Comparison of Arcam A85 & Primare A30.1 ??

Thimmy118 -
Thanks for the posting, it is very helpful. I'm hearing good things about the Primare (the closest dealer to Boston is Philadelphia, whew)and I certainly get the feeling that the Primare A30.1 and maybe the Moon I-5 are a good step up from the Arcam A85 and its comtemporaries like the Creek 5350SE. I have auditioned the Moon and if the Primare is in that league and about $400 less, throw in the great looks to keep the wife happy, I'm very impressed.

Hi Jimmi

Please let me know what your final choice is and why. The more I listen to the Primare, the more I think that it is a more refine amplifier than the Arcam. It has finese which IMHO translate to high level of musicality. I've also hear great things about the Moon but have not actually heard it myself. Spoke to the Sim Audio distributor in Australia (I'm from Perth, by the way)and asked his opinion on both the Primare and the Moon I-3 amp and he said that they both sound different. He said that it is a matter of taste and of course your other electronics. Good luck with your search. It is a bit of a headache sometimes but it is all good fun, I'm sure.

Kind regards

Thim

Yes Thim,
It is all good fun, with a bit of work thrown in.
The Moon I-5 sounded so nice that I went with it. I'm very impressed, it has the 1st 5 watts as class A, then the rest is class A/B. The 70w per channel is enough to power the Totems with no problem (sensitivity 86db). I heard a pair of Dynaudio at my dealer, I think the Confidence C2, they were 4-5 feet tall and were very impressive, really extended high-end.
The Moon is built like a tank and very attractive, as is the Primare. The sound is clean, alive and musical. Bass is solid and tight, mids and highs are smooth clear and detailed, with great imaging. A new unit will get you a 10 year warranty. I was able to get a great deal on Audiogon on this 2 year old unit, so no prolonged break-in for me. Sounds like the Primare & Moon share some qualities, such as being vivid & alive. Vocals are hauntingly real. I went from a 10 year old Hafler power amp & preamp straight to this and the difference was startling. The Moon brings out the full potential in my Totem Hawks.

Electronics & cables can show a difference, so the dealer was right about that. I feel a quality amp can show a weak spot in a system, so I got new interconnects and speaker cable (without getting crazy & spending a lot).

As my system moves up in class I see I can't cut corners anywhere. Part of the fun right ?

Thanks,
Carmine

Did you ever listen to the Primare? I've listened to the Sim I-5 many times and feel it's the best integrated under $5000 that I've heard(I've listened to about 15-20). I'm going to hear the Primare at a dealer in New Jersey next week. It has all the functionality that I want but I think priced below the Sim(not sure though). The Ayre was close to the Sim and the dealer carries that also. That will be my comparison.

Bhfv -

I never heard the Primare because I would have to go to Phila from Boston to listen. I bought the Moon i-5 because it was too tempting. I love it, class all the way.

I believe the Primare a30.1 lists for about $2295, where the Moon is now $2600 or so.

I'd be curious for your opinion between the 2 once you hear the Primare.

Thanks !!