Bass punchy and well controlled, good soundstage, airy sound, dynamic, stable imaging, stylish look.

Limited bass extension

It's been 3 months since I added the Arcam FMJ P-25 to the rest of my FMJ lineup: the CD-23 cd player and the A-22 integrated amp.

This addition made a significant difference in various sonic areas. It improved the bass definition and extension and made it tighter and punchier. Soundstage opened up with better depth and width and was a little bit more layered. Imaging was more stable. It also introduced more air in vocals and between the instruments. Dynamics were improved as well. Overall I had a richer, fuller sound.

It was probably the magic of bi-ampilification or was it...?

When compared to the other amps I had tried before it was better in EVERY sound departement than the Arcam 9P. The Quad 405-II was also beaten but to its deffend I should tell you that it was a 20-years-old model borrowed from a friend of mine. However it was still quite impressive for such an old gear.

The Arcam Alpha 10-P was almost identical sounding than the FMJ P-25 as -apart from the casing- they have the same internal construction. But, curiously, I found the FMJ P-25 sound to be very slightly more refined and with a tighter bass. It was probably due to the better external construction. Therefore, I prefered the P-25 over its older brother. It was a bit pricier but looked way better...and it matched the rest of my system.

Nad with its Silver Series S-200 was the clear cut winner. Beating the rest of the pack - even the FMJ P-25- sonically in all departement. But it didn't prove a nice match with my FMJ A-22 because of current differences. When hooked up together, cranking up the volume made the Arcam threw more HF and midrange while the bass provided by the Nad wasn't as present. It was mainely because of this "inbalance" (the proeminence of HF and midrange) that I didn't end up buying the Nad. Not because of sonic failures.

Overall then, the Arcam FMJ P-25 proved to be a great sounding power amp introducing in my system better bass, soundstage, air, imaging, dynamics, control...and an elegant, stylish look. At 1100$ US (1700$ CAN)it is IMHO an outstanding hi-fi value.

Very highly recommended.

Regards to all

Similar Products Used:

Arcam Alpha 10P, Arcam 9P, Quad 405-II, Nad Silver Series S-200