Amp/Preamp Asylum: REVIEW: Arcam C31 Preamplifier (SS) by Belgarchi

Model:	C31
Category:	Preamplifier (SS)
Suggested Retail Price:	$2000
Description:	Top of the Arcam range; phono input optional
Manufacturer URL:	Arcam

Review by Belgarchi on June 14, 2008 at 10:20:08
IP Address: 216.80.144.198 Add Your Review
for the C31

This preamp should be more appreciated:
- It is very convenient; good remote control, plenty of inputs, RCA and XLR output, phones out, mid-size
- The sound is really excellent: it beats the other best preamps I had before, Quad 44, Adcom GFP-750, Rotel RC-1090. The sound is 'right': neutral, dynamic when the music is, deep bass, non-agressive and detailed mid-highs, good soundstage... Nothing that strikes you after a few minutes of listening, but everything is 'right', and you will enjoy music during years with this preamp (noy boring, not fatiguing).

Nothing's perfect department: the 'Phones out' shouldn't be there, the sound is so bad - lack of dynamic - with my Sennheiser HD-650 that I never use it. As for the optional Phono module, it is ok but nothing special.

Product Weakness:	Sound with phones
Product Strengths:	Features, excellent line-level sound

Associated Equipment for this Review:

Amplifier: Conrad-Johnson, Musical Fidelity
Preamplifier (or None if Integrated): Arcam
Sources (CDP/Turntable): Classe, Thorens-SME
Speakers: Dynaudio, B&W
Cables/Interconnects: Audioquest, Kimber
Music Used (Genre/Selections): Jaz, Classic, Other
Room Size (LxWxH): 30 x 20 x 15
Room Comments/Treatments: Neutral
Time Period/Length of Audition: 2 years
Other (Power Conditioner etc.): Monster Cable
Type of Audition/Review: Product Owner

Amplifier:	Conrad-Johnson, Musical Fidelity
Preamplifier (or None if Integrated):	Arcam
Sources (CDP/Turntable):	Classe, Thorens-SME
Speakers:	Dynaudio, B&W
Cables/Interconnects:	Audioquest, Kimber
Music Used (Genre/Selections):	Jaz, Classic, Other
Room Size (LxWxH):	30 x 20 x 15
Room Comments/Treatments:	Neutral
Time Period/Length of Audition:	2 years
Other (Power Conditioner etc.):	Monster Cable
Type of Audition/Review:	Product Owner