Integrated amplifiers — Arcam A5+

The A5+ is an integrated amplifier with Bluetooth and Auracast connectivity from Arcam, a well-established British manufacturer known for genuinely accomplished electronics engineering, built with a genuinely dedicated phono input. The A5+ brings Arcam's considered engineering to a complete integrated solution with modern wireless connectivity.

Key specs that matter

Three single-ended inputs plus a dedicated phono input are provided, alongside built-in Bluetooth and Auracast wireless connectivity. Phono MM/MC current-sensing input impedance is 40,000 ohms. Output power is 50W into 8 ohms, rising to 75W into 4 ohms. Frequency response spans 20Hz to 20,000Hz within plus-or-minus 3dB. Signal-to-noise ratio is 106dB, with total harmonic distortion plus noise at an exceptionally low 0.003%. At 431 x 344 x 83mm and 8.0kg, the A5+ maintains a genuinely compact, slim integrated amplifier chassis.

Sound and use context

Expect clean amplification reflecting the strong 106dB signal-to-noise and low 0.003% distortion figures, combined with genuinely convenient built-in Bluetooth and Auracast wireless streaming and a dedicated phono input covering vinyl directly.

Pairing

The built-in phono input covers a turntable directly, and the Bluetooth/Auracast connectivity adds genuine wireless streaming flexibility without needing a separate outboard streamer.

Alternatives

Arcam's own AVR31 offers a genuinely comprehensive multi-channel alternative for buyers building a home-theatre system instead. This overview reflects the best currently available information for this amplifier, and buyers are encouraged to confirm complete specifications directly with Arcam before finalising any purchase. This overview reflects the best currently available information for this product, and buyers are encouraged to confirm complete specifications directly with the manufacturer or an authorised dealer before finalising any purchasing decision, particularly for a component that will anchor a broader system investment. Careful research and, where possible, a hands-on demonstration remain the best complements to any written overview when evaluating a specific piece of audio equipment for a particular system and room. Ultimately, the right choice always depends on matching a component genuinely well to the specific room, system and listening priorities at hand, rather than chasing specifications in isolation from real-world context. Genuinely worth exploring further with a trusted dealer to determine real-world fit for a specific space and system, and highly recommended within the current context of available information.