Your amplifier is the engine-room of
your system. So if you’re serious about sound, it makes sense to invest in a
serious amp. Like one of these, for instance…
A good stereo amplifier is the driving
force behind any hi-fi system, helping you to really get the most out of your
music. Exactly what it is you want from your amp will depend on how you like
your sound, and so we’ve pulled together a troupe of seven that cover all the
options. The Award-winning Cyrus 6a is in there alongside a group of old
favorites and newcomers alike, including options from Naim, Arcam, Pioneer and
Onix to name a few. If a turntable is a vital part of your setup, be sure to
keep an eye out for an amplifier with a built-in phonon stage, while digital
music fans should consider one with an integrated DAC. After that, it all comes
down to how they sound. Can the Cyrus hold on to its crown? Read on to find
out…
Arcam FMJ A19
Price: $1,185
Compared with some of the longstanding amps
in this Super test, the Arcam FMJ A19 is the relative baby of the group. First
tested in January, it joins Arcam’s high-end FMJ series, but thankfully isn’t a
bank-breaker.
Inside its sturdy steel and aluminum case
is an upgraded and optimized circuit layout, which is combined with a new
ultra-low noise power supply and a redesigned headphone stage - something Arcam
says is the equivalent of a $269 external unit.
Arcam
FMJ A19
The A19’s design is relatively simple, with
a large volume dial and buttons that mirror those on the A19’s equally simple
remote. These buttons let you choose the source, mute the amp, tweak the
balance of your speakers and choose how bright the display is (or turn it off).
You’ll get a reasonable, but not class
leading, 50W of power per channel, six line-level inputs, and a moving-magnet
phonon stage and, on the front, a 3.5mm headphone jack and a 3.5mm input.
There are no digital inputs on the Arcam’s
back panel, but in their place, the A19 packs a second power supply that can
drive products from Arcam’s rSeries, such as the rDAC or Bluetoothpacking
rBlink, offering you an (albeit Arcam-only) upgrade path.
Authoritative, room-filling sound
When paired with the Audiolab 8200CD player
and ATC SCM11 speakers, the Arcam A19 immediately shows off its large,
authoritative and room-filling sound, giving impressive space to both
instruments and vocals, and staying composed with a strong rhythmic awareness,
even when arrangements start to get busy and complicated.
The violin crescendos in Vivaldi’s Four
Seasons (Winter) are portrayed with admirable detail and the A19 does a superb
job at communicating the changes in pace and volume, keeping any harshness from
the violins at bay. Subtleties easily skimmed over by other amps are handled
with assurance, and the impact of the quieter sections is just as hard-hitting
as the louder ones.
The Arcam A19 takes you along for the
ride, doing away with flashy effects in place of the kind of sound that simply
makes you listen to track after track, losing all track of time…
Switch to Lady Gaga’s Paparazzi and the
opening bass line is controlled, but weighty enough to make an impact without
overpowering. Gaga’s vocals are strong and accurate, with the amp offering the
transparency to hear every bit of emphasis in her voice.
The
A19’s sound might not demand you sit up and pay attention, but its easygoing
character will keep you enthralled
These strengths are passed on to the
Arcam’s phonon stage and headphone output, which both retain the A19’s relaxed
but open characteristic.
The A19s sound might not force you to sit
up and pay attention – there’s a laid-back vibe here – you will find yourself
simply sitting through track after track without realizing how long you’ve been
listening. The A19 just takes you along for the ride, doing away with flashy
effects in place of an enjoyable, assured and refined sound.
Kit matching
As with any amp at this price, taking care
over system matching will pay dividends in sound quality and the A19 is no
exception. We got great results using the Audiolab 8200CD player and a pair of
ATC SCM11 speakers. Other options include the KEF LS50s.
As
with any amp at this price, taking care over system matching will pay dividends
in sound quality and the A19 is no exception
Rating: 5/5
For: Large, authoritative sound; expressive
dynamics; detailed and refined; good connections; reasonable price
Against: May be a little laid back for some
Verdict: A strong, enthusiastic and
detailed all-rounder at a decent price. We like it a lot
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Arcam FMJ
A19 specs
·
Type: Integrated
·
Power: 50W
·
Tuner: No
·
Inputs: Line level x 6
·
Outputs: Preamp, speakers
·
Phonon stage: Moving-magnet
·
Tape Loops: 1
·
Tone Controls: Yes
·
Remote Control: Yes
·
Finishes: 1
·
Dimensions (H x W x D): 8.5 x 43 x 27.5cm
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