April 5, 2005

I have B&W 604 speakers. I am planning to buy a new integrated amplifier. Options are an Arcam DiVA A85 or Denon PMA 2000IVR. Q: Which one of these integrated amps will do a better job with my speakers?

Ivan Mazik

A: Arcam says the DiVA A85 will deliver 85Wpc into 8 ohms, and Denon says the PMA-2000IVR will deliver 80Wpc into 8 ohms. B&W recommends amplifiers rated from 25W to 200W. So, which of those two similarly spec'd integrated amps will do the job better for you? I can't say because I haven't reviewed either unit you mention (although Wes Phillips did write about the Arcam on SoundStage!), and I haven't reviewed, or even heard, the B&W 604s. I have some experience with Arcam products, and I think they are very good. I would lean in that direction. However, the final decision is up to you and your ears. Don't replace your own preferences with those of any audio writer. Doing so will lead to disappointment.

...Doug Schneider