An A-Shopper Review


A Reality Check Article

Arcam Alpha 6 Plus Integrated Amplifier:
Knocking on high end's door


      A&R Cambridge or Arcam for short is a British manufacturer of reasonably affordable audio components. The company initially built its reputation on a single product, an integrated amp--the A60. This evergreen model was introduced in 1976, and remained in production for about a decade. I distinctly recall the A60 because I was once interested in purchasing one but found the use of DIN sockets unacceptable. Arcam then, just like their British peers, was a bit insular. The company has since prospered. They now produce several models of integrated amps, cd players, tuners and separates, several of which have received both awards and praise from the British press. The US audio press is just beginning to notice Arcam's value proposition.

Packaging

      The ALPHA 6 Plus integrated amp is a step higher than the 5 Plus, its entry-level sibling. It is a full-featured unit. There are provisions for a magnetic phono (which can be switched via a button in the rear panel to an auxiliary line input) , 4 line inputs--a tape deck, headphone socket, direct connection (bypasses the bass, treble and balance controls for all inputs) and a second pair of speakers. The unit, finished in black, looks utilitarian. It measures 430x298x77 (W/D/Hmm), and weighs about 15 lbs. I was surprised by its lightness and a thought flashed in my mind for a moment that it would sound that way too. It's a bias one obtains with owning heavy, metal cased, and overbuilt high end separates. The front panel has 5 knobs -- Listen, Volume, Bass, Treble and Balance; 4 push buttons -- Tape, Direct, Speaker 2, and Power; and a headphone socket. It seems busy as described but in actual execution I found the layout of the knobs and buttons straightforward and easy to use.

      The ALPHA 6 Plus has a motorized volume control which can be operated from any Arcam remote including those provided with all current Arcam cd players. It is stated to have a larger power supply, greater power output and better phono stage than the 5 Plus. The amp is rated at 50wpc minimum into 8 ohms.

Listening

      The unit under review was loaned to the Audio Shopper by Arcam's US distributor--Audio Influx. I have had the unit for over two months, and have listened to the amp using various equipment combinations. Most of the time however, I used it with the JVC XL-Z1050 cd player, Promethean Bandpass interconnect, Inouye power conditioner, Kimber 8TC speaker cables, Sound Dynamics 300Ti, Rogers LS3/5a, and Spendor SP-1 speakers. I compared the unit with my reference, the Audible Illusions Modulus 3 and the Classe' Audio DR-9 amp. I have since my move not been able to set up my turntable, hence this review singularly explores the 6 Plus' musical dexterity with compact disks.

No ordinary integrated amp

      The 6 Plus is a revelation. It shows how far integrated amps have traversed through the years. It plays music much like high end separates.

      For starters, the 6 Plus has very little to remind one of a transistor amp. I had just before been listening to a tube amp when I decided just for the heck of it to try the 6 Plus. Was I pleasantly surprised! The typical sharp edges were not discernible. I craned and searched for the lean transistor sound and could hardly spot this. There was a very slight upper treble glare but this was not annoying at all. I also noticed a tweeny tad of sibilance. These might seem like a lot of negatives but in the overall context, they are actually nits considering its overall level of performance.

      One would characterize the presentation of this integrated amp as darkish. Violin strings are sweet with nary a trace of edginess. Vocals possess body and fullness. One can hear the chest cavity along with the vocals. The cymbals shimmer but the edge is slightly dampened. Its approach is to bring you musical involvement not immersion. You won't get confronted with a plethora of detail. Rather, it steers you to the content and spirit. That is where this amp will pull you along. Don't get me wrong, there is detail, but the detail is not highlighted as much. It blends. Let me explain. Take the Mission Cyrus Two integrated amp. This amp is a champion of detail. It has other excellent qualities, but that is its very strong suit and that is what you will foremostly notice and appreciate. With the 6 Plus, you will listen to the performance.

      I am very familiar with the Fantasia para un gentilhombre for guitar and small orchestra (Philips 411 440-2). This used to be one of my favorite recordings. Overexposure led me to bury the disk in the back of my collection. It was only recently that I rediscovered it. The 6 Plus captured the romance and grandeur of this fine guitar music. It transported me in time to when I was starting in audio. There is this thread in the rec.high-end.audio newsgroup that asks what is the coolest system you have ever heard. My top of mind candidate for one of the best sounding systems I have owned and heard is the combination of Spica TC50 speakers, Dynaco ST70 amp w/ Van Alstine input circuit modification, Superphon dual mono preamp, Rega Planar 3 turntable with Grace F9E cartridge. This system belied its humble parts. The 6 Plus reminded me of that venue.

      The 6 Plus throws a credible soundstage. It extends from about a foot from the edge of the speakers on the side to around a foot from the back. It is not outstanding, but is satisfactory. My reference would better that but we're talking much bigger electronic and pecuniary resource here. Dynamically, one could also describe the unit as slightly reticent. It does not have the transient agility and range as the Audible Illusions Modulus 3 and Classe' DR9. It's got 75% of the range, I quesstimate, and that's great comparatively speaking. Listen to Stevie Ray Vaughan and Double Trouble's Couldn't Stand The Weather (Epik EK 39304) for proof. With my reference the dynamic peaks are effortless and powerful sounding. From a depth of silence, the sound gets not only loud but also forceful. I believe it is this ability to deliver dynamic contrast that creates what reviewers call the startling effect.

      The 6 Plus provides tight, tuneful and enjoyable bass. I was pleasantly surprised, and enjoyed many hours playing jazz, oldies, symphonies, blues and rock. Bass notes though sometimes sound soft and constrained. It's a consequence of its dynamic envelope discussed earlier.

      One overall caveat about the unit under review--there is a thump when you power on. With the Classe', turn on transients are managed via the use of a relay. It's an added expense which may not have justified its installation for the price point that Arcam was targeting.

Summing up

      The Arcam ALPHA 6 Plus is an integrated amp that is musically involving. It does not exhibit the usual glare and edginess associated with transistorized amps. It's 50 wpc power rating is ample enough to drive most speakers in the market. It is plug and play. It requires no fuzz to set up and less decisions (and expense). It's a delightful amp for music lovers who desire convenience and simplicity. While not high end, this amp is indeed knocking on its door. In a high end world gone insane with celestial pricing, the 6 Plus provides respite for our younger generation to enjoy audio as it was when it was more affordable. Three clefs and at $600 retail we recommended it with enthusiasm.

by Rome Castellanes

[Audio Shopper Home Page || For Sale Quickview || Wanted Quickview]

      For the time being, personal ads--those placed by end users and consumers on items purchased for personal enjoyment NOT for resale, profit or economic gain--will be accepted FREE of charge. Email your ads and comments to cdrome@cdrome.com, write to Audio Shopper, PO Box 702571, Dallas, TX 75370 USA or fax (972)307-9088.

Copyright © 1996 Audio Shopper. All rights reserved.