Arcam SA30 vs Denon PMA- A110

@edwinf -"So are tou saying the Denon PMA-A110 is in the same ball park as the Hegel H80?"

@blackbag20 -"I’d poke around on The Music Room ... it has a Hegel H80 in your budget."

If soundstage and resolution are at the top of your list, the Hegel will be more resolving in all dimensions than the Denon because it has greater neutrality. I don't think you lose any presence going with the Hegel, when compared with the Denon, because your Focal are forward sounding speakers. The Hegel is also well-engineered and manufactured.

Yes ... Hegel will be a step forward from Denon.  Good luck ... let us know

The Denon A110 is not a step down from any Hegel integrated amp. You take the top cover off and the Japanese made true dual mono amp is the clear winner if parts quality and design are important. Hegel sells its products with specs... watts /damping factor not with sound or build quality.  At this price point don't expect a near SOTA amplifier but the Denon exceeds with musical flow and cohesiveness where the Hegel does grunt and vice grip control that can sound detached and mechanical which is better suited for home theater applications.

@dayglow thats what Ive heard. Another close contender is the Yamaha AS2200. I can get the Yamaha for only $500 more than the Denon. Would you say the Denon is an upgrade from the Arcam SA30? Thanks

@edwinf     Have only heard the Arcam SA 30 at Axpona last year, it was driving Monitor Audio Platinum series and IMO was not up to the task.  As for Yamaha a less vibrant speaker from ATC or Vandersteen could be a better synergistic match than with Focal.