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Thinking of upgrading at arcam faj a22 for used peach tree audio nova 500

Hi, my current setup is the arcam a22 with clear audio concept and Nola boxers.  I want to upgrade my amp first and eventually my speakers.  I have interest in peach tree nova 500 used.  Would this be a major improvement on my system or should I get something else.  It is important to me to have a dedicated phono and ground on the amp. Thanks as always for whatever advice (opinions), you can give me.  Charles 
charlessinchuk
akg_ca's avatar
akg_ca
2,237 posts
 
Sure the PEACHTREE has a lot more features and a lot more power, but I doubt that the latter is necessary nor will it provide you any meaningful step-up in performance with your NOLA BOXERs,

The NOLAs seem to be very well matched with 100 wpc ARCAM amps.(and based on the review, a host of other British  contenders)

https://positive-feedback.com/Issue49/nola_boxer.htm

“ …To start with, as I always do, I paired the Nolas with my tried and true Arcam A-80 amplifier. Even after all the wonderful gear that has graced my shack, I still enjoy the A-80’s affable and perfectly pleasant presentation. The Boxers took to the British kit like a born punter. The Nolas instantly made a big hit with everyone in the room, and comments such as "the ported bass really makes a difference" and "incredibly rich sounding" were bandied about by all and sundry. In this incarnation,…”
charlessinchuk OP
5 posts
 
Thank you aka ca for your input.  I realize I made a mistake.  My amp is the arcam Fmj a18.  I should not rush to judge the capabilities of the boxers.  But with my setup I know the amp is my weakest link.  I really don’t want to spend more then 2500 used on my next amp.  I am just not thrilled with my sound as of now.  The peach tree was a thought but I really rather have a tube intergrated amp.  Is there any recommendations for something I will know as a major improvement?  Thanks again 
akg_ca's avatar
akg_ca
2,237 posts
 
Your NOLAs are a very efficient rating of 90db. Simply piling on a larger wpc amp is a waste …big time.

It seems that they favour British amps synergy wise. The Brit offerings in your price range are mostly s/s and not tubes. A close s/s proxy to a tube amp in your price range is the SUGDEN A21 Signature that runs in pure Class A that would be a fine contender and no pretender.

https://www.sugdenaudio.com/a21-integrated---line-amplifier

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