Thread: Tweaks fail to raise pulse A38 Amplifier

Tweaks fail to raise pulse A38 Amplifier, second review of this Arcam amplifier. The original test was done in July when the A38 failed to inspire, scoring three stars.Arcam's reputation is buil ton great-sounding, sensibly featured kit, sold at a fair price. This amp's fine build and comprehensive specs - 100 Watts per channel, five line-level inputs and two tape loops -upheld at least part of that tradition. But, when it came to sound, things fell apart. The word 'bland' appeared quite prominently in the review. The original simply failed to shine, taking the sparkle out of music. Arcam was bemused by this verdict. It checked over the amp and found it wasn't quite right. It wasn't faulty as such, but there were various adjustments on the power section that were on the opposite limits of the passable tolerances.


Arcam has added another test procedure to production to make sure this kind of thing doesn't happen again. And the resul t? Disappointing ... It now sounds better than it did before. It's cleaner, punchier and decently detailed. The tonal balance is as even as it always was, and stereo imaging is precise.But, when it comes to dynamic expression, timing precision and simple entertainment, the A38 is as far behind class leaders as ever. This just isn't an amplifier that keeps you awake late into the night listening to music. It does the hi-fi things well enough, but when it comes to communicating the music's message, there are far better options around.