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Hi,

For many years I've wanted to buy a decent hifi system, but I've been unable to justify the cost. Also having listened to a top-of-the-range Linn 10 years ago nothing has ever had the same effect on me since, and I didn't want to be disappointed.

Well, I figure that 10 years is long enough to forget just how good that sounded, hopefully I be happy with something a lot more affordable.

A family member and audiophile has kindly offered me two Arcam Delta 2 speakers (now long discontinued). I'd like to make best use of them. It's been practically impossible to get any specs on them (yet alone find any reviews) however Arcam have told me this:

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The Delta 2 speaker was launched in 1991 and cost £300. Their specifications:

Recommended Power 15-70W
Sensitivity 89dB for 1W at 1m
Two way ported enclosure
Weight 8.5kg
Size (hxwxd) 37.5x22.5x27cm

They actually won a group test of compact speakers on the June 1991 issue of What hi-fi? And was recommended in the £251-400 section in their awards issue. Hi-fi Choice also recommended them in May 1991.
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Now, another audiophile friend has suggested that the Harman/Kardon HK675 is the most fantastic amp in it's class. I feel that he's slightly biased :) That said, I can't find any reviews whatsoever on this amp. The specs certainly look good on paper.

So my questions are:

1) Does anyone have any experience with these speakers. Are the nice?

2) Is this amp as good as my friend claims or are there better alternatives in the same ballpark? Can anyone point mt to a review?

Thanks for your help,

Tim

I am to in Tim's position of trying to find any reviews on this amp. But if it's any help a cousin of mine works in a high end hifi shop on tottenham court road in the city and says that for the price the hk675 lacks basic features such as tos link, also it isn't bi wireable which could be important.

Hi Tim & Gurminder,
First of all let me tell you, HK675 is quite a decent amp.
Comming back to comments posted by Gurminder, as far as his cousins observation, I think its pretty misleading.
First of all why do you need a Toslink in an amp, I havent yet heard of an amp having a toslink, its basically meant for CD player as one of means of digital out if you are using an outboard DAC, that too it isnt a preffered means since its known to create a lot of jitter problems.
Secondly, an Amp has nothing to do with biwirable, all amps can be biwired depending if the speaker allows that facility.
Comming back to HK675, HK amps are pretty renowned in its price field for its power rating and high currant design, so like if youre worried if can drive the arcams, you dont need to because it surely will drive them and very handsomely, to put it shortly the amp has termendeous gutso, though it might lack some detail in compared to Rotels or Arcam, I can assure you the amp is very fast, it does not sacrifice any frequency to higlight another (unlike many other jap designs at the same price range) but then if you can afford an extra 100 bucks, you should look at Rotels or Arcams which would give you the finnesse that might be missing in HK675..
All said and done, HK675 on its own is a very decent and capable integrated amp.
I havent heard the arcam speakers you a talking about so like I wouldnt be able to tell you how it would sound together, thats upto you to listen, in any case I suggest you dont buy before you audition yourself.
All I am trying to say is that in its price range its worth looking into HK675.
Although there is one disadvantage with the HK675 and that is it does not have a pre-out, which means if you later decide to use it only as a power amp and hook up a good pre-amp, you wouldnt be able to do so.
Hope this helps.
Sandeep.
oops I just saw the date Tim posted this, guess I am pretty late.. but then I hope it helps Gurminder.