Ask us to call our favorite stereo built-in amplifiers of latest years and also you gained’t discover us mentioning any Arcams. Over a lot of the final decade, we’ve did not be satisfied by the corporate’s designs regardless of them being invariably well-made and generously specified. We have now typically discovered their sound overly protected, which is okay if you’d like an undemanding and comfy hear, however not supreme if, like us, you wish to be taken on an emotional joyride (with the suitable music, after all).
So it was with greater than a little bit of trepidation that we approached the corporate’s new Radia sequence of merchandise. This consists of three stereo amplifiers: the A15 on take a look at right here, the entry-level A5 (£749 / $699) and range-topping Class G A25 (£1499 / £1499), the CD5 participant (£699 / $699) and ST5 music streamer (£799 / $799).
We have now examined the A5 with nice outcomes and questioned whether or not the step-up A15 might actually supply any extra. Within the occasion, we needn’t have frightened, as this middle-rung amplifier does greater than supply a bit extra energy. Let’s put numbers on that. The entry-level A5 outputs a claimed 50 watts per channel into 8 ohms whereas the A15 takes that to 80 watts into the identical load. Elsewhere, each amplifiers are identically specified, so far as options are involved.
Options
Arcam has been beneficiant with the spec sheet and has tried to cowl all bases. We doubt that this amplifier will ever get caught brief in most set-ups given it has three line degree inputs, a pair of coax digital and a single optical. The favored ESS ES9018 DAC chip is on the coronary heart of the inner DAC module. It could have been good to have a USB choice, however the lack of it isn’t a deal breaker for us. There’s a preamp output for many who wish to improve by including an outboard energy amplifier and a 3.5mm headphone output on the entrance panel.
Given the re-emergence of vinyl as a preferred supply lately it comes as no shock to seek out that Arcam has included a shifting magnet phono stage. However this amplifier isn’t solely about trying backwards. It comes geared up with Bluetooth 5.2 and is appropriate with aptX Adaptive, which opens up simple use with telephones, tablets and laptops. We had been pleasantly stunned to seek out that the Bluetooth is two-way, in that the A15 can obtain Bluetooth indicators but in addition ship them out to a appropriate wi-fi speaker or headphones.
Construct
This amplifier is constructed effectively too. Its casework feels suitably sturdy and is completed properly. The A15’s extra highly effective circuitry has pressured Arcam to make its casing somewhat taller than the A5 and it provides the built-in a chunkier look. Earlier Arcam efforts have at all times appeared tidy however this new vary with all-black end and refined yellow accents appears glossy and fashionable.
Arcam A15 tech specs
Kind Built-in
Energy 80W per channel
Phono stage Transferring magnet
Inputs Line degree x 3, optical, coax x 2
Outputs Pre-out
Bluetooth aptX Adaptive, two-way
Headphone output? Sure (3.5mm)
Dimensions (hwd) 9.8 x 43.1 x 34.4cm
Weight 10kg
We just like the clean-cut look and the symmetry of the controls. These two giant rotary dials are made from stable aluminium and switch with a stunning weighted and easy motion. Across the again, one can find clearly labelled and sensibly situated connections and a sturdy set of speaker terminals. Our solely aesthetic grievance is that the comparatively giant show is robbed of crispness due to the frosted look of the entrance panel.
We attempt the A15 in our reference set-up of Naim ND555/555 PS DR music streamer, Technics SL-1000R/Vertere Sabre file participant and ATC SCM50 audio system in addition to partnering it with extra price-compatible merchandise such because the Cambridge Audio CXN (V2) music streamer, Cyrus CDi CD participant, KEF LS50 Meta audio system and PMC’s Prodigy 5 floorstanders. We examined the junior A5 amplifier with the identical equipment and it labored effectively, however the step up in efficiency to the A15 is critical.
Sound
It is a splendidly commanding and managed performer. It excels when it comes to grip and composure, delivering far more when it comes to scale and authority when in comparison with its little brother. It additionally sounds extra open and dramatic, as we uncover when listening to Tchaikovsky’s 1812 Overture.
Right here we’re impressed by the size of the sound and the best way this nonetheless compact design offers with the music’s savage dynamics. There is no such thing as a scarcity of punch and energy, however that is no muscle-bound thug. This Arcam is insightful, monitoring the music’s multitude of instrumental strands with talent. Dynamic nuances are conveyed with finesse and we love the best way it renders instrumental textures with such delicacy.
Stereo imaging is expansive, steady and properly layered, and stays in order the musical complexity and quantity degree rises. Whereas the A15 doesn’t have the sweetness or slight richness we so like in its cheaper sibling, it compensates with the next degree of readability and precision. Tonally, it sounds impartial with no apparent emphasis in any a part of the frequency vary.
The A15 has this highly effective, exact and poised character no matter enter chosen. Arcam was one of many pioneers of outboard digital-to-analogue converters again within the ’80s and that have shines by way of within the efficiency of the A15’s digital part. It’s crisp, insightful and fascinating.
The sound by way of the digital inputs retain all of the character of the analogue line levels however loses just a bit of their transparency. Even so, when it comes to dynamics and readability, the digital module nonetheless matches a number of the higher inexpensive DACs that come our method. Equally, whereas Bluetooth predictably fails to match any of the wired inputs in outright sound high quality, it stays adequate for informal listening and that’s about as a lot as we will ask for.
We have now to provide particular point out to the A15’s phono stage and headphone output. Each these circuits are usually tick-box workout routines for many producers, however judging by the proof of our ears that’s not the case right here. Bob Marley’s Catch A Fireplace on LP comes by way of with ardour intact, the Arcam delivering the assorted reggae beats with confidence. It is a musical sound, one which pulls us into the music till we sit there singing together with One Love. Nobody wants to listen to that! The phono circuit is decently quiet and has sufficient acquire to work effectively with a variety of shifting magnet cartridges (and most high-output shifting coils).
Equally, the headphone output retains the identical informative and fascinating character we hear from our audio system. We use Grado’s 325x, Sony’s MDR -Z1R and Focal’s Stellia, and the Arcam drives all of them with verve, dynamic expression and rhythmic integrity intact.
Verdict
It is a second bullseye for Arcam. We frightened a bit for the A15 as soon as we heard how good the entry-level A5 sounded, however we needn’t have. It is a clear step higher than its gifted sibling, delivering a sound of larger readability, scale and precision. Positive, it isn’t fairly as forgiving of partnering gear, however at this degree we’d anticipate house owners to take much more care over system matching. If the A15 falls into your price range ensure you give it a hear. We haven’t heard a better-sounding different for the cash.
SCORES
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