Arcam SA30: Flagship integrated amplifier

The new flagship integrated device Arcam SA30 is part of the HDA series. Arcam specialists have gained serious experience working with G-class circuitry. Its principle essentially involves 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 Saber ESS9038.

The Arcam SA30 produces the first 20 W of output power in Class A, so at low volumes the sound of this model will be exceptionally smooth and musical. The amplifier’s audio circuit has very low nonlinear distortion and provides exceptionally detailed and balanced sound over a wide frequency range. The output stages of the Arcam SA30 are made using 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 electronic circuits from any external mechanical vibrations, as well as dampening resonances that may occur when speaker systems operate at high power.

Support for wireless technologies provides the Arcam SA30 amplifier with 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, it works with Roon and supports MQA, which guarantees decoding of a stream (for example, with TIDAL) with the highest possible quality. Roon Endpoint status will allow you to work with the platform’s player and its library system.

System integration of the model will ensure compatibility with Control4 and Crestron control systems. As for cable connections, the Arcam SA30 received four digital inputs and five analogue inputs, including a switchable input of the built-in MM/MC phono preamplifier. Finally, Dirac Live, a room correction technology supported by the Arcam SA30, will optimize the sound quality of the amplifier-based system by neutralizing the influence of the room where the music will be played.

Commenting on the launch of the Arcam SA30, Scott Campbell, Director of Sales and Marketing for ARCAM, said: “The Arcam SA30 represents the new pinnacle of stereo amplification from ARCAM. Our extremely talented design team left nothing behind here. It’s Class G technology, expertly crafted and combined with the latest features including Dirac Live room correction technology, high-resolution audio support and custom installation options.

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 display that is easy to read from a long distance, and using the rotary knob you can adjust the volume and adjust the stereo balance. The Arcam SA30 amplifier comes with a fully functional remote control.

The Arcam SA30 amplifier is extremely tempo-rhythmic, handles small and fast rhythmic sequences without any problems and conducts long legato perfectly. Any popular music will bring a lot of pleasure to the connoisseur of true stories, the voices of the vocalists will not lose their individuality and unusualness, there will not be a drop of exaggeration or emphasis anywhere.

Arcam SA30 specs:

Number of channels 2
Output power 120 W per channel (8 Ohms), 220 W per channel (4 Ohms)
Amplifiers class G
Input sensitivity / impedance 1 V (linear input), 5 mV (MM), 0.5 mV (MC)
Frequency range (analog connectors) 20 Hz – 20 kHz
Harmonic distortion + noise less than 0.002%
Signal-to-noise ratio 112 dB (analog inputs), 113 dB (digital inputs)
ESS9038K2M DAC
Signal parameters on digital inputs up to 24 bit / 192 kHz
AirPlay support 2 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
Pre-Out outputs, for headphones
Other jack for Wi-Fi antenna, 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