Luisteren
Contents
We’ve talked enough about the differences. Time to let the Arcam SA20 do its thing in our set. He takes the place of our Bryston B60R and does so with verve.
“Je t’aime je t’aime” by the French band Bang Bang is an album full of electronic songs. We hear a nice continuous layer, no emphasis on voices and a lot of detailing. With the Monitor Audio Silver 300 and in our pretty lively room we obtain a neutral reproduction with a lot of dynamics.
The more we listen to the Arcam on Monitor Audio, the more successful we find the combination. The stereo image is nice and spacious and after some searching we get the best setup at 3.5 meters listening distance with the speakers very slightly screwed in. A provisional rug catches the first reflections.
The new album “For my crimes” by Marissa Nadler is very frugal. Her ethereal voice prevails and the instrumentation is reduced to a minimum. Our Audio vectors get some extra punch in the layer and all songs sound very pure. Before we know it, the short album is over. Always a good sign.
The Belgian band Balthazar is back with a new album after a few years of absence. “Fever” is a very fine puppet record with a lot of variety and rich instrumentation. The recording sounds excellent which increases the listening pleasure. The SA 20 plays loosely and very fluently without too much emphasis except for the extra foundation at the bottom. The Sonus Faber Sonetto I is completely in balance with the Arcam SA20. Again we notice the amiable signature but with enough dynamics to push the songs forward.
Compare
Our Bryston brings extra depth and detail and even more punch, but then you have to reach a lot deeper into the pouch. The Arcam SA20 really doesn’t get played away and has its own strengths. As with the SA10, we are impressed by its performance. We think Arcam’s new HDA range is a hit. Please note that an Android app is now also available for the Arcam CDS50.
Used equipment
| Amplifier | Arcam SA20 – Bryston B60R |
| Source | Arcam CDS50, NAD M50 |
| DAC | Arcam CDS50, Dion Audio NOS16 |
| Speakers | Audio vector QR1, Sonus Faber Sonetto I, Monitor Audio Silver 300 |
| Stands | Isoacoustics Aperta |
| Cables | Grimm Audio TPR, Van den Hul, Audioquest |
