Arcam Alpha 9 Amplifiers
Arcam Alpha 9 Amplifiers
USER REVIEWS
[Dec 02, 2020]
gabrielahammond4
Strength:
It is a really good amplifier, it makes the sounds smooth and warm. Exterior Residential Painting Weakness:
No complains at all |
[Dec 01, 2020]
dave colton
Strength:
I had an old Yamaha AX400 for a few years after my Audiolab 8000A died but it was never going to replace it so I was looking to buy a new ARCAM or Audiolab this month. However a chance conversation led me to buy this old Alpha 9. When I put 'After the Flood' by Talk Talk (my reference LP) the hairs on my neck stood up! I've had Tannoy Little Red monitors from my last commercial studio as my home speakers for 25 years but have never found an amp that sounded right but this amp is wonderful. The detail and stereo image is the best I've ever heard on these speakers at low volume but with added musicality and warmth. Everything I throw at it sounds great,Deep House, Jazz, Old 70's rock on CD (Quad 77) or Vinyl (PL12D /OM2 Blue) or Cassette (Nakamitchi 1.5). I won't be looking for a new amp instead I'll spend the cash on some smaller modern floor standers! Not sure how old the amp is? Late 90's? Weakness:
I can see that some would find the sound a bit too warm it may be that my very transparent speakers need that. Price Paid: 100
Purchased: Used
Model Year: 1999
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[Aug 01, 2020]
ricmusicfan
Strength:
It is versatile Weakness:
Input selector fails upon time Purchased: Used
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[Jul 28, 2020]
marcel
Strength:
In 1999 the sound was great and it still is. Using the amp with an Arcam DAC for streaming. Weakness:
As with almost all Arcam Alpha’s 8 and 9 the input selector switch is crappy. No wonder after > 20 years. Can be fixed though. Price Paid: 160
Purchased: Used
Model Year: 1999
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[Jul 26, 2008]
Janinea
Audio Enthusiast
Strength:
very good value
Weakness:
Could have a little more clarity on mine, but there is some corrosion on my selector swith. Basically I think the other reviewers here have it about right. i would just like to mention that the source selecting knob contacts can oxidise and that can limit sound quality - muffle it. This is cheap to fix if you do get one from ebay.
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[May 01, 2008]
wrx74
Audio Enthusiast
Strength:
Music breathes freely and naturally thru this equipment
Weakness:
I wished the exterior would look like the FMJ or Diva series I was a bit doubtful that the Arcam alpha 9 was able to deliver since it doesnt weigh much (about 5 kgs) and rated at 75watts per channel.The last integrated amp i owned prior to the Alpha 9 was the huge PM7200 which lured me into buying due to its size and larger RMS watts per channel.
Similar Products Used: Marantz PM 7200
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[Feb 15, 2008]
Shane Diaz
AudioPhile
Strength:
Very articulate presentation, pair them with matching speakers with a max power rating of at LEAST half of what the amp can drive. Eg. BW 602S3 Max power input 100W @ 8Ohms, Arcam Alpha 9 = 70W@ohms which is a little more than 2/3rds of the speakers handling capability.
Weakness:
....I can't say, A lot of people say this or that, but at the end of the day it really depends on your source, speaker matching and interconnects. Kinda like cooking, Use the ingredients correctly and you'll be surprised what you can come up with. Remember audiophile listening just like tasting is subjective. Equipment Used:
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[Jan 31, 2008]
Anh165
Audio Enthusiast
Strength:
- Balanced, clear and untiring presentation.
Weakness:
- It's not the most solid built amp in the world, but its nice to know that all the money was spent on the parts inside rather than bling.
Similar Products Used: - Arcam Alpha 10 integrated amp
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[Jan 08, 2007]
jwsb
AudioPhile
Strength:
Musical
Weakness:
Plastic facia! Letterings have rubbed off. Plastic knobs! Would look a lot better if the front had more aluminum. A very good product a the price it is being sold for now. Best contender against the newer Rotels and NAD's. Paiored this with an Alpha 8 CDP and Celestion SL 600.
Customer Service OK Similar Products Used: Integrateds:
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[Nov 26, 2006]
jack1111
Audio Enthusiast
Weakness:
cheap looking
I bought the Arcam alpha 9 some time ago to replace my old NAD 317, which I loved, but which had finally failed after many years of faithful service.
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