Sample Test - Arcam SA10 VS Cambridge Audio CXA61
Vložit
- čas přidán 2. 07. 2024
- Two nice, affordable integrated amplifiers with a build in DAC. Both are - originally - from the UK. We have put them together to make some samples, so you can compare the sound. We have tested them both on the analog input to drive them to the max.
More information: alpha-audio.net
The test system:
Focal Sopra No1
Metrum Acoustics Pavane and Ambre
Mutec reclocker
Grimm cabling
Audoquest power cables
Index:
0:00 - 0:10 - Intro
0:11 - 4:24 - Where is My Mind - A.A. Williams
4:25 - 7:13 - Little Fuge in G Minor - Jacques Loussier
7:14 - 7:22 - Outro - Věda a technologie
I enjoy listening to both, thank you and especially for making me discover Little Fuge in G Minor - Jacques Loussier
Many thanks for introducing me and many others to A.A Williams :)
You are welcome!
@@TheAlphaAudio Covers are sometimes arguably better then originals ;) czcams.com/video/lSzICmwmRsA/video.html
both are excellent. i feel the cambridge has a wider soundstage. the arcam is perhaps more honest to the source. i love both!
Ja voor mij ook een zeer duidelijke voorkeur voor de Arcam, hij is heel prettig, laat heel veel lucht tussen de instrumenten en is zowel in het hoog als in het laag zeer gedetailleerd. Hij staat nu sinds een half jaartje bij mij in de woonkamer op een paar Xanadu’s te spelen en ik heb er geen moment spijt van! Compliment voor de muziekkeuze, ik heb mevrouw Williams gelijk aan mijn Qobuz afspeellijst toegevoegd 👍🏻
Exactly the way I would like it to sound sit back in your chair and listen to your music for hours
Mooie vergelijking van betaalbare toppers. De ARCAM is open, warm en ruimtelijk. Vooral stemmen geven het gevoel dat er iemand in jouw ruimte staat te zingen. Ik heb de SA-20 die ook nog eens extra diepte in de bassen geeft zonder opdringerig te worden. Zacht helemaal in balans zonder verval van frequenties en met veel volume nergens te opdringerig en open. Super!!!!
Would you agree that the Arcam is a little thicker and less sure-footed in the bass? This is how it sounded to me anyway on my headphones with the Little fugue. This is perhaps a shame because as for the rest of the sound I prefer the Arcam.
Do you also think that bass tautness can improve as the amplifier breaks in? Thanks.
Mooi een vergelijkende test met amp's die voor velen betaalbaar zijn en ideaal zijn om met hifi te starten. Goed gedaan.
Klinken allebei goed maar de Arcam zou mijn voorkeur hebben. Tof dat jullie dit doen 👍
im getting the sa20, also awesome songs you played, little fugue goes hard, ive rarely vibed this hard to something that isnr hard rock or hip hop. in fact even more than I do with those genres XD
Thanks!
Hello @TheAlphaAudio. I have just purchased elac carina bookshelves and looking for an amplifier around 1k euro to match them. I am aware that you did a multi test on amplifiers of this price range and in the past you have reviewed elac carina. What in your opinion will be the best match between cxa61, sa10 and cyrus one hd? (given that carinas are 6ohms, 85db, min impedance 4.8ohms.)Thanks
Awesome pixies cover! Charles Michael Kittridge Thompson IV (affectionately known as Frank Black ) is an under rated lyricist, composer and musician.
Can you connect a Bluesound Node to it and hook the tv up to the Bluesound Node via HDMI eArc? Does that make it possible to control the volume with just 1 remote control (the one of the tv) and will you see the volume go up and/or down on the display of the amplifier?
Just an FYI, the SA10 has a better DAC than the CXA61, it actually uses the same DAC that is in the CXA81.
Nice test. Great. The Focal speakers are fatiguing. These speakers need tube amps to sound civilised. These amps demands UK speakers. Or as I use the CXA61 with the XLS Encores from GR research. Sounds so balanced and natural. Non fatiguing.
I have the SA30 and the sound signature are there, even with the SA10. Warmish, beautiful and non fatiguing.
Cooool Pixies cover,, 👍😎👍. Thanx an cheers.
Thanks!
I couldn't make out much difference on the headphones I used.. Tell me if I'm wrong, but it seemed the SA10 was slightly more open on track one.
I picked up an SA20 for a glorious £400 yesterday, sounds fantastic with my Wharfedale 4.2's, the detail and air is incredible.
Comparing equipment over CZcams is like trying to see something with your back to it.....the thing you are primarily listening to is the DAC and speakers in front of you
@@DomRivers67 I tried with an SA10 😎
@@DomRivers67 where from?
Cambridge suena con mas cuerpo y mas aire que en el video donde lo presentaron de manera individual. ¿Acaso aquí alejaron mas los microfonos?
Hey, (good video) What happened to all your power isolation/conditioner from a previous Video Shootout?
We have to return all the stuff we test ;-). So... it's back to the brands / importers / distributers.
Percibo que Cambridge suena mejor en esta toma de audio que en el video donde hicieron la presentacion individual
Will the sa10 drive the lrs speakers?
Have you ever compared different cables between the Ambre and Pavane using i2s? Is it even a critical position?
Yes I did... No it is not critical.
Hi there
I'm new in this
Would you please tell me how do you adjust the volume of the amplifiers , because switching the amps is very smooth no volume loudness difference?
I love your videos
Thanks a lot
Thanks! We use a dB meter tot level before recording.
@@TheAlphaAudio
Thanks for your quick reply and I really appreciate it .
Hope you have a lovely time
@@hi-fiequipmentcomparison667 thanks! And you are welcome
hrají úplně stejně, levnější je dobrá volba!
Does the Arcam have a direct mode to bypass for a purer sound like some other amps have?
www.google.com/url?sa=t&source=web&rct=j&url=www.arcam.co.uk/ugc/tor/SA20/User%2520Manual/DISPLAY_SH295_EN-FR-DE-NL-ES-RU-IT-CN_Issue4_300120.pdf&ved=2ahUKEwj8pcfYkMf0AhVM6aQKHR9qBfEQFnoECAUQAQ&usg=AOvVaw1Fua-OKR1uLtJe2OU0nBcB
the cambridge is more upfront, arcam is more laid back. Soundstage seems bigger in Cambridge, it has a lively sound.
I am planning on purchasing the Wharfdale Linton speakers and I’m curious if anyone has used them with either the Cambridge or the Arcam. I’m primarily looking for a warm and rich mid range, and I’m a bit confused in that number of people say that since the Lintons are warm sounding you should get an amplifier that is closer to neutral so you don’t have “too much of a good thing”. Any suggestions on an amplifier? Thanks.
Nad 3050
Marantz model 40n
Musical fidelity m6
Arcam sa30
I have been testing both of these trying to figure out which one I like. The Arcam has a very high mid setting, almost to much treble for me but sounds very clear! The Cambridge is more balanced and easier to listen to on the ear. Decided to go with the Cambridge.
Very wise to try them in real life...
@@TheAlphaAudio It’s almost impossible to listen to many components with the lack of audiophile stores in most cities. The seventies and eighties are long gone.
@@TheAlphaAudio If only there was 1 hifi store left where I lived or within 300 some miles for that matter... Looks like it's relying on return policies it is.
@@frizzlefry1921 that is sad.
Arcam sounds slightly more on mids and lows while the Cambridge gives clearer tonal balance. The Arcam is not sharper than the Cambridge on highs. This can give comfort for a long listening. They both are good. Actually, all sounds Focal-ly.
Difficult to notice clear difference!. Perhaps arcam is slightly more dynamic.
Leuk, betaalbaar materiaal. Behalve de Sopra's dan 🙃
Die Arcam klinkt warmer en meer aanwezigheid van de zang. Zette mij op het spoor van hun nieuwe pa240. Staat nu samen met de NAD c298 op de supershortlist. Idee voor een vergelijk misschien? Klasse G vs D.
SA10 is not class G. SA20 is class G and SA10 is classAB
@@MrSplit57 PA240 is G.
No mention of the Pass preamp, yet it looks like it’s on?
Yes. It on. But how should we use it with a integrated amp?
Arcam has more depth and air. Sounds more relaxed and balanced. However the differences are small. Cambridge has better bass control , more defined and tight. Difficult comparison!
Anyone knows how does the Arcam SA10 compares to a Naim Nait XS (1st gen)? I can find the 1st gen XS cheaper used than a new Arcam
I would go for the Naim.
@@TheAlphaAudio since the XS 1st gen is 12 years old i guess it's due for a service. Some risk i will need to take going for a used Naim amp vs a brand new Arcam with warranty
@@chrischiang1512 True. But I think it Will sound more powerfull. And better in general.
@@TheAlphaAudio thanks mate for your advice
Cambridge seems open wide and lively
But seems like Arcam would make your music sound deeper and fuller🤔🤔
I like the Arcam better. I just ordered one because of this video comparison. I think it sounds better in the midrange and a little smoother in the treble region. The cymbals , punch and 'thud' of the toms on the drumkit were the deciding factor. It seems my ears would get less fatigued with the Arcam. We shall see.
Does the Arcam SA10 have Bass and Treble controls? I'm looking to order this or the Rotel A11.
Tone controls are a must.
Ever thought of going to the Arcam web page for a look ... Might help
@@rainman3269 Thank you Mr. Helper
I just ordered an SA10 also
@@thomasward00 how do you like the arcam now that you've had it a while? So whatever you go with it over the Rotel A11. I'm stuck in a similar situation. Going to use ot on Foc Aria 906s
Zo wel met de Arcam , als met mevrouw Williams heb ik totaal geen problemen , wat laat de Arcam veel horen . Ik vind de Arcam heel erg verfijnt klinken . Matcht perfect met de soprano’s .
Klopt. Erg mooie versterker. En fijn dat deze track bevalt. We moeten Jacques wel pakken, gezien dit de referentietrack in onze database is ;-).
@@TheAlphaAudio ik heb de muziek van mevrouw Williams op mijn kooplijst gezet 👍👍
@@theflyingdutchman7127 cool!
Ik heb de cxa81 en luister dit met een dali io-4 via deze versterker en ik hoor geen verschil. Of mijn gehoor is minder geworden.
Nice ik heb ook de cxa81 en ik verbaas me hoe de geluid klinkt echt open ik had vroeger een marantz maar deze versterker kan je lang naar luisteren zonder dat het verveelt. Maar marantz is warmer ze zijn allebei goed :)
Anyone can tell me which amp is suitable my Dali Oberon 5?
The amp you like will fit best... 🙂
I would present hard rock for testing of amps imho it will be more differences by sound terms
You should listen cambridge audio in real and not on CZcams because I was not convinced either until I heard it in the shop and I was sold I have the cambridge cxa81 it is a beast in music distribution😉
I love the árcam’s sound signature better the Cambridge.It seems as if the Cambridge holds back too much.
ARCAM SOUNDS A LITLE WARMER IN THE LOWER MID-RANGE, THE CAMBRIDGE IS MORE LIVELY.
Rotel Michi X3 review had a different conclusion than your video Michi X3 review. WHY?
You are reacting on a video about the Arcam and Cambridge. I'm not sure what you mean by different conclusion about the Michi X3.
@@TheAlphaAudio Hi there. I appreciate and respect your reviews. I am reacting on this review because it is recent .
I thought posting my question on the Michi X3 review might not get a reply because the review was too far in the past.
Sorry for the confusion.
@@brucepruzansky5830 we always answer questions. You can also post on www.alpha-audio.net.
Am I deaf? I don't understand the comments saying the CA is less clear. I find the opposite to be true. The Arcam is muffled to me.
I had the Cambridge Audio CXA81 for just over a week on demo, thin vocals/midrange totally lacking in body. upper mid forward and harsh, rolled off top end, the bass was just a thump without any texture, I was so disappointed. Next I'll try the Arcam S20 to see if that's an improvement over the Cambridge. My Primare I30 bit the dust and I've been using a 30 year old Sony thing that blew the Cambridge into the weeds - everything the Cambridge isn't!
Did you test the arcam ? If so, was it better than the Cambridge?
What speaker did you have I have the cambridge cxa81 with the cambridge audio cxn v2 and as speaker dynaudio excite x14 speaker with the Clearway chord cable and it sounds great 😃 i am happy witch the cambridge cxa81
@@dariopietersonI love the Cambridge AXR-100 receiver I have a NAD CD transport with nine gauge speaker jumpers and cables to the Klipsch RP-28OF an exterior Cambridge DAC by Cambridge awesome laid back sound for hours of listening detail.👂
oh okay, which speaker did you connect to the cambridge cxa81, it took some getting used to for me because it sounds loud at times. I had a Marantz for that. I heard a little difference with the Marantz, it was warm, but it was annoying when listening for a long time and I don't have that with Cambridge, it is such an open sound or the people are standing in front of you. :)
Same )
Suenan igual en el video. Si cierras los ojos, no sabes cuando oyes uno y otro. Si no los puedo oir con mis altavoces en mi casa, me da igual
more you turn it up I would think the Cambridge is more balanced I wouldn't want to make my ears fatigued
The Cambridge is cleaner, more defined and better balanced.
I agree. That's how I would describe my immediate perception in this A/B comparison. And I'm writing this as an arcam fan. Long term listening is another matter though.
I prefer Cambridge.
I can't really hear much difference
I agree with you
Cambridge klinkt warmer . Mijn voorkeur gaat naar Cambridge.
When you make another video play some Oscar Peterson and some Bill Evans arcam like angel from above.cambrage it lak
Cambridge anytime for me. Arcam highs roll off and soundstage so small
A dead sound from CA. Cambridge Audio produces really good budget amplifiers, but it seems to be their max. Arcam sounds more vivid.
Where is the comparaison between the 2 of them ??
I don't understand...
@@TheAlphaAudio Well I don't know, it says in your title : Arcam vs Cambridge???
@@danleffoy2401 yes... We switch between the two. That is a comparison in my view.
@@TheAlphaAudio It doesn't say when it's Cambridge and when it's Arcam. Do you know at what time Arcam starts and Cambridge starts? The index doesn't say it, it only shows the music titles!! Thanks.
@@danleffoy2401 everytime we switch we indicate it with a title. Also... You can see the Arcam is switched on when it plays.
Can't tell the difference... too analytic for me.
I bought a cxa61 so it must sound better 😣
... Both are great.
@@TheAlphaAudio thanks for the reply it's assuring to me, to hear that. I'm new to the hobby and still trying to figure things out so I've been buying up gear to see what I like. I'm not sure my ELAC ub52 or klipsch rp600m are the best pairings with this integrated but the addition of a sub has helped tremendously.
@@erics.4113do you have cxa61 and elac ub52?
Kaum unterschied, beide sind gleich.
Arcam is is a lot better.cambridge to bright very fast
Arcam and Cambridge Audio aren't in the same league IMO making this an unfair review.
They are equally priced.
Cambridge is $200 more, at least here in the US
CXA 61 and SA10 Same price here in the USA for $999, the Cambridge CXA 81 is $300 more than the Arcam SA10 but the Arcam SA20 is $200 more than the CXA 81, anyways I like the Arcam better
The Arcam will surprise you. It will drive just about anything and sound great.
@@easyphotoshop1264 Yes but Arcam price has reduced to $799 as of a few weeks ago
Does the Arcam SA10 have Tone controls? Bass and Treble?
No, it doesn't.
@@georgedomse Thanks... Just bought the SA10, it sounds so good it doesn't need tone controls.