Arcam A15 Integrated Amplifier

Exploring the Arcam A15 Integrated Amplifier: A Comprehensive Review

In the world of high-fidelity audio, the Arcam A15 Integrated Amplifier stands out as a testament to the evolution of sound technology. With its roots tracing back to the original A60 amplifier designed by two Cambridge University students in 1972, the A15 is part of Arcam’s new Radia Series, which pays homage to its predecessors while embracing modern advancements. This blog delves into the features, design, and performance of the Arcam A15, offering insights for audiophiles and casual listeners alike.

Design & Build Quality

The design philosophy behind the Arcam A15 is simplicity combined with elegance. The unit features a black frosted glass front panel that houses a hidden display screen. This screen discreetly indicates input, volume level, and other settings when in use but disappears entirely when turned off, maintaining a sleek aesthetic. The minimalist design extends to its controls, with just two rotary encoders for adjusting volume and selecting inputs.

Arcam has incorporated subtle yellow accents into the design—a thin yellow circle around the knobs on the A5/A15 models—adding a touch of modernity without overwhelming the overall look. The aluminium body sports wavy lines on top for a dynamic appearance and improved airflow. These thoughtful design elements ensure that the A15 not only performs well but also complements any modern decor.

Features & Technology

The Arcam A15 is equipped with an array of features that cater to both traditional and contemporary audio preferences. At its core is an 80-watt per channel output into 8 ohms, providing ample power for most listening environments. The amplifier includes three line-level inputs, coaxial digital inputs, and an optical input—ensuring compatibility with various audio sources.

A standout feature is its internal DAC module powered by the ESS ES9018 chip, renowned for delivering high-quality digital-to-analog conversion. While it lacks a USB option, this omission isn’t critical given its other connectivity options. Additionally, there’s a preamp output for those looking to expand their setup with an external power amplifier.

Recognising vinyl’s resurgence in popularity, Arcam has included a moving magnet phono stage in the A15. This addition allows vinyl enthusiasts to enjoy their records without needing additional equipment.

Bluetooth Connectivity

Arcam has prioritized user convenience by integrating Bluetooth 5.2 with aptX Adaptive Technology into all units within the Radia Series. This feature enables easy wireless connection to devices while supporting 24-bit HD audio streaming. The two-way Bluetooth capability means users can stream music from their devices or send audio from their system to Bluetooth-enabled headphones or speakers.

Performance Evaluation

In terms of performance, the Arcam A15 delivers more than just increased power compared to its entry-level counterpart, the A5. It offers an engaging listening experience characterised by clarity and precision across various genres of music. While some may have previously found Arcam’s sound signature too safe or undemanding, the A15 strikes a balance between comfort and emotional engagement.

The inclusion of high-quality components ensures that every note is reproduced faithfully—whether you’re listening through speakers or headphones via its 3.5mm output jack on the front panel.

In Conclusion

The Arcam A15 Integrated Amplifier represents a harmonious blend of tradition and innovation within audio technology circles today; it respects past achievements while embracing future possibilities through thoughtful design choices coupled with advanced technological integrations like Bluetooth 5 .2 aptX Adaptive Technology support alongside robust amplification capabilities making it suitable choice discerning audiophiles seeking reliable yet stylish solution elevate their home entertainment systems further still!

What Hi-Fi? says: 

“Arcam has been generous with the specs, and it’s designed to suit nearly any setup. With three line-level inputs, a pair of coax digital inputs, and a single optical input, it’s hard to imagine this amplifier ever coming up short.”

Please see our product page here