Arcam SA45 amplifier/streamer

The story of Arcam starts very far back, and it is one of those stories that is deeply intertwined with the golden years of HiFi, that of the British school that was pitted against the American and Japanese. A battle whose influences we still feel today, although then the market has changed a lot. Back in those days along with Linn, Naim, Onyx Cyrus, there was also Arcam, which at the time was called A&R (a small excerpt of the story can be found here) an acronym for Amplification&Recording, and with only one model, the A60, an amplifier that has remained in the hearts of many enthusiasts.

Arcam’s history, from its early days to the present day, has always been marked by innovation: a clear-sighted and forward-looking vision of the market that has enabled the brand to withstand the times and markets, but this is also thanks to the acquisition by Harman International, Samsung for short, which has made its own the more than 50-year know-how, ferrying it to the present day. Extremely interesting is the new line-up, which is aimed at an audience that is not, or rather, is not “only” that of the impallinated audiophiles, but winks at the new audience, the one that if involved appropriately, is bringing new life to an industry, like ours, that really needs it. After all, what abounds today are the first-priced products, some with built-in streamers, that entice the general public, giving them access to HiFi performance or very close to it at very competitive prices, letting them taste what “premium” sound means, as they say now. But then, if you want to improve, what do you do ? Which products and manufacturers with the same philosophy, both aesthetic and functional, allow you to take a step forward ? Harman International to launch the new JBL and Arcam products did extensive market research, trying to understand the new trends, to cater not to the “usual” enthusiast, that everyone does, but rather to the huge potential pool of people who might be attracted to a high-end product.

What it is about

ARCAM SA45 represents the ultimate expression of the British brand’s sound philosophy, and is designed for the most demanding listeners. It is designed in Cambridge, not betraying the brand’s pedigree, and inherits the best from the legendary ARCAM A49 integrated amplifier

surpassing its performance through a series of radical innovations. At the heart of the design is the new 6-layer digital audio and streaming platform, designed to minimize noise and interference. The ground plane is extended throughout the streamenig board where the ESS digital-to-analog converter with Hyperstream iV topology, probably Sabre’sESS9039, is housed. New and extremely energetic is the multi-winding toroidal transformer that powers all sections independently with the sole exception of a switching that only kicks in on standby, thus ensuring maximum energy efficiency without interfering with music playback. It could not miss the Class G amplifier in its fifth generation, the result of years of research and refinement. Arcam’s exclusive technology combines musicality and transparency of a Class A amplifier with the efficiency of a Class AB, delivering 2×180 watts of power and thus a reserve of energy ready to express itself even in the most complex dynamics, ensuring absolute control.

A "geographical" display

Aesthetically and functionally, the ARCAM SA45 is distinguished first of all by its large 8.8-inch high-resolution display, which allows album covers and metadata to be viewed with stunning clarity, even from a distance.

The design is understated and refined, in keeping with the brand’s British tradition, but features a modern and intuitive interface. The user experience is further enhanced by the new ARCAM Radia app, which simplifies connection to the home network via Wi-Fi and provides instant access to major streaming services. In fact, the SA45 is compatible with Apple AirPlay, Google Cast, Spotify Connect, Tidal Connect, Qobuz Connect and is Roon Ready certified, offering seamless integration with any digital ecosystem. It also features Bluetooth with Snapdragon Sound and Auracast to ensure high-fidelity wireless transmission, and a wide range of physical connections including MM and MC phono inputs, HDMI andARC, and dual subwoofer outputs.

Dirac, state of the art

Dirac is a Swedish company that has been asking a question since day one: why accept that the environment in which we listen to music inevitably alters its character? It was the early 2000s (you can find the history of Dirac here)and a lot of water has passed under the bridge, until today, where Dirac is now an established reality, and is used by the best audio manufacturers at all levels, and both in home theater and strictly audio, as in this case.

SA45 implements the full version of Dirac, that is, the one that presides over the entire spectrum; calibration is done through the supplied microphone, but Dirac recommends UMIK1, although we think much more than sufficient the one supplied. We placed it in the main listening spot and connected it via USB to the computer (MAC or PC even are, obviously the application must be downloaded). At that point SA45 makes the speakers emit a series of test signals that are recorded by the software, which calculates digital filters that compensate frequencies and phase educating the amplifier. It is possible to load three different presets, which will show up on the machine’s display not only by name, but also through an icon representation that displays the listening point as a central circle surrounded by waves of different shapes according to the type of correction, and which fairly render the idea of the loaded curve. It is possible to shape the curve to your liking, although when you make corrections that are too pronounced the software gives a warning. In fact, remember that as long as you attenuate a set of frequencies you will not run into problems, which is different if you try to compensate for a marked hole, in which case you force speakers and amplifier to do extra work that could easily lead to distortion or even breakage.

On the Arcam SA45, the implementation of Dirac Live is completed with the management of subwoofers allowing two of them to be integrated separately. The practical result, after calibration, is quite audible, but we will see this better in the listening test. Dirac Live on the SA45 is not a “leave it on and forget it” feature; changes in the arrangement of furniture or speakers may require recalibration.

Versatility at its best

SA45 has balanced inputs and outputs (pre out), 3 analog, one MM or MC phono, digital HDMI eARC, two optical and two coaxial, and outputs for two subs (we just mentioned above) XLR and RCA. The binding posts accommodate a single pair of speakers, and there are trigger in/out, IR IN and a USB-A for thumb drives or HDDs. On the front, a headphone output with a 3.5-mm jack if you want to use headphones.

Engaging is what it takes.

The Arcam SA45 immediately stands out for its balanced and mature character. From the very first minutes of listening, it impresses with its control and transparency, offering a faithful and coherent rendition, capable of returning music naturally and smoothly, without exhibitionism. The bass range is powerful but composed, deep and dry, with a well-calibrated physical impact. In orchestral or electronic recordings it always maintains order and control, thanks to the class G structure that guarantees reserve energy and precision even in the most complex passages. The middle register is the real heart of the amplifier. Vocals appear alive and realistic, with a warm but never dull presence, and acoustic instruments show balance and harmonic richness. Even in the busiest tracks, the SA45 retains admirable clarity, separating sound planes with elegance and naturalness. The high range is tastefully finished: just bright enough, transparent but never aggressive, capable of returning every detail with grace and measure. It is a sound that invites prolonged listening, because it does not tire or impose its personality. On the dynamic level, the amplifier behaves like a higher-end model. The attack is quick and precise, but always smooth, with a handling of dynamic contrasts that remains natural and free of compression. Microdetails-breaths, reverberations, vibrations-emerge clearly but without excessive analyticity, a sign of musical design before technical design. The soundstage is wide and credible, with real depth and precise placement of instruments. Even at low volume, the spatiality remains intact, confirming the coherence of the sound design. The digital section with ESS DAC offers a clear and refined rendering, consistent with Arcam’s philosophy of neutrality and transparency. The integration of the Dirac Live system adds a real advantage, allowing the acoustic response to be adapted to the room with excellent results, improving balance and definition without altering the character of the amplifier.

Technical characteristics: