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Arcam SA45
The ARCAM SA45 is the all-in-one streaming system for the dedicated music lover. It includes hard-won technologies for preserving the most delicate sounds and reproducing music with all its subtleties, nuances and excitement intact. Expertly crafted in Cambridge UK, it is born of our best integrated amplifier, the ARCAM A49. With fully balanced digital and analogue audio paths, an all-new digital audio and streaming platform, new linear toroidal power supply design, new user interface and new app, the SA45 is a comprehensive powerhouse of music.
Exquisite sound quality has been achieved through thoughtful engineering of a new 6-layer digital audio and streaming platform which includes a ground plane through the entire board to keep noise and interference away from the sensitive audio components. These components include the latest Hyperstream iV DAC topology from ESS, in a balanced configuration with advanced Jitter elimination. Sound quality is enhanced further with a new linear toroidal transformer power supply design that drives the entirety of the internal operation with lower noise, and a switching supply that only operates for peak efficiency when in standby.
Building off decades of innovation, our 5th generation Class G amplifier design is meticulously crafted so you can expect the best sound quality and dynamics from what has always been a better sounding, and more efficient Class of amplifier. New components and materials have been painstakingly analysed and reviewed to ensure uncompromising sound performance.
Up front, the SA45 features a large, bonded 8.8" high-resolution display to show album artwork and metadata which is clearly legible from the comfort of your preferred armchair. For playback, an inclusive feature set supports most smart phones and tablets, as well as popular streaming services. Connecting the SA45 to your home network with Wi-Fi is quick and straightforward with our ARCAM Radia App. Once connected, enjoy instant playback using Apple Airplay, Google Cast, Spotify Connect, Tidal Connect, and Roon.
The ARCAM SA45 is the ultimate high resolution audio solution. With outputs for subwoofers, along with Dirac Live Room Correction, the SA45 has the flexibility to deliver exceptional sound, in any room, with your choice of speakers and subwoofers.
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Arcam SA45 — flagship streaming integrated
The Arcam SA45 is a flagship streaming integrated that pairs authoritative Class G power with refined musicality. Offering 180W/8Ω (300W/4Ω) and an ESS Hyperstream IV DAC, it delivers a spacious, neutral yet engaging presentation—taut, propulsive bass, transparent midrange and controlled treble with wide, well-layered imaging. Onboard Dirac Live room correction, HDMI eARC, MM/MC phono, Bluetooth 5.4, Wi‑Fi and dual sub outputs make it a complete all-in-one solution. The satin-black chassis, 8.8" display and sturdy binding posts underline its build quality. Reviewers such as Paul Sechi and Michel Dallaire praised its dynamics, staging and comprehensive feature set. Ideal for listeners who want a single, high-performance hub to drive demanding speakers while simplifying a multi-component system.
Pros
- Class G amplifier design delivers exceptional transient punch and headroom, able to surge power for demanding speakers.
- Extensive modern connectivity and onboard features—including ESS Hyperstream IV DAC, HDMI eARC, Bluetooth 5.4 (send/receive), MM/MC phono, dual sub outputs and Dirac Live—make it a true all-in-one system.
- Natural, transparent tonal balance with a wide, deep stereo image and precise central imaging that preserves detail across genres.
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Cons
- A slight forwardness in the upper bass and midband on some recordings may be noticeable to very critical listeners.
- Premium positioning and price, plus Dirac setup that can require an external PC or dealer assistance, may deter buyers seeking plug-and-play simplicity.
Sound Quality
91/100
Dynamics
92/100
With Class G topology and 180W/8ohm (300W/4ohm), reviewers praised its transient punch and headroom: "guitar notes raced out", "crisp and propulsive bass", and the amp can 'surge' power on transients like Class A benefits without the power limits. Multiple reviewers noted effortless control and strong slam, supporting an excellent dynamics rating for its power class.
Soundstage Imaging
90/100
Both reviews highlight a wide, deep and well-layered stereo image with pinpoint central imaging and abundant detail across the soundfield. Comments such as "projects...well beyond the speaker's frame" and "pinpoint precision in the centre" justify a very strong score for staging and imaging.
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Build Quality
89/100
Hefty chassis (17 kg) and a satin-metal fascia, sturdy binding posts and robust internal engineering (Class G output stage) are noted by reviewers. The physical construction and component choices (including a substantial power supply implied by ratings) indicate excellent build and thermal/mechanical design, meriting a high mark.
Features Connectivity
94/100
The SA45 is richly featured: ESS Hyperstream IV DAC, HDMI eARC, 2×optical, 2×coax, USB-A, Ethernet/UPnP, Wi‑Fi, Bluetooth 5.4 (send/receive), MM/MC phono, XLR I/O, dual sub outs, Dirac Live room correction and a headphone output. This breadth of modern digital, analogue, streaming and room‑correction features places it at the top end of the feature set for integrated amps.
Value for Money
90/100
Reviewers frame the SA45 as a justifiable premium: it consolidates preamp, power amp, DAC, headphone amp and streamer (plus Dirac) into one chassis and is described as "competes strongly" and capable of replacing multi-component systems. Although not entry-level, the consensus is that it offers a compelling, justified proposition for its target buyer at its price.
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