Arcam SA30 vs Denon PMA- A110


Hi Audiogon Fam, I currently have the Arcam SA30 and want to upgrade in sound quality. I have really been keeping an eye on the Denon PMA -A110. Ive heard great things about it. I will be using the Arcam ST60 as the source for streaming and Focal Aria 936 K2 Speakers. Any input would really help me. Thanks. 

128x128edwinf

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💯😁

@edwinf, you could drop a lot more money on a luxman or pass which would probably sound better than the denon, and many folks on these pages instinctively tout less mainstream brands,  but the denon is a helluva piece on its own terms. the way i see it, you'd be buying something with a  warranty from a reputable merchant that you'll probably own for a long time (+ you can always return it if you don't like it). if you do take the plunge, report back.

It is funny. I have sold SA30 couple months ago and bought Denon A110.

Arcam SA30 is the entry level to hifi (3-in-1). A110 is AB amp and it's difficult to compare them. They are absolutely different classes. Like comparing Corolla vs Audi Q7. 

@tedweekend I know its a hard comparisson. That clarifies things for me. So the Arcam is the entry level and the Denon PMA -A110 is on a higher level. Since you had both can you elaborate more on the Denon sound please? How is it better than the Arcam?