Integrated Amps: Arcam & Audio Refinement

Like S7horton I also owned the Audio Refinement more than once. Would not hesitate to purchase another if circumstances required. The amp has an exquisite feel (for the price) and sounds great to boot. Haven't had the pleasure of owning an Arcam integrated.

I like my Arcam A85 but
1. It doesn't have enough power for my speakers. It does have a switch to output to a power amp. So I output it to a B&K at 100 watts/ch
2. It does sound good, rather laid back, but I often need to turn the bass way up to get a fuller sound, as to really hear the inside of a good piano. Any suggestion?

michaeljw

precisely. Arcam makes nice processors,  not, power amps (including integrated). Lack of Bass response and overall power is their deficiency. Seek out another brand that mates well with your speakers.

Happy Listening!

I've owned both... I found the Arcam to be a bit less vailed or clear in some way, hard to describe.  Yet,  overall,  I really preferred to listen to the Audio Refinement.  It just played music.  I'd buy another. 
Tim