Arcam SA20 Integrated Amplifier

Description

SA20

Two common problems can arise with hi-fi amplifiers, based on the choice of amplification class. The Arcam SA20 delivers an elegant solution.

Class A (the traditional audiophile’s choice) uses a single power supply constantly running at full capacity, even when there’s no signal coming through. Whilst this is great for reproducing subtle details at low levels, this kind of system can struggle to deliver extreme power when needed.

Class A/B (the most common amplification class) instead switches between TWO internal amplifiers, one for each half of the audio waveform. This is far more efficient but often a recipe for crossover distortion, as low-level details may get lost within any mis-match where the two amplifiers switch over.

Class G amplifiers solve these problems in a very elegant manner. Essentially the Arcam SA20 is a hybrid amp which utilises Class A specifically for low-level signals, then switches in an additional power supply to drive those larger sections of the waveform, as & when needed. Very neat.

Specifications

• Class-G amplification for impeccable sound and efficiency.
• 90 W of power per-channel.
• Continuous power per-channel (both channels) 80 W.
• Continuous power per-channel (one channel) 176 W.
• Class A output to 12 W.
• 5 x analogue inputs including phono (1 x line/MM switchable).
• 3 x digital inputs (2 x SPDIF, 1 x Optical).
• 32-bit DAC (Sabre ESS9038K2M).
• Full I/P control.
• Total harmonic distortion + noise = 0.003 %

Full Arcam Range Available

Unilet Sound & Vision are official retail partners for Arcam, providing sales, advice and assistance on their entire range of high-quality audio products. Please do get in touch if you would like a demonstration or wish to purchase.

More Information

• SA20, by Arcam

Additional information

Brand

ARCAM

ARCAM have developed a world-class reputation for making some of the best-sounding AV electronics. Starting with amplifiers over forty years ago, the company moved into CD player technology a decade later, and then pushed further into home cinema electronics.

The brand have now developed their own DVD and Blu-Ray players, engineered using decades of CD experience to ensure they play music as well as they do movies, thus delivering better all-round performance than many other brands.