I have used the Arcam SA20 for a couple of years and it’s a fantastic amp. The DAC is first class, I use a Cambridge CXN and feed the coax into the Arcam. The sound is amazing. I use a cheap Samsung blue ray player as a cd transport, feeding the optical output to the Arcam, again it sounds fantastic. I upgraded my turntable from a Rega P3 to an AVID Volvere, with a mid priced phono amp, the Arcam is superb. Detailed, powerful, never harsh and fantastic value for money. Arcam nailed it with this little beauty.
I have the older Arcam fmj A39 in class G, sonically its ok but i did expect it to have better performance, for example, my Exposure 2010 out guns it in every aspect of mix, in defence of the Arcam, i think they are very speaker dependant, Floorstanders are a must, with Standmountsers just don't have the body and fat that the Arcams relish ....used with Wharfedale Denton 85 (not a good match) in my place, thin,veiled at low volume!
I used to have the Arcam SA10 for a few days. It was one of the "deadest" amplifiers with my KEF LS50's. The sound was dull, weak, even compared to my little NAD C316bee. After a few days back it went.
The SA20 isn't at lower volumes, your second power supply for the A/B stage only kicks in during dynamic spikes. You notice it move watching films than music where you have massive dynamic spikes from dialogue to an action scene. Let's say you have an average efficiency speaker, about 89 DB at 8 Ohm. At ten feet away, you might only need four watts per channel to play pretty loud. That's the beauty of the SA20, it's in Class A most of the time, and it's magic.
I've got the Arcam SA20 on loan, its very even across the frequency range and very pleasant to listen to, the thing stopping me buying is it doesn't have impetus or drives music along - it's rather 'boring'. Mind you it was leagues ahead of the Cambridge Audio CXA81 - that was thin, closed in and had very little boogie factor.
@@kramsniggah4333 I auditioned the Yamaha A-S1200 and I have to say it had all that added grunt and growl, a rockin amplifier. The Arcam gave me two things, it was about half the money, and it has a really nice DAC because I use it with my TV for stereo theater as well. I could of added a DAC to the Yamaha but when I considered the price and everything else, I made that small compromise. You are right though, the Arcam is a very smooth, very pleasant amp with so many kinds of music, but when you want to really open it up and make it growl, it gets most of the way there, but there are better tools for that job. Check that Yamaha if you have not yet, it's fantastic on that front. shopjustaudio.com/collections/integrated-amplifiers/products/yamaha-a-s1200-integrated-amplifier-90-watts
Both are not soft the way I would use the term soft. The SA20 sound lusher with a warmer tone. The SV-500 is an easier recommendation since it is more refined/balanced throughout the frequencies with a wonderful midrange presentation. It is really up to your speakers and taste.
@@DigitalPhilosophers Thanks for answering. My acoustic tends to be analytical, a little cold and edgy sounding, and I want to go with either an Arcam or a Vincent to smooth it out a bit and add some weight and warmth to the sound. In my case, which amplifier do you think is best for me?
That is very interesting to hear/read. analytical is one of the last words I would choose to describe the SA20. I wonder which speaker could get analytical when powered by the SA20. It made each speaker sound full bodied in my room. More lush than my other amps. The lushest upper bass I had here. My current amp the Heed Elixir on the other hand has the lushest midrange. The SU-G700 was or is analytical.
Thanks a lot for finding and reviewing all that great equipment, I really love to hear your differenciated opinion and I am happy you share your knowledge on your quest to find the perfect sonic experience. One little question: does have the SA20 also have such a long boot time as the SA30 or is it instantly turned on?
Hi, thanks for all the videos on Arcam SA20. Thinking to buy it. I'm very sensitive to harsh glaring treble. So looking for sweet/warm sounding amp. Also, as your experience says, Arcam with pair well with Focal. And I have Focal Chora 806 speakers.😊
Hi! Nice comparison. I am considering buying one of those. Without considering the internal DAC, which has better treble and mirdrange openness and definition? Which has better bass control and detail? Which is the more dynamic? Thank you so much for posting this video. Nice!!!!
I didn’t thought about arcam for years, both due to being playing with tubes for longer than 20 years , and I confess ,.a sort of association Arcam/Avr series for home cinema , That was until I heard a arcam s20 a couple of days ago , I was not expecting such a complete amp in terms of sound for that money , so much so , that I now want to investigate the s30 further
Rega Aethos in this video I would keep the SV 500 as the best allrounder sonically or the SA20 to pair it with the Focal Aria or another speaker that needs a bit of a bass boost
Cserélgesd még nyugodtan az erősidőidet úgysem leszel soha elégedett. Az első lépés a hangfalaid lecserélése egy Harbeth monitor 30.2 XD-re vagy egy SHL5plus XD-re. Amíg ezt nem léped meg csak a fingot reszeled. Szevasz
Had to return sa20 twice . Both had transformer hum audible 12 feet away. Tried dc blocker and my other amps no issue … even tested at friends address and same issue. Didn’t do it through speakers just from unit but too distracting
@@DigitalPhilosophers👌 bought from the same dealer so maybe a bad batch of transformers. Iv ordered a Rega elex pre model (new old stock). Great helpful videos by the way
My answer is a NO Unfortunately I had a few amps that had noice (audible from the tweeter) e. g. Elac A101 and Sonoro Maestro but the Arcam is fine. As if it is off. No noise coming from the tweeter
I sold my Sugden to get a warmer sounding amp like the Vincent SV-500 with its built in tube preamp to make my Technics SB-C700 speakers sound warmer. Now I have the Elac Vela which already sound warmer on their own and I regret selling the Sugden cause I would love to hear it with the Vela…
Don't buy Arcam SA30. This is the worst amplifier I have ever had. It's not even about the rustling vocals, but the software on this device is outrageously bad. Nothing is working properly. It sometimes happens that the amplifier does not want to turn on at all due to a Wi-Fi network error. The streamer is supposedly better than the one in CDS50, but it hangs at random moments. Correcting the acoustics will only make the bass even more pronounced and women's voices even more rustling. I currently use a Rotel A14-MK2 and am much happier with it than with the Arcam SA30.
@@DigitalPhilosophers The problems with Arcam SA30 are widely known. Besides, this is not the only defective product of this brand. I've seen several Arcam receivers (quite expensive) that broke just like that. After Samsung acquired Arcam, the quality of electronics improved, but the quality of software deteriorated. If you are going to buy Arcam from a new series, choose the simplest model possible - fewer functions mean less problems. I now have an observation about the output power of Class G amplifiers. If the speakers have low impedance, Arcam amplifiers quickly give up. When you turn up the volume there is a point where the sound starts to get loud and unpleasant and it's not at the end of the potentiometer. This is much more audible than on the Rotel A14-MK2. The Rotel also has a more decisive and energetic sound than the SA30, and it also sounds more massive than the old Arcam FMJ A29. I had all the mentioned amplifiers, so I can compare them. Rotel A14-MK2 is really good for the money... but check it out carefully before buying it. My Rotel was scratched in the original box. It works perfectly, but aesthetically it has manufacturing defects. This spoils the brand's image a bit.
Hi Shaun, unable to make a comparison at home I have been trawling through the internet on a mission to make my mind up which amp I should buy. Apart from one reviwer hier on YT I couldn't find any information about what has changed between the Mark I and Mark II auf the A14. This aside, I haven't found any reliable source which describes the sound of the A14MKII in a way this ist done hier by Digital Philosphy. Have You dug out some reliable source somewhere? Thank you.
I have used the Arcam SA20 for a couple of years and it’s a fantastic amp. The DAC is first class, I use a Cambridge CXN and feed the coax into the Arcam. The sound is amazing. I use a cheap Samsung blue ray player as a cd transport, feeding the optical output to the Arcam, again it sounds fantastic. I upgraded my turntable from a Rega P3 to an AVID Volvere, with a mid priced phono amp, the Arcam is superb. Detailed, powerful, never harsh and fantastic value for money. Arcam nailed it with this little beauty.
I couldn’t put it in better words.
Thanks for sharing your experience!
I will likely upload a video on that bluray player as cd transport approach 😎
Exactly what I was hoping for ( Arcam SA20 )
Thanks !
Waiting for my SA20 and Focal Theva #1's to arrive with great anticipation. Nice video. Thank you.
I have the older Arcam fmj A39 in class G, sonically its ok but i did expect it to have better performance, for example, my Exposure 2010 out guns it in every aspect of mix, in defence of the Arcam, i think they are very speaker dependant, Floorstanders are a must, with Standmountsers just don't have the body and fat that the Arcams relish ....used with Wharfedale Denton 85 (not a good match) in my place, thin,veiled at low volume!
Thank you for the great honest no fluff review.
I used to have the Arcam SA10 for a few days. It was one of the "deadest" amplifiers with my KEF LS50's. The sound was dull, weak, even compared to my little NAD C316bee.
After a few days back it went.
Bruh! You can’t buy an Arcam Amp and skip its class G bliss! The SA10 is not what Arcam stands for!
Please don’t compare the SA10 vs SA20
That’s because ls50 are pretty inefficient and sa10 is only 50 watts. Sa20 is 90 watts and class G and is a big upgrade .
The SA20 isn't at lower volumes, your second power supply for the A/B stage only kicks in during dynamic spikes. You notice it move watching films than music where you have massive dynamic spikes from dialogue to an action scene. Let's say you have an average efficiency speaker, about 89 DB at 8 Ohm. At ten feet away, you might only need four watts per channel to play pretty loud. That's the beauty of the SA20, it's in Class A most of the time, and it's magic.
I've got the Arcam SA20 on loan, its very even across the frequency range and very pleasant to listen to, the thing stopping me buying is it doesn't have impetus or drives music along - it's rather 'boring'. Mind you it was leagues ahead of the Cambridge Audio CXA81 - that was thin, closed in and had very little boogie factor.
@@kramsniggah4333 I auditioned the Yamaha A-S1200 and I have to say it had all that added grunt and growl, a rockin amplifier. The Arcam gave me two things, it was about half the money, and it has a really nice DAC because I use it with my TV for stereo theater as well. I could of added a DAC to the Yamaha but when I considered the price and everything else, I made that small compromise. You are right though, the Arcam is a very smooth, very pleasant amp with so many kinds of music, but when you want to really open it up and make it growl, it gets most of the way there, but there are better tools for that job. Check that Yamaha if you have not yet, it's fantastic on that front. shopjustaudio.com/collections/integrated-amplifiers/products/yamaha-a-s1200-integrated-amplifier-90-watts
Hello.
Tell me, does Arkam or Vincent sound softer? Which one has a more tube sound?
Both are not soft the way I would use the term soft. The SA20 sound lusher with a warmer tone. The SV-500 is an easier recommendation since it is more refined/balanced throughout the frequencies with a wonderful midrange presentation. It is really up to your speakers and taste.
@@DigitalPhilosophers Thanks for answering. My acoustic tends to be analytical, a little cold and edgy sounding, and I want to go with either an Arcam or a Vincent to smooth it out a bit and add some weight and warmth to the sound. In my case, which amplifier do you think is best for me?
Nice input but why reviews says that Arcam SA20 is rather analitical sounding amplifier while you say it's warm?
That is very interesting to hear/read. analytical is one of the last words I would choose to describe the SA20. I wonder which speaker could get analytical when powered by the SA20. It made each speaker sound full bodied in my room. More lush than my other amps. The lushest upper bass I had here. My current amp the Heed Elixir on the other hand has the lushest midrange. The SU-G700 was or is analytical.
Thanks a lot for finding and reviewing all that great equipment, I really love to hear your differenciated opinion and I am happy you share your knowledge on your quest to find the perfect sonic experience. One little question: does have the SA20 also have such a long boot time as the SA30 or is it instantly turned on?
I didn’t compare the boot time directly to the SA30 but I remember the SA20 took a few seconds longer to start playing than I am used to
Hi, thanks for all the videos on Arcam SA20. Thinking to buy it.
I'm very sensitive to harsh glaring treble. So looking for sweet/warm sounding amp. Also, as your experience says, Arcam with pair well with Focal. And I have Focal Chora 806 speakers.😊
Amazing
For those of you who have tried a SA20 and returned/sold, what didn't you like about it or its dac?
Hi! Nice comparison. I am considering buying one of those. Without considering the internal DAC, which has better treble and mirdrange openness and definition? Which has better bass control and detail? Which is the more dynamic? Thank you so much for posting this video. Nice!!!!
I didn’t thought about arcam for years, both due to being playing with tubes for longer than 20 years , and I confess ,.a sort of association Arcam/Avr series for home cinema ,
That was until I heard a arcam s20 a couple of days ago , I was not expecting such a complete amp in terms of sound for that money , so much so , that I now want to investigate the s30 further
Ending up buying the s30 ,
And ...yes already sold it , top amp for a transistor one , but when you are used to tubes for more than 20 years !!!!!
Informative video, thank you. Which amp is your choice if you could only use an external DAC? Thanks
Rega Aethos
in this video I would keep the SV 500 as the best allrounder sonically
or the SA20 to pair it with the Focal Aria or another speaker that needs a bit of a bass boost
Cserélgesd még nyugodtan az erősidőidet úgysem leszel soha elégedett. Az első lépés a hangfalaid lecserélése egy Harbeth monitor 30.2 XD-re vagy egy SHL5plus XD-re. Amíg ezt nem léped meg csak a fingot reszeled. Szevasz
Had to return sa20 twice . Both had transformer hum audible 12 feet away. Tried dc blocker and my other amps no issue … even tested at friends address and same issue. Didn’t do it through speakers just from unit but too distracting
Thanks for sharing your experience.
I would have noticed if my unit had the same problem
@@DigitalPhilosophers👌 bought from the same dealer so maybe a bad batch of transformers. Iv ordered a Rega elex pre model (new old stock). Great helpful videos by the way
Hi, How you compare Arcam SA 20 with audiolab 6000a for audio quality irrespective of other parameters
Both sound differently amazing. The 6000A is tonally more neutral and snappier. The SA20 is fuller in the upper bass.
Nice review, but I have a question, does the Arcam have any noise or hum?
My answer is a NO
Unfortunately I had a few amps that had noice (audible from the tweeter) e. g. Elac A101 and Sonoro Maestro but the Arcam is fine. As if it is off. No noise coming from the tweeter
What about the Sugden you did a video about? Did you keep that?
I sold my Sugden to get a warmer sounding amp like the Vincent SV-500 with its built in tube preamp to make my Technics SB-C700 speakers sound warmer. Now I have the Elac Vela which already sound warmer on their own and I regret selling the Sugden cause I would love to hear it with the Vela…
hello, there is a lot of difference between a sa20 and a sa30? sound quality level?
Hello, I am sorry. I didn’t have the SA30 at home.
Don't buy Arcam SA30. This is the worst amplifier I have ever had. It's not even about the rustling vocals, but the software on this device is outrageously bad. Nothing is working properly. It sometimes happens that the amplifier does not want to turn on at all due to a Wi-Fi network error. The streamer is supposedly better than the one in CDS50, but it hangs at random moments. Correcting the acoustics will only make the bass even more pronounced and women's voices even more rustling. I currently use a Rotel A14-MK2 and am much happier with it than with the Arcam SA30.
@@Аняна thanks for sharing your experience
@@DigitalPhilosophers The problems with Arcam SA30 are widely known. Besides, this is not the only defective product of this brand. I've seen several Arcam receivers (quite expensive) that broke just like that. After Samsung acquired Arcam, the quality of electronics improved, but the quality of software deteriorated. If you are going to buy Arcam from a new series, choose the simplest model possible - fewer functions mean less problems. I now have an observation about the output power of Class G amplifiers. If the speakers have low impedance, Arcam amplifiers quickly give up. When you turn up the volume there is a point where the sound starts to get loud and unpleasant and it's not at the end of the potentiometer. This is much more audible than on the Rotel A14-MK2. The Rotel also has a more decisive and energetic sound than the SA30, and it also sounds more massive than the old Arcam FMJ A29. I had all the mentioned amplifiers, so I can compare them. Rotel A14-MK2 is really good for the money... but check it out carefully before buying it. My Rotel was scratched in the original box. It works perfectly, but aesthetically it has manufacturing defects. This spoils the brand's image a bit.
ARCAM and ROTEL are nice !!! But Vincent I don’t know , a friend on me have a Vincent , it is constantly broken
Which model does he have?
I have two integrated, one ARCAM A28Fmj , BERENDSEN IPA80 ( made in Germany) , I will buy the SA 20 to amplify my ACOUSTIC ENERGY AE309 ..
@@romainmarchese9935 I mean which Vincent does HE (the friend you mentioned) have
SV 500
If you can , I am going to suggest a very good little amplifier, the DAYENS Menuetto,… this amplifier is fantastic!!!
The Rotel A14 mkii is a marked difference over this model for sound and a wider range of speaker matching.
Hi Shaun, unable to make a comparison at home I have been trawling through the internet on a mission to make my mind up which amp I should buy. Apart from one reviwer hier on YT I couldn't find any information about what has changed between the Mark I and Mark II auf the A14. This aside, I haven't found any reliable source which describes the sound of the A14MKII in a way this ist done hier by Digital Philosphy. Have You dug out some reliable source somewhere? Thank you.
How's the phono in it?
I wish I could give you a comprehensive answer but I don’t listen to vinyl even though I think good vinyls played by good gear still sound the best
@@DigitalPhilosophers thanks for the review. The arcam does look very nice. More analog sounding i suppose.
Now😂