Group Test - Amplifiers
One of the latest DiVA series components to break cover,
the Arcam A75 is a much simpler design than the sophisticated high tech A85 that has been
making waves in the last few months. Sonically it is clear that they are quite closely
related, closer certainly than to the familiar Alpha range.
The A75 is a neat and original looking amplifier, a little
more techie and button-bound than some recent Arcam products, and with the bright matt
controls contrasting with the black fascia. The six-input A75 is remote controllable, and
is equipped with an AV processor switch, a direct input bypass for the tone controls and
balance control (it must be said that if they didn’t fit them, they wouldn’t
need to bypass them), and two sets of speaker sockets, one hard wired and the other
switchable from the front panel, which makes it easy to control the speakers when
headphones are in use. The AV processor switch fixes the gain of the amplifier which makes
it easy to integrate into a home cinema systems when fed by an outboard processor.
With a strictly average power output by this group’s
standards, the Arcam is nevertheless consistent in sound within its volume ceiling, with
little change in character with changing musical dynamics or tonality as far as could be
heard, though there is some evidence to the contrary from the amplifier’s measured
performance. Either way, the A75 follows in the footsteps of the A85 with its
characteristic light, bright and sure-footed quality. This is an amplifier that slightly
downplays the darker tonal colours in favour of air and detail, and which emphasises
lateral positioning, sometimes at the expense of depth imagery.
What counts more here, however, is that the A75 is a finely
disciplined amplifier, which sounds precise and articulate, and which generally manages to
emphasise those qualities that underline the strengths of the music. In short this is an
amplifier that underlined the quality of the selected Liszt and the Bach recordings (and
indeed others) as musical performances, and which maintained the complexity of good
recordings without sounding muddled or opaque. By any standards these things are hallmarks
of quality amplification.
From the Conclusion:
Working towards the best amplifiers in the widest range of
systems the Roksan Kandy KA-1 is the obvious choice where power and authority are
required, but sound quality is a little crude. The Audio Analogue Puccini also has a
very particular house style, in this case with less power on tap, and will appeal
especially to those who like the warmth and euphony of valves [tubes], though this is not
a valve-powered amplifier. The Marantz PM6010 OSE KI Signature has a great deal
going for it on paper, but ends up never quite convincing.
Which leaves three models open to contention. The TAG
McLaren Audio F3 Series 60i is a beautifully presented amplifier and a much stronger
contender than before, thanks to some subtle improvements and a much reduced price.
The Rotel RA-972 almost has it all: bags of power, good sound and an almost giveaway
price. But the new Arcam A75 is clearly the most balanced package. It's
realistically priced, sounds great with enough power for almost any system.