Best amp to replace Arcam AV50?

I currently have a Pioneer DV-575, an Arcam 7SE CD Player, a SimDevices
Squeezebox, a TiVo (controlling a Freeview box) and a digital satellite
receiver for watching French TV. These devices are connected via SCART cables
to a Quintro+ switchbox for viewing on a Hitachi plasma screen.

The audio is routed directly from each device into an Arcam AV50 via the normal
analog phono inputs. The DVD player is connected to the 5.1 analog inputs on
the AV50, making use of the Pioneer's internal DAC (which I know is only
mediocre). I also have an Arcam Alpha 8 power amp which I use to bi-amp my
Allison CD7 speakers.

I am thinking about getting an amp which has digital inputs and which will give
me the same sort of sound I get from my AV50, but hopefully better quality
because it will have a much better DAC.

The alternative would be an external DAC. Is this worthwhile in my system? Any
recommendations here?

Many thanks.

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Phillip Deackes

"Phillip Deackes" wrote in message
...
I currently have a Pioneer DV-575, an Arcam 7SE CD Player, a SimDevices
Squeezebox, a TiVo (controlling a Freeview box) and a digital satellite
receiver for watching French TV. These devices are connected via SCART
cables
to a Quintro+ switchbox for viewing on a Hitachi plasma screen.

The audio is routed directly from each device into an Arcam AV50 via the
normal
analog phono inputs. The DVD player is connected to the 5.1 analog inputs
on
the AV50, making use of the Pioneer's internal DAC (which I know is only
mediocre). I also have an Arcam Alpha 8 power amp which I use to bi-amp my
Allison CD7 speakers.

I am thinking about getting an amp which has digital inputs and which will
give
me the same sort of sound I get from my AV50, but hopefully better quality
because it will have a much better DAC.

The alternative would be an external DAC. Is this worthwhile in my system?
Any
recommendations here?

Many thanks.

If you like the "Arcam" sound why not consider the AVR300?

http://www.arcam.co.uk/diva/cinema/avr300.html

"Phillip Deackes" wrote in message
...
I currently have a Pioneer DV-575, an Arcam 7SE CD Player, a SimDevices
Squeezebox, a TiVo (controlling a Freeview box) and a digital satellite
receiver for watching French TV. These devices are connected via SCART
cables
to a Quintro+ switchbox for viewing on a Hitachi plasma screen.

The audio is routed directly from each device into an Arcam AV50 via the
normal
analog phono inputs. The DVD player is connected to the 5.1 analog inputs
on
the AV50, making use of the Pioneer's internal DAC (which I know is only
mediocre). I also have an Arcam Alpha 8 power amp which I use to bi-amp my
Allison CD7 speakers.

I am thinking about getting an amp which has digital inputs and which will
give
me the same sort of sound I get from my AV50, but hopefully better quality
because it will have a much better DAC.

The alternative would be an external DAC. Is this worthwhile in my system?
Any
recommendations here?

Many thanks.

If you like the "Arcam" sound why not consider the AVR300?

http://www.arcam.co.uk/diva/cinema/avr300.html