Hello, fellow audiophiles! Today, we’re diving into the Arcam A15, an integrated amplifier from their new Radia series. Positioned between the A5 and A25, it strikes a balance in the lineup, offering significant value, especially for those who appreciate the "middle child" in Hi-Fi systems.
Both the A5 and A15 are AB class amplifiers, while the A25 boasts a G class amplifier, which is a bit of a letdown as I was eager to experience Arcam's new G class technology. The A25 is undeniably powerful, with 100 watts in 8 ohms, but it comes at a much higher price than the A15, potentially making it less cost-effective.
After comparing the A5 and A15, I chose the A5 due to its superior specifications. Let’s dive into its features and performance.
Design and Build
Right off the bat, the Arcam A15 impresses with its modern and sleek design, a stark contrast to previous Arcam devices. The subtle yellow details add a touch of uniqueness and radiance, signaling Arcam’s bold step into new territories.
However, there are a couple of design issues:
The device screen, while minimal, lacks clarity with its crystallized frosted look. A modern OLED screen would have been a better fit.
There are no light indicators on the volume or channel knobs. Although the knobs feel great and are rarely used manually thanks to the remote, an indicator would be useful.
Speaking of the remote, it’s a compact, functional, and beautifully designed piece that complements the amplifier well.
Input and Connectivity
The A15 offers a decent range of inputs:
3 digital (including optical and coaxial)
3 analog (including phono and preamp)
It supports Bluetooth (APTX variety) but lacks a USB input, which is available on the A Twenty-Five. It also includes a headphone output, which I didn’t test extensively as I’m not a heavy headphone user.
The DAC supports up to 24-bit, 192kHz, with an ES Saber 9018 chip known for its clean, sometimes punchy transport. However, DSD directly from a PC might not be possible, unlike with the more expensive A25.
Sound Quality
Now, let’s get to the heart of the matter: the sound. The Arcam A15 delivers a fantastic listening experience, emphasizing clarity and transparency while maintaining a balanced sound profile. It’s neither overly clean nor dark and bass-rich, but rather strikes a perfect balance.
Listening Experience:
Clarity and Transparency:Â The amp excels in delivering detailed and nuanced textures, creating an immersive and commanding presence.
Balanced Sound:Â It manages to combine various elements, providing a sound that fits a wide range of musical tastes. It offers a symphony of clarity and weighty sound, making it an excellent all-around performer.
Treble and Mids:
The treble is rich, layering different instruments beautifully.
The mids are forward, with finesse in resolving details and textures.
Vocals:
Vocals are clear and present, with nuances in breath and decay being distinctly audible.
Soundstage:
The amp creates a great soundstage, helping speakers open up both vertically and horizontally.
Synergy and Pairing
The balanced nature of the A15 allows for flexibility in pairing with various speakers. It works well with:
Bowers and Wilkins 607
Dali Oberon 3 or 5
Q Acoustics new 5 series
These pairings help the treble to be more lively and fun. With 80 watts in 8 ohms, it has enough power to drive a wide variety of speakers, though it may struggle with high-sensitivity speakers.
Comparisons
Musical Fidelity M3si:
Offers more defined low end and warmth.
The Arcam provides clearer treble and more open soundstage.
Both are excellent, with the Arcam excelling in audiophile tracks.
And the first one that falls to my attention should be my favorite amp in the 1200 euros price range, and that is the Musical Fidelity M3si.
Now, Arcam is certainly more expensive as it is a newer device.But it should all be taken into consideration of what you want from your amp.Musical Fidelity has a more defined lower end, which means that it will certainly help your speakers have that commanding strong sound, and it has more details and definition.
It is also warmer sounding than the Arcam, but I have to mention Musical Fidelity is not a very warm amp; it is just warmer than Arcam. So if you prefer that full, rich, warm sound, Musical Fidelity is still a better choice. But Arcam allows treble to be more defined and is certainly a more clear and transparent amp.
It still has that bite, while not as strong as Musical Fidelity, but with more clarity and definition around treble and midrange. Arcam also provides a more open and textured soundstage. To me, Musical Fidelity is still a little bit more fun amp to listen to, but the undeniable quality for listening to audiophile tracks is better with Arcam, as it allows more clinical listening.
In the end, they are both awesome and should be demoed for your pleasure.
One thing more that goes in the direction of Arcam is it is more versatile regarding ports and Bluetooth.
Denon PMA 1700:
Delivers a massive soundstage and is great for electronic or arena music.
The Arcam offers more finesse and sonic elegance.
Denon is better for vinyl lovers with its superior phono stage.
Another amp I should recommend is the Denon PMA-1700.
It is closer to that old sound of Arcam, but Denon specializes in creating a massive sound with a great soundstage. It is one of those amps that can be your alternative for an audio-video receiver. It is a great amplifier for electronics or big arena music.
And unlike cheaper Denons which sacrifice a lot of finesse in order to get that big sound, Denon has well-tuned sound to bring a lot in the upper registry of music. To me, it is not as interesting an amp as Musical Fidelity, but for those looking for a powerful big sound, they should look at Denon.
It also has great ports and connectivity. And it should, with more confidence, drive speakers better than Arcam and Musical Fidelity. Just don’t expect the finesse and excellence in sonics that goes more in Arcam and Musical Fidelity direction. One thing more for Denon: it kills Arcam and Musical Fidelity with its phono stage, including something which is not common to have in integrated amps, and that is both Moving Magnet and Moving Coil stages.
If you are a vinyl lover, Denon is just a fantastic choice. Denon has such a great lineup of amps, and the more you go up the ladder, the more refined they become and such great buys.
Naim Nait 5si and Audiolab 7000a
Few more quick bits Naim NAit 5si is a great resolver of details. It can also extract textures and sounds and those details have a little bit more finesse and textures than Arcam.Â
But Arcam is more complete sounding, and have more versatility and fun to it. Audiolab 7000a is a great amp, but it is a much different in sense that it is more airy and open, and have more bigger and grander soundstage than Arcam, but it comes with sacrifice of definition, and fullness.Â
Still if you prefer grand scope depth and reach than check Audiolab you are going to love it so much more than Arcam.Â
Conclusion
The Arcam A15 is a fantastic amplifier, providing a blend of sonic audiophile qualities. It’s a versatile companion, excelling in clarity, balance, and openness. While it may not be the best in any one aspect, it performs excellently across the board, making it an incredible value in its price range.
If you’re looking for an amp that offers a great balance of sound characteristics, with versatility in both connectivity and sonic performance, the Arcam A15 is highly recommended.
Thank you for reading my review! If you enjoyed it and found it informative, please like, subscribe, or consider donating via Patreon to support my review journey. All the best, and keep daydreaming!