Arcam A15: Compact and powerful integrated amplifier

The Arcam A15 integrated amplifier is a more powerful version of the Arcam A5 and replaces the previous Arcam SA10 model. The amplifier body is made of anodized aluminum with durable aluminum handles. This amplifier boasts 80 watts per channel (compared to 50 watts on the A5), making it a good choice for driving large floor-standing speakers as well as low-impedance bookshelf speakers. Arcam has a long history of developing amplifiers, and this latest model delivers smooth, powerful sound.

The Arcam A15 amplifier has the latest adaptive Bluetooth aptX codec built into it. It can stream 24-bit high-definition audio from your smartphone, tablet, or other Bluetooth-enabled device. It can also connect to Bluetooth headphones, which is a useful convenience for late-night listening. The Arcam Radia A15 amplifier is equipped with a wide range of input signals. There are three analogue RCA inputs, as well as an MM audio stage. Digital inputs include two coaxial and one optical input. They can be used to connect a CD or Blu-ray player directly to the DAC. In addition, there is a USB input and a wired Ethernet connector. There is also a trigger input as well as a preamp output. Speaker connections are made using gold-plated mounting pins.

Arcam is well known for its support for vinyl and the Arcam A15 features a high quality built-in MM phono stage audio system. There are two types of magnetic phono cartridges in use today – moving magnet (MM) and moving coil (MC). Arcam Radia A15 includes a built-in MM phono stage. Millimeter cartridges have a tiny magnet mounted on the end of the console that holds the stylus. They have an output power of about 5 mV at an impedance of 47 Kohm. The Arcam Radia A15 phono stage input is matched to this. Instead of a magnet, MC cartridges have coils mounted on the console. However, the output power is often below 1 mV and requires additional amplification – they also tend to be more expensive.

The type of amplification used by the Arcam A15 integrated amplifier is Class AB. Class A is often used to provide the best possible sound quality. However, it requires a large power supply and is very inefficient. As an alternative, Class B is used to provide higher output power. However, Class B may suffer from crosstalk. This occurs due to switching between output transistors. Class AB is the best of both worlds as it is a combination of both Class A and Class B, where the output stage operates in Class A at lower volumes. As the sound level rises, the output gradually switches to Class B to provide more power.

Arcam A15 Specifications

Continuous output power (0.5% THD) per channel into 8 ohms: 80 W
Harmonic distortion, 80% power, 8 ohms at 1 kHz: 0.002%
Frequency response: 20 Hz – 20 kHz ± 0.2 dB.
Analog inputs: 3 (RCA pairs), Phono input (MM)
Digital inputs: Coaxial (RCA), Optical (Toslink)
Bluetooth 5.2 with adaptive AptX™ and AAC technology.
Headphone Output: Maximum Output Level (RMS) at 32 ohms/300 ohms: 2.5V/5Vrms, Load Range: 16ohms – 2kohms
Line Voltage: 100V or 110-120V or 220-240V , 50–60 Hz.
Power consumption (maximum): 500 W
Power consumption (standby): <0.5 W
Dimensions W x D (including speaker terminals) x H (including feet): 431 x 344 x 98 mm.
Weight (net): 10 kg.