New Arcam. All-Time Integrated Amplifier. The BEST for everyone in my family. Arcam Radia A25 Review

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  • เผยแพร่เมื่อ 23 พ.ย. 2024

ความคิดเห็น • 102

  • @JeffHeon
    @JeffHeon 8 หลายเดือนก่อน +2

    Excellent review. I can’t make heads or tails of DAC filters, so I appreciated the guidance on using the fast filter as “clear voice” like you have on soundbars.

  • @andrewgorenc9160
    @andrewgorenc9160 9 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

    As a very happy Arcam SA20 owner I’m glad Arcam kept their house sound with the A25. Question for you and the other A20 owners who have commented here: how far will our amps scale upward with speakers? I think the answer is “pretty high” given the power and current delivery. Thank you for your thoughts/input!

    • @twistyflora
      @twistyflora  8 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

      I don’t know the answer quite yet, but I’m going to figure that out because I am also curious.

  • @tylerandisabel
    @tylerandisabel 4 หลายเดือนก่อน +3

    Darn… just pulled the trigger on an audio lab 9000a. I wish I had checked this one first.

  • @DaleWhitlam-ni5wp
    @DaleWhitlam-ni5wp 9 หลายเดือนก่อน +3

    Thanks for this.
    I love the natural sound of the SA20 but was still curious about this one, glad to hear that it doesn't sound much different.
    They were recently pretty much giving away SA20's here in England so I bought a spare!!

    • @paulhanlon5112
      @paulhanlon5112 7 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

      I've owned from memory about 6 Arcams...Alpha's...Diva's...FMJ's..currently have the A39 fmj...over here (Australia) Arcam are basically never on clearance...the SA 20 is still $2500 which is full retail price (04/24)...buyers might get a Demo for $2000 but not often...love the Arcam house sound and their CD spinners are exceptional value...buyers tend to overlook the brand mainly because of pricing, which is unfair because they do punch well above their weight !

    • @DaleWhitlam-ni5wp
      @DaleWhitlam-ni5wp 7 หลายเดือนก่อน

      Hate to say then that I paid £424 instead of usual £1099 for a new sealed one !

    • @dvxShoeN
      @dvxShoeN 6 หลายเดือนก่อน

      @@paulhanlon5112 here in germany u pay 699 Euro for a demo Sa 20

  • @cli6389-p4k
    @cli6389-p4k 9 หลายเดือนก่อน +5

    Nice review. I settled on the A5 after testing the Rotel 11A Tribute and the Audiolab 6000A. The Rotel and the Audiolab are "better" amps, but I really like the Arcam A5.

    • @twistyflora
      @twistyflora  9 หลายเดือนก่อน

      I’m so glad! I think all of the new Arcam line is really tempting at their respective price points

  • @Idol_Goro
    @Idol_Goro 9 หลายเดือนก่อน +3

    Thanks for this. Very informative. Not many reviews on this in the wilds atm. Of all the amps to compare this to, it would have to be the G700MK2 which just so happens to be the main amp i'm looking at 😅. I'm not sold on either the new or old design language of arcam. I feel their agricultural design works well on their big AVRs but not on the stereos, and while the new ones are improved, the yellow doesn't work too well for me. I prefer warmer sound, but a neutral amp like a technics can offer that with appropriate speakers, I just hope I would be able to listen for days like you described with the A25!

    • @twistyflora
      @twistyflora  9 หลายเดือนก่อน

      The Technics is a heck of an amp. But while neutral, ‘warm’ isn’t a descriptor I’d use for it.
      I’m going to say it, but it’s way above what I’m willing to spend. The Michi X3 is a heck of an amp. But be careful, you can’t unhear it.

    • @Idol_Goro
      @Idol_Goro 9 หลายเดือนก่อน

      @@twistyflora I’ll bare that in mind. The michi is over my willingness-to-spend mark too, so maybe it’s for the best that I don’t demo it!

  • @JohnMargaretten
    @JohnMargaretten 8 หลายเดือนก่อน +4

    You need a USB Type C -> Lightning OTG cable to run an iPhone or iPad without an adapter. Same issue with my Chord Mojo2.

  • @NeverStark
    @NeverStark 6 หลายเดือนก่อน

    Very helpful review, thank you. I just received mine today, and I'm enjoying it - but I can already tell I need to put a piece of black tape over that white spotlight in the upper right corner that apparently can't be dimmed. I'm surprised that doesn't get mentioned more often. I also wish the inputs were all signal sensing. Seems like Bluetooth is the only input that auto-switches.

    • @twistyflora
      @twistyflora  6 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

      Glad it was helpful. It had stayed in my system longer than any Int. Amp I’ve ever had. And I don’t see that changing any time soon.

  • @kostass3124
    @kostass3124 8 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

    Nice review indeed. I also have the ML Motion 20i's. Was wondering if the The Musical Fidelity m3si or this Arcam A25 is a better match for the 20is'

    • @twistyflora
      @twistyflora  8 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

      I have yet to hear any of the MF mxsi line, so I’m going to have to go with the A25.
      But I imagine that the ML 20i would like the power that the Musical Fidelity has on tap.

  • @wowcio
    @wowcio 9 หลายเดือนก่อน +2

    Hi, I bout it last month and its super cool. Regarding USB-C. I belive you need Ipad or iPhone with usb c, not lightning to usb-c.

    • @twistyflora
      @twistyflora  9 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

      That makes sense. But I’d hoped lightning/usb-c cable would work too

    • @shinjukutrain
      @shinjukutrain 3 หลายเดือนก่อน

      So if you have a USB-C iPad, you can just plug it straight in? Can you use your ipad to stream Spotify from there, or just downloaded files?

  • @neillim2210
    @neillim2210 3 หลายเดือนก่อน

    I appreciate your videos on the Arcam A25 and SA20. Now the time decide, should I get the A25 or discounted SA20 and build my new HiFi system from there? I have the old Adcom GTP 600 and GFA 7300 and want to upgrade from them. I can save more money to get the A25 if that’s a better choice for years to come. Thank you for your help. Keep posting and stay healthy!

    • @twistyflora
      @twistyflora  3 หลายเดือนก่อน

      I never get the feeling that I’m missing anything in my music with the A25. But, the yellow may not be your thing, the screen is very dim, and the knobs take a little getting used to regarding their sensitivity.
      The SA20… beyond aesthetics, its DAC isn’t on the same level as the A25, and it is negligibly less powerful. But it is an incredible buy at its current price.
      Still, I went with the A25 and I’m very happy.

  • @harrisedgar
    @harrisedgar 9 หลายเดือนก่อน +3

    Thank you... This was very helpful...!!

    • @twistyflora
      @twistyflora  9 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

      I’m so glad. Appreciate you stopping by.

  • @owisun85
    @owisun85 9 หลายเดือนก่อน +7

    What's up with this companies refusing to implement hdmi even in 2024 is beyond my understanding!

    • @twistyflora
      @twistyflora  9 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

      I agree, but hdmi via my Bluesound Node is a satisfactory HDMI fix.

    • @owisun85
      @owisun85 9 หลายเดือนก่อน +2

      @twistyflorahifiaudio8741 honest answer but not my first pick solution! Again ,another device , another app, remote , cables, etc 😑.

    • @twistyflora
      @twistyflora  9 หลายเดือนก่อน +4

      @@owisun85As long as I enjoy streaming, I’m always going to have one more box. Integrated streamer/amps give me some anxiety. Bc the streaming component will stop receiving updates at some point.
      But, that being said, an hdmi port sure would be nice to have in 2024!

  • @nc3419
    @nc3419 8 หลายเดือนก่อน

    I think the biggest difference between the SA20 and the A25 aside from looks are that class A operation in the SA20 is 12/20 watts for 8/4 ohms respectively and I think 15/25 watts in the A25. Not alot but a bit more. At moderate levels, probably no difference in SQ.
    The A25 has the upgraded/newer dac implemented which may make a difference and adds Bluetooth 5.2 AptX which is among the newer codex in BT, however, unless you have the latest phone/source, typically 5.0 is being used. Don't know if it makes much of a difference in use though. Newer external dacs will have the latest stuff to.
    Still like functionality on the unit itself though more buttons isn't as sleek looking. Without a functioning remote, the A25 won't be as desirable in used market.
    Close to deciding on whether to buy the SA20. Other options at somewhat higher prices too so lots to choose from. An outdated but good sounding amp for a grand? We'll see. Doesn't look any worse than most.
    The dac section is the only question but I think it should be decent as I am using an Aune upgraded with Sparkos and Aune PS with my current amp. Don't know if the arcam would be a match, the Sparkos opamp takes it to the next level. And my current amp is biased more class A too, so I have to decide. Spec wise, my Keces E40 outperforms the Arcam in SNR, dynamics and damping factor but is more limited in outright power. Just wondering if there would be much of a difference.
    I figure the difference may be in clarity but won't know unless I try.

    • @twistyflora
      @twistyflora  7 หลายเดือนก่อน

      Your comments are always appreciated. Thank you.

  • @marcushoman1373
    @marcushoman1373 9 หลายเดือนก่อน +2

    Thanks for the video! I'm currently shopping for an integrated amp. My seperates, some of which are tubed, are not very family friendly. How does the sound quality of the Arcam compare to other integrated amps you have reviewed?

    • @twistyflora
      @twistyflora  9 หลายเดือนก่อน

      The A25 and the Rotel A11 Tribute are the most family friendly integrated amps I’ve had in my home.
      Sonically,the Technics SU-G700 is the has the best clarity and the best integrated phono stage.
      But I like a bit more warmth than the Technics provides.
      The A25 sacrifices some (emphasis on some) clarity, but adds the warmth that I want out of my integrated. It would be a toss-up regarding which amp I’d prefer between the two. Largely dependent upon my mood.
      But for family use… the A25 is the one I’ve decided to keep. And I feel the pull to listen to music all the time.

    • @twistyflora
      @twistyflora  9 หลายเดือนก่อน

      But, the A11 Tribute is pretty remarkable for the price. I’ve kept that one too…

    • @marcushoman1373
      @marcushoman1373 9 หลายเดือนก่อน

      Awesome, thanks for your reply. @@twistyflora

  • @markvandenberg4606
    @markvandenberg4606 9 หลายเดือนก่อน +2

    Nice review and relatable anecdote about Mario Kart. 😂 Does it matter that only the USB connection can produce 48 bits or whatever it is when the files you’re sending probably top out at 24?

    • @twistyflora
      @twistyflora  9 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

      I don’t think it matters. The music/movies in my system rarely (never?) reach the bitrate that this amplifier is able to handle.

    • @markvandenberg4606
      @markvandenberg4606 9 หลายเดือนก่อน

      @@twistyfloraThanks!

  • @PlaAwa
    @PlaAwa 9 หลายเดือนก่อน +2

    Which model of cartridge do most people refer to when they say, 'shibata'? The reason I ask because from what I gather, a number of cartridges use this stylus shape, even other brands that licence the tech from AT.

    • @markvandenberg4606
      @markvandenberg4606 9 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

      My previous reply got eaten by the comment filter because it contained the product link, but I believe he’s referring to the Audio-Technica AT-VM95SH. You can sub it for the original stylus on that turntable without replacing the entire cartridge.

    • @PlaAwa
      @PlaAwa 9 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

      cheers!

    • @twistyflora
      @twistyflora  9 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

      What he ⬆️ said. 😝

    • @PlaAwa
      @PlaAwa 9 หลายเดือนก่อน

      i was trying to make you work... better pay him now

  • @0M9H4X_Neckbeard
    @0M9H4X_Neckbeard 4 หลายเดือนก่อน

    You explained the music button of the remote but not the "..." button, what is it for?

  • @benoitdugas745
    @benoitdugas745 9 หลายเดือนก่อน +2

    Thank you but make a sample sound session

    • @twistyflora
      @twistyflora  9 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

      I could, but would a sound session be helpful if I’m just recording via an iPhone?

    • @benoitdugas745
      @benoitdugas745 9 หลายเดือนก่อน

      @@twistyflora you did before with other system?

    • @twistyflora
      @twistyflora  9 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

      I have a little music, here and there. I’ll put something out. Any song requests?

    • @benoitdugas745
      @benoitdugas745 9 หลายเดือนก่อน

      Diner at the sugarbush - Brent Lewis

    • @benoitdugas745
      @benoitdugas745 9 หลายเดือนก่อน

      Dinner

  • @CaptainJamesTKirk-en4kt
    @CaptainJamesTKirk-en4kt 7 หลายเดือนก่อน

    So you did a review of the SA20, and you said to buy it over the Radia 25... So out of those two which one would you give the thumbs up to? Sound better on the A25?

    • @twistyflora
      @twistyflora  7 หลายเดือนก่อน +2

      Aesthetics aside, I’d buy the open box SA20 that is currently available at audioadvice. Code OPENBOX gets an additional 10% off.

    • @twistyflora
      @twistyflora  7 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

      Sonically, they’re very similar.

  • @Untilitpases
    @Untilitpases 6 หลายเดือนก่อน

    Do you still have the Motion 20i?
    I'm considering that or an active speaker with ribbon (isodynamic) tweeters, on paper it's got similar frequency response 45hz -3db.
    Just wanted your take as someone who's lived with them longer.

    • @twistyflora
      @twistyflora  6 หลายเดือนก่อน

      Yes, I have them and I use them every day. What powered speakers are you considering?

    • @Untilitpases
      @Untilitpases 6 หลายเดือนก่อน

      @@twistyflora Good to know. Got used to the treble? That would be swan D200.
      An alternative would be KEF LSX (tempted but haven't loved the Q100 & Q350s presentation.)

  • @Rachel-t9y
    @Rachel-t9y 9 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

    I have the SA 20. Is it worth the upgrade? I've had it for a year.

    • @twistyflora
      @twistyflora  9 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

      I promise you, you are good. If you play vinyl, maybe consider an Ifi zen phono preamp.

    • @Rachel-t9y
      @Rachel-t9y 9 หลายเดือนก่อน

      I have the zen .@@twistyflora

  • @Alextraz
    @Alextraz 8 หลายเดือนก่อน

    Hi there, i am in the market for a new amp. One of the reasons is that i have upgraded from kef r300 to r3meta rhe other is that i would like to move to a more family oriented set up less boxes less remotes...my family struggles sooo i wonder if you could give us an update how things are with the a25. I am currently using arcam a19 maybe for 10years and i love arcam sound not that i have tested many amps but i like the combo arcam-kef. I think there might be new announcement around May for a new arcam amp to replace the SA30 all-in one but it might be too expensive.... thought i would like to have dirac as an option...why not right...anyway after you had some time to live with this amp...do you still like it? I known that SA20 is more or less the same sound but i topically prefer the buy the newest with the idea of better longdgevy...i like that the new dac has few more capabilities....

    • @twistyflora
      @twistyflora  7 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

      This is an amp that I feel confident recommending to anyone. I thoroughly enjoy it, and my family uses it easily.
      But it sounds so similar to the SA20, and the SA20 is the best bargain in hifi right now (open box from MusicDirect or Audio Advice).
      And personally, I don’t want an integrated amplifier with a built it streamer. The streamer will need regular updates, and I’m unconvinced that those updates will continue for the life of the amp. In the long-run, it’s cheaper to buy a separate streamer IMO.
      But beyond that, what amp are you using right now? The best advice in all of hi-fi is to enjoy what you have. Is the grass greener somewhere else? Sure. But in my opinion, it’s not always better, it’s just different. As long as it works.

    • @Alextraz
      @Alextraz 7 หลายเดือนก่อน

      I use arcam a19 for 10years with arcam irdac. The main reason for the desire to update is to have one remote and easier to use system for my family. I think both sa20 and a25 will work for me. I could use the arcam dac to connect my tv to it and if i connect the wiim to the amp dac this will solve the problem.

    • @twistyflora
      @twistyflora  7 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

      This could be a great solution for you.
      But that A19 is a pretty remarkable amp too!

  • @carlitosgomez71
    @carlitosgomez71 9 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

    Sa20 for 99 dollars? Is that 2nd hand open box price?

    • @twistyflora
      @twistyflora  9 หลายเดือนก่อน +2

      lol! $999.

  • @tylerandisabel
    @tylerandisabel 4 หลายเดือนก่อน

    I like your books. Conformed To His Image looks really good! Romans 10:10

  • @robrudorf6587
    @robrudorf6587 3 หลายเดือนก่อน

    I have two 12" powered subs. Can I use one each for the two channels?

    • @twistyflora
      @twistyflora  3 หลายเดือนก่อน

      Which subs are you using? Just remember that your using the subs as LR subs if you use the preouts AND remember that the preout sends a full signal.
      And, know that I’ve only used my B&W DB4S sub with this amp, and it works very well.

  • @tkay4401
    @tkay4401 8 หลายเดือนก่อน

    Are there EQ settings that you can adjust? If not, does the app have EQ settings?

    • @twistyflora
      @twistyflora  7 หลายเดือนก่อน

      No, there’s no EQ settings on this.

  • @chrisekmektzian
    @chrisekmektzian 2 หลายเดือนก่อน

    Arcam vs integrated croft amp?

    • @twistyflora
      @twistyflora  2 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

      If I was the only one listening… Croft all day. But, by far, the Arcam gets the most use in my house.

  • @cmessi
    @cmessi 9 หลายเดือนก่อน

    What stands you have?

    • @twistyflora
      @twistyflora  9 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

      These are Monolith 24 inch SS. Filled with about 500 plastic grocery bags (doesn’t absorb moisture and cause eventual rust to the steel).

  • @joekelley9311
    @joekelley9311 9 หลายเดือนก่อน +4

    no hdmi arc is kind of a disappointment

    • @twistyflora
      @twistyflora  9 หลายเดือนก่อน +4

      It is. But I have HDMI arc via the Bluesound Node.

    • @cmessi
      @cmessi 9 หลายเดือนก่อน

      ​@@twistyfloraIf I stream music to a Node, can I see sort of album art on the TV, via HDMI arc?

    • @twistyflora
      @twistyflora  9 หลายเดือนก่อน +2

      You can stream to the TV, and then send to the signal to the node’s HDMI port. And then play it through your amp. I do it often.

    • @NaveedKhan-bs1sc
      @NaveedKhan-bs1sc 9 หลายเดือนก่อน

      Does doing that use the dac in the amp or the bluesound node?​@@twistyflora

  • @sergnevzorov8166
    @sergnevzorov8166 6 หลายเดือนก่อน

    Сзади написано по русски - "Сделано в Китае" )))😂😂😂

    • @twistyflora
      @twistyflora  5 หลายเดือนก่อน

      Hilarious!

  • @ufolui9115
    @ufolui9115 9 หลายเดือนก่อน +2

    No,best arcam fmj 32,fmj p1,delta a60,

    • @twistyflora
      @twistyflora  9 หลายเดือนก่อน

      I haven’t ever used them. But, I’ve heard they’re all really good.

  • @robertmarshall7712
    @robertmarshall7712 6 หลายเดือนก่อน

    Bluesound Node urgh!

    • @twistyflora
      @twistyflora  6 หลายเดือนก่อน

      The Node is a mainstay in my system.

    • @robertmarshall7712
      @robertmarshall7712 6 หลายเดือนก่อน

      @@twistyflora I think the DAC in the Node just sounds flat and lifeless. I have an ifi Zen One signature DAC which is bluetooth only (yes, you read that right) and the sound it produces is so much superior to the Node for my ears.

    • @twistyflora
      @twistyflora  6 หลายเดือนก่อน

      I use it as a streaming transport. The DAC in my integrated A25 is the workhorse. The Node’s DAC is pretty neutral/flat.
      However, I LOVE the bass management in the Node with my subwoofer.

  • @DeeTeaDee
    @DeeTeaDee 6 หลายเดือนก่อน

    Omg what does it SOUND like ffs

    • @twistyflora
      @twistyflora  6 หลายเดือนก่อน +2

      I sounds like chocolatey butter while being highly musical. With a touch of air and openness. Perhaps with some caramely goodness… ffs. If you care about what any reviewer says, then it sounds like some version of food.
      I try not to say bullshit on this channel. I stick to the description I say in the video, and the similarities to the SA20.

  • @paulhanlon5112
    @paulhanlon5112 6 หลายเดือนก่อน

    Ive been an owner of about 7 Arcam products all CD Spinners and Amplifiers...Alpha's Diva's Fmj's...currently have the CD27 and the FMJ A39....Cd players are excellent...i cannot say the same for the Class G A39...not only being the most expensive Amplifier ive ever purchased ($3600) aust, but also the most disappointing...Dull..Boggy..Lifeless....a real Disappointment....plenty of good reviews on the newer models but i think i will be leaving the Marque !

    • @twistyflora
      @twistyflora  6 หลายเดือนก่อน

      I keep hearing the A39 is excellent!

    • @paulhanlon5112
      @paulhanlon5112 6 หลายเดือนก่อน

      @twistyflorahifiaudio8741 It's not fairing we'll in my system, speakers are Wharfdale Linton. I also an Exposure 2010 and a Rega elex R, both these amplifiers outgun the Arc, the Arc may have issues because it does sound wooly and soft, all the other Arcams I owned never had this sound signature, the a39 is the first class G Amp that I've purchased

  • @StagnantMizu
    @StagnantMizu 9 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

    inside looks cheap

    • @twistyflora
      @twistyflora  9 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

      Which internal component looks cheap to you?

    • @StagnantMizu
      @StagnantMizu 9 หลายเดือนก่อน

      @@twistyflora not the components in itself just the overall build and its simplicity, but the way it looks has nothing to do with the performance.

    • @twistyflora
      @twistyflora  9 หลายเดือนก่อน +2

      I know. I’m impressed by the internal componentry, but nobody in the TH-cam world tends to care that much (take a look at audioholics if you do care).As long as it sounds good. Does the transformer concern you? the capacitors? The heat vent? What about the internal componentry is cheap to you? Just curious cause I think they’ve built a pretty amazing integrated, inside and out.

    • @StagnantMizu
      @StagnantMizu 9 หลายเดือนก่อน

      @@twistyflora Like I said technology advances over the years and nowadays we have flatscreen tvs better than big CRTs, so if the modern layouts and circuitry looks simpler and cheaper but performs better than I am all in for it, I just love the old layouts with complex looking circuits and big caps lol

    • @twistyflora
      @twistyflora  9 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

      I can appreciate that. There is a Sansui Solid State 7000 sitting at a thrift store by my house right now. $199. The receiver is a thing of beauty. And if I hadn’t been bit in the ass by a few previous vintage pieces that I’ve purchased, I’d be spending my hard earned cash.
      But while it is beautiful, I’m going to let someone else spend the money. I’ve heard the vintage buzz one too many times.

  • @chebrubin
    @chebrubin 9 หลายเดือนก่อน

    I am lost how this helps any family with their audiophile aspirations.
    Why not just get a Pionner or Sony ES reciever for the faux budding audiophile.
    Who is this meant for the bald LP man with his Whiskey that looks like some invention for project Enigma WWII decryptor.
    Why not suggest get some good AudioQuest cables to go with a Japanese receiver and some viagra?

    • @twistyflora
      @twistyflora  9 หลายเดือนก่อน +4

      lol!!!!!While I don’t agree, this comment definitely made me laugh. You do you.
      (And nobody in my family takes viagra, so that solution isn’t going to work, but someday? We all have dreams.)