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Arcam A5

Name: Arcam A5
Brand: Arcam
SKU: a5
Rating: 4.5 (22 reviews)

View at Arcam

Built-in DAC

Phono Stage

Remote Control

Headphone Output

The ARCAM A5 is for those intimate listening experiences with your favourite music.

The "A" in ARCAM stands for Amplification - this is our core competence. The A5 is the latest in more than 45 years of amplifier design and manufacture, going back to our first product in 1976 - the A&R Cambridge A60 amplifier. New components and materials have been painstakingly analysed and reviewed to ensure brilliant sound quality.

So you can play music straight out of the box, the ARCAM A5 includes a Bluetooth solution with Qualcomm AptX Adaptive technology. This provides up to 24-bit HD audio for the best sound quality from your phone or tablet, no matter what you are playing. It can also connect to Bluetooth headphones so your listening experience can continue sensitively after dark.

Hi-res audio is included with high resolution digital audio inputs included.

Like any ARCAM integrated amplifier, we pay particular attention to the built in phono stage to ensure your records sound as lush and engaging as possible.

ARCAM Class AB amplification - provides brilliant musicality
50W per channel (8Ω) - powers loudspeakers with ease
Bluetooth with aptX™Adaptive Technology - for the best sound with the most convenience
Specially selected components and materials - to deliver on sound quality
Wired or Wireless Headphones - connect your headphones for quiet listening with, or without wires
All new Radia design - Purposeful yet playful
MM phono stage - ready for Turntables
Hi-Res Digital Audio Inputs
Plastic Free Packaging - for easy disposal of natural materials

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Overall Score 91/100

Deliciously Crispy

Arcam A5 — compact, musical integrated amplifier

The Arcam A5 pairs a class A/B linear design with modern connectivity to deliver a balanced, musical performance that belies its modest 50W-per-channel rating. Reviewers note a clear, articulate midrange and deep imaging that give vocals and acoustic detail strong presence (Fidelity Magazine) while also providing agile, controlled bass and convincing orchestral scale (What Hi‑Fi?). The feature set is unusually generous for the price: an ESS ES9018 DAC (24/192), bidirectional Bluetooth 5.2 with aptX Adaptive, a MM phono stage and a capable headphone output. Build and finish are robust with aluminium controls, though some reviewers flag a slightly cramped rear terminal area. Ideal for listeners seeking an all‑in‑one starter amp that scales with better speakers, the A5 offers rare high‑end traits at an entry-level price (Audiophilepure).

What Hi-Fi

"Arcam is back in the stereo amplifier market with a bang. The A5 is good enough to scare the current class leaders."

Audiophilepure

"This is a superbly rounded performer that simply gets on with the job of playing music without intruding on the experience."

Fidelity Magazine

"it is affordable, feature-rich and uncomplicated – and last but not least, it is also unmistakably an Arcam in terms of sonic character."

Pros

Tonally balanced, revealing sound with strong midrange detail and expansive, well-layered imaging.
Generous feature set for the class — ESS ES9018 DAC (24/192), bidirectional Bluetooth 5.2 (aptX Adaptive), MM phono and solid headphone output.
Surprising dynamics and control for a 50W Class A/B amplifier; drives a wide range of speakers without sounding strained.
Solid build quality and tasteful design with well-weighted aluminium controls and long-term fit and finish.

Cons

Front display has a frosted finish that reduces visual crispness.
Rear speaker terminals are somewhat cramped and the back panel shows limited space for bulky cables.
No USB input, which restricts direct USB-to-DAC connectivity for some computer-based sources.

Sound Quality

89/100

Dynamics

88/100

Given the Class A/B topology and modest 50W spec, the A5 impresses for its power delivery and control: What Hi‑Fi says it has 'no trouble driving any of the speakers to decent levels' and shows 'impressive composure', while Fidelity notes it 'energetically driv[es] the track forward.' These comments indicate better-than-typical headroom and transient control for this power band, meriting an upper-excellent dynamics score.

Soundstage Imaging

90/100

All reviews highlight expansive, well-layered staging and good depth: Fidelity mentions the soundstage 'extends quite a bit further... especially into the depth', and What Hi‑Fi praises an 'expansive soundstage populated with sharply focussed instruments' with good layering. Imaging is described as focused and stable, justifying a strong score for staging and instrument placement.

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Build Quality

89/100

Construction is repeatedly described as solid and well finished: What Hi‑Fi calls it a 'nicely built product with a sturdy aluminium case', and Fidelity praises the 'fit and finish' and 'pleasantly weighted control knobs' made of aluminium. The only notable quibble is slightly cramped speaker terminals on the rear, which prevents a perfect score.

Features Connectivity

94/100

The A5 is richly specified for its class: it includes an ESS ES9018 DAC (24-bit/192kHz), bidirectional Bluetooth 5.2 with aptX Adaptive, optical and coaxial inputs, a MM phono stage and a capable headphone output. While it lacks USB and balanced XLR I/O, the combination of high-quality DAC, phono, headphone out and modern Bluetooth functionality places it near the top of the allowable features range.

Value for Money

93/100

Reviewers explicitly praise the A5's value: Fidelity calls the asking price 'encouragingly level-headed' (~€850) and says paired with competent speakers it can be a long-term solution; Audiophilepure puts it 'at the top of your shortlist' and What Hi‑Fi says it 'scare[s] the current class leaders.' That repeated positive language justifies a high value score.