About The Arcam A5 Stereo Amplifier
The Arcam A5 is the entry level model in the Arcam Radia range of components and is designed for all those intimate listening experiences with your favourite music.
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 A5 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 A5 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
"As we switch between sources we cover a wide range of music in our time with the Arcam A5, and it never disappoints. This is a superbly rounded performer that simply gets on with the job of playing music without intruding on the experience. Partner it with suitably capable sources and speakers, and it will invariably deliver musical and enjoyable results. It has been many years since we've heard such a convincing stereo amplifier from Arcam. If you are thinking of buying at this level, this one has to go at the top of your shortlist. It really is that good. Welcome back Arcam." What Hi-Fi? 5 Star Review
"The big-brained audio boffins at the Cambridge-based Arcam have been engineering Hi-Fi amp ingenuity for the best part of 50 years and all that acquired learning and expertise is imbued into each new product they produce; which is exactly what makes the A5 as good as it gets for under a grand.
With a power output of 2x 50W (20Hz – 20kHz), the optimised Class AB A5 pumps out treble, mid and bass that kicks bottom, rich, refined and beautifully balanced thanks to the inclusion of an ESS ES9018 DAC chip that takes all the audio input from the 3x analogue, 2x coaxial, 1x optical, and 1x phono inputs and hones it to all new heights for both headphones or speakers.
What's more, while eschewing a USB input akin to the Marantz, the Radia A5 features Bluetooth with Qualcomm AptX Adaptive technology, which means users can enjoy up to 24-bit Hi-Res music streaming (with a compatible device, obvs.), thus delivering better than CD-quality with not a wire in the way. Plus, that's two-way Bluetooth, adding wireless headphones into the bargain too.
Good-looking in a mainly minimalist manner too, if it's the ultimate combo of power, precision and virtuoso versatility you seek for considerably less coins than a AUD $1,500, then look no further…" The Standard
Our Take
It might be the entry level model in Arcam's Radia range of amplifiers but the A5 doesn't skimp in any area, especially considering the very reasonable price. 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 50 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 A5. A dash of daring design that really pays off. All up, a very nice effort by Arcam. Recommended.
Main Features & Specifications
- Design: 50 Watt Stereo Integrated Amplifier & DAC
- ARCAM Class AB amplification - provides brilliant musicality
- 50W per channel (8Ω) - powers loudspeakers with ease
- 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 50W
- 2 channels driven, 1kHz, 4Ω 75W
- Harmonic distortion, 80% power, 8Ω at 1kHz 0.003%
- 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) 350W
- 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 83 x 344mm
- Weight 8 kg
- Manufacturer's Warranty: 5 Years
Note: Features & Specifications Subject To Change Without Notice. E&OE.