Arcam SA20 Integrated Amplifier

Product highlights

• 80 watts per channel @ 8 ohms
• Ultra-low distortion and noise
• Class G amplifier design operates in full Class A mode at lower listening levels
• 5 analog audio inputs, including phono stage (moving magnet)
• 2 coaxial/1 optical digital inputs   
• Front panel digital display
• Full-function remote also operates matching Arcam CD player
• Dimensions: 17.05” wide x 3.43” high x 12.72” deep
• Weight: 20.28 lbs.
• Warranty: 2 years – World Wide Stereo is an authorized dealer for every brand we sell
• Included: World Wide Stereo 60-day guarantee and expert product support

A higher class of amp

The British audiophile company A&R Cambridge (Arcam for short), founded by two engineering students at Cambridge University in 1976, has been designing high-end audio components in the UK for decades, including pioneering research into amplification circuitry. The company’s research led to the development of its unique Class G amplification system, which eliminates the harsh “crossover notch” distortion that can plague traditional Class AB circuit designs. By using multiple power supplies and instantaneous digital switching, Class G is highly efficient  with vanishingly low distortion, and is more revealing of sonic subtleties with few dynamic power constraints.

A true 80 watts

What all that means is that for much of the SA20’s operating range, you’re likely to be listening in the purest amplifier mode, known as Class A, for lowest distortion. And the multiple power supplies and digital switching mean that the 80 watts – and beyond – are always at the ready. As avforums.com said in its review and Recommended Award: “It feels very much like those claimed 80 watts are always raring to go and there never feels like there is any shortage of power.”

Perfect for phono

You get five analog inputs (one on the front), plus two coax and one optical digital input, enough for game system, set-top box, CD and DVD, and more. And the switchable phono input in particular, notes avforums.com, has “no background noise, plenty of gain and a real sense of involvement to the music.”

Simple machine, simple control

The SA20 comes with a full-featured remote, which also handles the company’s CD player. And the Ethernet IP control and RS232 connection makes it simple to integrate with such full-home automation systems as Control4.