The Arcam Alpha 8 is a classic integrated amplifier that was very well-received years back and is still quite sought after even to this day. If you are able to get your hands on this Arcam amp in good working condition, you should really hear them out and see how it sounds. Are you already a proud owner of the Arcam Alpha 8 and are currently looking for a pair of speakers to partner up with it? You came to the right place as we will be sharing with you the list of the best speakers that you can get and match them with your Arcam Alpha 8.
In order to find compatible and matching speakers, we must first learn more about the Arcam Alpha 8, such as its strengths, limitations, and sonic characteristics. With such data in your hands, you can easily look for speakers on your own too. So without further ado, let us start.
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Sonic Characteristics and Important Specifications of Arcam Alpha 8
Arcam amplifier designs have come a long way, not saying that the Alpha 8 looks bad but it looks really different from the current line of integrated amplifiers. This is a good thing as this means Arcam is doing its best to improve the sonic performance as well as the aesthetic visuals of their amps. Talking about aesthetics visuals, the Arcam Alpha 8 should not have any problem matching with most speakers though. The rated power output is pretty good, it has 50 Watts per channel into 8 Ohms and a frequency response of 20Hz to 20kHz. There is no dedicated subwoofer output but there is a preamp output to connect to an external power amplifier.
With the mentioned specs, we should only focus on pairing bookshelf speakers with the Arcam Alpha 8 unless you are planning to get a pair of highly efficient floor-standers which can be expensive. Another option is to integrate an additional power amplifier to drive the floor-standing speakers. For turntable users, the Alpha 8 has a phono input. It doesn’t have any digital connections though. Other notable features will be the headphones output, allowing you to listen to your favorite tunes privately.
The Arcam Alpha 8 may not have high power outputs but it sure has plenty of musicality in it. The integrated amplifier sounded nice and smooth, allowing us to get into the music pretty quickly and just enjoy the songs we are feeding to it. The Alpha 8 has that UK sound signature to it as well and is pleasing to the ears, the highs can sound quite sweet at times and never sounded harsh. We did try to push the volume and the Arcam amp is still able to cope but we didn’t dare to push it too hard as a bit of distortion can be heard. The music delivery is fluid with a hint of warmth and we can easily listen to them for hours on end.
The soundstage is wide and the Arcam Alpha 8 stereo imaging is marvelous, accurately separating each instrument and musician with definition. There is an airy presence on the soundstage which makes the performance immersive and the dynamics of the integrated amplifier help provide some engagement. The overall sound reproduction is detailed and quite forgiving. The bass performance is tight and agile but does lack a little impact and weight, you can try increasing the bass gain if you feel that way as well.
The Arcam Alpha 8 is a talented integrated amplifier and many would enjoy listening to it, all thanks to the pleasing sound quality which is easy on the ears. Still, it might sound a little too thin for some listeners. If the Alpha 8 has a bit more power, it will be nice as well. We have the necessary details, it is time to start sharing with you the best speakers that you can get and match with the Arcam Alpha 8 amplifier. The price points of these speakers will be considered, and they will be close to the average selling price of the Alpha 8 amp.
Arcam Alpha 8 Specifications
- Power Outputs: 50 Watts into 8 Ohms (both channels driven)
- Frequency Response: 20Hz-20kHz
- Total Harmonic Distortion: 0.01%
- Speaker load impedance: 4 Ohms to 16 Ohms
- Inputs: 1 Phono input, 4 RCA inputs, 1 Tape
- Outputs: Headphone output, 1 Preout, 1 Tape
- Dimensions: 430mm x 330mm x 85mm (16.9″ x 13″ x 3.3″)
- Weight: 4.5kg (9.9lbs)
Best Speakers to pair with Arcam Alpha 8
Wharfedale Diamond 220 is a pair of entry-level bookshelf speakers that have won many praises and accolades. You’ll be charmed by their well-balanced sound reproduction and the smooth music delivery with a touch of warmth, it is just so pleasing to the ears. If you are planning to set up a warm-sounding audio system, the Wharfedale Diamond 220 will be a great match with your Arcam Alpha 8. The bass performance of the Diamond 220 is rather impressive for a stand-mounter of this size and it can dig deep into the bass extension, delivering the low frequencies with weight and presence.
More Info at Amazon – Wharfedale Diamond 220 Bookshelf Speakers
The Q Acoustic 3020i is another amazing pair of bookshelf speakers that can add warmth to your stereo sound system while providing you with engaging dynamics. It is one of the best speakers to go for and pair with the Arcam Alpha 8 integrated amplifier. The amp’s musical refinement helps to provide a tad more control over the 3020i speakers. These speakers have insights that are been cleanly delivered, filling the listening room with lush musical details. The musicality of the Arcam Alpha 8 fits well with the Q Acoustic 3020i sonic characteristics and both of them will make excellent partners.
More Info at Amazon – Q Acoustics 3020i Bookshelf Speakers
Sometimes you just want to enjoy your favorite tunes and be entertained, the Dali Spektor 2 will be the ideal speaker to help keep your toes tapping. The enthusiasm of the Dali Spektor 2 speakers when delivering the music is filled with energy and passion, able to hook you right into the music and make you want to keep listening to them with more of your favorite tunes. These speakers have great control and pacing to provide their listeners with an articulate music presentation. The Arcam Alpha 8 does help by introducing a bit more refinement and a spacious soundstage. It will definitely be worth your time to have a listen.
More Info at Amazon – DALI SPEKTOR 2 Bookshelf Speakers
The Monitor Audio Bronze 2 is one of the best speakers to pair up with the Arcam Alpha 8 integrated amplifier. The overall sound reproduction of the Bronze 2 bookshelf speakers is balanced and has plenty of insights. These are speakers that you can depend on for a stable music presentation and are able to deliver attacks when it needs to. The musical refinement of the Alpha 8 amp helps to provide a bit more control and the warmth eases the rough edges a little, making them both a good match with one another. The bass reproduction is tight and can dig quite deep into the lower frequency region.
KEF Q150 is a talented pair of compact size bookshelf speakers that can deliver a spacious soundstage and along with its rich-sounding midrange, they can deliver exceptional sonic performance. The midrange has texture, details, and warmth, reproducing instruments with intricacies and vocals that sounded natural. The KEF Q150 has weighty low-end reproduction, which is delivered with tautness and agility. It is a remarkable pair of stand-mounters that are a worthy match to your Arcam Alpha 8 amplifier. The treble may be a bit bright for some listeners, we will suggest auditioning them first before making a decision.
More Info at Amazon – KEF Q150 Bookshelf Speakers
If you want to pair your Arcam Alpha 8 with floor-standing speakers, we will suggest going with easy-to-drive floor-standers. The ones which are close to the price range of the Alpha 8 will be the Klipsch R-610F and Jamo S 809 floor-standers. The Klipsch R-610F has slightly higher speaker sensitivity than the S 809 and so is a bit easier to drive. The R-610F can be bright-sounding due to its lively and energetic treble. The Jamo S 809 is quite a powerful speaker, with an impressive frequency response of 37Hz-26kHz (+/- 3dB). You can also integrate power amplifiers into the mix so to drive these floor-standers more efficiently.
More Info at Amazon – Klipsch R-610F Floorstanding Speakers
More Info at Amazon – Jamo Studio Series S809 Floorstanding Speakers
To Conclude
We recommend sticking with bookshelf speakers to pair up with your Arcam Alpha 8 as they are easier to drive when compared to floor-standing speakers. For the same price, you can get higher quality and more well-made bookshelf speakers. Whichever speakers you choose, it is strongly suggested that you arrange an audition to hear the chosen speakers and see if you like how they sound. The speakers listed here are some of the best on the market and deserve your time to check them out.
