Primare vs Cyrus vs Arcam

[tkyong1]

I am currently using Marantz PM4200 Budget Amp.

I am thinking to upgrade and have USD1,000-1,250 Budget on New Amp.

I prefer Warm, Sweet sound (the current sound is too lean and little harsh when push).

I have following list, may be u guys can help:

- Primare I20.
- Cyrus 8.
- Roksan Kandy (but not selling in my country-malaysia).
- Arcam A85.

Please Please Help Needed.

Thanks a lot.

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Set-up : Marantz CD4000+Mordaunt-Short 902 + QED Cables.

[kexodusc]

I have heard the Primare and Arcam you've listed, and I would definitely spend my money on the Arcam, I can't comment on the others though.
Arcam makes a very natural sounding amp in my opinion...
For my own preferences, I had to go with a Rotel, something you might consider as well. I'd say they're more on the warm side of neutral.
Given your budget though, you have a lot of good choices available. I would also recommend a used Bryston. You could easily buy a second hand Bryston that still has remaining warranty on it's 25 year guarantee. That would be my first choice.

[topspeed]

If you like warm and sweet, shouldn't you be looking at tubes? How about a nice Jolida or ASL? Maybe a nice pair of used Cary Rocket 88's? If you don't want the hassel of tubes, how about a used PS Audio HCA2 hybrid? I have this amp and think it is the sweetest sounding amp this side of ARC or BAT and will drive anything you put in front of it, including Quad ESL's. Check audiogon.com.

Good luck.

[kexodusc]

If you like warm and sweet, shouldn't you be looking at tubes? How about a nice Jolida or ASL? Maybe a nice pair of used Cary Rocket 88's? If you don't want the hassel of tubes, how about a used PS Audio HCA2 hybrid? I have this amp and think it is the sweetest sounding amp this side of ARC or BAT and will drive anything you put in front of it, including Quad ESL's. Check audiogon.com.

Good luck.

Yeah, the other good thing about tubes is the weird looks and questions visitors will have when they look at it trying to figure out what the heck it is...well...maybe the "younger" visitors.
I tried out a Jolida tube amp a few years back for a week or so. Sweet isn't the word I'd use...it was more rich and thick like gravy. Goes very will with Spyro Gyra.

Very different from the solid state amps and receivers I've owned my whole life...if your room isn't too large, tubes might be up your alley.