Arcam SA20 Integrated Amplifier

From British company Arcam, we have an example of the highly regarded SA20 Integrated Amplifier that comes complete with a built in Digital to Analogue Converter, Phono Stage (MM) and Headphone Amplifier. It is in excellent condition and is supplied in original factory packaging, with remote control, manual, mains cable, plus our standard three month warranty.
Arcam Say…
The design of the HDA range draws upon all of Arcam’s experience as one of the UK’s most respected audio companies, to produce Arcam’s best performing range of audio products yet – using the best quality components and engineering practices, the HDA range is designed and built to give you years of listening enjoyment.
There are two frequent problems with hi-fi amplifiers. Class A, the traditional audiophile’s choice, uses a single power supply constantly running at full capacity, even when there’s no signal coming through. Great for reproducing those subtle details at low levels however struggles to provide extreme power when needed.
Class A/B, the most common amp class, switches between the two internal amplifiers, one for each half of the waveform. Far more efficient but often a recipe for crossover distortion, since those low-level details we crave can get lost within any mis-match between the two switching over.
Class G is essentially a hybrid amplifier, utilising Class A specifically for low-level signals, but when required switching in an additional power supply to power those larger sections of the waveform.
Specifications:
Continuous Power Output (0.5% THD), per channel: Both channels, 8 Ω, 20 Hz – 20 kHz: 90 W; Both channels, 4 Ω, at 1 kHz: 150 W
Harmonic Distortion, 80 % power, 8 Ω at 1 kHz: 0.002%
Analogue Inputs
Phono (MM) Cartridge:
Input Sensitivity at 1 kHz: 5 mV
Input Impedance: 47 kΩ + 100 pF
Frequency Response (ref. RIAA curve): 20 Hz – 20 kHz ± 1 dB
Signal/Noise Ratio (A-wtd) 50 W, ref. 5 mV input: 80 dB
Overload Margin, ref. 5 mV at 1 kHz: 21 dB
Line Inputs:
Nominal Sensitivity: 1 V
Input Impedance: 10 kΩ
Maximum Input: 6 Vrms
Frequency Response: 20 Hz – 20 kHz ± 0.2 dB
Signal/Noise Ratio (A-wtd) 50 W, ref. 1 V input: 106 dB
Digital Inputs
DAC: ESS9038K2M
Frequency Response: 20 Hz – 20 kHz ± 0.05 dB
Total Harmonics Distortion + Noise: 0.0007%
Signal/Noise Ratio (A-wtd): 115dB
Supported Sample Rates: Optical: 32 kHz, 44.1 kHz, 48 kHz, 88.2 kHz, 96 kHz; Coaxial: 32 kHz, 44.1 kHz, 48 kHz, 88.2 kHz, 96 kHz, 176.4 kHz, 192 kHz
Bit Depth: 16-bit – 24-bit
Pre-amplifier output
Nominal Output Level: 630 mV
Output Impedance: 230 Ω
Headphone output
Maximum Output Level into 600 Ω: 5 Vrms
Output Impedance: 1 Ω
Load Range: 16 Ω – 2 kΩ
General
Mains Voltage: 110 – 120V or 220 – 240V, 50 – 60Hz
Maximum Power Consumption: 500W
Dimensions: 433 (W) x 323 (D) x 87 (H) mm (including feet, control knob and speaker terminals)
Weight: 9.2kg

To read a review from Hi-Fi+ magazine please click here

For a second opinion from Hi-Fi Choice magazine please click here