The NAD Masters Series M32 stereo integrated amplifier features NAD's DirectDigital circuitry, which shortens the signal path between amp and speaker for clean sound. Integration throughout the frequency range is seamless, so the impression of performance unity (even in a mix as cloudy and dense as this Spiritualized tune enjoys) is absolute. Learn More. The CXA80, on the other hand, doesn’t make too much of that distinctive Icelandic lilt.

Thanks to all the consultants that helped me. A DAC (digital-to-analog converter) transforms digital files or streams into music. Well, you guessed it, that is what a Class G amp does. The Arcam SA20, too, isn’t short on the talent front – and it has both the power and the on-board 32bit DAC to allow it to square up to the Cambridge where specification is concerned. It also has the best sounding Bluetooth section I’ve ever heard on an integrated amp, blowing away the Bluetooth on my Audiolab 6000A‌ reference unit. Not sure if the SA20 is the right fit for your system?

As with Arcam’s two-channel FMJ amplifiers, the SA20 has a Class G hybrid power amp section, which operates in Class A up to 12 Watts then switches in an additional power supply that produces Class B for situations that require greater power.

You should not be lacking for inputs at all with its combination of eight covering analog, digital, and phono. I'd have a have a huge pile of nickels. At normal levels, it was totally effortless. In our opinion the new SA20 is as revolutionary in sound as that first Alpha 9 we heard over 25 years ago.

If you listen to many different genres of music and just want it all to sound good, no muss, no fuss, then this is the amp for you. So, what if you could come up with an amp design that ran at pure Class A at lower to moderate levels, then switched over to Class AB when things really got going and you needed the extra power? Awesome experience with Crutchfield. Why Now is a Great Time to Start Planning Your Home Theater, Rega Planar 3 vs Planar 6 Turntable Comparison, How to Select the Right Motorized Shades for your home, Lighting Control & Design: Pathway Lighting. They could also serve as a space heater in the colder months. When we cranked this one up, we did reach the limits as the bass got a little out of control, but this was at a very high volume. Related: Cambridge Audio unveils the CX Series 2 range. 5 of the best stereo amplifiers under £500, The best stereo amplifiers of the 21st century, Australian Hi-Fi mag's Sept-Oct 2020 issue is out now: EISA award-winners revealed. As another added intuitive feature, the SA20 will wake itself back up with a simple touch of an input or volume knob. Learn about the terms used to describe sound, so you can find the right audio gear. This guide exists to help you get the most out of your vinyl experience and make the most informed turntable buying decisions. Been listening to a single wireless speaker? While we mourn the loss of these (occasionally) useful features, we’re pleased to note that the CXA61 remains a solid and classy piece of kit. When I‌ listened to “Let’s Face The Music And Dance”  by Jeff Goldblum & the Mildred Snitzer Orchestra, Sharon Van Etten’s voice sounded like she was right in front of me, with the Bass, Piano, and Horns arranged neatly behind her to the left and right. They also have built-in aptX‌ HD‌ Bluetooth receivers for “high-resolution” wireless audio. It’s a small, but very thoughtful, touch. In addition, where the outgoing CXA80 relied upon a wireless dongle, the CXA81 includes integrated aptX HD Bluetooth reception (to a 24bit/48kHz standard). It gets really hot! What astounds us with the CXA80 is just how detailed and tangible it makes music sound. a revamp of their well-reviewed CX Series hi-fi components called CX‌ Series 2. The SA20 is a two channel integrated amp designed to power a single pair of speakers.

The on board DAC (which is the very same DAC found in the CXA60) is decent, and the convenience of having a DAC built into the amplifier will appeal to many. SpeakerCompare tailors your listening experience to the exact headphones you have, so that what you hear is comparable to auditioning speakers side-by-side in person. On a great system, you are presented with a huge soundstage and the Arcam did this really well, filling the room up with big, yet very warm sound. Nor does it have the nimble-footed rhythm to express the sprightly, poppy nature of the song. If you’re the type who likes to tinker, you may not be happy with this amp. I‌ was able to audition the most expensive piece in the line, the $1299 CXA81 Integrated Stereo Amplifier at RMAF this October, and immediately requested one for review. At this price, the CXA80 also has to prove its worth against the long-standing Arcam A19 (£600), which continues to hold onto its five-star rating. It’s worth noting that both power supplies are linear and that Class G is not a new thing; the theory dates back nearly fifty years, but it is complicated to implement successfully. I fully expected to be underwhelmed with Bluetooth over the Kef speakers because they’re so revealing. For those of you with an existing home theater system and want to improve your music experience, there is even a way to add it to most home theater setups to power your main left and right speakers. The understated yet handsome fascia has been tidied up, thanks to the removal of balance and tone controls, and is now coloured a sort of noncommittal grey as it (seemingly) floats above its recessed plinth. I‌ was able to audition the most expensive piece in the line, the $1299 CXA81 Integrated Stereo Amplifier at RMAF this October, and … On the outside, the CXA80 is a gorgeous modern design. Arcam has been using Class G in their products for a few years now, but we feel this technology is not really fully understood. 1-888-292-2575. Control is via Cambridge’s system remote, which naturally features an excess of buttons beyond that’s required to change the CXA81’s input or alter its volume. We were very impressed at its ability to push some not so easy to drive speakers effortlessly. Oasis’ tracks, for example, don't quite have that jangly tone and nasal edge with the CXA80. Shop smart & save time when you connect with an advisor, Your advisor will be able to share relevant pages and add items to your cart, Stereo integrated amplifier with built-in DAC, Stereo integrated amplifier with built-in DAC, optional Bluetooth®, Stereo integrated amplifier with built-in DAC and Bluetooth®, not available for comparison at this time, Why selecting your headphones is important. To help you choose the right speakers, we recommend using Crutchfield’s SpeakerCompare Listening Kit.

We want our music to be pure and we have yet to hear a Class D amp that impressed us for purity. Anyone have any experience with any of these models? The front panel is also cleaner than before due to the removal of the tone controls and 3.5mm aux input. DALI OBERON 5 Floorstanding Speaker Review: It's A Small Wonder! We also like the fact that it comes in that classic Arcam dark grey color and is accented by the muted silver color on the controls. They differ a bit in features (especially DAC's), but what I'm really looking for is which sounds the best.

For instance, its 2016 CXA80 integrated amplifier offered £750 worth of smooth, sophisticated stereo sound, winning it many admirers. How to put together a home stereo system (and why you need one). From CD-ripped WAVs to 24-bit/192kHz FLAC files, the Cambridge’s internal DAC handles them all. Awesome! Just connect up that old CD player with its digital outs to your new SA20 and be prepared to hear nuances in your music that you have never experienced. The CXA80 has 80W of power (rather than CXA60’s 60W), it costs £750 (a jump up from the CXA60’s £500), and it includes a few more connections. They always have a ton of headroom, and they always help you feel the music. Shipping was super fast, faster then I expected.Thanks for everything! Over 40 years later, many of these integrated amps are still working. For me, it’s not a dealbreaker because I don’t use EQ or tone controls as a general rule. The CXA80 gives you scope to bi-wire your speakers or run a second pair thanks to two pairs of speaker terminals, and there’s also a 3.5mm socket on the front panel for your headphones. Kudos to the Revel/Arcam combo here for keeping up with these incredible dynamics. The warm, open character just works no matter what music is played. The SA20 has an on-board digital to analogue converter that runs a 32-bit Sabre DAC chip and has three inputs. All rights reserved. The 3.5mm headphone out remains. While the SA20 is rated at 80 watts per channel, in our testing it performed like a power house, which is quite spectacular when you consider its very modest footprint. At no point does the CXA81 sound anything other than completely in charge of the music it’s playing. When you select the bypass input for home theater use, the signal passes straight through to your speakers and all of your volume is controlled by your home theater rig. This amp will be going on our Recommended Gear page ASAP. Maybe things should switch over to Class A= Awesome, Class AB= Above Average, and Class G = Great! In truth, the SA20 doesn’t look that different. The Best Bookshelf Speakers Under $500 (2020). I’m surprised that the processor doesn’t offer the option to change input names given that they are displayed on a dot matrix (they are however printed on the buttons of both amp and remote). amzn_assoc_marketplace = "amazon"; Sennheiser HD 280 Pro over-the-ear headphones, AudioQuest DragonFly® Black DAC/headphone amp, Guide to getting the most out of your listening session. They tend to accentuate imperfections in the signal, so I expected things to be a mess. Each strum is satisfyingly solid, and packed with weight.

You guys were on the money with your recommendations.

Remember when we told you it weighed in at over 20 pounds? So here we are. The Arcam SA20 is a two channel integrated amp designed to power a single pair of speakers using Class G amplifier technology. MORE: Awards 2015: Best stereo amplifiers. Some people won’t be able to get past the lack of a screen and fine adjustments, but for me, I find it refreshing to plug in a great pair of speakers like the Kef LS50s or Q Acoustics 3020i and be able to enjoy my hi-fi without a whole lot of messing around. We’ve carefully chosen the components of this kit to ensure a crystal-clear listening experience. When you want to relax and just listen in stereo, the signals only go through the pure sound of the Arcam SA20. Or on the opposite end, it allows inexpensive all-in-one systems to have a lot of power, or getting even smaller, is ideal for hearing aids. You will receive a verification email shortly. Input wise, the SA20 will have most systems covered. So, in terms of connectivity, all that’s missing is a phono stage for a turntable. Class AB is a very popular derivative of Class A and is what you will find in most good receivers and amplifiers today. There’s no hint of Cambridge dropping the pace, either. sa20 There are two frequent problems with hi-fi amplifiers.

In addition, there is a preamp out for driving a second power amp if you wish to run another room, or bi-amp your main speakers. The CXA81 is Roon Tested, which means the manufacturer has worked with Roon to ensure it can, amongst other things, receive a bit-perfect signal from the software, and do some other DSP tricks for better sound quality. There are also three other digital inputs: one coaxial, two optical, and they can all handle hi-res. In 2012 it became a subsidiary of Canadian conglomerate JAM Industries whose main fields are pro audio, music, and lighting. #NewMusicFriday…New Record Releases You Need To Hear feat. The Best Integrated Amplifiers Around $1000 (2020), Outstanding! Arcam just released their new SA30 which does include streaming and lowered the price of the SA20 by $500 which makes it an amazing value for an integrated amp!