Thanks Gene and really great to see you doing pure audio gear, I would love to see much more of this. This amp is quite below where I am aiming and heading but it is really cool and maybe it would be good for a #2 rig. There is actually also an A5 and A15 integrated amp. Please keep up the insanely good job guys 🤩
I used to have the AVR30, and I honestly thought the built-in amps on that unit outperformed my Marantz MM7055 power amp. I’m excited that you will be doing more of their products. There is very little bench testing being done with their gear and I would like to see how the different products stack up. Awesome video!
That isn't surprising at all. Arcam Class G is world class stuff. Since Gene isn't very familiar with Arcam it seems like he very much understood what Class G is. So many reviews make it out to be an efficiency advantage, but it is really about sound quality. For example the Radia tested here is pure Class A up to 25 watts. I believe your AVR30 was pure Class A up to 30 watts.
@@jaredhylton6591 Exactly, that’s why it sounds so much better. The AVR was 20 watts Class A, but one day I plan on doing their stand alone amps that have a higher level of Class A power. I recommend that topology to anyone who asks me.
Great video.. impressive integrated for the money. I bought my first ever Arcam piece about a yr and a half ago..the SA30 integrated. I was definitely impressed with the amplification. Subjectively I felt the dac was better than average as well. Very quiet and powerful unit. I ended up having software issues but as I was so impressed with the amplification I moved to their 2ch PA240 power amp. A lot of really clean power. Subjectively much better than a Hypex module amp I had..but also $1k more in price. I would love to see some data on the PA240 as I'm curious of a couple things. I'm powering a pair of R700's with it. Nothing wrong with the Polk's but I think the Arcam probably deserves better speakers. I bought the Arcam after the Polk's.
Class G is amazing. Since Gene is new to Arcam he understated it a bit. It can be more efficient, but Class G is about adding superior quality over AB, not efficiency. The Radia tested here is pure Class A up to 25 watts before the 2nd rail joins. 25 watts is a lot for most people, allowing most people to stay in pure Class A magic for most, if not all of their listening.
Excellent review. Arcam's power section is great, pre is so-so. All of their amps has the same gain, so you don't have to adjust anything if you go monoblock's way. I have the Arcam Delta 290 P ( power amp ), from mid 90's, hooked up with Exposure 2010 S2 integrated ( passive pre section ), thru Elac UB 52's, and the sound is brutal. All wired with Wireworld cables (Equinox, Oasis ), seems that Wireworld/Arcam combo matches well. They also have very good AVR's.
Arcam SA20 Stereo Amp, which also has Class G. I use it in Processor Mode to Power Left & Right Front Speakers on my AV Receiver and it does a good job. Much prefer external Stereo Amp for More Enjoyable Music playback, than using AV Receivers in Stereo for Music
I have the A25 and it’s a really good integrated. I am using an external phono preamp and it does seem to benefit from the clean analog inputs. I have them powering a pair of Focal/JM Lab Mini Utopia.
I agree the pre outs would be more useful as sub outs with bass management, especially with the popularity of bookshelf and less than full range speakers widely used. I think a larger oversight that wasn't mentioned is that it has no HDMI eARC. That's just goofy to not consider those who might want to use this rig with a TV. While I love that they focused on the music listeners, many of us use the TV even for just music playback, but to not have it at all??? When did they design the digital inputs 2004? I'm hunting for a clean neutral amplifier for testing speakers that I build, so the lower noise floor, headroom and true power output is a good match, but for a modern piece of gear, the fact that it's missing bass management and eARC is a reason to avoid it, unless one has no desire to incorporate it into an a typical home setup. That being said, it falls short of a music only application for audiophiles, and while the hybrid amp class G seems like an innovation, personally I think that any one driving full range towers or big driver vintage speakers would be worried about the longevity of the switching between rails from a long term or consistent perspective, at least for my use, where I can't have a variable like that to be concerned about. Yes it worked decent during your testing, but how reliable is that after hours of pounding at high current and peak transients above the normal listening level? I'm of the impression that even if using a noisier A/B amp of similar output, I'd prefer to have peace of mind that there's no fancy trickery with the amp to save energy. Those who buy or build loudspeakers for their max potential aren't concerned about energy consumption or heat the gear throws off. That's my 3 cents from a non audiophile point of view, possibly because I don't fully understand the amp section like you or those into those particular test results. If anyone's got suggestions for big power and consistency bang for the budget integrated amps that have eARC let me know. Currently I'm looking into replacement for my NAD T-757 and Sony ZA1100ES as I try to focus more on two channel vs 5+ channels. Unless... You think either of the latter receivers might be sufficient as two channel amps for driving high power full ways. I'm not sure if multi channel AVR's simply shut down the unused channels or redirect that power to the left and right channels exclusively with no effect style decoding magic in the background. I'm just looking for the 1980's equivalent of something like a Harmon Kardon... Not necessarily for hearing that tissue paper falling off the violinist's lap onto the floor audiophile revealing sound, just something that can belt out clean neutral and consistently for hours and decades.
I would like to operate the Arendal 1723 Tower on it. Will that be good? Alternatively, I have a Synthesis Roma 37 DC+ here at the moment. Which do you think is better? Or do I need to listen to both and then decide?
Gene, great review as always. Just one thing, though, hopefully in your full review you can give a more thorough explanation of Class G. While Class G can add efficiency, that isn't why Arcam does it. The lower power rail is pure Class A power, the 2nd rail adds AB power only when it is needed. This approach is more efficient than a similar 100 watt AB model whenever you are below 25 watts, but talking about efficiency is burying the lead. The main benefit to Class G is that you are getting pure Class A anytime you are running on just the lower power rail. So long story short, this product is pure Class A until you exceed 25 watts.
I highly doubt the bias is Class A up to 25 watts. It would have to dissipate 200 watts of power for both channels to deliver 25 watts x 2. I think the Class A bias is much lower than that as I didn't feel the unit get warm just idling on the bench or during low power testing. I will check with Arcam engineering, however.
I listened to an A5 today and thought it was pretty decent. I gotta get back to the store and listen to the A25. Like to know other speaker pairings with this bad boy.!
Thanks for your content! Will you be doing a bench test video for the Yamaha N-R2000 or just the 1000? Thanks! I’m itching to pull the trigger on the 2000 because I like the looks and build quality. But am a little Leary on the 90 watts
Sub via pre-out: No problem, if you add an ELAC Varro DS 1200 with its Sub Control App 3 (with auto eq etc.) to the party. By the way, the soon to be released Radia AS45 will sport 2 sub outs (line and XLR) with Dirac Live Bass Mgt. as option 1. Option 2 is the approach via sub-out and adapting the sub to the listening room as mentioned. SVS is now also catching up on an app-level with the introduction of their latest top model, the 17 SB / PB Ultra ☺ The AS45 with 2 x 180 watts @8 ohms (2 x 300 watts @4 ohms) as Arcam's top of the line streaming amp ticks all boxes on my upgrade list. Priced at GBP 4'499, this exciting streaming amp is expected to hit the dealerships by early next year (January 2025) and it would be special if you could get this behemoth on your test bench...
@@bearclaw5115 I like the AV40 better. It has some quirks you need to learn to work around (no display input button on the remote) and some common hardware issues (missing dacs) but comes with a 5 year warranty. I seem to prefer the sound signature of the Arcam as well. A bit more clarity/less vailed, but it hard to beat the value of the 8015. I still need to purchase a better amp.
I appreciate the measurements but no one listens with their scope. My almost 20 years listening to Arcam's integrated phono amps tell me they sound very very good. Planning on buying this amp this or next month.
Here’s my biggest gripe. The remote has no discreet inputs, so I can’t integrate it into my system with my URC remote. If it’s in a cabinet you don’t know what input your on without seeing the display. I have an sa20, which works well, but the A25 uses different remote codes. Hoping they can add some discreet inputs with a firmware update.
Please please Gene - do one of the Arcam AVRs 21,31, (AV41). Audio advice loves recommending these units and I’d love to see your own bench and test results. Thanks and really appreciate all you do. Cheers
So I looked on Arcams website I was looking for a solution that is 4ohm stable says it’s 4ohm stable 165 watts 2 channels driven at 1khz not full bandwidth what a letdown😢
Awesome review as always!!
Thanks Gene and really great to see you doing pure audio gear, I would love to see much more of this.
This amp is quite below where I am aiming and heading but it is really cool and maybe it would be good for a #2 rig.
There is actually also an A5 and A15 integrated amp.
Please keep up the insanely good job guys 🤩
I used to have the AVR30, and I honestly thought the built-in amps on that unit outperformed my Marantz MM7055 power amp. I’m excited that you will be doing more of their products. There is very little bench testing being done with their gear and I would like to see how the different products stack up. Awesome video!
That isn't surprising at all. Arcam Class G is world class stuff. Since Gene isn't very familiar with Arcam it seems like he very much understood what Class G is. So many reviews make it out to be an efficiency advantage, but it is really about sound quality. For example the Radia tested here is pure Class A up to 25 watts. I believe your AVR30 was pure Class A up to 30 watts.
@@jaredhylton6591 Exactly, that’s why it sounds so much better. The AVR was 20 watts Class A, but one day I plan on doing their stand alone amps that have a higher level of Class A power. I recommend that topology to anyone who asks me.
Great video.. impressive integrated for the money. I bought my first ever Arcam piece about a yr and a half ago..the SA30 integrated. I was definitely impressed with the amplification. Subjectively I felt the dac was better than average as well. Very quiet and powerful unit. I ended up having software issues but as I was so impressed with the amplification I moved to their 2ch PA240 power amp. A lot of really clean power. Subjectively much better than a Hypex module amp I had..but also $1k more in price. I would love to see some data on the PA240 as I'm curious of a couple things. I'm powering a pair of R700's with it. Nothing wrong with the Polk's but I think the Arcam probably deserves better speakers. I bought the Arcam after the Polk's.
Arcam sounds awesome had it through the years problem is reliability
Great review! I had never heard of class G before. I really like the new Arcam aesthetics.
Class G is amazing. Since Gene is new to Arcam he understated it a bit. It can be more efficient, but Class G is about adding superior quality over AB, not efficiency. The Radia tested here is pure Class A up to 25 watts before the 2nd rail joins. 25 watts is a lot for most people, allowing most people to stay in pure Class A magic for most, if not all of their listening.
Excellent review. Arcam's power section is great, pre is so-so. All of their amps has the same gain, so you don't have to adjust anything if you go monoblock's way. I have the Arcam Delta 290 P ( power amp ), from mid 90's, hooked up with Exposure 2010 S2 integrated ( passive pre section ), thru Elac UB 52's, and the sound is brutal. All wired with Wireworld cables (Equinox, Oasis ), seems that Wireworld/Arcam combo matches well. They also have very good AVR's.
Arcam SA20 Stereo Amp, which also has Class G.
I use it in Processor Mode to Power Left & Right Front Speakers on my AV Receiver and it does a good job.
Much prefer external Stereo Amp for More Enjoyable Music playback, than using AV Receivers in Stereo for Music
I have the A25 and it’s a really good integrated. I am using an external phono preamp and it does seem to benefit from the clean analog inputs. I have them powering a pair of Focal/JM Lab Mini Utopia.
Excellent video.
When can we expect a test of Arcam A15
And a test of the AS45 becoming available later this year in autumn - I am confident it will tick many boxes 😊🔥💯
I agree the pre outs would be more useful as sub outs with bass management, especially with the popularity of bookshelf and less than full range speakers widely used. I think a larger oversight that wasn't mentioned is that it has no HDMI eARC. That's just goofy to not consider those who might want to use this rig with a TV. While I love that they focused on the music listeners, many of us use the TV even for just music playback, but to not have it at all??? When did they design the digital inputs 2004? I'm hunting for a clean neutral amplifier for testing speakers that I build, so the lower noise floor, headroom and true power output is a good match, but for a modern piece of gear, the fact that it's missing bass management and eARC is a reason to avoid it, unless one has no desire to incorporate it into an a typical home setup. That being said, it falls short of a music only application for audiophiles, and while the hybrid amp class G seems like an innovation, personally I think that any one driving full range towers or big driver vintage speakers would be worried about the longevity of the switching between rails from a long term or consistent perspective, at least for my use, where I can't have a variable like that to be concerned about. Yes it worked decent during your testing, but how reliable is that after hours of pounding at high current and peak transients above the normal listening level? I'm of the impression that even if using a noisier A/B amp of similar output, I'd prefer to have peace of mind that there's no fancy trickery with the amp to save energy. Those who buy or build loudspeakers for their max potential aren't concerned about energy consumption or heat the gear throws off. That's my 3 cents from a non audiophile point of view, possibly because I don't fully understand the amp section like you or those into those particular test results. If anyone's got suggestions for big power and consistency bang for the budget integrated amps that have eARC let me know. Currently I'm looking into replacement for my NAD T-757 and Sony ZA1100ES as I try to focus more on two channel vs 5+ channels. Unless... You think either of the latter receivers might be sufficient as two channel amps for driving high power full ways. I'm not sure if multi channel AVR's simply shut down the unused channels or redirect that power to the left and right channels exclusively with no effect style decoding magic in the background. I'm just looking for the 1980's equivalent of something like a Harmon Kardon... Not necessarily for hearing that tissue paper falling off the violinist's lap onto the floor audiophile revealing sound, just something that can belt out clean neutral and consistently for hours and decades.
I would like to operate the Arendal 1723 Tower on it. Will that be good? Alternatively, I have a Synthesis Roma 37 DC+ here at the moment. Which do you think is better? Or do I need to listen to both and then decide?
I wish you could do this exact analysis for the Parasound Halo Hint 6!
Gene, great review as always. Just one thing, though, hopefully in your full review you can give a more thorough explanation of Class G. While Class G can add efficiency, that isn't why Arcam does it. The lower power rail is pure Class A power, the 2nd rail adds AB power only when it is needed. This approach is more efficient than a similar 100 watt AB model whenever you are below 25 watts, but talking about efficiency is burying the lead. The main benefit to Class G is that you are getting pure Class A anytime you are running on just the lower power rail. So long story short, this product is pure Class A until you exceed 25 watts.
I highly doubt the bias is Class A up to 25 watts. It would have to dissipate 200 watts of power for both channels to deliver 25 watts x 2. I think the Class A bias is much lower than that as I didn't feel the unit get warm just idling on the bench or during low power testing. I will check with Arcam engineering, however.
@@Audioholics excellent, you are certainly the man for the job. That is what they seem to be advertising for over a decade now.
I listened to an A5 today and thought it was pretty decent. I gotta get back to the store and listen to the A25. Like to know other speaker pairings with this bad boy.!
Thanks for your content! Will you be doing a bench test video for the Yamaha N-R2000 or just the 1000? Thanks! I’m itching to pull the trigger on the 2000 because I like the looks and build quality. But am a little Leary on the 90 watts
Yep I'm working on bench tests for both Yamaha pieces.
@@Audioholicscan’t wait , i own the Yamaha N-R2000 and love it
I love Arcam gear!
Thank you! Subbed!
will it safely drive martin logan esl.... or which ss amp will under 5000 bucks
I do agree with your assessment about the built in phono pre-amp, my external phono pre does sound much better and fuller, warmer sound.
Sub via pre-out: No problem, if you add an ELAC Varro DS 1200 with its Sub Control App 3 (with auto eq etc.) to the party.
By the way, the soon to be released Radia AS45 will sport 2 sub outs (line and XLR) with Dirac Live Bass Mgt. as option 1. Option 2 is the approach via sub-out and adapting the sub to the listening room as mentioned. SVS is now also catching up on an app-level with the introduction of their latest top model, the 17 SB / PB Ultra ☺
The AS45 with 2 x 180 watts @8 ohms (2 x 300 watts @4 ohms) as Arcam's top of the line streaming amp ticks all boxes on my upgrade list. Priced at GBP 4'499, this exciting streaming amp is expected to hit the dealerships by early next year (January 2025) and it would be special if you could get this behemoth on your test bench...
Thanks for the measurements just wanted to know if you will measure the yamaha Rn 1000 have a blessed day
Yep. Already measured tue Yamaha. Report will be soon.
@@Audioholicsright on can’t wait hopefully you will show the results on the 2000 as well!
@JR-ho5qm yep, I have that unit under test, too!
Thank you !
Sadly ARCAM 25 has lost DIRAC live they had on the SA30.
Hello, are the volume and input selector knobs plastic or metal? thank you
Just switched form SR8015 to AV40, wish there was more content regarding Arcam a few year back…thinking of trying a ST5…
I have an 8015. How does the AV40 compare?
@@bearclaw5115 I like the AV40 better. It has some quirks you need to learn to work around (no display input button on the remote) and some common hardware issues (missing dacs) but comes with a 5 year warranty. I seem to prefer the sound signature of the Arcam as well. A bit more clarity/less vailed, but it hard to beat the value of the 8015. I still need to purchase a better amp.
During your tests did you hear any pop/bang sound from the spkrs while changing sources ? Common issue in Arcams.
This was a bench test only. I will check during listening tests.
I'm about to buy one with some Focal 936 K2, hoping that's a good pairing.
I just bought the same yesterday from Peter Tyson, how is the pairing?
@@Bobski-z4v I had a change of plan because it was challenging to hear one near me & the AV forums review put me off.
I appreciate the measurements but no one listens with their scope. My almost 20 years listening to Arcam's integrated phono amps tell me they sound very very good. Planning on buying this amp this or next month.
Here’s my biggest gripe. The remote has no discreet inputs, so I can’t integrate it into my system with my URC remote. If it’s in a cabinet you don’t know what input your on without seeing the display. I have an sa20, which works well, but the A25 uses different remote codes. Hoping they can add some discreet inputs with a firmware update.
Excellent video. How do you think these would fare with the KLH model three?
Sure that would work.
I don’t believe that you did the full report with listening test results, did you ?
Please please Gene - do one of the Arcam AVRs 21,31, (AV41).
Audio advice loves recommending these units and I’d love to see your own bench and test results.
Thanks and really appreciate all you do. Cheers
So I looked on Arcams website I was looking for a solution that is 4ohm stable says it’s 4ohm stable 165 watts 2 channels driven at 1khz not full bandwidth what a letdown😢
Creek 100a ten years ago :) Arcam a25, Progress :) ?
The Hans Beekhuyzen Channel
Arcam Radia A25 class G amplifier
th-cam.com/video/BNt6Vc2lmQE/w-d-xo.html
Since when Arcam amplifiers measure well?!?!! Congrats for the improvement 👏 🎉
What??
It would be interesting to see measurements for the Arcam G Class AVR too, and perhaps a comparison to this stereo amp.
The only thing this is missing is a HDMI output, thats a school boy error...
Agreed. It would have been nice to have HDMI eArc
This has been „corrected“ with the soon to be released SA35 / 45 streaming amps 🔥💯
Made in China
@@ralex3697 just like the phone or laptop you texted from.
It sounds very harsh ,not my amp
lol harsh, it a neutral sound almost being a warmer amp.