{"id":44636,"date":"2025-08-29T12:29:06","date_gmt":"2025-08-29T16:29:06","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.tedpublications.com\/fr\/?p=44636"},"modified":"2025-08-29T12:29:06","modified_gmt":"2025-08-29T16:29:06","slug":"arcam-sa45-integrated-amplifier","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.tedpublications.com\/fr\/en\/arcam-sa45-integrated-amplifier\/","title":{"rendered":"Arcam SA45 Integrated Amplifier"},"content":{"rendered":"

The Pinnacle of the New Radia Series<\/span><\/strong><\/em><\/span><\/p>\n

The Cambridge, UK-based manufacturer Arcam<\/strong> was founded in\u00a01976. Over nearly four decades, it has produced several amplifier models, some designed for home theater<\/em>. Over the years, CD<\/em> players and even external DAC<\/em>s have been added to the Arcam<\/strong> catalog. Today, the brand is owned by the Harman<\/strong> group, which itself is under Samsung<\/strong>. More recently, I had the opportunity to test the duo formed by the A15<\/strong> integrated amplifier and its ST5<\/strong> network music player, which I found to be a revelation in the entry-level<\/em> category. When I was offered the chance to test the SA45<\/em>, the flagship integrated amplifier of the Radia<\/em> series, I didn\u2019t hesitate for a second to say yes<\/em>. It was first unveiled at the 2024 Munich High-End Show<\/strong>, which doesn\u2019t make it brand new, but its availability in our stores is relatively recent. Let\u2019s take a closer look at what this powerhouse really has under the hood, and whether it offers the same strong value proposition.<\/span><\/p>\n

The Radia Family<\/span>
\n<\/strong>The series now includes seven products, among them three integrated amplifiers: the A5<\/em> (entry-level), the A15<\/em> (mid-tier), and the A25<\/em>. All three were introduced in\u00a02023, accompanied by the CD5<\/em> CD<\/em> player and the ST5<\/em> network music player (streamer<\/em>). In October\u00a02024, another streamer, the ST25<\/em>, was released, featuring a color display and an upgraded streaming platform. Later that same year, two more integrated amplifiers appeared: the SA35<\/em> and the SA45<\/em>. These are true all-in-ones<\/em>, incorporating both a DAC<\/em> and a streaming<\/em> function modeled on the ST25<\/em>\u2019s platform.
\n<\/span><\/p>\n

The Radia SA45 Amplifier\u00a0<\/span>
\n<\/strong>This integrated amp is Arcam<\/strong>\u2019s latest achievement after more than 45\u00a0years of amplifier design and manufacturing. The very first model, released in\u00a01976, was the A&R Cambridge A60<\/em>. The new SA45<\/em>, a true all-in-one<\/em>, comes with an 8.8\u201d color TFT<\/em> screen, powered by a GPU<\/em> tied to its new streaming<\/em> platform. While its glass display isn\u2019t touch-sensitive, Wi-Fi<\/em> and Ethernet<\/em> compatibility make the streaming platform easy to control via Arcam<\/strong>\u2019s free Radia<\/em> app for Android<\/em> and Apple<\/strong> devices. It supports major services like Tidal<\/strong> Connect<\/em>, Spotify<\/strong> Connect<\/em>, and Qobuz<\/strong>, as well as Google<\/strong> Chromecast<\/em>, Apple<\/strong> AirPlay<\/em>, and Roon<\/em><\/strong>.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
\nThe SA45<\/em>\u2019s menus can be navigated with push-button controls\u00a0\u2014 a volume knob and a source selector\u00a0\u2014 or via the remote control. It also comes with a microphone for measuring the acoustics of your listening room. With its Dirac Live<\/em> feature, the SA45<\/em> can adjust its response curve to the acoustic properties of the space it\u2019s installed in.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>Digital inputs include two TOSLINK<\/em> optical, two coaxial, and one HDMI eARC<\/em>\u00a0\u2014an upgrade over the three more affordable Radia<\/em> models. There\u2019s also a USB-A<\/em> input for flash drives or external hard drives containing music files, effectively turning the SA45<\/em> into a music server. With its RJ45<\/em> Ethernet<\/em> port and UPnP<\/em> support, the SA45<\/em> also allows network playback and automatic software updates.<\/p>\n

Digital-to-analog conversion is handled by an ESS<\/strong> Sabre Hyperstream IV<\/em> multi-channel DAC<\/em>, offering four selectable digital filters. The differences are subtle but allow some tailoring of sound. Bluetooth<\/em> connectivity is the latest standard, and the unit works both as a receiver and transmitter\u00a0\u2014perfect for wireless headphone listening.<\/p>\n

On the analog side, the rear panel offers three unbalanced line inputs and a preamp<\/em> output on RCA<\/em> connectors. It also includes one pair of balanced XLR<\/em> inputs and outputs, along with two phono inputs (one MM<\/em>, one MC<\/em>). Add to that two independent subwoofer outputs (RCA<\/em> or XLR<\/em>), which can be tuned separately based on their position in the room or if using different subwoofer brands.<\/p>\n

Physically, the SA45<\/em> is heavier (17\u00a0kg) and larger (432\u00a0\u00d7 390\u00a0\u00d7 140\u00a0mm) than any other Radia<\/em> amplifier. Yet, it retains the black-and-yellow aesthetic that gives the Radia<\/em> line its modern, distinctive look. Power is rated at 180\u00a0W per channel into 8\u00a0ohms, rising to 300\u00a0W into 4\u00a0ohms. The output stage uses Arcam<\/strong>\u2019s proprietary fifth-generation Class\u00a0G<\/em> topology, meaning the SA45<\/em> should have no trouble driving virtually any loudspeaker, even the most demanding ones.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>Arcam’s Class G
\n<\/span><\/strong>To better understand this technology, Arcam<\/strong> compares Class\u00a0G<\/em> to a hybrid car with two engines. One smaller engine runs in Class\u00a0A<\/em>, while a larger one in Class\u00a0A\/B kicks in only when needed. In practice, Class\u00a0G<\/em> uses dual power supplies: one for low-level listening in Class\u00a0A<\/em>, and a second, higher-powered supply that activates progressively when dynamics demand it, running in Class\u00a0A\/B<\/em>. This provides extra power only when required, much like a turbocharger.<\/p>\n

The switchover is seamless, fast, and without delay. Since the Class\u00a0A<\/em> supply is lower powered, it avoids crossover distortion (typical of Class\u00a0A\/B<\/em>) and excess heat (typical of Class\u00a0A<\/em>). At normal listening levels, you\u2019re in Class\u00a0A<\/em> most of the time. At higher levels or with demanding speakers, the Class\u00a0A\/B<\/em> supply takes over. In other words, you get the strengths of both amplifier classes without their downsides.<\/p>\n

Test Conditions<\/span>
\n<\/strong>I paired the SA45<\/em> with my Monitor Audio<\/strong> Studio\u00a089<\/em> loudspeakers. Initially, I listened without a subwoofer to gauge the SA45<\/em>\u2019s character. Later, I added my REL<\/strong> T\/7X<\/em> subwoofer, which helped distribute bass more evenly in my 260\u00a0sq.\u00a0ft. living room. I did not use Dirac Live<\/em> calibration, as it requires a laptop, downloaded software, and the included microphone\u00a0\u2014 a process best left to a qualified dealer. Fortunately, my room is already well-damped, with minimal standing waves.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>Using UPnP<\/em>, the SA45<\/em> easily accessed my CeolBOX<\/em><\/strong> music server and my Qobuz<\/strong> subscription. I also tested the front-panel 3.5\u00a0mm headphone jack with my two reference headphones: the HiFiMan<\/strong> Sundara<\/em> and Aune<\/strong> AR5000<\/em>. Both performed well, though the Aune<\/strong> gained extra punch and dynamics thanks to its higher sensitivity. Since I no longer own a turntable, I couldn\u2019t test the MM\/MC<\/em> phono stage, but given the SA45<\/em>\u2019s build quality, I expect it to be more than respectable.<\/p>\n

Listening Impressions
\n<\/span><\/strong>With headphones, the SA45<\/em>\u2019s headphone output proved perfectly capable. It easily drove my power-hungry Sundara<\/em>, and with the Aune<\/strong> AR5000<\/em>, I enjoyed added dynamics and punch. Transparency was such that differences between the two headphones were clearly audible.<\/p>\n

Through speakers, the SA45<\/em> impressed with both authority and finesse\u00a0\u2014truly an iron fist in a velvet glove<\/em>. The SA45<\/em> demonstrates a beautiful neutrality, without becoming cold or disembodied. My Studio\u00a089<\/em> speakers are renowned for projecting a wide and deep stereo image. In this sense, the SA45<\/em> served my speakers superbly well, whose image seemed extrapolated from my usual listening. It delivered neutrality without coldness, with a wide, deep soundstage. Adding the subwoofer elevated the experience to one resembling much larger speakers.<\/p>\n

High frequencies extended smoothly without harshness, even on Peter Gabriel<\/strong>\u2019s i\/o<\/em> album, which alternates between dynamic Bright-Side Mixes<\/em> and gentler Dark-Side Mixes<\/em>. The SA45<\/em> kept the treble controlled and listenable. Midrange transparency revealed textures in voices and acoustic instruments, while soundstage width gave vocalists breathing space.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
\nI continue with the excellent Turkish composer Mercan Dede<\/strong>, who combines traditional Sufi music with electronic music. This multi-instrumentalist composer plays the ney, a long traditional reed flute, and he is very proficient with percussion instruments like the bendir. He also plays the oud, a plucked string instrument similar to the guitar. On the album entitled 800<\/em>, he is accompanied by five Turkish musicians as well as the singer Yildiz Tilbe<\/strong>, also from Turkey. Bassist Mich Gerber<\/strong> is of Swiss origin. Mercan Dede<\/strong>‘s compositions are melodic and can easily be used as soundtracks for films. These recordings are always of excellent quality, and the amplifier delivers them with the most demonstrative clarity and definition. All of this is achieved without falling into an overly forward presentation that would otherwise want to impress. Once again, the dynamics are there, with crisp and frank percussion strikes. Obviously, the electronic low frequencies are there with imperial control both on my solo speakers and when they are supported by my subwoofer.<\/p>\n

I’ll finish with the excellent Sohn<\/strong>, a British musician, producer, and composer from London. In his 2022\u00a0album Trust<\/em>, he doesn’t hesitate to mix a few acoustic instruments with electronically produced sounds and sound effects. His compositions are also very melodic, and their mix immerses us in a spacious and captivating musical atmosphere. The SA45<\/em> projects us into this universe thanks to a well-layered stereo image that extends well beyond the speaker’s frame. This image is full of a multitude of well-defined sonic details, superbly distributed throughout the stereo space. This album, Trust<\/em>, perfectly exploits the entire frequency range from the highest notes to the lowest. In this sense, the SA45<\/em>‘s tonal balance is most satisfying and musical as desired. All types of music are well served, from the calmest and ethereal classical to the most thunderous rock. In short, the all-in-one<\/em> SA45<\/em> is an excellent instrument for musical reproduction that expresses itself perfectly in its modernity.<\/p>\n

Conclusion
\n<\/span><\/strong>At $7,600 (before taxes), the SA45<\/em> can\u2019t be considered entry-level<\/em> like the A15\u00a0\/ ST5<\/em> duo I reviewed earlier, which at $2,700 total remains an incredible bargain<\/em>. Instead, the SA45<\/em> targets a different audience\u00a0\u2014 one seeking a powerful, high-performing all-in-one<\/em>. With five components in a single chassis\u00a0\u2014 a preamp, power amp, headphone amp, DAC<\/em>, and network player\u00a0\u2014 it competes strongly with setups that would otherwise cost significantly more, not to mention require extra interconnect cables.<\/p>\n

With its extensive connectivity, Dirac Live<\/em> room correction, and Bluetooth<\/em> transmitter\/receiver function, the SA45<\/em> is a complete solution. I am seriously considering purchasing one myself, as it would replace my six separate components and simplify the cabling chaos currently cluttering my audio rack. The Arcam<\/strong> SA45 integrated amplifier is now available at select retailers in Quebec.<\/p>\n

Mediagraphy
\n<\/span><\/strong>Peter Gabriel, i\/o, FLAC 24\u00a0bits\u00a0\/ 96\u00a0kHz<\/span><\/span>
\nMercan Dede, 800, FLAC 16\u00a0bits\u00a0\/ 44.1\u00a0kHz<\/span>
\nSohn, Trust, FLAC 24\u00a0bits\/ 44.1\u00a0kHz<\/span>
\nJos\u00e9 James, No Beginning No End, FLAC 24\u00a0bits\u00a0\/ 48\u00a0kHz<\/span>
\nBillie Eilish, Hit me Hard and Soft, FLAC 24\u00a0bits\u00a0\/ 44\u00a01kHz<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

GENERAL INFORMATION<\/span><\/strong>
\nPrice: $7,600
\nWarranty: 5 years, parts and labor
\nDistributor : Erikson Consumer, T. : 1 800.567.3275
\nhttps:\/\/www.arcam.co.uk\/<\/a>
\n<\/strong><\/span>https:\/\/jamindustries.com\/#eriksonmultimedia<\/a><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

The Pinnacle of the New Radia Series The Cambridge, UK-based manufacturer Arcam was founded in\u00a01976. Over nearly four decades, it has produced several amplifier models, some designed for home theater. Over the years, CD players and even external DACs have been added to the Arcam catalog. Today, the brand is owned by the Harman group, […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":7,"featured_media":44626,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[2723,1359,2725],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-44636","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-hifi","category-headline-en","category-whats-new","entry","has-media"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.tedpublications.com\/fr\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/44636","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.tedpublications.com\/fr\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.tedpublications.com\/fr\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.tedpublications.com\/fr\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/7"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.tedpublications.com\/fr\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=44636"}],"version-history":[{"count":8,"href":"https:\/\/www.tedpublications.com\/fr\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/44636\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":44645,"href":"https:\/\/www.tedpublications.com\/fr\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/44636\/revisions\/44645"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.tedpublications.com\/fr\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/44626"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.tedpublications.com\/fr\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=44636"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.tedpublications.com\/fr\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=44636"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.tedpublications.com\/fr\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=44636"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}