I've been living with A8 player for about 6 months, and its a excellent player.I upgraded from the 7, which, as advertised, was a simple dealer affair for not
much more than the difference in the retail costs of the players.

The 8 is a big improvement over the 7. Much more detail, tighter cleaner bass, a huge improvement all the way around.

I recently upgraded to the 9, and must say the difference between the 9
and the 8 is not the same type of quantam jump that the 7 -> 8 represents. The 9 is really amazing, very solid, musical player, although if money was a big factor, I could have kept the 8 and been quite happy with it, the 8 excellent
player.... for the price, 5 stars, an easy call.......

I have just owned this CD player for 1 month and I listen to it every day. I think its sound is clear and bright. So, I decided to hook it to Acurus Act-III preamplifier by using DAC converter in this preamplifier (20 bits compared to 16 bits in Alpha-8). I noticed that its sound is louder and clearer. Afterwards, I'm using DAC converter in Act-III. Firstly, I intended to upgrade to Alpha-9 but I finally changed my mind since I think DAC in Act-II is good enough. In the future, I think I'll find a better DAC converter (24 bits or more) which has a HDCD decoder.
My system is as follows:
Pre-amplifier: Acurus Act-III
Amplifier: Acurus 125x5 watts
CD player: Arcam Alpha-8
DVD player: Pioneer DV-606D
Main speakers: Totem Arro
Center speaker: Totem Mite-T
Subwoofer: NHT-SW2Si
Main and center speaker cables: Silver Audio Cables (Pure silver flatline)
Analog cables: Silver Audio Cables (Pure Silver)
Digital cables: Synergistic Research (Alpha sterling digital)
Video cables: Audioquest (Video-II)

I bought the Alpha-8 as a replacement for an older Luxman amp. At the time the Arcam was installed, I had been listening to a borrowed (much more expensive) Musical Fidelity A-220. Surely this can't be the best amp in this price range: the bass from my TDL-3 transmission line speakers was nowhere near as deep and detailed as the Musical Fidelity (which should come as no surprise as the unit weights next to nothing - it makes you wonder if it contains a power supply). The high tones really hurt my ears when the volume is turned up just a little bit (tends to be a problem with the TDL's in combination with some other amps as well). Unless you only listen to classical musical, you should probably shop elsewhere or try the more expensive Arcam models.

For those who find the 8SE a bit lacking in slam. They should consider using something like the Audiotruth Emerald interconnects.

Personally I find that the player is a peach: although they could have made the casework a bit prettier. The sound is well-layered and has got good timing.

system:

Arcam Alpha 8SE
Arcam Alpha 10 amplifier
Shahinian Arc speakers
connected with modified Ixos interconnects and Wireworld Orbit cables.

Like all Arcam products,it sounds congested. Don't beleive me? Try listening to an Arcam system using a pair of Matrix 805's (uncoloured). The Audio Refinement Complete amp is superior in all regards.

Listened to Marant 66 KI sig, Rotel 970 BX and this Arcam Alpha 8. The Arcam is the weakest by far. Treble too splashy, and not defined enough, and same goes for bass.....just no control...muddy. I auditioned these amps with Marantz CD63ii ki sig, which isn't the fastest bass around i agree, but these comments are only in relation to the other 2 amps, that sound superior in my opinion.Regards Danny.

I was skeptical of recent CDP improvements- so my local dealer let me take home an Arcam 8SE to compare with my Denon 560 Changer which has 20bit8x and alpha processing. I did alot of comparing using same cables. At first differences were not substantial-but, as time went on I found the 8SE had more ambience and was smoother. However, there was a major difference with HDCD Discs. The sound was very much more "alive" (although I had to compensate for volume level differences). If HDCD becomes popular more CDP's better get the chip! I could happily live with the 8SE and am reluctant to take it back-but, I am going to try the Arcam 9 and Linn Mimik to see if they are worth several hundred dollars more??? I wonder if the 8SE will be back.........

system comprises of the following.Preamp: conrad-johnson PFR
Poweramps: conrad-johnson MF2300 and MF2100
CD Player: Arcam Alpha 8
Loudspeakers: Paradigm Studio 80 (reference series)
Speaker cable: Nordost Super Flatline Gold MKII (Bi-wire)
Interconnects: Nordost Blue Heaven

With this high definition system, the only component which would seem out of place is the CD player when compared to the prices of the other components. However, is it the price or is it the musicality we are looking for in regard to high-end? I would say that it is the latter and Arcam definitely fits in well. The Alpha 8 could be priced much higher if needed, however it is one of those rare products where the manufacturer has utilized all their skills of true quality design and musicality. I will close this review by stating, " The Arcam Alpha 8 is a formidable CD player that can tackle the big boys."

I just bought this amp two days ago, and I can barely bring myself to shut it off! Coming from a Harman Kardon AVR40, and being a true skeptic, I was a bit apprehensive about dropping the $$$ to upgrade to a pure stereo integrated amp. I thought I had a pretty good set-up with the h/k, but the alpha 8 simply does it all better: Highs aren't artificial sounding anymore, voices are right on, and even bass is solid and balanced. Also the level of control this amp has over the loudspeakers is quite incredible. The soundstage is highly detailed and precise and the music simply seems balanced and natural. The sounstage is startlingly vast as well, with the instruments clearly discernable. Despite being rated at 50 watts, the alpha 8 can supply up to 12 amps of sustained current, so it certainly has some REAL power behind it. I am driving a pair of Energy pro 4.5's with it and so far, it will drive the energy's loud enough to make people leave the room.
For the value/money, highly reccommended

While the Rega Planet is one hell of a player (I bought one!), I have to say the Arcam 8 is an excellent machine, providing more detail and an open sound that is quite addictive. It virtually trounces the Arcam 7 and I believe is more of an upgrade then the price difference lets on.
It is an extremely detailed machine without apparent fatigue after long listening sessions. I do think the Rega is an excellent deal at the discounted prices you can get them occasionally. And you MUST break in the Planet for an extended time to sound its best. But the Arcam 8 did sound more open then the Rega right off, within the first full bar of music you could tell a difference.

If you can afford the $1000 or so price tag, it is well worth it; the only fault I saw was the cheap looking case and less than robust construction, compared to the solid Rega.

Great sounding though. Give it a listen!

kh