Speaker pairing with Arcam
andrew h -- Tue, 03/30/2010 - 15:40
Hello all,
I recently had the opportunity to audition a couple of systems (Arcam and NAD) for purchase; I think I'm going to go for the Arcam -- integrated amp and CD player. Just something about the sound I liked better than NAD. There's a big price difference between the CD17 and CD38 (albeit the latter having SACD playback capabilities), so I haven't committed to one over the other, yet. Eventually, down the road, I'll be adding a turntable.
Both NAD and Arcam's were listened to through Epos and Quad speakers. Although both sounded great, I was wondering if there are other brands I should be listening to (auditioning), prior to buying, as well. Are there any brands that would be matched to specifically to Arcam better than others (knowing quite well that this is subjective to each individual's ears)? What should I be looking at (and listening for)?
Due to space limitations, we're looking at bookshelf speakers that would get placed on a cabinet, about 5 feet apart. Music most often listened to: jazz, classical music (orchestration and chamber), progressive rock (instrumental and vocal). Listening levels are moderate.
Thanks in advance.
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What is your budget for speakers? I'm guessing from your post that it's in the $600-$800 range. If so, check out the B&W 685, a fabulous small speaker.
Hello, Robert,
Thanks for your suggestion. There are a few dealers, nearby, that carry the B&W line; I''ll make sure to visit one of them. I can spend up to $1,500 for speakers (not counting cables).
Regarding the Amp/CD, I'll be going for the Arcam FMJ A28 integrated amp, and CD37.
For under $1000 you should hear the Dynaudio Focus 110, sounds great with Arcam FMJ
Hi Andrew,
Sorry, I just noticed your cabinet requirement. Typically front-ported speakers are the way to go in this situation, but not necessarily. The Focus 110's are rear ported, but you could add the supplied port foam plugs, which will work fine albeit with a little less bass extension. Or look at the Focal Chorus bookshelves (all front-ported) and fabulous matches for Arcam. You have a very nice amp so don't be afraid of trying out some equally-capable speakers. Have fun auditioning!
PS - I'm not a dealer for any of the above
Front ported would be the go. B&W would be a good option I think. I would get Arcam over NAD any day.
There's a dealer, nearby, that carries B&W loudspeakers. I took a look on the B&W website to learn a little more about them. Besides the 600 series, they also carry a CM line. Do any of you know anything about these (CM 1 and CM5)?
I also found a couple of dealers in New York who carry the Dynaudio and Focal lines; I'll make my way to them for a listen.
Only one of the above carry Arcam products. I mention this, as I would hope to hear the various suggested speaker brands through the chosen amp and CD player.
P.S. As a coincidental nod to your "Lark's Tongues..." icon, rossop, the later "THRAK" was one of the CDs I brought with me, when first auditioning the Arcam components.
I had the 805s which are B&W top line and may be too expensive for you. However all B&Ws are good. (The 705s are supposed to be good). The more you pay the better they get. They are not the biggest exporter of speakers in Briton for no reason. You may not like their 'house sound' I don't know. The reason I suggested them is because they all have front loaded ports. If you get speakers with rear ports they almost always require at least 1-2 feet of open space behind them in order to sound their best.
My first stand mounted or bookshelf speaker was the Dynaudio Contour 1.3. They were rear ported as I think all Dynaudios are and needed this space to sound their best. As well Dynaudios like power. The more power the better with them. I have not heard the Focals but you might like them better. I would recommend front ports if you plan to place them in a bookshelf for sure.Let your ears be the judge but remember your placement 'problem'.
P.S My favorite King Crimson LPs are Larks Tongues in Aspic, Starless and Bible Black and Red. Bill Bruford and John Wetton make a great rhythm section!
Fair enough, rossop. Funny... when I initially asked the salesperson about placing a pair of speakers on the cabinet (closer than a foot from the wall), he didn't seem to think any speaker would be a problem (sonically). I am. however, going to visit the shops carrying B&W and Focal, and have a good listen, myself.
Thanks.
You will do what you have to do in terms of placement but i found that these mini monitor type speakers sound their best on a good quality dedicated stand rather than in a bookshelf. Also, you may find this salesperson is only interested in making a buck. If this is the case I would be taking my hard earned some place else!
I agree, completely, about mounting monitors on good, quality stands. At the moment, due to severe spacing constrictions (room layout), we'll need to place the speakers on a cabinet -- for the time being.
And, as for the salesperson in the store/showroom, I got the impression he was trying a hard sell, through and through. There are other highly-reputable hi-fi stores in the area, so I'm not worried about needing to patronize the first one.
Thanks, again.
I totally forgot to tell you that in my bedroom I have an Arcam Solo Mini hooked up to Focal Jm Labs 705V and an eight inch Velodyne sub. I use this system mainly to watch TV but cds sound good too. The Focals are in the wardrobe. They have front facing ports and are not expensive. Like B&W they make a range of good quality speakers ranging form not too dear to rather dear. As the Focals are about six feet off the ground the sub is a good idea as, at that height, you loose what little bass the satellites have. All up the speakers cost about $AUS1,700.( I live down under)
Sorry it slipped my mind.
I am running an AVR 350. I started with Totem mites which I highly recomend. You may want to consider as a step up in the future to Dynaudio.
Thanks, everyone, for your gracious suggestions; it's much appreciated. My desire was to find out others' experiences with Arcam components. A dealer near me carries Arcam, B&W, and Dynaudio products. I'll go for a listen through their Arcam amp/CD set-ups. As well, a dealer in NYC carries Arcam and Focal. I'll be sure to listen to the various offerings prior to purchase. Eventually, I'll add appropriate stands.
Thanks, again,
Best,
Andrew