Advice on Arcam

South,

I've owned the Arcam Alpha 9 and Alpha 10. I liked the 10 much more than the 9, but the 9 was certainly adequate. Unfortunately I can't tell how the Alphas will work with Epos since I've never heard the combo.

At the used price of around $500, I think the Alpha 10 is a great unit. However, you can also buy a Roksan Caspian Integrated amp for about that same price. I haven't personally heard the Roksan, but the A-gon'r that sold me one of the Arcams had replaced it with the Roksan and he thought the Roksan was a bit better. Personally, I think the Roksan is a better looking unit too...

BTW, what is your budget? Also, you might want to ask the question " Epos ELS-3 owners-What integrated amp do you like with the ELS-3s?". You might get a better suggestion......or not! The Arcam is pretty good....

Enjoy,

TIC

Thanks TIC, Your advice and info are appreciated. Both the Nad and Alpha are dated pieces I know but the Nad sounds very good thus far. The quest continues---

My memory of the NAD 304 is that it was a lean sounding amp. An enjoyable amp, but so much better can bought used for just a few hundred dollars more. Not familiar w/the older Arcam Alpha int. amp but I've owned the the Arcam Alpha 10 and Alpha 5. The Alpha 10 is a better sounding amp. Much more refined. Also, it has a remote. I'd take the Arcam anyday over the NAD. Also to consider is the Creek 4330R/SE as well as the Jolida 1701 too name just a few.

I'm leaning towards the older Arcam because it's pretty affordable but not knowing the outcome makes me a little worried. What the heck I brought the 304 without hearing it. Stay tuned