Arcam SA30 vs Denon PMA- A110

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.

my good friend has the arcam, which he uses with magnepan 3.7s, which are admittedly a tough load. it sounds fine but not awe-inspiring--the warm-sounding arcam definitely colors the presentation. otoh, i've heard the denon with focals (i believe electra floorstanders) and it was really jaw-dropping--crystal clear, toe-tapping and much more powerful than its specs indicate. also overbuilt to hell--the thing weighs a ton. i see the denon for 45% off at a4l and now i'm tempted. i also saw the yamaha at a big markdown but i haven't heard it.

@loomisjohnson Awesome! Thanks for sharing. A4l is were I plan on buying it too.  Im flad to hear tou liked the Denon. Audioholics gave it a rave review too. Im getting closwr to oulling the trigger in the Denon💯😁