I cannot say anything about the Alpha, but I am using an Arcam integrated amp with Axiom speakers and I think that together they sound outstanding. I prefer listening to music where each voice has an important and distinct role to play rather than listening to a "wall of sound": I like Diana Krall's Love Scenes and a lot of music by Dire Straits, for instance. The Arcam/Axiom combonation reproduces this type of sound with incredible articulation and musicality.
I realise that, specifically, this post is of little assistance to you, but the other person who has talked about Arcam at this site also has very nice things to say about one of their other products. If you are getting a good price, I think you should consider it very seriously.
Ed
