Integrated amplifiers — Arcam A5

The A5 is the entry-level integrated amplifier in Arcam's Radia series, the range the British brand, now part of the Harman group, used to relaunch its hi-fi line in 2022. A Class A/B power amplifier, a moving-magnet phono stage, a DAC and two-way Bluetooth share one slim aluminium chassis, and the A5 is meant as the centre of a compact system alongside the matching CD5 CD player and ST5 streamer. Arcam later followed it with the A5+, which adds Auracast broadcasting.

Key specs that matter

Rated output is 50W per channel into 8 ohms from 20Hz to 20kHz with both channels driven, and 75W into 4 ohms at 1kHz, both at 0.5% THD. At 80% of rated power into 8 ohms, distortion falls to 0.003%. Frequency response holds within +/-0.2dB from 20Hz to 20kHz on the analogue and digital inputs and within +/-1dB on phono. Signal-to-noise ratio reaches 106dB on analogue and 109dB on digital sources. Connections comprise three RCA line inputs at 47 kilohms, an MM phono input at 47 kilohms and 100pF, two coaxial and one optical digital input accepting up to 24-bit/192kHz, and Bluetooth 5.2 with aptX Adaptive. Conversion is handled by an ESS ES9018 chip. There is a pre-out, plus a 3.5mm headphone socket giving up to 2.5V into 32 ohms or 5V into 300 ohms and accepting loads from 16 ohms to 2 kilohms. Maximum consumption is 350W and standby draw stays below 0.5W. The case measures 431 x 344 x 83mm and weighs 8.14kg.

Engineering and use context

Rather than moving to Class D, Arcam kept a Class A/B output stage for the A5, built with components and materials chosen for the Radia range. The phono stage presents the standard moving-magnet load, so a turntable plugs in without an external preamplifier. With coaxial and optical inputs on board, the amplifier can serve as a hub for a TV, games console or CD transport. Bluetooth runs both ways - the A5 receives audio from a phone at up to 24-bit resolution and can also send its output to Bluetooth headphones or speakers. The front, top, sides and rear panels are aluminium, and the solid aluminium dials carry illuminated rings. A compact remote is supplied, and Arcam ships the A5 without plastic in its packaging.

Pairing

Through the pre-out, the A5 can feed a subwoofer or a more powerful stereo amplifier. Arcam designed the ST5 to sit next to the A5 as its network streaming source, while the CD5 follows the same styling for disc playback.

Alternatives

Arcam's A15 sits one step higher among the Radia integrated amplifiers, with 80W per channel and more inputs.