Battle of the giants!
So which is best and why?
1st we have the Arcam PA240 with the following specs:
Class G Power Amplifier
The design of the HDA range draws upon all of Arcam’s experience as one of the UK’s most respected audio companies, to produce Arcam’s best performing range of audio products yet – using the best quality components and engineering practices, the HDA range is designed and built to give you years of listening enjoyment.
2 Channel Power Amplifier
2 x 225W Class G amplification (8ohm, 20Hz-20kHz, 0.2% THD)
2 x 380W Class G amplification (4ohm, 20Hz-20kHz, 0.2% THD)
1 x 790W Class G bridged mode (8ohm, 20Hz-20kHz, 0.2% THD)
Class G amplification with 50W of class A operation
Thyroidal transformer
Stereo, Dual Mono or Bridged operation
Ethernet, RS232 control
Switchable RCA or balanced XLR inputs
Rotel RB1582 MK2
At 2 x 200 Watts per channel and utilizing Rotel's Balanced Design Concept for superior performance, the RB-1582 MkII is a compelling stereo amplifier.
POWER OUTPUT
200W/Ch (8Ω)
323W/Ch (4Ω)
Rotel’s next largest stereo amplifier at 200 Watts per channel provides the massive current to drive the very largest Hi-Fi systems effortlessly. And like its smaller brother, the RB-1582 MkII has been designed to excel at resolving the subtle details in music as well as supplying the brawn required for extremely dynamic passages. It is able to achieve this difficult dual requirement because of the meticulous attention paid to circuit design and parts selection.
The RB-1582 MkII's high-end performance begins with an extremely large toroidal transformer combined with a total of 60,000µF storage capacity in special “slit foil” capacitors to provide completely stable power to the output stage. Slit foil capacitors have the ability to charge and discharge extremely quickly, thereby ensuring signal fidelity during orchestral crescendos or repetitive kick-drum impacts, for example. Both left and right channel construction are laid out in a mono block design (after the toroidal transformer) and all grounding is terminated in a star pattern on a copper grounding plate to ensure low signal to noise. The output stage is a discrete design that consists of 10 high current bipolar transistors per channel. Input options consist of both balanced XLR and unbalanced RCA connectors.
The RB-1582 MkII stereo power amplifier is yet another outstanding example of Rotel’s Balanced Design Concept and will form the heart of a very impressive stereo or home theater system for years to come.
Conclusion:
This little Arcam monster sounds absolutely amazing! I had both connected to a set of Golden ears Triton 1.R speakers and although both poweramps did the job the Arcam was more balanced and less bright than the Rotel. Also the Arcam has 25W per channel more power a 8 ohms. The Arcam also has class G amplification which saves a lot of energy and this is helpful in SA with the current electricity prices..
The Rotel makes some serious power but falls short at 4ohm and like I said it becomes very bright at higher volumes. Other than that its a very good power amp, just not as good as the Arcam.
Value for money the Arcam is also slightly cheaper than the Rotel.
Likes :
Arcam - everything except the colour is not black.
Rotel - everything except the lack of power at 4ohm and the brightness at higher volumes.
Verdict
Arcam 9.5/10
Rotel 8/10
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