NEWS: Arcam launches SA30 integrated amp

RBZ5416

Amplification aside, I wonder if any of it will buck the Arcam trend & actually work properly?

NottsMFC

On here for 9999 Polish zloty, works out around £2000.

Arcam SA30

sharkkeeper

Work properly? Nothing wroug with my arcam gear mate

exponential

You're just the person I need to ask......

I have an Arcam SR250 partnered with a pair of Dali Opticon 6's but I have no choice but to put the speakers close to the wall.
With them being twin rear ported, this is obviously not optimal and causes boominess the even DIRAC struggles to cope with.
I don't use DIRAC for 2 channel music listening so the bass can be troublesome.
I'm considering selling the Dali's and getting the Focal 926 with them being front and downward ported.
Can you give your thoughts on the Focal sound signature at all?
They clearly pair well with Arcam gear as otherwise, you wouldn't have bought them.
I absolutely love the look of the Focals in walnut.... Beautiful pair of speakers....

Abacus

Make sure you put the bungs in the ports before putting them close to a wall otherwise you will get the problems you are experiencing.

Dirac is used in the music industry so don’t be afraid to use it at home to get the best results out of music in difficult circumstances.

Bill

exponential

Hi Bill.

I have tried using bungs in the ports to dampen the bass but it had a nasty side effect of virtually killing the mid-bass and male vocals suffered dramatically.

I emailed Dali themselves and they replied stating that the Opticon were not designed to be used with port bungs of any kind.
They also stated that the speakers need to be at least 2 foot from the front wall to allow them the "breathe".
I just don't have that option I'm afraid.

exponential

As far as using DIRAC for music, I'm not a fan of it at all. I can hear the difference and it's not something I'm keen on to be honest....

Abacus

You should hear a difference, that is what Dirac is for (It helps to mitigate room problems affecting the sound) that you don’t like the end result (Have you tried different target curves) is not unusual as people get used to the room they are in, however go to a few concerts (Or bands in your local bar) and you will probably find that while you may not like it, the sound with Dirac on will be closer to the real thing.

NOTE: There is no right or wrong with music as it is a personal experience and everyone is different, so if you can’t get on with the new sound (Even though it may be more accurate) then continue listening as you prefer.

Bill

Abacus

Looks like new speakers are needed then, best to go to a dealer and have a listen to a few close to the wall to see which you prefer, (It’s personal choice) as unless you are lucky that someone else’s hearing and room is the same as yours, don’t be surprised if when you get the models they use, you do not find them suitable.

Bill

RBZ5416

I have Spendor A6 on mine that are happier close to the wall due to their "linear flow port". But with dual subs it may be better to look at bookshelf speakers & let Dirac do it's stuff.

Or maybe look at replacing the amp with a Lyngdorf. Their Room Perfect correction starts from the premis of the speakers against the wall.