Multitest integrated amplifiers – 2500 Euro – Which is the best (for you)?

Arcam SA30

Arcam we are familiar with. We used the SA10 for a time as a reference in the 1000-euro class. The SA30 has also been used before by colleague Wouter. And we also discussed the SA20 some time ago. But how does the Arcam SA30 do in this comparative test?

Well… well! It’s a totally different signature from the Advance Paris. But we can say that every time we switch between amplifiers: every amplifier has its own signature.

The Arcam SA30 immediately reveals that its strength is in tight imaging – stereo imaging is very stable – and tremendous control. The bass is incredibly tight and well-presented. Martijn writes: “Voice a little more central and towards the back of the mix. Effects of the mix clearly audible, much better imaging. Bass tight . Image does get a little more dense (compression at the busy end)”.

Yung reports, “Wow: what an imaging. Nice sound balance, control and dynamics. Sub-bass is nicely done without pushing the rest away”. And Geoffrey reports in his notes,“More prominent presence (than the Advance), nice soundstage, more weight on notes and strings, more live feel, sufficiently fast, less forgiving,”

So the Arcam impresses when it comes to imaging and stability. All in all, this amplifier leaves a very good impression and also lets us know immediately that this comparative test is going to be incredibly difficult: every amplifier has its strengths as well as its compromises…. It is up to the user to determine which combination will work.

Measurements Arcam SA30

The Arcam also uses a fair amount of feedback in its design we see on the Prism. Although it seems to be a little less than the Advance. The noise floor is slightly lower, but it doesn’t make much difference. The frequency response extends almost linearly to 5 Hz, which is nice to see. The power measurement shows that the Arcam doesn’t really like 4 Ohms. The distortion is higher than at 8 Ohms. The distortion at 1 watt is very low. Just as it shows decent crosstalk figures. It is around 100dB. Neat. But be careful with low impedance speakers. The power supply noise is even a tad lower than with the Advance. Neat.

Specifications Arcam SA30