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Arcam FMJ C31 PreAmp Upgrade

4 out of 5
  

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overview
Why do we upgrade equipment?

Almost any Hi-Fi component can be upgraded to higher performance using our techniques and components. The two things go together – the know-how and the right component. Over the last 30 years, we have developed our knowledge of where the biggest problems lie and how to overcome them to unleash better performance from a given piece of equipment.

Arcam FMJ C31 PreAmp Upgrade





The now discontinued C31 features a simple, accurate and clean signal path. The reed relay input switching dispenses with the compromises of mechanical or conventional relay designs, resulting in switching with immeasurable noise and distortion. The studio grade electronic volume controls deliver precision variation of volume level whilst maintaining the subtle nuances of the music and delivering long-term reliability.




This provides a great platform to upgrade! Our upgrades build on the strengths of the amplifier. Everything you love about the sound remains – it just gets so much better.

Internal wiring

Internal signal wiring is taking care of, using a combination of Kimber copper and silver wire.





For the signal wire, we've used a mixture of Kimber copper cable, PBJ, single wire TCX and pure silver - 4 core GQ-24 Ag. If you would prefer copper in place of the silver wiring, then there will be a price reduction. Contact us for details.

Component Upgrades

For the majority of the capacitor changes, we use Russ's favoured Panasonic Audio Grade caps. Where possible, we will endeavour to use the superb Kimber Kaps.

90 component upgrades/changes are made across the power supply and pre-amp section. Upgrades include Kimber Kap capacitors and Russ's favoured audio grade Panasonic capacitors which give a smooth and detailed sound. The amplifier is completely disassembled to gain access to key areas of upgrade.





Power

To clean up and give the power supply an upgrade SuperFuses™, Silencer™ mains filter, ClarityMains™ conditioner are fitted. Wiring was taken care of using PowerKord-100™.



Grounding

if you're a fan (and lets face it, why wouldn't you be!) of our grounding philosophy that incorporates the RF Router, then we highly recommend the Ground Terminal option fitted to your equipment. The Ground Terminal provides a much more convenient way of attaching a ground wire.





Different Model?

If you don't have exactly the same model as listed above, but a very similar unit, then it's highly likely that the same or similar upgrades will apply. But we can't guarantee that until we have the unit here for inspection. Get in touch and let us know what you have.



How the service works

Equipment upgrades are proving hugely popular. During peak times there may be a wait of several weeks before we can carry out the upgrade. So before we get your equipment here, it must be booked in so we can ensure a speedy turnaround of the upgrade. Once you have placed your order, we will contact you to arrange a suitable week and getting the equipment here.

In Person
For those of you who are local enough or if you fancy a trip to the lakes, you can drop off your equipment personally and then collect it when it’s complete or we can ship it back to you.

By Courier
We can arrange a courier collection of your equipment for an additional cost. We currently use UPS.
To make things easier, we can offer several collection options.

1. We can arrange a specific day for the courier to call and collect your equipment. Someone will need to be available all day at the collection address as we’re unable to arrange a time slot for collections.

2. Dropping off at a UPS Access Point. UPS use a network of local shops to deliver and collect parcels from and to. We can either post you a collection label or email you the label (you will need to print the label at home/work). Securely box up your equipment, affix the collection label to the outside of the box and take it to your preferred Access Point where you will be issued a receipt. UPS Access Points can be found here (link opens in a new window), simply enter you postcode to find your nearest one.


 
Exclamation IconEquipment condition.
 
It’s important to note that this service is specifically aimed at upgrading equipment in good working condition rather than repairing or servicing. Why? Well, these are two very different processes. Our upgrades look at improving existing parts – like capacitors, for example – and we have an awful lot of knowledge and experience of doing this. As many of these parts do wear over time, replacing them can have the added benefit of actually making the equipment more reliable and longer-lasting, but that is an added bonus rather than the central aim, which is to improve performance.
 
When it comes to servicing and repair, however, the specific knowledge of individual pieces of equipment that is required, along with access to the original electronic schematics, makes it unwise for anyone other than the manufacturer or authorised service agent to carry out this type of work. 
 
The upgrade comes with a 2 year warranty, including all parts that we've used. This excludes failure of components beyond the work we have carried out. We therefore ask that the equipment you send for upgrade is in good working order.
 
Please note this is just an upgrade modification, it does not include the Arcam preamp
Customer Reviews
Overall product rating 4 / 5
4 / 5

reviewed by Adrian
05 Jan 2023
Yes, I recommend this product.
"A Good Pre Amp Imto A Great One"
I always found my C31 pretty good, but maybe a little polite. After HiFi Choice recommended this upgrade I went ahead and am very pleased I did.
There's not one area you can single out as transformed, more that everything was just that bit better, so the cumulative effect was fantastic - the same but very much better, breathing more life into the music without becoming brash.
I chose to drop mine off whilst up in the Lakes and collected it before we left, and the service was excellent.
Definitely worth the upgrade in sonic terms and should extend the life of a now superb pre amp