Интегральные усилители — Arcam A5

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

Key specs that matter

The A5 delivers 50W per channel into 8 ohms (20Hz to 20kHz, both channels driven) and 75W into 4 ohms at 1kHz, at 0.5% THD, while distortion at 80% power into 8 ohms is 0.003%. Frequency response is 20Hz to 20kHz within +/-0.2dB for analogue and digital inputs and +/-1dB for phono. Signal-to-noise ratio is 106dB (analogue) and 109dB (digital). Inputs are three RCA line inputs (47 kilohms), an MM phono input (47 kilohms, 100pF), two coaxial and one optical digital input handling up to 24-bit/192kHz through an ESS ES9018 DAC, and Bluetooth 5.2 with aptX Adaptive. Outputs include a pre-out and a 3.5mm headphone socket that delivers up to 2.5V into 32 ohms or 5V into 300 ohms and accepts loads from 16 ohms to 2 kilohms. Maximum power draw is 350W, and standby use is below 0.5W. The chassis measures 83 x 431 x 344mm and weighs 8kg.

Engineering and use context

Arcam kept a Class A/B output stage for the A5 rather than switching to Class D, using components and materials selected for the Radia range. Output rises by half when the load drops from 8 to 4 ohms, so the power supply has some reserve for typical 4-ohm loudspeakers. Because the phono stage presents the standard moving-magnet load, a turntable connects without an external preamplifier. The coaxial and optical inputs make the A5 a practical hub for a TV, games console or CD transport. Bluetooth works in both directions - the A5 can receive audio from a phone at up to 24-bit resolution, or transmit its output to Bluetooth headphones or speakers. The front, top, sides and rear are aluminium, the dials are solid aluminium with illuminated rings, and a compact remote is included. The A5 ships in plastic-free packaging.

Pairing

The pre-out allows a subwoofer or a larger power amplifier to be added. For network streaming, Arcam designed the ST5 to sit alongside it, and the CD5 matches its styling as the disc source.

Alternatives

Arcam's own A15 is the next Radia integrated amplifier, with 80W per channel and more inputs.