About The Arcam A15 Stereo Amplifier
The Arcam A15 is the middle model in the Arcam Radia range of components and is the power house, with 80 Watts of output per channel. It is perfect for listening with tower speakers, in larger rooms, and more exuberant listening volumes.
Radia family products offer a subtle symmetrical design that complements their aluminium shells. They are adorned with seamless front fascias, redesigned knobs, and gentle lighting effects, creating a sense of power and finesse.
The casework showcases a smooth, matte black surface cut through with the new signature Radia yellow highlights. On the top, ventilation cut-outs are masterfully hidden within a pattern of dynamic lines, ensuring a flawless aesthetic. The rear sports a connector cowl, reminiscent of ornate rear diffusers found in performance cars, that effectively hides unsightly connector housings from view. And, to ensure optimal user interaction, the redesigned knobs are elegantly curved, finished in satin black, and textured to mask fingerprints.
The "A" in Arcam stands for Amplification - this is the company's core competence. The A15 is the latest in more than 45 years of amplifier design and manufacture, going back to their first product in 1976 - the A&R Cambridge A60 amplifier. New components and materials have been painstakingly analysed and reviewed to ensure brilliant sound quality.
So you can play music straight out of the box, the Arcam A15 includes a Bluetooth solution with Qualcomm aptX Adaptive technology. This provides up to 24-bit HD audio for the best sound quality from your compatible phone or tablet, no matter what you are playing. It can also connect to Bluetooth headphones so your listening experience can continue sensitively after dark.
Hi-res audio is included through the high resolution digital audio inputs and, like any Arcam integrated amplifier, particular attention is paid to the built-in phono stage to ensure your records sound as lush and engaging as possible.
Review's
"This is a second bullseye for Arcam. We worried a bit for the A15 once we heard how good the entry-level A5 sounded, but we needn't have. This is a clear step better than its talented sibling, delivering a sound of greater clarity, scale and precision. Sure, it isn't quite as forgiving of partnering equipment, but at this level we would expect owners to take even more care over system matching. If the A15 falls into your budget make sure you give it a listen. We haven't heard a better-sounding alternative for the money." What Hi-Fi? 5 Star Review
Our Take
The A15 is the middle model in Arcam's Radia range of amplifiers and takes things up a notch with 80 Watts per channel into 8 Ohms making it suitable for a wide range of speakers and spaces. Two way aptX Adaptive Bluetooth is a great inclusion, so you can not only stream audio to the amplifier from a smart device or the like but the amplifier can stream audio to Bluetooth headphones or speakers. Very nice. Its 80 Watt per channel amplifier section is good old Class AB in a world where it seems every second product is going Class D. Class AB done right from a company whose experience dates back more than 45 years to the iconic A&R Cambridge A60 is always a winner in our book. Then there's the pleasing array of input options including line level & MM phono analogue inputs as well as Coaxial & Optical digital inputs. Another nicety is the inclusion of not only an IR In but also Trigger In & Out which means this amplifier will play very nicely with the companion ST5 Network Music Player. Oh, and we need to mention the very cool contemporary styling of the A15. A dash of daring design that really pays off. So, a very good effort from Arcam. Recommended.
Main Features & Specifications
- Design: 80 Watt Stereo Integrated Amplifier & DAC
- ARCAM Class AB amplification - provides brilliant musicality
- 80W per channel (8Ω) - powers loudspeakers with dynamics
- ESS ES9018 DAC
- Bluetooth with aptX™ Adaptive Technology - for the best sound with the most convenience
- Specially selected components and materials - to deliver on sound quality
- Wired or Wireless Headphones - connect your headphones for quiet listening with, or without wires
- All new Radia design - Purposeful yet playful
- MM phono stage - ready for Turntables
- Hi-Res Digital Audio Inputs
- Plastic Free Packaging - for easy disposal of natural materials
General
- Continuous power output (0.5% THD), per channel
- 2 channels driven, 20Hz - 20kHz, 8Ω 80W
- 2 channels driven, 1kHz, 4Ω 120W
- Harmonic distortion, 80% power, 8Ω at 1kHz 0.002%
- Connections
- 3 Analogue Line Level Single Ended RCA Inputs
- 1 Phono (MM) Input
- 2 Coaxial Digital Inputs
- 1 Optical Digital Input
- All Digital Inputs support 192, 176.4, 96, 88.2, 48, 44.1 kHz sampling rates & bit depths of 16 & 24
- Two Way Bluetooth Bluetooth 5.2 with AptX™ Adaptive technology and AAC
- Preamp Output
- Front Panel Headphone Output
- Power consumption (maximum) 500W
- Power consumption (standby) <0.5W
- Removable Power Cable: Upgrade to an IsoTek Power Cable for better performance
- Supplied Accessories: Power Cable, Remote Control, 2 AAA Batteries, Quick Start Guide, Safety Instructions
- Finish: Black with Yellow highlights
- Dimensions (WxHxD) 431 x 98 x 344mm
- Weight 10 kg
- Manufacturer's Warranty: 5 Years
Note: Features & Specifications Subject To Change Without Notice. E&OE.