Hi everyone,

So, I have the M22s- simply beautiful (both build and sound) but now I need my own amp. To date I was interested in the C350 from NAD but I stumbled upon a few reviews for the Arcam Alpha 8R. It looks fantastic and since they are being discontinued, I can get one cheap. Has anyone used/heard this amp with the Axioms? Let me know what you think.

Thanks.

P.S. It's a British model so I am not expecting a lot of people to have heard it.

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

Actually, I appreciate your post very much. While you haven't listened to the alpha, I have found that there is often very common ground between a particular company's amps. I plan on auditioning the alpha at some point next week (hopefully).

Thanks, and if anyone else has any insight into arcam amps (especially the alpha 8r), I would be very happy to hear it.

The Alpha 8R has a warm presentation. Very good build quality.
I think it would be wonderful with the M22TiSe.