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Arcam P777 or Theta Intrepid

After weighing reviews, price, and designs, I have narrowed some multi-channel amp choices down to these two. I am looking used and spending @2500 tops, thus eliminating an Ayre V-6xe and Bryston 9BSST/SST2, which I was also considering. Also, I have a Bryston 2B-LP right not, and while I love its transients, bass, and control, I have always found it a bit harsh in the mids/uppers and really want to get away from that. I was considering an ATI amp, as well, but read some stuff that they might sound similar (It sucks not being able to listen to all this stuff myself!).

CAP has the Intrepid new for 1500, which seems like a stellar deal and to rank very high on the sound-for-money scale. Unfortunately, I cannot hear it locally and am going solely on reviews and having heard Ayre amps with a similar design (no global feedback and fully balanced). On paper, the Intrepid sounds like a truly hi-end design, perhaps just a little under powered, for a stupidly good price. I haven't heard the P777 either but have do currently have a C31 and CD36. I have heard Arcam amps in the past, only via their integrateds, and thought that they were not their strong suit, but this is obviously a much more powerful choice and dedicated design. I found them warm and nice but just not as detailed or spacious sounding. It also has the power and bi-amping my fronts capability advantage.

I will be running Vandersteen 2 Sigs, a VCC Sig, and VSMs in a 13x13x9 room. I also have a 2W to take some low end load off the 2s. I normally don't listen to movies all that loudly, honestly, and my focus is on music. I wanted to get some comments from people who might have heard both/either. Thanks!
jwseitz
jwseitz OP
21 posts
 
Thanks for the information. Hmmm, that is a bit concerning that you would have hum with the Parasound. Was it and your source grounded? That could have done it. There is nothing I hate more than trying to track down ground problems. I am moving into a new place in a few months and will be combining my 2-channel and movie systems, at least for a while. Since the new place is a total rehab, I was going to run a dedicated circuit for the amp, but then there is the possibility of a problem from the amp circuit interacting with a different one for my source and projector. The same ground will be shared at the panel, but I guess the length of run difference between the two circuits could cause a very slight difference in grounding potential.

I guess I should also mention Cary Audio. Looks like I could pick up a 7.125 for my price point, as well.
bo1972's avatar
bo1972
2,789 posts
 
Arcam is a 2-dimensional brand. I sold it for about 8 years. I know the talents/properties well. Theta has some depth in the way they let you hear the stage.
hooper_ke
37 posts
 
Another multichannel amplifier that sounds amazing is the Balanced Audio Technology designed Integra Research RDA-7. These can be purchased inexpensively as they are no longer manufactured.
paraneer's avatar
paraneer
818 posts
 
Bo, this is the third brand you have mentioned in your posts as being 2 dimensional. You said the same about Denon and Marantz. Onkyo however is OK along with Theta. So I guess these must 3 dimensional. Maybe even 4.

I am curious if dimensionality is a specification or an opinion. If a specification, could you please tell me where i could find these specs? I looked at the Theta Intrepid manual and it gave values for the same specifications listed in the Arcam manual. Sorry, no mention of dimension. I thought I was familar with all the important specs that electronics should have, but this one eludes me. So I am beginning to think that this may be an opinion.

Could you please enlighten me as to what makes one brand 2 dimensional and another multi? I don't want to make the mistake of buying a 2 dimensional brand. BTW, I own Parasound so maybe I already made the mistake.
zydo's avatar
zydo
242 posts
 
I'm glad someone jumped in about the 2 dimensional comment. I'm an Arcam dealer, so I didn't. My opinion is a full 180 from Bo's. I really like their gear. I actually use a P7 at home myself and love it. I've got all Arcam in my own main system now. I won't say its the very best I've ever heard, but to me, it is my favorite at the price. Nothing 2 dimensional about it. I don't think anybody drops Arcam by choice. Probably just sour grapes. For the record, I'm a Theta fan. I wouldn't choose the intrepid over the 777. The dreadnaught might be a different story.
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