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Thank you for mentioning the upcoming updated line of Arcam Amps. It’s so frustrating to buy an expensive piece of gear, only to see a big improvement a few months later. Those newer Arcam models look almost perfect. Also really excited to see your guys review of those Super Denton’s!
If you expect to keep an integrated amp for a lifetime then selecting one with streaming capabilities is a no go. I would wager that most devices will eventually no longer receive updates, breaking streaming compatibility. We see this often with DAPs from Astell and Kern. They eventually stop getting updates after a few years, breaking streaming functionality and turning the DAP into an expensive brick. My plan is to separate the streaming component from the amp, so the streaming device can be replaced easily as and when required, without having to get rid of the amp. Bravo to Arcam for releasing a simple integrated amp with no streaming.
@@Gamerboots Totally agree, and I'd add that if one of the boards that control the "smart" part of the amplifier fails after some years, you can end up with a totally inoperative amplifier, because that board is no longer manufactured. 😉 We live in times where a smartphone can easily cost over $1.000, and it will end up in the recycle bin in a few years, which is the opposite of what good HiFi equipment (specially amplifiers and loudspeakers) use to do, with so many still sounding great despite being 30 years old. I guess many people are getting used to products made to be recycled, instead of products that used to be made to last a lifetime, specially the most expensive ones.
@@MrRocktuga well that's just ridiculous nonsense, any part of an amp could fail. If the streamer stops working you must buy an external one. The amp will still work, ridiculous to say it won't.
I loved your explanation of why some amps are perceived to provide better soundstage presentation, and I think it's spot on. If amp A is giving you a better soundstage than amp B, it's not that amp A is packed with some special sauce. Most likely, it's because amp B isn't able to properly drive your speakers.
Glad you finally got to experience the Arcam Class G magic! I’ve had 17 years of great experience with their Class AB AVR300, being a equally great pairing with my JBL HDI 3800’s 🔊🔊🔊
I love the new styling. I can understand the appeal of a straight integrated amp. Tech ages quickly and obsolescence is a real issue for hifi. I have a streamer I’ve owned for 12 years. It has stopped working simply because the latest update doesn’t support my old product. Meanwhile my old amp just keeps rolling along happily.
Another pleasant Sunday morning Andrew and Kristi. Good to hear that on the sound quality level, the A25 passed with glowing colors. Interesting that you still find competitive class D amps exhibit a touch of hardness or brightness that they've historically been known for but supposedly were no longer associated with having evolved as a technology. While this integrated and separate streamer is clearly targeted by Arcam at the more purist audiophile, totally agree that the slicker all-in-one SA35 and SA45 have a lot more to offer for the vast majority shopping for these type of products. Thanks again for these great reviews and looking forward to Friday's discussion.
There are some exceptional Class D amplifiers (Primare is a perfect example), but the vast majority of Class D amps the larger audio community seems to be pushing are on the cheaper side of the spectrum, and those have treble (and power) issues in my experience.
That was a great video, I kinda like the color combo, as a stand alone piece. Thanks for comparing the Audiolab, I still love my 6000a but a bit more power could be useful from time to time. Have a great week, see you Thursday!!!
I just got the Arcam SA20 and ST60 heavily discounted due to this new series coming out. Same amplification. Running them with KEF LS50 Meta and the sound is sublime at any volume. A superb match👌
The SA20 is a nice amplifier. I initially didn’t like the design but have come round to it and may even prefer it to the current one. It’s also solidly built. Better than a Hegel H95 (and it sounds better). It cant quite match the transparency of my Audiolab but scores in other ways. The SA20 (and 30) are available heavily discounted now and make superb buys. Relative lack of some features will be an issue for some but streamers are now so cheap and well specified that this is not an issue for many unless you need everything in a box.
Well the ARCAM SA35 and SA45 will have in addition to HDMI eARC have also Dirac with bass control built in with 2 independent sub outs. From my stand point of view, they will be in competition with the NAD M66, which is "only" a pre-amp, but considering everything else quite similar features (NAD has 4 sub outs). Pricewise will the ARCAMs be however way cheaper (one box solution). Looking forward to see the reviews on these three products and comparisons. The A25 is almost half the price of the announced SA35 and third of SA45, so crosshoping is not likely to be happening and I believe are therefore not a competition from within the house. The day to day use is what can deter people from not returning the A25. It is otherwise very good to hear that this G amp topology has such a nice sound. Bright future ahead of us.
I have the predecessor, the SA20. I like it very much. I also have a 6000A and Cyrus Cast One. They all take their turn and shine in different ways. The Arcam was the one though that excelled with Stirling’s LS3/6 BBC Refs.
Uhoh. I don’t know if I should watch this one. I’ve had the A25 for months, and I LOVE it (like I LOVE tacos, not like I LOVE my wife). But, are you going to plant a seed that makes me look for greener pastures?
I'm with you on the lack of tone controls. I have a Solo Music mkII and I wrote to them about the lack of those controls (which they actually had on the mkI) Its from 2017 which just tells me that 7 yrs later they're still up to the same thing. They wrote that they were left out 'because they wanted the purest sound'. Uh... on my speakers, which I previously loved, the Solo Music is coming off a tad bright, And, each recording is different. I may want less treble on one album vs another. Let Me decide how I like my tone.
I have the arcam sa30. And it's remarkable. I was contemplating getting the A25, but after looking at some reviews I opted for the outgoing SA30. Glad i made that game time change
I had one a couple years ago but it ended up having too many software issues. I'm assuming they have fixed those issues by now. But yes I think the SA30 was a really good piece. It offers a lot & has great amplification. I see them for $2k and under these days...which I think is a steal for what you get from it.
@@NosEL34 yeah I have SA30 it's phenomenal. I'm using mostly a Rega Planar 3 but also Tidal connect which sounds great. I might buy a dedicated streamer one day but for £1000 the SA30 was an insane bargain for the crazy power I have on tap, beautiful amp.
Arcam products are legit from top to bottom. Since this line radia line came out, arcam has discounted the sa20 to under a grand. At that price is easily one of the best values for under $1000.
Great! I was waiting on this one. They offer something that most don’t, a selectable voltage switch. For someone like me that moves from country to country, that’s important. But I‘ll also wait for the new ones.
I think Arcam has included a voltage selector for decades. While I'd have to dig mine out of storage to confirm, pretty sure my Alpha 7SE CD player has one. I suppose it keeps them from having to make changes in their production line if components for models of different countries can be the same.
When you said Sunday was going to feature a brand that hadn't been on the channel, I searched the backlog for Arcam and crossed my fingers. . . . I just got the A25 a couple weeks ago, and it's getting it done with my KLH Model Fives. I'm one of those who loves that Arcam stuck to core competency and didn't add wireless connectivity or app-based features. I think the A25 will better stand the test of time that way. Great review!
Thanks Andrew. No brainer! you gotta wait for the streamer amp combo to compare! Then weigh up the price difference and see if you want the extra bells and whistles. I've got the Arcam CDS50 its an SACD/ CD streamer DAC. No touchscreen! Sound wise very good, the Musiclife app also used by Mark Levinson is OK but I would prefer Tidal connect.
Just a suggestion, Please consider a review for Advance Paris their A10 Classic or A12 Classic ( integrated amps ) really deserve your treatment / perspective mostly because your reviews seem to have a gravitas of people that know what they're talking about maybe even have education in the audio world. Also they're being touted as serious cost effective competition for Mcintosh. Anyway hope this comment gets your notice even though it's totally off topic of the review posted here.
I doubt we'll be sent an Advance Paris product for review. We spoke to their distributor several weeks ago and (paraphrasing) I said that I know AP is nothing like McIntosh, and if I found them to be from Tone Winner (a popular OEM), I'd say as much in our review. No sooner did I say that did the distributor politely move the conversation forward and on to another one of their brands. While AP products may be good value and even provide for good sound for their relatively affordable price, it is wrong and in many ways misleading to allow anyone to believe they're similar or even the same as McIntosh --something AP's distributor agrees with me on. Though, the distributor admitted to liking the "heat" such comments have given the brand in opening up new dealers in the US. If you want a fairer comparison for AP you should look to a product like Emotiva, though admittedly, their stand alone amps (XPA Series) likely are better, than what AP is selling.
Hi! Andrew from the Martin Logan state. I just got an SA30 for 1,600 running esl x electrostats and dual 800x dynamos. I would say amazing is an understatement for the investment. Thank you for being there on my hi-fi journey from the beginning.
Great review, as always. This amp also had solid reviews on Audioholics (test bench included), meaning that it deserves a lot more attention than it has been getting (which might have to do with how the product hasn't been communicated by the manufacturer itself). Regarding the new 45, it will be more powerful and have streaming features and a very nice display, but it will also be a _lot_ more expensive. While there are clear advantages on having all those streaming functions built-in, there are a few disadvantages in the long run. By looking at the music streaming evolution, we can see how the Onkyo RZ-50 is easily beaten by the Wiim Pro Plus on service availability, having a much better integration with the service and the app, while being far more reliable (I own both, and the Onkyo needs a reboot now and then to be able to accept even Airplay 2 or Chromecast streaming again). Interestingly enough, the Wiim Pro + dumb amps is still more dependable than the Onkyo one everyday use. 😉 I haven't tried the Eversolo streamer, but I really like how it handles Apple Music natively (something that only a few products are able to do). The HDMI input is also something that I don't particularly value (AV receivers excluded, for obvious reasons). I bought an Apple TV more than one year ago so I could have Atmos music (my TV spends days/weeks without ever being turned on), and IMHO, there's nothing remotely practical about having to turn on the TV if I want to listen to music (let alone the fact that searching for music on the Apple TV is a pain). Of course this all comes back to how each person uses their own system, but I surely don't miss it on a stereo amplifier. On top of it,. experience has shown that some "advanced" features are added value when new, but often become burdens over time. This can be easily seen with AV Receivers, and their huge loss in value if you ever want to sell them a few years down the road, which is only exacerbated by the fact that many become unserviceable after some years, due to the lack of parts (specially those that need replacement of specific boards). There's a value on having something that doesn't get outdated, and most good/great stereo amplifiers are never outdated! 😉 Streamers can be added (I'd argue that a Wiim Pro Plus streamer is better than any built-in streamer on any amplifier today, regardless of price), and if you want to upgrade it in the future (or if it fails), you won't throw a lot of money in the garbage bin. It even has the built-in PEQ, which we can look as a manual (and somehow limited) room correction. (The previous Arcam SA-30 had built-in Dirac, and I regret not buying one). If we want to step up the game, then something like an Eversolo will give you things that no integrated amp gives, like native Apple Music. To the best of my knowledge, the new Arcam will be a lot more expensive than adding up a DMP 6 to the A25, and while it will be more powerful, I would almost bet that it won't be even remotely close to what the DMP 6 is able to do as a streamer. Again, I'm glad that it will come out to the market, but the price might be close (if not higher) to buying a DMP 6 and a much more powerful power amp from Arcam _today_. I do see the value of integrated amplifiers with built-in streaming (and better yet, some kind of room correction 😉), don't get me wrong. It doesn't necessarily save space, since the A25 + DMP 6 is actually smaller than the new A45 (even if it doesn't work that well visually), and that's what some people want. I personally find myself leaning more towards one of two options, which is the stereo amplifier acting as one of several components on a audio solution, or looking at AV receivers if I want something that I can hook up loudspeakers and go. Despite of old concepts between AV receivers vs Stereo amplifiers, it's hard to argue against using a good AV Receiver for stereo instead of most stereo amplifiers with built-in streaming (which are also called receivers these days). Even if one never uses the additional channels of amplification (leaving a lot more headroom and power a available for two channels), the usually add room correction like Dirac or Audissey, dedicated subwoofer output(s) with bass management, tone controls via App*, and other features that are hardly seen on stereo receivers. Oh, and you'll still have HDMI inputs, should you want one. 😃 Stereo amplifiers with built-in streaming and HDMI inputs often look like half-baked solutions, because they usually lack the audio functionalities of any decent modern AV receiver, while failing to be the best stereo audio amplifiers that they could be at that price point. Once again, I'm glad that they exist, and I hope that we'll get to see more of them in the market. Before I buy one, it has to include not only the integrated streamer, but also proper bass management and a decent parametric EQ, because once you've heard a properly tuned bass response (and mid-high, if needed) in your own room, it's very hard to go back. 😉 I do love the look of this Arcam, although I would love to see something more stylish (like the Roksan offerings). * Good luck on making the best recordings from 30 years ago to sound balanced as newer great recordings in the same system without them...😉
I stream using an airport express via the toslink output to the A25, controlling the music on my iphone. It works well and sounds as good as the WiiM Ultra I tried (and didn't much like).
You got an Arcam! Haha finally! I always loved the natural and weighty smooth sound of Arcam. I thought the A series was their basic, cheaper products and their SA series their fully streaming units? If they sound the same I think I would keep my streamer and opt for the basic integrated. That said i like how my 10 year old FMJ integrated has A/B speaker terminals and full tone controls.
First off another great review and want to say thanks for what you do! I am a huge fan of Arcam's sound, so much so that I am willing to deal with their horrible software. Which leads to why this product disappoints me so much. HDMI isn't a premium feature that should be reserved for the elite $3k plus products. I gave them a pass with the SA10 and SA20 as HDMI was just really hitting the mainstream on stereo products, but no excuse on the released in 2023 Radia products. Many will say just wait for the SA35, but understand it will take years of depreciation before that is within budget for a lot of people. There is a huge gulf between a $1,500 and $3,500 integrated. I am OK with this product skipping streaming (partially because I don't know if it would work anyway) as those can easilly be added on, however, HDMI ARC isn't as easy to simply add on. The one thing that saves it for me is the 12v input (super rare on integrateds and receivers) that will allow some sort of streamer or preamp with HDMI ARC to turn this on and allow it to kind of have HDMI ARC added. When I hit submit I will see if the Wiim Ultra has a 12v trigger output. Update, I just checked, and yes it does, that may be my answer, my personal SA25!
I purchased the heavily discounted SA20 this past winter to replace an Emotiva integrated amplifier. I absolutely love it's class G amp. I have tried several speakers with it and my favorite so far is an older pair of B&W 685 S1. Just so engaging!
Thanks for the Arcam review. I'm a fan. I tested the SA-30 some time back but found it too revealing. Glad to hear this has the neutral-warm, rolled-off-a-little sound that I love about Arcam. Perhaps my SA-30 experience was an amp/speaker pairing (can't remember the speakers)... I know the CD (Sufjan Stevens) was a low(ish)-fi recording so the revelations were distracting, not pleasant. I'm not sure I like the aesthetics of the A25 as much as the SA-30. I'm a fan of the Kef R3 meta speakers. Happy to hear that they will work well as a combo. Certainly worth an audition.
Super great review. Thank you. And yeah, while cosmetics are not terribly important to me, I think your comments are spot on. Odd design and feature choices. Also, I wonder if this model was more of a "stop gap" while Arcam was figuring out the new models in the same product range. IDK.
In one of my listening rooms, I wanted to buy an amplifier to move my Acoustic Research AR94. Looking for the dedicated amp and a preamp in second hand market, I finally changed my mind and I bought an Arcam FMJ AVR600 that I found at 250 € It was my first experience with Class G amplifiers, and I am very happy with them. It’s a 25 kg beast, with 150 W x 2 channels in stereo mode and 120 W x 7 channels in AVR use. I have connected 4 Kef C55 as frontal, surround and surround back speakers, together with the AR94, without subwoofer. The sound is incredibly good, I use it mainly for listening stereo music. Arcam AVR are an excellent all in one solution both form music or cinema.
Loved this review! Can't wait until I can help my girls get their first systems! Love these reviews of "classic" simple great gear. Keep up the excellent work as always you two. Lots of love from the great white north. Well its green now as it is summer... 🙂❤
I think the perfect integrated would be very basic. No streamer. No DAC. Maybe a Phono. But it SHOULD have bass management for the main speakers and two subwoofer outs.
As my equipment rack places the BASXA7 facing directly forward, that bank of blue LEDs does get distracting, but they can be switched off. Does that feature apply to their other models - pres, processors and AVRs?
Yamaha is a more neutral amp! Actually Andrew I have owned several Yamaha integrated amps and they are all very flat, which I like! Arcam probably designed the amp to have that little bit of mid range bump! Great review as always
You go Andrew! +1 on TONE CONTROLS. I also have a Class G amplifier from Creek, the Evo 100P, and I love it. Sounds great at lower volumes, and has a lot of guts at high listening levels. Thanks for the review.
Great review as always Andrew!👏🏼 I did ask and hoped you would review the SA30 a couple of years ago (that one does have HDMI/eARC). I bought it anyway and it’s a great amplifier with lots of effortless power using the G class developed by Arcam. The new SA amps seem as they will be a much more modern stylistic version of what I have already but hopefully they keep that Arcam signature sound. I would consider swapping mine for the new ones, cost depending, but I’m sure you will love them as much as I love mine. It’ll be worth the wait 👍🏼
Man....we have waited so long for the arcam review....i am so glad you have managed to do it. i was on a jorney of updating my system lately. i moved from kef r300 to r3 meta and was thinking to upgrading from mybold arcam a19 to what you have just reviewed but ended with the atoll in200se. i comparing the two at home i felt that the atoll had more dynamics and air but i will admit it sometimes get tyring after long listen where arcam you can listen for ages...but it lacks at least for me...some drama
Haven't got the time to watch the review and won't find the time for the next 3-4 hours. But it doesn't matter so much as I would buy this amp (if I was in the market for a new amp) just because it looks absolutely stunning. 😂😇
Arcam a25 with Wiim Ultra is a good match. Wiim could be replaced in the future by better streamer, but Arcam is an amplifier for years. You can choose which dac you will be using and I hear a lot of good things of wiim dac.
I took a leap and got an ARCAM AV41 at the end of last year. A few quirks and learning curve aside, I love love love its sound way more than my Marantz AV8805! A procesor is a very different product, but I thought it might be appropriate to comment since very few people - myself included until recently - have any experience or see many reviews on ARCAM products.
Hi Andrew, what do you think would sound better, the Arcam A25 or the Audiolab 7000A? Main usage are turntable and Apple TV, and either Sonus Faber Lumina II Amator or the Monitor Audio Sliver 50 7G
It is a shame that you only got the amp now... I was eagerly looking forward to your review of the Radia range once the A5 and A15 took WhatHifi's amp of the year spots. Alas this is the first review of the range that I have seen from a TH-camr that I follow.
I feel a bigger miss than hdmi is bass management. I don't know why few intergrated amplifiers offer bass management, but more should. It makes a huge difference. As far as tone controls if it's like past arcam products. It doesn't need it. It's nice to be able to add a little seasoning to the sound to get the flavor you like, but whatever the engineers at arcam are doing works well! The bass/midrange/treble are beautiful out the box.
I honestly didn't miss the tone controls (I almost missed the balance, though, as it's not intuitive to find), and I agree, the sound of the Arcam is one I just like as-is. Bass management and a dedicated sub out (two things that are coming) would be nice!
I was was keen on this at first, but when you said it doesn't have tone controls, I have decided against it, I might love the sound as it is, but sometimes certain recordings can sound thin because they are poorly recorded, so would like the ability to alter the sound whenever it's required.
Would you rather have the bread that's been on the shelves or the one that's about to come out of the oven? You mentioned it not having an HDMI. Have you A/B tested a multi-channel analog out Blu-ray player vs HDMI lately? Some say the analog outs have some hidden hi-fi-ish quality left in them.
Herb Reichert at Stereophile just reviewed this amp! Still not sure what one's right for me. Tone controls don't mean very much to me since having gotten a MiniDSP Flex, which is acting as an all digital preamp. You can set up PCs to do parametric EQ fairly easily, as well. I don't have mine set up to do full streaming, though. It's a USB only connection. The MiniDSP uses the LDAC protocol which in my system, sounds better than aptX.
This amp is easily end game for me (when a BS Node is added with Bass Management). It just works, sounds great, and outperforms everything I’ve used. And I’m not looking towards the new Arcam amps that are coming out in the near future. I’d probably like the screen and power of the newer amps, but I trust Arcam’s streaming capabilities just as much as I trust a gallon of milk left in the summer sun for 72 hours. ST5… terrible. SA30… still has issues with implementation… To be fair, even amps with amazing streaming abilities (Hello, Naim Uniti Atom) give me anxiety because there will never be a vintage streaming amplifier that will be worth having 25+ years from now. I want an amp that lasts forever, and sounds great doing it. The Arcam A25? I feel lucky to have it. It’s freaking awesome!
I absolutely 100% agree with you! Streamers need periodic updates for the protocols to continue to be operational. No manufacturer is going to support their devices for the long haul. I will instead be getting the Cambridge Audio CX100 streamer along with the Arcam A25; the CX100 replaceable, the A25 until the end of time.
Because its mentioned in this video, wanna reach out and say thanks for your older review of the Audio Technica At Lp 140. Thats the one piece of gear i bought based on your review. Didnt break the bank, and although i only have the 2m blue, the dedicated audio outs combined with some decent rca cables is a big upgrade from my last table. Cheers and thanks!
I just purchased the A25, I have a set of Elac Debut 3.0 B6.3 This is replacing a Denon 6000NE. I also run a CDT6000 Audio lab and a Fluance T85. I will be hooking this up in a few day. I almost am second guessing myself after listing to your review. I'm not sure what to think until I actually listen to some jazz. Group your thought on the upgrade from Denon to the Arcam, please. Thanks !
I actually read about this ... the A25 is supposed to match with the ST25 streamer (not out until September) so they don't quite match up. The ST5 screen matches the A5 and A15 screens. Strange decision by Arcam but I guess they want you to buy the nicer streamer if you buy this amp.
Great video Andrew! Last year I got the (heavily discounted) Arcam SA20 and added a Wiim Pro for streaming. It drives my KLH Model 3’s with the ease you mentioned (I rarely turn the volume above 35/100). Thank you again and I really enjoy your channel!
Great review..& i would wait for their new SA series if you have the bread for it. I stumbled across Arcam's SA30 almost 2 years ago & was impressed with most of it. The eArc worked flawlessly, that integrated gave me my first taste of Dirac, the Phono was outstanding for an integrated product & the Dac was above average. Streamer was poop but the amplification is what grabbed my attention..better than decent. The unit eventually had too many software issues so out the door it went. But the unit put Arcam on my list of manufacturers i should pay closer attention too. Shortly after trying the SA30, my 1st Arcam product, i came across a demo PA240...their big wattage stereo Class G power amp. Oh my..i was impressed on first listen. Gobs of power with a hint of high end sound. Great features for a power amp as well. I kinda felt it deserved better speakers than the R700's i paired it with. I feel that the PA240 has flown under the radar...but i get it, you don't hear much about them out in the mainstream ether..other than Home Theater. I still have the power amp though im powering the Polk's with a Nilai these days. I will be interested to see how the new SA models fare. Arcam really needed to work on their software in my opinion..streamer included. It was one of the worst but at least it had Chromecast. Arcam seems to have this Class G figured out. Im happy to see they have made it to the channel..looking forward to seeing more of their goods. That yellow outline color and rear backflap makes no sense. How do these big companies make mistakes like this??
@@charlesking678 it can make a big difference if you truly have issues with your room or speakers. It can do wonders for your bass. Dirac does things with the timing & phase of your speakers as well as fixing the in room frequency response. I don't know how it all really works but it made a difference with some of my speakers. You have to take your time with setting it up and doing your measurements. Having a mic stand is a necessity if you want to do it right. The better you do your setup the better the final results will be. From opinions I've read on line people either love it or hate it. So I do feel it's something one has to try to see if they like it or not. I will say that sometimes it's best if you don't try to do corrections between the whole frequency response (20hz-20khz) Maybe let the higher frequency be natural with no corrections. Unless your speakers are really bright then that would be a time one would want to try & fix the entire spectrum. But yes, I do feel that Dirac can make a big difference...all depends on how bad the sound is before using it. It seems to be more precise than say using say the speaker set up programs on AVR's. Initially I found setting Dirac up was a pain. But it gets easier after you figure it out & find the sound you like. Because you have to set the trend line or frequency response you want. Sometimes just doing the regular downward slope trend line won't sound best to you. I still have a mini DSP Dirac device but not using it because I have a few PEQ tabs in my Dac & that is enough for me right now. But I'll still hold on to my Dirac device for when I really need it.
I have and had on the past some Arcam products. They always deliver sound wise and offer excellent value. But the negative: they haven't been able to fix their streaming functions for years I believe they believed that functions where just a tick on the feature list. I forgive them because the products still sound great and I can solve that using other devices. What is not the best from them is that they don't make durable quality products. They use cheap parts that don't last but I believe that is because of the relative low price they put on their products. Other brands use best of breed components (Naim being a notable example). Arcam follows the same low cost guidelines as Cambridge Audio. But Arcam's sound is way better than CA. So, a fair tradeoff on my opinion.
Hello, Another vote for the SA30, going end of line you can pick it up for half its original list price. I know the Music Life app is a bit clunky but if that's a problem for you just plug in a WIIm mini or Pro via the digital connection.
@@txerapng Work never ends, does it? :) Otherwise, not bad other than the heat. Our pool would come in real handy about now. Getting closer to finish though. Tile just got started and the privacy wall is partially built. So Yay!
4:42 Interesting that you say this Arcam Class G amplifier sits between is the Crown Drive core technology and Mark Levinson? I have a buddy that says the crown is garbage. I disagree, it’s a great introduction to separates. His review of the arcam was over a parasound amp as well.
Yep. The SA45 is a more compelling product for me. Also in agreement with the yellow. Of any color that is probably the one I would have chosen last. Even a nice amber glow would have worked nicely. Sad to see it in the upcoming products as well.
Hello Andrew! Can you talk about your background? Have you always been a reviewer? Where did you work before? And where did you acquire your nice education and skill set in signal processing and electronics?
He doesn't have one. He doesn't know who Thevenin, Norton, Maxwell or De Morgan is. Nor what an op amp, a bridge oscillator or what the transfer function of a bandpass, is. He doesn't have to, though. Not at all. He goes into describing the front and back of a product, the ease of use with this and that, most importantly how it sounds, when connected with this and that and often where a product stands within the competition. However, he has certainly learned the basic block diagrams of a cd player, an AB class amp etc and a basic description of every block. He's a reviewer of audio products. Not an engineer, a technician or a teacher of electronics. I know a lot of electronics people, who are oblivious to Andrew's (and any Andrew's, for that matter) hifi audio knowledge. People who fix things or work in the industry and can't even name 10 manufacturers of amps.
@@jonathansusanto1249 According to Arcam’s latest update the ST25, SA35 and the favourite on my upgrade list, the SA45, should hit the dealerships in January 2025 😊
As you say sound is 100% subjective. I was able to demo side by side, a yamaha n2000a (i bought it based on yall review) and sa30/sa20, and I love both and could live with either. For me yamaha got the win. The n2000a is really special. That's not a knock on arcam as it's special too, but at a point these things come down to personal preference. I personally like yamaha's sound, but the biggest things it has over arcam are bass management and a flawless app. Hopefully these new arcams improveme with these features.
For double the price, I do think the Yamaha gives you double the performance in terms of features, but I'd be a liar if I said that in our house, the Yamaha did a better job controlling B&W's woofers compared to the Arcam --it didn't. But I'm not giving up the 2000A any time soon because it's a complete workhorse.
Maybe the Arcam A25 should be renamed the Arcam A25 Caveat? I enjoyed the review and I hope and pray that the Arcam A35 comes your way to review because the Class G amp is a definitive positive and the HDMI input adds another positive option. The streaming I will bypass and just hope that others who prefer streaming are satisfied. Thank you, Kristi and Andrew
Because I feel like it’s a tradition at this point… you recently compared favorably the Rotel a11 mk2 to the audiolab, how would it compare to the a25?
I might have to step up from my Cambridge AXR100 which is still really good to my ears but I’ll think about it for a bit before ordering, asking myself….do I NEED this ?
I bought a brand new SA30 new for £1000 they were £2500 new. Its an absolute powerhouse, my B&W 706s sound absolutely sublime. This amp took a lot of stick because pf its software but that is all pretty much ironed out now snd Tidal connect sounds incredible ahd streams FLAC. The MM is no slouch either although i bought a dedicated Phono stage recently. SA30 also a Class G, im sure the A25 must be equally sublime sounding.
@@vincedea it's definitely got more power which is why I bought over the A25. The streamer built in was just a bonus really, at some point that will get redundant and I'll be left with a decent integrated amp & buy a streamer
Saw the SA35 & 45 spec sheet after the announcement and yeah, one of those is going to be absolutely everything I'd need in a future proof hifi/TV setup. The only thing I'm curious about is that are both of them full balanced in and out (the bigger one at least is). If it includes full Dirac WITH bass control, it will be a benchmark product from Arcam.
I don't think the new Arcam SA 35 and SA45 all in one amps will compete directly with the A25 since it appears they will be much more expensive, at $3,500 and $5,000. And since you didn't like the Arcam app in the ST5, I doubt you will like it any more in the new all in one models, unless some different app is used, which is doubtful. But I totally agree on the great sound quality of Arcams.
@jamesmichael900 Back when Harman was run by different people (and before they acquired Arcam), I had no issues getting any Harman gear. I was a big customer. But just before the Samsung acquisition several years ago, all of my contacts opted for early retirement, and the entire culture there changed --at least on the business side. I can't comment on loudspeaker or sound development, but as far as corporate is concerned, they are nowhere near the same company they were five years ago!
Great review as always. While I don’t have any empirical data supporting this observation, I have to think that a large percentage of consumers shopping integrated amps at $1500 are not what most would consider “purists,” yet Arcam appears to not only believe the opposite, offers this piece up in support of. In essence, due to a lack of features, they making a statement, basically saying the performance is good enough to drive consumers to believe it’s not only ok to forego them, it’s actually worth driving the cost of your expenditures HIGHER (ie, Steamers, alternate routes to connect TV, etc.)! Personally, I have a hard time agreeing. I’d certainly have to be in your position to even know, SO, what say you Andrew?
Your move, NAD. Give us an all-new C399 successor. Drop the optional HDMI and BlueOS expansion cards and give us a two channel Class D amp with integrated BluOS and HDMI eARC for under $2,000. Impossible? Maybe.
@@andrewrobinsonreviews ive been through the 17 year cycle 3 times in my life. As an audio enthusiast, the worst part is the sound. Havent turned on the stereo in a couple weeks. They can get to 90 plus DB in the daytime when the sun is out.
@@maxpower78-15 Damn, 90dB, wow! I lived through a cycle when I was younger, but I missed this last one due to our location. They just aren't here, thank God!
you mention your "go to tracks" for evaluation. I have 2 for you to listen to , and not softly . First, Someone saved my life Tonight by elton john SPECFICALLY the drums and percussion associated with the drums. Isolate in your head the drums . Incredible and , i think the best test track " Brother where you Bound: Supertramp . An epic sound over load for your ears and underated . It is a short movie on youtube, but just the music, i find a masterpiece .. Love your shows but living in australia we dont get much choice here.
Yeah, the combination of analysis paralysis and FOMO is a personality disorder for which I wish there was a blue pill - and no, I don’t mean sildenafil
I actually replaced my Arcam SA30 with my Marantz Cinema 30 for stereo. Yep I think it’s that good. But now I have space in my cabinet perfect for a Arcam SA35… It would be rude to not try it!
I drive my system from my PC, and if I send my sound down an HDMI cable, when the screen sleeps, the sound drops. I run TOSlink instead. As a minimalist, I really like its look. Having power-hungry speakers, its power rating is tempting.
Great review Andrew. Seems like a pretty reasonable price-point for a quality integrated. Not a fan of the yellow, personally...but to each their own, I guess. One question I have is: In your comparisons, how much of a difference to the sound between the Arcam and the others mentioned is due to the class-G architecture (class-A operation at lower volumes, A/B as volume scales) vs. the difference in the DAC chips used? Both the Yamaha and the Audiolab use an ESS dac chip (like the Arcam), but since they use different flavors of chips that are likely combined with different components in the rest of the signal chain, I'm just curious how much is "amp" vs "dac" in your mind?
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I mistakenly presumed that was the Samsung Frame TV on your wall. To confirm, that is the Sony X90L?
@@Mr.Martini549 Yes, as noted in the description.
Thank you for mentioning the upcoming updated line of Arcam Amps. It’s so frustrating to buy an expensive piece of gear, only to see a big improvement a few months later. Those newer Arcam models look almost perfect. Also really excited to see your guys review of those Super Denton’s!
I miss your view on the Arcam Kristi 😔
@@Impackon Join us LIVE now!
If you expect to keep an integrated amp for a lifetime then selecting one with streaming capabilities is a no go. I would wager that most devices will eventually no longer receive updates, breaking streaming compatibility. We see this often with DAPs from Astell and Kern. They eventually stop getting updates after a few years, breaking streaming functionality and turning the DAP into an expensive brick. My plan is to separate the streaming component from the amp, so the streaming device can be replaced easily as and when required, without having to get rid of the amp. Bravo to Arcam for releasing a simple integrated amp with no streaming.
A good and sensible observation. Thank you for sharing
Depends really, because you can just replace or upgrade the streaming part later if choose to.
@@giggsy42you can't replace the streaming part in an integrated amp, that's the point
@@Gamerboots Totally agree, and I'd add that if one of the boards that control the "smart" part of the amplifier fails after some years, you can end up with a totally inoperative amplifier, because that board is no longer manufactured. 😉
We live in times where a smartphone can easily cost over $1.000, and it will end up in the recycle bin in a few years, which is the opposite of what good HiFi equipment (specially amplifiers and loudspeakers) use to do, with so many still sounding great despite being 30 years old.
I guess many people are getting used to products made to be recycled, instead of products that used to be made to last a lifetime, specially the most expensive ones.
@@MrRocktuga well that's just ridiculous nonsense, any part of an amp could fail. If the streamer stops working you must buy an external one. The amp will still work, ridiculous to say it won't.
I loved your explanation of why some amps are perceived to provide better soundstage presentation, and I think it's spot on. If amp A is giving you a better soundstage than amp B, it's not that amp A is packed with some special sauce. Most likely, it's because amp B isn't able to properly drive your speakers.
Glad you finally got to experience the Arcam Class G magic! I’ve had 17 years of great experience with their Class AB AVR300, being a equally great pairing with my JBL HDI 3800’s
🔊🔊🔊
I love the new styling. I can understand the appeal of a straight integrated amp. Tech ages quickly and obsolescence is a real issue for hifi. I have a streamer I’ve owned for 12 years. It has stopped working simply because the latest update doesn’t support my old product. Meanwhile my old amp just keeps rolling along happily.
Finaly an Arcam review!
Really happy with it 🙂
Next the AVR 31 please
Another pleasant Sunday morning Andrew and Kristi. Good to hear that on the sound quality level, the A25 passed with glowing colors. Interesting that you still find competitive class D amps exhibit a touch of hardness or brightness that they've historically been known for but supposedly were no longer associated with having evolved as a technology. While this integrated and separate streamer is clearly targeted by Arcam at the more purist audiophile, totally agree that the slicker all-in-one SA35 and SA45 have a lot more to offer for the vast majority shopping for these type of products. Thanks again for these great reviews and looking forward to Friday's discussion.
There are some exceptional Class D amplifiers (Primare is a perfect example), but the vast majority of Class D amps the larger audio community seems to be pushing are on the cheaper side of the spectrum, and those have treble (and power) issues in my experience.
That was a great video, I kinda like the color combo, as a stand alone piece. Thanks for comparing the Audiolab, I still love my 6000a but a bit more power could be useful from time to time. Have a great week, see you Thursday!!!
Glad you enjoyed the video!
I just got the Arcam SA20 and ST60 heavily discounted due to this new series coming out. Same amplification. Running them with KEF LS50 Meta and the sound is sublime at any volume. A superb match👌
totally agree!
The SA20 is a nice amplifier. I initially didn’t like the design but have come round to it and may even prefer it to the current one. It’s also solidly built. Better than a Hegel H95 (and it sounds better). It cant quite match the transparency of my Audiolab but scores in other ways. The SA20 (and 30) are available heavily discounted now and make superb buys. Relative lack of some features will be an issue for some but streamers are now so cheap and well specified that this is not an issue for many unless you need everything in a box.
Well the ARCAM SA35 and SA45 will have in addition to HDMI eARC have also Dirac with bass control built in with 2 independent sub outs. From my stand point of view, they will be in competition with the NAD M66, which is "only" a pre-amp, but considering everything else quite similar features (NAD has 4 sub outs). Pricewise will the ARCAMs be however way cheaper (one box solution).
Looking forward to see the reviews on these three products and comparisons.
The A25 is almost half the price of the announced SA35 and third of SA45, so crosshoping is not likely to be happening and I believe are therefore not a competition from within the house. The day to day use is what can deter people from not returning the A25. It is otherwise very good to hear that this G amp topology has such a nice sound. Bright future ahead of us.
I have the predecessor, the SA20. I like it very much. I also have a 6000A and Cyrus Cast One. They all take their turn and shine in different ways. The Arcam was the one though that excelled with Stirling’s LS3/6 BBC Refs.
Uhoh. I don’t know if I should watch this one. I’ve had the A25 for months, and I LOVE it (like I LOVE tacos, not like I LOVE my wife).
But, are you going to plant a seed that makes me look for greener pastures?
I think you'll like how this story ends.
@@andrewrobinsonreviewsHere we go!
🧐I love tacos and @robinsonbrand the same amount.
@@KristiWright ha
I got A 10 a few years ago and it does everything I need it to do. It powers a fluance turntable and JBL bookshelf speakers.
I'm with you on the lack of tone controls. I have a Solo Music mkII and I wrote to them about the lack of those controls (which they actually had on the mkI) Its from 2017 which just tells me that 7 yrs later they're still up to the same thing.
They wrote that they were left out 'because they wanted the purest sound'. Uh... on my speakers, which I previously loved, the Solo Music is coming off a tad bright, And, each recording is different. I may want less treble on one album vs another. Let Me decide how I like my tone.
I have the arcam sa30. And it's remarkable. I was contemplating getting the A25, but after looking at some reviews I opted for the outgoing SA30. Glad i made that game time change
I had one a couple years ago but it ended up having too many software issues. I'm assuming they have fixed those issues by now.
But yes I think the SA30 was a really good piece. It offers a lot & has great amplification. I see them for $2k and under these days...which I think is a steal for what you get from it.
@@NosEL34 yeah I have SA30 it's phenomenal. I'm using mostly a Rega Planar 3 but also Tidal connect which sounds great. I might buy a dedicated streamer one day but for £1000 the SA30 was an insane bargain for the crazy power I have on tap, beautiful amp.
@@giggsy42wow...you got a great deal 👍
I love the Yamaha's tone control, VU meter, FM, HDMI etc
Arcam products are legit from top to bottom. Since this line radia line came out, arcam has discounted the sa20 to under a grand. At that price is easily one of the best values for under $1000.
Sounds like a decent deal. If it's similar (or the same) as the A25 here, no brainer!
Arcam A25 is 1700€ and the SA35 is 3500€. The A25 is more then enough for enjoying music.
I have had an Arcam DAC. That was a great DAC until the Chord Qutest arrived. It’s a great brand with high quality products.
Great! I was waiting on this one. They offer something that most don’t, a selectable voltage switch. For someone like me that moves from country to country, that’s important. But I‘ll also wait for the new ones.
I think Arcam has included a voltage selector for decades. While I'd have to dig mine out of storage to confirm, pretty sure my Alpha 7SE CD player has one.
I suppose it keeps them from having to make changes in their production line if components for models of different countries can be the same.
I'll never buy another HIFI product without HDMI EARC. It's so damn nice to have 1 remote work all your devices without any effort at all.
Preach!
Big fan of yesteryear Arcam. They have moved around a bit with ownership and had some quality control issues . Good to see they are still around.
When you said Sunday was going to feature a brand that hadn't been on the channel, I searched the backlog for Arcam and crossed my fingers. . . . I just got the A25 a couple weeks ago, and it's getting it done with my KLH Model Fives. I'm one of those who loves that Arcam stuck to core competency and didn't add wireless connectivity or app-based features. I think the A25 will better stand the test of time that way. Great review!
Thanks Andrew. No brainer! you gotta wait for the streamer amp combo to compare! Then weigh up the price difference and see if you want the extra bells and whistles.
I've got the Arcam CDS50 its an SACD/ CD streamer DAC. No touchscreen! Sound wise very good, the Musiclife app also used by Mark Levinson is OK but I would prefer Tidal connect.
Just a suggestion, Please consider a review for Advance Paris their A10 Classic or A12 Classic ( integrated amps ) really deserve your treatment / perspective mostly because your reviews seem to have a gravitas of people that know what they're talking about maybe even have education in the audio world. Also they're being touted as serious cost effective competition for Mcintosh. Anyway hope this comment gets your notice even though it's totally off topic of the review posted here.
I doubt we'll be sent an Advance Paris product for review. We spoke to their distributor several weeks ago and (paraphrasing) I said that I know AP is nothing like McIntosh, and if I found them to be from Tone Winner (a popular OEM), I'd say as much in our review. No sooner did I say that did the distributor politely move the conversation forward and on to another one of their brands. While AP products may be good value and even provide for good sound for their relatively affordable price, it is wrong and in many ways misleading to allow anyone to believe they're similar or even the same as McIntosh --something AP's distributor agrees with me on. Though, the distributor admitted to liking the "heat" such comments have given the brand in opening up new dealers in the US. If you want a fairer comparison for AP you should look to a product like Emotiva, though admittedly, their stand alone amps (XPA Series) likely are better, than what AP is selling.
Wow good suggestions here.thanks buddy only thing that kept me reeling back into it was the vu meters
Hi! Andrew from the Martin Logan state. I just got an SA30 for 1,600 running esl x electrostats and dual 800x dynamos. I would say amazing is an understatement for the investment. Thank you for being there on my hi-fi journey from the beginning.
Great review, as always.
This amp also had solid reviews on Audioholics (test bench included), meaning that it deserves a lot more attention than it has been getting (which might have to do with how the product hasn't been communicated by the manufacturer itself).
Regarding the new 45, it will be more powerful and have streaming features and a very nice display, but it will also be a _lot_ more expensive.
While there are clear advantages on having all those streaming functions built-in, there are a few disadvantages in the long run.
By looking at the music streaming evolution, we can see how the Onkyo RZ-50 is easily beaten by the Wiim Pro Plus on service availability, having a much better integration with the service and the app, while being far more reliable (I own both, and the Onkyo needs a reboot now and then to be able to accept even Airplay 2 or Chromecast streaming again).
Interestingly enough, the Wiim Pro + dumb amps is still more dependable than the Onkyo one everyday use. 😉
I haven't tried the Eversolo streamer, but I really like how it handles Apple Music natively (something that only a few products are able to do).
The HDMI input is also something that I don't particularly value (AV receivers excluded, for obvious reasons).
I bought an Apple TV more than one year ago so I could have Atmos music (my TV spends days/weeks without ever being turned on), and IMHO, there's nothing remotely practical about having to turn on the TV if I want to listen to music (let alone the fact that searching for music on the Apple TV is a pain).
Of course this all comes back to how each person uses their own system, but I surely don't miss it on a stereo amplifier.
On top of it,. experience has shown that some "advanced" features are added value when new, but often become burdens over time.
This can be easily seen with AV Receivers, and their huge loss in value if you ever want to sell them a few years down the road, which is only exacerbated by the fact that many become unserviceable after some years, due to the lack of parts (specially those that need replacement of specific boards).
There's a value on having something that doesn't get outdated, and most good/great stereo amplifiers are never outdated! 😉
Streamers can be added (I'd argue that a Wiim Pro Plus streamer is better than any built-in streamer on any amplifier today, regardless of price), and if you want to upgrade it in the future (or if it fails), you won't throw a lot of money in the garbage bin.
It even has the built-in PEQ, which we can look as a manual (and somehow limited) room correction.
(The previous Arcam SA-30 had built-in Dirac, and I regret not buying one).
If we want to step up the game, then something like an Eversolo will give you things that no integrated amp gives, like native Apple Music.
To the best of my knowledge, the new Arcam will be a lot more expensive than adding up a DMP 6 to the A25, and while it will be more powerful, I would almost bet that it won't be even remotely close to what the DMP 6 is able to do as a streamer.
Again, I'm glad that it will come out to the market, but the price might be close (if not higher) to buying a DMP 6 and a much more powerful power amp from Arcam _today_.
I do see the value of integrated amplifiers with built-in streaming (and better yet, some kind of room correction 😉), don't get me wrong.
It doesn't necessarily save space, since the A25 + DMP 6 is actually smaller than the new A45 (even if it doesn't work that well visually), and that's what some people want.
I personally find myself leaning more towards one of two options, which is the stereo amplifier acting as one of several components on a audio solution, or looking at AV receivers if I want something that I can hook up loudspeakers and go.
Despite of old concepts between AV receivers vs Stereo amplifiers, it's hard to argue against using a good AV Receiver for stereo instead of most stereo amplifiers with built-in streaming (which are also called receivers these days).
Even if one never uses the additional channels of amplification (leaving a lot more headroom and power a available for two channels), the usually add room correction like Dirac or Audissey, dedicated subwoofer output(s) with bass management, tone controls via App*, and other features that are hardly seen on stereo receivers.
Oh, and you'll still have HDMI inputs, should you want one. 😃
Stereo amplifiers with built-in streaming and HDMI inputs often look like half-baked solutions, because they usually lack the audio functionalities of any decent modern AV receiver, while failing to be the best stereo audio amplifiers that they could be at that price point.
Once again, I'm glad that they exist, and I hope that we'll get to see more of them in the market.
Before I buy one, it has to include not only the integrated streamer, but also proper bass management and a decent parametric EQ, because once you've heard a properly tuned bass response (and mid-high, if needed) in your own room, it's very hard to go back. 😉
I do love the look of this Arcam, although I would love to see something more stylish (like the Roksan offerings).
* Good luck on making the best recordings from 30 years ago to sound balanced as newer great recordings in the same system without them...😉
I stream using an airport express via the toslink output to the A25, controlling the music on my iphone. It works well and sounds as good as the WiiM Ultra I tried (and didn't much like).
You got an Arcam! Haha finally! I always loved the natural and weighty smooth sound of Arcam. I thought the A series was their basic, cheaper products and their SA series their fully streaming units? If they sound the same I think I would keep my streamer and opt for the basic integrated. That said i like how my 10 year old FMJ integrated has A/B speaker terminals and full tone controls.
First off another great review and want to say thanks for what you do!
I am a huge fan of Arcam's sound, so much so that I am willing to deal with their horrible software. Which leads to why this product disappoints me so much. HDMI isn't a premium feature that should be reserved for the elite $3k plus products. I gave them a pass with the SA10 and SA20 as HDMI was just really hitting the mainstream on stereo products, but no excuse on the released in 2023 Radia products.
Many will say just wait for the SA35, but understand it will take years of depreciation before that is within budget for a lot of people. There is a huge gulf between a $1,500 and $3,500 integrated. I am OK with this product skipping streaming (partially because I don't know if it would work anyway) as those can easilly be added on, however, HDMI ARC isn't as easy to simply add on.
The one thing that saves it for me is the 12v input (super rare on integrateds and receivers) that will allow some sort of streamer or preamp with HDMI ARC to turn this on and allow it to kind of have HDMI ARC added. When I hit submit I will see if the Wiim Ultra has a 12v trigger output. Update, I just checked, and yes it does, that may be my answer, my personal SA25!
I purchased the heavily discounted SA20 this past winter to replace an Emotiva integrated amplifier. I absolutely love it's class G amp. I have tried several speakers with it and my favorite so far is an older pair of B&W 685 S1. Just so engaging!
Thanks for the Arcam review. I'm a fan. I tested the SA-30 some time back but found it too revealing. Glad to hear this has the neutral-warm, rolled-off-a-little sound that I love about Arcam. Perhaps my SA-30 experience was an amp/speaker pairing (can't remember the speakers)... I know the CD (Sufjan Stevens) was a low(ish)-fi recording so the revelations were distracting, not pleasant. I'm not sure I like the aesthetics of the A25 as much as the SA-30. I'm a fan of the Kef R3 meta speakers. Happy to hear that they will work well as a combo. Certainly worth an audition.
Super great review. Thank you. And yeah, while cosmetics are not terribly important to me, I think your comments are spot on. Odd design and feature choices. Also, I wonder if this model was more of a "stop gap" while Arcam was figuring out the new models in the same product range. IDK.
It's possible the first Radia products were a "stop-gap", but it is hard to know.
A little Arcam integrated amp is what got me started in the hobby. Down the rabbit hole ever since. Thanks Arcam
In one of my listening rooms, I wanted to buy an amplifier to move my Acoustic Research AR94. Looking for the dedicated amp and a preamp in second hand market, I finally changed my mind and I bought an Arcam FMJ AVR600 that I found at 250 €
It was my first experience with Class G amplifiers, and I am very happy with them.
It’s a 25 kg beast, with 150 W x 2 channels in stereo mode and 120 W x 7 channels in AVR use. I have connected 4 Kef C55 as frontal, surround and surround back speakers, together with the AR94, without subwoofer.
The sound is incredibly good, I use it mainly for listening stereo music.
Arcam AVR are an excellent all in one solution both form music or cinema.
Keep seeing those 801 signatures in your recent videos… Can’t wait to hear your review on those
Loved this review! Can't wait until I can help my girls get their first systems! Love these reviews of "classic" simple great gear. Keep up the excellent work as always you two. Lots of love from the great white north. Well its green now as it is summer... 🙂❤
I think the perfect integrated would be very basic. No streamer. No DAC. Maybe a Phono. But it SHOULD have bass management for the main speakers and two subwoofer outs.
I like the look of this amp! It's not too obtrusive and I even like the yellow, Andrew! 😁. It's better than my bright blue Emotiva glow. 😆
"POINTS!"
As my equipment rack places the BASXA7 facing directly forward, that bank of blue LEDs does get distracting, but they can be switched off. Does that feature apply to their other models - pres, processors and AVRs?
@@fonkenful I can kill the pre-amp's indicators, but not all of the lights on my XPA HC-1 monoblocks.
Yamaha is a more neutral amp! Actually Andrew I have owned several Yamaha integrated amps and they are all very flat, which I like! Arcam probably designed the amp to have that little bit of mid range bump! Great review as always
I would concur, Yamaha, at least the 2000A, the the more neutral sounding amp of the two.
You go Andrew! +1 on TONE CONTROLS. I also have a Class G amplifier from Creek, the Evo 100P, and I love it. Sounds great at lower volumes, and has a lot of guts at high listening levels. Thanks for the review.
Great review as always Andrew!👏🏼
I did ask and hoped you would review the SA30 a couple of years ago (that one does have HDMI/eARC). I bought it anyway and it’s a great amplifier with lots of effortless power using the G class developed by Arcam.
The new SA amps seem as they will be a much more modern stylistic version of what I have already but hopefully they keep that Arcam signature sound.
I would consider swapping mine for the new ones, cost depending, but I’m sure you will love them as much as I love mine. It’ll be worth the wait 👍🏼
Man....we have waited so long for the arcam review....i am so glad you have managed to do it. i was on a jorney of updating my system lately. i moved from kef r300 to r3 meta and was thinking to upgrading from mybold arcam a19 to what you have just reviewed but ended with the atoll in200se. i comparing the two at home i felt that the atoll had more dynamics and air but i will admit it sometimes get tyring after long listen where arcam you can listen for ages...but it lacks at least for me...some drama
Haven't got the time to watch the review and won't find the time for the next 3-4 hours. But it doesn't matter so much as I would buy this amp (if I was in the market for a new amp) just because it looks absolutely stunning. 😂😇
Arcam a25 with Wiim Ultra is a good match. Wiim could be replaced in the future by better streamer, but Arcam is an amplifier for years. You can choose which dac you will be using and I hear a lot of good things of wiim dac.
I took a leap and got an ARCAM AV41 at the end of last year. A few quirks and learning curve aside, I love love love its sound way more than my Marantz AV8805! A procesor is a very different product, but I thought it might be appropriate to comment since very few people - myself included until recently - have any experience or see many reviews on ARCAM products.
I really like the decor of their space. Classy.
So cool! Congrats on a new company to review products with!
Hi Andrew, what do you think would sound better, the Arcam A25 or the Audiolab 7000A? Main usage are turntable and Apple TV, and either Sonus Faber Lumina II Amator or the Monitor Audio Sliver 50 7G
Another excellent review. I appreciate the Highlander reference.
Thanks for watching!
If they leave out many features like tone control, hdmi, etc, why not take the DAC out completely then lower the price ?
It is a shame that you only got the amp now... I was eagerly looking forward to your review of the Radia range once the A5 and A15 took WhatHifi's amp of the year spots. Alas this is the first review of the range that I have seen from a TH-camr that I follow.
The SA45 should rock / tick all the boxes once it becomes available later this year 😄🔥💯
I feel a bigger miss than hdmi is bass management. I don't know why few intergrated amplifiers offer bass management, but more should. It makes a huge difference.
As far as tone controls if it's like past arcam products. It doesn't need it. It's nice to be able to add a little seasoning to the sound to get the flavor you like, but whatever the engineers at arcam are doing works well! The bass/midrange/treble are beautiful out the box.
I honestly didn't miss the tone controls (I almost missed the balance, though, as it's not intuitive to find), and I agree, the sound of the Arcam is one I just like as-is. Bass management and a dedicated sub out (two things that are coming) would be nice!
ARCAM products are incredible 🙏🏼😎. AVR10 push my R11s and 800s seamlessly
It would appear so!
I was pretty surprised when it worked so well with the 801s.
@@andrewrobinsonreviews great unbiased review 🫡
@@KristiWright did it need to be bi-amped
@@BoRerunn nope
I was was keen on this at first, but when you said it doesn't have tone controls, I have decided against it, I might love the sound as it is, but sometimes certain recordings can sound thin because they are poorly recorded, so would like the ability to alter the sound whenever it's required.
Would you rather have the bread that's been on the shelves or the one that's about to come out of the oven? You mentioned it not having an HDMI. Have you A/B tested a multi-channel analog out Blu-ray player vs HDMI lately? Some say the analog outs have some hidden hi-fi-ish quality left in them.
Afternoon Andrew, Kristo & Kadie👍👍👍
Morning KJ, damn, you're fast!
Hello! I see Kadie is at it again. No wonder she's passed out!
@@KristiWright so far she’s been worth her weight in bonio’s🤣🤣
Glad to see that you’re reviewing ARCAM
Herb Reichert at Stereophile just reviewed this amp! Still not sure what one's right for me. Tone controls don't mean very much to me since having gotten a MiniDSP Flex, which is acting as an all digital preamp. You can set up PCs to do parametric EQ fairly easily, as well. I don't have mine set up to do full streaming, though. It's a USB only connection. The MiniDSP uses the LDAC protocol which in my system, sounds better than aptX.
This amp is easily end game for me (when a BS Node is added with Bass Management). It just works, sounds great, and outperforms everything I’ve used.
And I’m not looking towards the new Arcam amps that are coming out in the near future. I’d probably like the screen and power of the newer amps, but I trust Arcam’s streaming capabilities just as much as I trust a gallon of milk left in the summer sun for 72 hours. ST5… terrible. SA30… still has issues with implementation…
To be fair, even amps with amazing streaming abilities (Hello, Naim Uniti Atom) give me anxiety because there will never be a vintage streaming amplifier that will be worth having 25+ years from now.
I want an amp that lasts forever, and sounds great doing it. The Arcam A25? I feel lucky to have it. It’s freaking awesome!
Appreciate your first-hand experience! Can't disagree with anything you said, and I'm happy your A25 is kicking-ass for you!
I absolutely 100% agree with you! Streamers need periodic updates for the protocols to continue to be operational. No manufacturer is going to support their devices for the long haul. I will instead be getting the Cambridge Audio CX100 streamer along with the Arcam A25; the CX100 replaceable, the A25 until the end of time.
@@andrewrobinsonreviewsalso me… I’ve had about 7 different amp in the last decade, so maybe my ‘anxiety’ is worth discussing with my therapist😊
Because its mentioned in this video, wanna reach out and say thanks for your older review of the Audio Technica At Lp 140. Thats the one piece of gear i bought based on your review. Didnt break the bank, and although i only have the 2m blue, the dedicated audio outs combined with some decent rca cables is a big upgrade from my last table. Cheers and thanks!
No worries, the LP140XP is a great, expandable (and improveable) table. I love mine and have no plans to replace it.
I just purchased the A25, I have a set of Elac Debut 3.0 B6.3 This is replacing a Denon 6000NE. I also run a CDT6000 Audio lab and a Fluance T85. I will be hooking this up in a few day. I almost am second guessing myself after listing to your review. I'm not sure what to think until I actually listen to some jazz. Group your thought on the upgrade from Denon to the Arcam, please. Thanks !
Great work Andrew! Waiting sounds like a plan for me 2👍
The most frustrating thing is that the screens on both products don’t match colour wise! What were they thinking. Amazing video as always guys.
A non-issue with the recently announced AS35 and AS45 - curious about the first reviews later this year ☺
I actually read about this ... the A25 is supposed to match with the ST25 streamer (not out until September) so they don't quite match up. The ST5 screen matches the A5 and A15 screens. Strange decision by Arcam but I guess they want you to buy the nicer streamer if you buy this amp.
Great video Andrew! Last year I got the (heavily discounted) Arcam SA20 and added a Wiim Pro for streaming. It drives my KLH Model 3’s with the ease you mentioned (I rarely turn the volume above 35/100). Thank you again and I really enjoy your channel!
I like your living room:).
It would be so interesting to see a review about it.
it's coming once we're done with it.
Great review..& i would wait for their new SA series if you have the bread for it. I stumbled across Arcam's SA30 almost 2 years ago & was impressed with most of it. The eArc worked flawlessly, that integrated gave me my first taste of Dirac, the Phono was outstanding for an integrated product & the Dac was above average. Streamer was poop but the amplification is what grabbed my attention..better than decent. The unit eventually had too many software issues so out the door it went. But the unit put Arcam on my list of manufacturers i should pay closer attention too. Shortly after trying the SA30, my 1st Arcam product, i came across a demo PA240...their big wattage stereo Class G power amp. Oh my..i was impressed on first listen. Gobs of power with a hint of high end sound. Great features for a power amp as well. I kinda felt it deserved better speakers than the R700's i paired it with. I feel that the PA240 has flown under the radar...but i get it, you don't hear much about them out in the mainstream ether..other than Home Theater. I still have the power amp though im powering the Polk's with a Nilai these days.
I will be interested to see how the new SA models fare. Arcam really needed to work on their software in my opinion..streamer included. It was one of the worst but at least it had Chromecast. Arcam seems to have this Class G figured out. Im happy to see they have made it to the channel..looking forward to seeing more of their goods.
That yellow outline color and rear backflap makes no sense. How do these big companies make mistakes like this??
Does the dirac make a big difference?
@@charlesking678 it can make a big difference if you truly have issues with your room or speakers. It can do wonders for your bass. Dirac does things with the timing & phase of your speakers as well as fixing the in room frequency response. I don't know how it all really works but it made a difference with some of my speakers. You have to take your time with setting it up and doing your measurements. Having a mic stand is a necessity if you want to do it right. The better you do your setup the better the final results will be.
From opinions I've read on line people either love it or hate it. So I do feel it's something one has to try to see if they like it or not. I will say that sometimes it's best if you don't try to do corrections between the whole frequency response (20hz-20khz) Maybe let the higher frequency be natural with no corrections. Unless your speakers are really bright then that would be a time one would want to try & fix the entire spectrum.
But yes, I do feel that Dirac can make a big difference...all depends on how bad the sound is before using it. It seems to be more precise than say using say the speaker set up programs on AVR's. Initially I found setting Dirac up was a pain. But it gets easier after you figure it out & find the sound you like. Because you have to set the trend line or frequency response you want. Sometimes just doing the regular downward slope trend line won't sound best to you.
I still have a mini DSP Dirac device but not using it because I have a few PEQ tabs in my Dac & that is enough for me right now. But I'll still hold on to my Dirac device for when I really need it.
I have and had on the past some Arcam products. They always deliver sound wise and offer excellent value. But the negative: they haven't been able to fix their streaming functions for years I believe they believed that functions where just a tick on the feature list. I forgive them because the products still sound great and I can solve that using other devices. What is not the best from them is that they don't make durable quality products. They use cheap parts that don't last but I believe that is because of the relative low price they put on their products. Other brands use best of breed components (Naim being a notable example). Arcam follows the same low cost guidelines as Cambridge Audio. But Arcam's sound is way better than CA. So, a fair tradeoff on my opinion.
Hello, Another vote for the SA30, going end of line you can pick it up for half its original list price. I know the Music Life app is a bit clunky but if that's a problem for you just plug in a WIIm mini or Pro via the digital connection.
Great sunday everyone!!
Afonso! How is that beach life treating you?
@@KristiWright This weekend has been just work, sadly no beach. How has your week been?
@@txerapng Work never ends, does it? :) Otherwise, not bad other than the heat. Our pool would come in real handy about now. Getting closer to finish though. Tile just got started and the privacy wall is partially built.
So Yay!
@@KristiWright I'm so happy for you guys!! Glad to hear the backyard is getting progress!
4:42 Interesting that you say this Arcam Class G amplifier sits between is the Crown Drive core technology and Mark Levinson? I have a buddy that says the crown is garbage. I disagree, it’s a great introduction to separates. His review of the arcam was over a parasound amp as well.
I love that your intro clip is nice & short =)
... I'll say it again .. these look like a mix of Roksan and PS Audio.. ( sorta, kinda )
Thank you - great review.
Interesting amp. Yeah it’s good to wait for the next models.
Yep. The SA45 is a more compelling product for me. Also in agreement with the yellow. Of any color that is probably the one I would have chosen last. Even a nice amber glow would have worked nicely. Sad to see it in the upcoming products as well.
Hello Andrew! Can you talk about your background? Have you always been a reviewer? Where did you work before? And where did you acquire your nice education and skill set in signal processing and electronics?
He doesn't have one. He doesn't know who Thevenin, Norton, Maxwell or De Morgan is. Nor what an op amp, a bridge oscillator or what the transfer function of a bandpass, is. He doesn't have to, though. Not at all. He goes into describing the front and back of a product, the ease of use with this and that, most importantly how it sounds, when connected with this and that and often where a product stands within the competition. However, he has certainly learned the basic block diagrams of a cd player, an AB class amp etc and a basic description of every block. He's a reviewer of audio products. Not an engineer, a technician or a teacher of electronics. I know a lot of electronics people, who are oblivious to Andrew's (and any Andrew's, for that matter) hifi audio knowledge. People who fix things or work in the industry and can't even name 10 manufacturers of amps.
I’d wait for the Sa45. Streaming/HDMI/Power/Dirac….. done!!
When will sa45 be released? I'm also looking forward to its release.
@@jonathansusanto1249
According to Arcam’s latest update the ST25, SA35 and the favourite on my upgrade list, the SA45, should hit the dealerships in January 2025 😊
As you say sound is 100% subjective. I was able to demo side by side, a yamaha n2000a (i bought it based on yall review) and sa30/sa20, and I love both and could live with either. For me yamaha got the win. The n2000a is really special. That's not a knock on arcam as it's special too, but at a point these things come down to personal preference.
I personally like yamaha's sound, but the biggest things it has over arcam are bass management and a flawless app. Hopefully these new arcams improveme with these features.
For double the price, I do think the Yamaha gives you double the performance in terms of features, but I'd be a liar if I said that in our house, the Yamaha did a better job controlling B&W's woofers compared to the Arcam --it didn't. But I'm not giving up the 2000A any time soon because it's a complete workhorse.
@@andrewrobinsonreviews you're 100% right. When you factor in the price, arcam for the win. The yammy is kinda pricy. Arcam is a better value.
Thanks 🙏 for this very thorough review, Andrew! An Accuphase E280 and/or Gato 150AE amp for review would be great too!
Maybe the Arcam A25 should be renamed the Arcam A25 Caveat? I enjoyed the review and I hope and pray that the Arcam A35 comes your way to review because the Class G amp is a definitive positive and the HDMI input adds another positive option. The streaming I will bypass and just hope that others who prefer streaming are satisfied. Thank you, Kristi and Andrew
Because I feel like it’s a tradition at this point… you recently compared favorably the Rotel a11 mk2 to the audiolab, how would it compare to the a25?
Nice video. I’m leaning a little more towards musical fidelity for integrated.
I have the M5si and I love it, don't think you can go wrong there.
I might have to step up from my Cambridge AXR100 which is still really good to my ears but I’ll think about it for a bit before ordering, asking myself….do I NEED this ?
I would wait. I am not a fan of the styling but the coming SA45 looks like a gem.
Shocked that no one has mentioned the easter 🥚🥚in this video...
I know right! There were two!
Damn now I can’t wait to watch this review!
@@JeffHeon Well, get to watching! :)
Is it the mention of R3 and Super Denton?
Is the new seating what Andrew was unloading prior to the livestream? ;)
I bought a brand new SA30 new for £1000 they were £2500 new. Its an absolute powerhouse, my B&W 706s sound absolutely sublime. This amp took a lot of stick because pf its software but that is all pretty much ironed out now snd Tidal connect sounds incredible ahd streams FLAC. The MM is no slouch either although i bought a dedicated Phono stage recently. SA30 also a Class G, im sure the A25 must be equally sublime sounding.
I wonder if the sa30 is better than the a25.
@@vincedea it's definitely got more power which is why I bought over the A25. The streamer built in was just a bonus really, at some point that will get redundant and I'll be left with a decent integrated amp & buy a streamer
@@giggsy42yea, the sa30 is on sale here in the states, but I’m not sure if it’s being discounted or not yet. They are selling for $1700.
@@vincedea yeah that sounds a decent price. Just looking at exchange rate, anywhere between $1400 - $1700 a decent price. $1400 would be a giveaway!
Saw the SA35 & 45 spec sheet after the announcement and yeah, one of those is going to be absolutely everything I'd need in a future proof hifi/TV setup. The only thing I'm curious about is that are both of them full balanced in and out (the bigger one at least is). If it includes full Dirac WITH bass control, it will be a benchmark product from Arcam.
I don't think the new Arcam SA 35 and SA45 all in one amps will compete directly with the A25 since it appears they will be much more expensive, at $3,500 and $5,000. And since you didn't like the Arcam app in the ST5, I doubt you will like it any more in the new all in one models, unless some different app is used, which is doubtful. But I totally agree on the great sound quality of Arcams.
There will be a new app for those products - called the Radia app, so crossing my fingers.
Always loved their sound and have had 3 of them but despite the increasing wpc up to the a 39 they always felt underpowered .
Away we go!!!
22 years in the making 😂
Hey there!
@@KristiWright hello there!!!
@jamesmichael900 Back when Harman was run by different people (and before they acquired Arcam), I had no issues getting any Harman gear. I was a big customer. But just before the Samsung acquisition several years ago, all of my contacts opted for early retirement, and the entire culture there changed --at least on the business side. I can't comment on loudspeaker or sound development, but as far as corporate is concerned, they are nowhere near the same company they were five years ago!
Great review as always.
While I don’t have any empirical data supporting this observation, I have to think that a large percentage of consumers shopping integrated amps at $1500 are not what most would consider “purists,” yet Arcam appears to not only believe the opposite, offers this piece up in support of. In essence, due to a lack of features, they making a statement, basically saying the performance is good enough to drive consumers to believe it’s not only ok to forego them, it’s actually worth driving the cost of your expenditures HIGHER (ie, Steamers, alternate routes to connect TV, etc.)! Personally, I have a hard time agreeing. I’d certainly have to be in your position to even know, SO, what say you Andrew?
Your move, NAD. Give us an all-new C399 successor. Drop the optional HDMI and BlueOS expansion cards and give us a two channel Class D amp with integrated BluOS and HDMI eARC for under $2,000. Impossible? Maybe.
NAD C 3050 no? has hdmi too
I think we have gotten over the peak of the cicadas. Listening to the stereo in the daytime will soon be possible again🤣
I've seen videos of the infestations, and I have to say thank god we haven't had to deal with them.
@@andrewrobinsonreviews ive been through the 17 year cycle 3 times in my life. As an audio enthusiast, the worst part is the sound. Havent turned on the stereo in a couple weeks. They can get to 90 plus DB in the daytime when the sun is out.
@@maxpower78-15 Damn, 90dB, wow! I lived through a cycle when I was younger, but I missed this last one due to our location. They just aren't here, thank God!
Myself, I liked the cicadas Asa kid. How they would stop their call, at the same time amazed me.
you mention your "go to tracks" for evaluation. I have 2 for you to listen to , and not softly . First, Someone saved my life Tonight by elton john SPECFICALLY the drums and percussion associated with the drums. Isolate in your head the drums . Incredible and , i think the best test track " Brother where you Bound: Supertramp . An epic sound over load for your ears and underated . It is a short movie on youtube, but just the music, i find a masterpiece .. Love your shows but living in australia we dont get much choice here.
I'll wait for the HDMI options. Great review.
SA35 & 45 streaming amps available soon (incl. HDMI eARC) 😊🔥
Wating is always a good idea in HiFi, until you bought a piece of equipment, then you you regret not to wait a little bit longer…and so on…
Yeah, the combination of analysis paralysis and FOMO is a personality disorder for which I wish there was a blue pill - and no, I don’t mean sildenafil
Thanks for the review. Also would be great to watch a review on new Hegel 190V if possible.
Oh, I've just seen your reply about Hegel in another thread. So sorry to hear that 😢
I actually replaced my Arcam SA30 with my Marantz Cinema 30 for stereo. Yep I think it’s that good. But now I have space in my cabinet perfect for a Arcam SA35… It would be rude to not try it!
So you swapped a class g Arcam SA 30 stereo integrated amplifier for a marantz AV unit for stereo sound. Surely it wasn't just about Stereo?
@@Antibackgroundnoise I don't understand this either, especially as the SA30 has HT bypass
Makes sense to connect this one to the pre-outs of an RZ50 using also the 12V trigger for better sound (stereo and fronts of a 5.1 system)?
I drive my system from my PC, and if I send my sound down an HDMI cable, when the screen sleeps, the sound drops. I run TOSlink instead. As a minimalist, I really like its look. Having power-hungry speakers, its power rating is tempting.
Great review Andrew. Seems like a pretty reasonable price-point for a quality integrated. Not a fan of the yellow, personally...but to each their own, I guess. One question I have is: In your comparisons, how much of a difference to the sound between the Arcam and the others mentioned is due to the class-G architecture (class-A operation at lower volumes, A/B as volume scales) vs. the difference in the DAC chips used? Both the Yamaha and the Audiolab use an ESS dac chip (like the Arcam), but since they use different flavors of chips that are likely combined with different components in the rest of the signal chain, I'm just curious how much is "amp" vs "dac" in your mind?