Arcam SA20 Integrated Amplifier
£999/$1,500
Key features Analogue RCA inputs (3+Mm/line) • Optical • 80x2 Watts per CH Learn more arcam.co.uk Available from richersounds.com The perfect stackable companion piece to the incredible CDS50 that we reviewed last issue, Arcam’s SA20 integrated amplifier is a real powerhouse that reveals previously unheard, intricate detail in your favourite music.
G-force
In designing the SA20, Arcam has combatted the main two problems with Class A and Class A/B Hi-fi amplifiers and produced a system that combines the best elements of the two. Class A amps use a single power supply running at full capacity, even when there is no signal. As such it reproduces the subtle details at low levels but struggles to inject the extra power when it is needed. Class A/B switches between two internal amplifiers for each half of the waveform, but this leads to crossover distortion as the low-level details get lost as the two switch over. The Class G amplification showcased here is essentially a hybrid of the two, using Class A specifically for low-level signals but injecting a surge of power to the larger sections of the waveform when required. The result is breathtaking and, when listening through Revel’s Concerta2 M16 speakers, really made the music take off.
Everything about the SA20 is beautifully realised. The matt-grey finish is sophisticated and very touchable, and the large power button makes a satisfying clunk when pressed to awake the beast. Aside from the gorgeous volume
knob, a digital display takes pride of place on the front of the amp. This displays the current selected channel and provides a setup menu system that you can use to connect it to Wi-fi and control remotely using the free Arcam Control and Musiclife apps (both are available from the IOS App Store). As with the CDS50, setting this up was harder than it really should have been but ultimately not too much of an issue. Beneath the display is a row of channel select buttons, and the front of the SA20 also boasts inputs for headphones and MP3 (both 3.5mm).
On the rear of the SA20 are five analogue RCA inputs – CD, PVR, STB, Phono (MM) and Pre
Out, four speaker ports, three digital inputs (optical and two coaxials), ethernet and RS232. It has all bases covered and even includes a USB charge port. It’s a heavy unit at 11kg, but there is a lot packed into this streamlined design as the 80x2 Watts per channel power output attests to.
Spin the records
One area in which the SA20 really excels is vinyl. The dedicated phono moving magnet (MM) port is designed to get the most out of your LPS and has been carefully developed by Arcam to provide low noise and high levels of detail within the music. Even if you don’t want to connect a record deck, you can simply switch the input to line level and use it for another source. The SA20 comes with a backlit learning remote control, or you can operate it using the aforementioned apps – it is ultra-responsive whatever your preferred method. We absolutely loved this amp. The way in which it delivers rich, smooth sound that really brings the musicians into the room with you and then ramps up the power to make those solos really soar is phenomenal to behold. If you need to invest in a new integrated amplifier then the SA20 seems capable of anything, and we really cannot recommend it highly enough.
You can switch between the inputs effortlessly using the buttons on the front, a remote control or an app