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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
paraneer's avatar
paraneer
818 posts
 
No problem Zydo. I like Arcam gear and I don't believe for one minute one amp can be 2 dimensional while another 3 or more. An amp can be more powerful, quieter, better S/N specs, damping factor, etc and all these specs can be measured. An amp can also be better built and parts, weight and construction can all be verified.

But to say one amp is 2 dimensional while another is not is pure subjective opinion that cannot be substantiated. Its not a spec - its a made up term. And from a salesman to boot! I really don't care if Bo prefers one brand over another. We all do. But I don't like anyone peddling their wares by slamming the competition and using make believe terms like 2 dimensional to do it. Not a good way to sell.

Makes me want to buy an Arcam.
bo1972's avatar
bo1972
2,789 posts
 
It is as it is. Arcam is compared to Primare and Pass a 2-dimensional brand. But who cares if in there price range others are 2 dimensional as well. Difference between 2-dimensional and 3-dimensional is very easy to compare. All brands have there own talents/properties. Wenn you test them and compare them you will easily understand the difference. Depth for a speaker will occure wenn a brand is able to make very good cross over filter for there speakers. But for amps, pre-amps, sources you need the quality to make a stage behind the speakers. Even cables can make a big difference in how wide and deep a stage is. But wenn 1 tool is not good at depth, you will loose most of it. Instruments and voices are very small and direct in real. Because there are still many brands in cables who will make an instrument or voice to big in proportion. You will loose intimate focus. This menas the music is more away from you. This means less emotion. It is very esasy to let people hear the difference between 2-dimensional and 3-dimensinal sound. Just by using the talents/properties of brands. Nothin more, nothing less.
paraneer's avatar
paraneer
818 posts
 
Well Zydo, there you have it. Arcam is still a 2 dimensional brand merely because Bo says so. As he says "it is very easy to let people hear the difference between 2 and 3 dimensional sound just by using the talents and properties of brands".

Now brands have talents too.

To the OP who posted the original question. Either the Theta or Arcam will do a fine job in your system. One amp is not more talented or dimensional than the other.
raks
468 posts
 
I run my Theta Intrepid to Avalon Ascendants and its always been dead quiet. My guess is the Stereophile review sample was defective. At $1,500 the Intrepid is a bargain.
zydo's avatar
zydo
242 posts
 
jwseitz,

I guess I wouldn't go so far as to call them "stellar" Something would have to be pretty special for me to use a term like that. I will say the Arcam amp i'm using now is the best I've owned myself. I don't own the store. so I buy things I have just like everybody else. I would agree Arcam, in general, is more on the warm side. I like that. I don't think it gives up much in detail. I replaced Sunfire separates with it. The amps had twice the rated power, and one 4 times. The Arcam I have is better in every way. (my opinion, and I also sold Sunfire) I always have found the Sunfire amps to be over rated. The Arcam I would call very conservative in ratings. Doesn't mean I don't like Sunfire, or Bob Carver. Certain things are great. I guess bottom line is yes, I like the integrateds too. I don't think it's the same as the 777, but we are talking about a big difference in price, and they don't appeal to the same market. If I were in the market, they would be on my list. There are to many things to take into consideration. Room, cables, system synergy, personal taste. The list goes on and on. I would never tell anyone that something is the right, or the perfect amp for them. I'm only speaking from my personal experience, and what I happen to like. I will go out on limb, and say I would be extremely surprised if a 777 didn't keep almost everybody that tried one happy. Unless I hit the lotto, mines not going anywhere.
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