. Give this amp (and your ears!) some quality time to run it in, and you will be rewarded with a rich and very muscular sound that is capable of relaying a very wide soundstage across all types of music. This is a thrilling amp to listen to, timing is great, it reveals layers of my music collection previously hidden to me and does not have to be cranked up to neighbour bothering levels to be enjoyed. However, it does have the ability go exceedingly loud with no noticeable signs of distortion, perhaps best tried when the neighbours are out! For all it’s ability to go low, it is still adept at playing the quieter passages very well, separation is wonderful and it also has great agility. I will also mention the inbuilt headphone amp, which is quality and obviously great for late evening listening. I would recommend this amplifier to someone who is looking for an audiophile product. Sure, it won’t suit everyone, it does take some getting used to, I read a review which said that the A29’s abilities were not immediately obvious, and this has been true for me. Ultimately I am so glad I bought this amp, it is a bargain at its current price. I would only recommend not to pair with bright sounding speakers, I have read some of the FMJs are fussy with their speaker pairing. I cannot, though, fault this amplifier.Read full review
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: Refurbished
I purchased this recently, the, A29, and what hifi says it needed more muscle! I have had the rega brio r, naim nait 5i2 which forced the sound on me, then the highly detailed Creek evolution 50A but the bass lacked authority. So never owning Arcam I decided to get one after reading several forums of very contented buyers. Guess what? They are right! It ticks every box in power, depth, scale, soundstage and a deep yet firm musical bass. This amp reveals layers of instruments that the even the naim amp could not emulate. So I decided to connect my clearaudio turntable, yes the phono stage is so clear and very natural. This amp just gets better, and I don't impress easy, but this is the finest amp I have had ever. The hybrid class G power supply gives you the liquid and fluid sound of valve at low volume. When turned up it throbs with a sound that makes you never want to turn off!! It has the ability to uncomplicate really complex music and it's a joy to listen to.. Well done Arcam!! Funny, someone came round the other day and said 'oh you have the arcam, bit laid back aren't they?' I played him some marillion and he could not believe the power the music had and openness,, Highly recommended!!Read full review
Verified purchase: No