Actually I have Arcam FMJ A32 amplifier and I’am very happy with this expecially for the type of sound because it matches my preferences: warm, musical, very relaxing and enveloping.
However I the future I planning to upgrade my old source Marantz NA8005 to Marantz SACD30n (I like to stay with Marantz source) and I will also replace my current self-built speakers with others that I will design by investing a higher budget.
This means that while I’m very happy with my old Arcam A32 I’ll have to consider some upgrades here too.
I’ve done some research and it seems like the only amplifier worth upgrading with a significant leap in quality is the Arcam A49, however it is very expensive and also rare to find used.
I’ve been considering a possible Supernait 1,2,3 but from what I hear it’s quite different from the sound of my Arcam A32.
I had a crazy idea: Why not combine Arcam + Naim and have a middle ground from both ? Arcam FMJ A32 + NAP250
For this reason I have asked to chatGPT and I receive this response:
//
Bass weight and depth
The Arcam FMJ A32 is generally known for a rather deep and powerful bass response, warmer than the Naims, especially at the early stages of the Supernait series.
From what we hear, the Supernait 2 should not surpass the Arcam A32 in terms of bass weight and depth;
the character of the Supernaits is drier and more controlled, which may give a different perception, but not more bass depth or power than the A32.
Theoretical level of aggression
Traditionally, the Supernait line has shown a progressively more open and aggressive trend with successive models.
The Supernait 2 is generally perceived as more direct and “vigorous” than the Supernait 1.
Therefore, it is likely that this aggression is greater than the Supernait 1, with the Supernait 3 being the most open and detailed of the three.
Enveloping ability
The Arcam A32 is known for having an enveloping presentation, particularly in the low and mid frequencies, and this is a welcome feature of this model.
The Supernait 1, in comparison, may be less enveloping due to a more direct and articulate sound.
The Supernait 2 and 3 also tend to maintain a more neutral imprint, with the Supernait 3 in particular being less enveloping than the A32.
Remarks and Final Considerations:
Arcam FMJ A32: Maintains an overall enveloping and balanced sound, suitable for those looking for a warm and engaging reproduction.
Naim Supernait 1, 2 and 3: Moving from models 1 to 3, there is an increase in detail and dynamics, but also an increase in perceived aggression, making the Supernait 3 the most open and bright. However, as you move up the model, the enveloping sensation is slightly reduced in favour of a more analytical rendering.
Arcam FMJ A49: Remains an overall superior alternative to the A32 in almost all categories, maintaining a very good enveloping sensation, with improvements in dynamics and soundstage.
Arcam FMJ A32 + Naim NAP 250: This configuration offers an improvement in dynamics and detail over the A32 alone, while maintaining a warm tone, although the combination of Arcam and Naim characters introduces a slightly more articulate sound.
//
Unlike the Arcam A49 the Naim NAP250 is quite easy to find on the used market.
I am sure that ChatGPT is already handy in some areas and will be much more widely useful in future, but I think you should really hear a box or two rather than trying to decide anything based on the above. Good luck!
Firstly I’d just like to say that I don’t think I’d trust ChatGPT for any information, and certainly not for advice in this case.
Secondly, I think combining the FMJ A32 as a pre-amp with the NAP250 will be expensive for an unknown result - at best with little or no gain, at worst, a total mismatch. Remember that the pre-amp is the more critical part of the pre/power pairing.
I think that auditioning a Supernait is a good idea. I would be looking at either a SN2 or SN3. Value-wise, the SN2 may be the sweet spot, and may also mean there are funds for a HICAP too.
I’d agree with Richard here, Chat GPT doesn’t actually have any real experience of anything but rather combines information already published on the internet using, at least from its point of view, a ‘sophisticated’ search engine.
As a previous Arcam FMJ owner, I wouldn’t have thought combining it with Naim not a particularly good idea, but, of course, it all depends on whether or not you like what you hear.
I would suggest that in this instance an audition is absolutely necessary.
I’ll quickly respond as I had an Arcam A32 for several years (and added the Arcam P35 power amp for the final four of these) and then replaced them both with a Supernait 2 (later replaced by the Supernait 3).
I bought the P35 power amp because I wanted more welly, umph, more punch from the A32. It’s a great amp and about 10% of what I listened to sounded absolutely stellar on it - I mean incredible.
The remaining 90% of music I played just felt unsatisfying. The A32 does bass brilliantly but - and I realise this now with the benefit of hindsight - I wanted more punch, more pace, rhythm and timing. I found I was constantly analysing the sound with the Arcam system. I also thought serioulsy about getting the A49 at the time but I (rightly) figured I needed a different musical presentation. I remember Andrew Everard reviewing the A49 which he rated but he also admitted that he would stick with his Naim system. The A32’s soundstage is amazing - together with the P35 power amp it made the speakers completely disappear. Several times people visiting would say, ‘Where are the other speakers?’ - they couldn’t believe the sound it produced was just from two PMC floor standing speakers. I’ve always chased after a system that could let you follow every instrument easily but I realise I wanted something that moved me emotionally rather than impressed me intellectually - less hifi and more foot-tapping and head bobbing, just getting lost in the music.
When I first bought the (ex-demo) SN2 I thought I had made a huge mistake. The soundstage barely went beyond the speakers. It sounded congested. But once it had been run in for a few weeks it sounded much better. The soundstage did open a little but not a great deal more but I found I was no longer analysing the sound and that I was simply enjoying listening to music. I spent too many years with Arcam systems - I’d also had lower level Arcam CD players and amps - and finally came to conclusion after moving through the range that what I wanted from a hifi system, Arcam was never going to give me. And I guess I am wondering if you are looking up the wrong tree? I haven’t mixed Naim and Arcam but I dont imagine either components will sound their best with the other. I guess you could try hunting down an Arcam P35 power amp but it didn’t give me what I wanted.
I should add that the SN3 kept all of the punch of the SN2 but also brought a bit more soundstage and separation to the sound. I absolutely love mine. I’d also suggest that a second hand SN2 has to be one of the biggest bargains around.
You are not the only one who says he regretted switching from the Arcam A32 to the Supernait 2 or 3, I have heard other people in other forums who have said the same, which is why I wrote in this forum to try to better understand what the reasons were for this dissatisfaction.
The reason I would look for something better is only because the other components in the 'system will sooner or later be superior to what I have now, so my future intention would be to bring the quality of the amplifier in line with the rest of the components.
To tell the truth I have very little to complain about with my Arcam A32 as it has almost everything I am looking for: musicality, warmth, relaxed, good extension of the low frequencies nice and soft and present.
What I would like it to have a little more of is more detail and a little more rhythm, but without it becoming aggressive, without losing musicality, without losing extension and depth in the low end, and without having high frequencies that are too extended-
Now I understand as many have told me that the supernait is not for me because it presents a rather different sound than the Arcam: very dynamic and also analytical. I am looking for the opposite which the good part I think I already have.
You mentioned the addition of the P35. In your opinion, given what I am looking for is it worth it to me ?
Only you can know that. If you really love your A32, the Arcam P35 will give you more of the same and will give you a little more detail. It will certainly help with driving whatever speakers you have. If you’re after more detail, you may wish to think about changing your dac?
I am glad I made the move to the Supernait 3 (via the SN2) because it’s the sound I was after.
I note there are a couple of P45s selling on a well known auction site at the moment - interestingly for the same price that I paid for mine about 12 years ago so they obviously hold their value.
No the opposite in fact - the SN3 is a more relaxing listen than the SN2 IMHO because its more even across the frequencies. The SN3 goes deeper with bass notes but the bass doesn’t have as much mid bass weight (as the SN2). Less mid bass may contribute to feeling like there is more air between instruments, more detail and a larger sound stage (which goes beyond the speakers with the SN3). The sound stage of the SN2 feels noticeably smaller in comparison. To my ears the SN2 feels more punchy, more weighty than the SN3 - the SN2 has a ‘thicker’ sound and ocassionally it could become ever so slightly glassy or grainy with some music in the higher frequencies (I do have revealing speakers though). The SN3 has a larger sound stage, goes deeper, it still sounds punchy and very musical and is a more balanced sound presentation across the frequencies. There is greater detail and no glassiness or graininess with the SN3. I was in the position of being able to compare both Supernaits at home over a prolonged period and some very well recorded/produced electronic tracks sounded better on the SN2. Conversely the SN3’s more rounded sound and poorer recordings are easier to listen to; for most music I mostly preferred the SN3. They are both terrific amps though. From what you have written so far, I suspect you would prefer the SN3, as I do.
I have a friend who used to prefer the Arcam system I had to my current Naim one which just goes to show we all hear things differently. I hope this helps but for goodness sake, don’t take what I am saying too seriously because some of this stuff just comes down to personal preferences.
I used to live near the Arcam factory and I really wanted to support the company and I was loyal to the brand for many years but it boiled down to preferring a different sound presentation; one that Naim does really well.
I’ have already listen Marantz amplifiers but the sound it is not for me. I think the best solution is keep my Arcam FMJ A32 and when and if possible upgrade to Arcam A49.
Hi Marco, I have matched the brands but this was an A22 and then P35s in a bi amp system with Naim CD players as a source. I would be very wary combining amps here as sonic character very different, Naim definitely sits in the warmer camp and Naim being more impactful and exciting to listen to. I did use my Arcam A22 as a preamp but agree with other comments here that this is no match for a dedicated preamp and my eventual upgrade to a Townshend Allegri + has shown me that the pre is the most important component. I did look at the A49 but found the Parasound Power Amps gave me a combination of warmth and power, worth considering if Naim sound is not to your liking.
I am not personally familiar with that model but I have previously owned a A21+ (Halo) Stereo PowerAmp and now own a Parasound John Curl JC5 which was their Stereo Power Amp equivalent of their award winning mono amp JC1. To my ears they are neutral to warm, first few watts are class A in reality most of listening is done in under 10watts but have more punch and power than the Arcam amps. I did research Bryston & Chord amps and from my limited listening of both, these tend to be less warm to my ears, I want to listen to music not analyse the breakdown of a tune! On the used market older A21 models can be found at very reasonable prices
Warm or very relaxing isn’t Naim amps force, they do have other advantages.
Without knowing your full setup, I’d suggest go listen to any Naim amp yourself, to form opinion whether this is for you.
Any of the Halo’s are rated but not sure how this would compare in respect of it being an upgrade on what you have, ultimately, the ability to audition is always best.