The new flagship integrated amplifier Arcam SA30 is part of the HDA series. Arcam specialists have gained significant experience working with G-class circuitry. Its principle provides, in fact, the use of class A with the connection of an additional power source for processing signals of increased amplitude. The result achieved in the Arcam SA30 amplifier: 120 W of power per channel at a load of 8 Ohms and 220 W at 4 Ohms. No less interesting is the structure of the model, which, in particular, is supplemented by a 32-bit DAC ESS Sabre ESS9038.
The first 20 W of output power of the Arcam SA30 is generated in class A, so at low volume the sound of this model will be exceptionally smooth and musical. The audio path of the amplifier has a very low coefficient of nonlinear distortion and provides exceptionally detailed and balanced sound in a wide frequency range. The output stages of the Arcam SA30 are made on specially selected transistor pairs, and a high-power toroidal transformer is installed in its power supply. The chassis of the device has damping that protects the electronic circuits from any external mechanical vibrations, as well as damping resonances that may occur when operating acoustic systems at high power.
Support for wireless technologies allows the Arcam SA30 amplifier to work with the AirPlay 2 protocol, uPnP streamer mode and compatibility with Chromecast. On the other hand, the presence of HDMI ARC allows the amplifier to become an excellent addition to the TV. When connected via a local network, work with Roon and MQA support are provided, guaranteeing stream decoding (for example, from TIDAL) with the highest possible quality. Roon Endpoint status will allow you to work with the platform player and its library system.
The model’s system integration will ensure compatibility with Control4 and Crestron control systems. In terms of cable connections, the Arcam SA30 has four digital inputs and five analogue ones, including a switchable input of the built-in MM/MC phono preamplifier. Finally, Dirac Live, the Arcam SA30’s room correction technology, will allow you to optimise the sound quality of a system based on the amplifier, neutralising the influence of the room in which the music is intended to be heard.
Commenting on the launch of the Arcam SA30, Scott Campbell, ARCAM’s Director of Sales and Marketing, said: “The Arcam SA30 represents a new pinnacle of stereo amplification from ARCAM. Our extremely talented design team has left nothing to chance here. This is Class G technology, expertly implemented and combined with the latest features including Dirac Live room correction technology, support for high-resolution audio and the ability to customise installation.
The strict minimalism of the amplifier’s front panel is emphasized by a number of buttons for direct selection of the signal source and control of other functions. The amplifier is also equipped with a display with a large indication, easily readable from a large distance, and with the help of a rotary knob you can adjust the volume and adjust the stereo balance. The Arcam SA30 amplifier is equipped with a fully functional remote control.
The Arcam SA30 amplifier is unusually tempo-rhythmic, handles small and fast rhythmic sequences without problems and perfectly conducts long legato. Any popular music will bring a lot of pleasure to the connoisseur of truthful stories, the voices of the vocalists will not lose their individuality and uniqueness, there will be not a drop of exaggeration or emphasis on anything anywhere.
Arcam SA30 Specifications
Number of channels 2
Output power 120 W per channel (8 ohms), 220 W per channel (4 ohms)
Class G amplifiers
Input sensitivity / impedance 1 V (linear input), 5 mV (MM), 0.5 mV (MC)
Frequency range (analog connectors) 20 Hz – 20 kHz
Total harmonic distortion + noise less than 0.002%
Signal-to-noise ratio 112 dB (analog inputs), 113 dB (digital inputs)
DAC ESS9038K2M
Signal parameters on digital inputs up to 24 bit / 192 kHz
AirPlay 2 support yes
Dirac Live technology yes, memory for 3 settings
Google Chromecast support yes
MQA support yes
Control via web browser yes
Inputs 4 line (one on the front panel), Phono MM, Phono MC, 2 coaxial, 2 optical, LAN interface, USB, HDMI
Outputs Pre-Out, for headphones
Other Wi-Fi antenna jack, RS232
Possibility of renaming inputs yes
Output terminals for speakers screw terminals for a pair of speakers
Power consumption 800 W, in standby mode: 0.2 W
Dimensions (W x H x D) 433 x 100 x 323 mm
Weight 12 kg
