ARCAM A25

Since its founding in 1976, the British company ARCAM has pioneered solutions and technologies in the category of audio equipment for a wide range of lovers of the truest sound. Founded by Cambridge University science and technology students John Dawson and Chris Evans as A&R Cambridge (Amplification & Recording, Cambridge = ARCAM), the brand has come a long way since its first product - the A60 integrated amplifier - and has won thousands of satisfied customers and a host of outstanding awards for its Hi-Fi products. The company's strategy to reach a new generation of consumers with affordable, elegant and attractively designed audio devicestakes on a new dimension in 2023. ARCAM introduces a range of components with a new design concept, Radio Yellow, to differentiate itself from the rest of the audio industry. The modern design, innovative solutions and superior sound and technological quality of the new series represent the ultimate added value and a ticket to the world of luxury audio.

Key Features of the ARCAM A25 HiFi Amplifier

Integrated amplifier A25 - up to 15 W in pure class A

The A25 amplifier is the highest model among the trio of integrated amplifiers in the RADIA series. It differs from its siblings not only by the subtle yellow backlighting of the controls, but mainly by the topology of the power section. The amplifier is designed in 5th generation G class, which noticeably improves the presentation of the finest details, transparency and overall clarity of the soundstage. The most important part of the signal, up to about 15 W of the total power of 100 W at 8 Ω, can be reproduced in pure class A.

Class G topology

There are two common problems with Class A Hi-Fi amplifiers, which are the traditional choice of audiophiles. The single power supply used here operates continuously at full power, even when no signal is passing through. Class A is great for reproducing the finest detail at low power, but struggles when extreme power is needed quickly. Class A/B is the most common class of amplifiers. Switches between two internal amplifiers, one for each half of the curve. It is much more efficient, but there is often transient distortion. The subtle details that are the spirit of the music occur at low power, but are lost just during switching between the two amplifiers. Class G is essentially a hybrid amplifier that uses Class A specifically for low-level signals, but turns on additional power when needed to power the higher part of the power curve. This keeps a significant portion of the curve in Class A with the finest detail undistorted, but retains the speed, accuracy and performance for perfect presentation of any musical genre.

The best of all the options.

With Arcam's Class-G amplifier technology, the A25 delivers the best possible sound at all times. The A25 is undoubtedly one of the most comprehensively equipped stereo amplifiers in its class. With an output of 100 W RMS into 8 Ω, it can fill even larger rooms with dynamic, clear sound and works well with most speakers. It will satisfy even the most discerning lovers of high quality sound with its impeccable insight and balanced presentation across the entire sound spectrum. It brings transparency and live presentation previously unavailable in this price class.

Connectivity - analogue, digital and USB

The analog section of the A25 offers three RCA inputs with line level signal + 1 input for MM or MC high output turntables. If you need a boost in power, you can connect an additional power amplifier to the PRE-OUT output, and if you're looking for more privacy when listening to music and want to enjoy undisturbed listening, you can connect your headphones with a 3.5mm jack to the headphone output discreetly located on the front of the amplifier. The versatility of the amplifier is underlined by the PROCESSOR mode. For any analogue input (except PHONO), you can fix the volume level and then connect an AV receiver to this input for surround sound. This makes the A25 easy to integrate into a combined stereo system with a multi-channel home theater system. The development team has drawn on years of experience and put a lot of effort into the design of the A25. So it's not just a classic analogue amplifier. It also offers a digital section with two coaxial inputs, one optical input and a state-of-the-art USB-C port for your laptop, whether it's a PC, MAC or Raspberry Pie. Thanks to the ESS ES9280A PRO reference DAC chip, the digital part is capable of processing music streams up to 32-bit / 384 kHz (via USB-C). An advanced DAC with optional digital filters ensures that your home digital audio devices (CD, TV, BD or PC) get a completely "new" sound.

Bluetooth - it's wireless too

Today, more than ever before, a large part of the music collection is stored by the younger generation of audiophiles on their mobile devices. However, they want to listen to their music not only on the road, but also at home and without any restrictions on quality. The ARCAM A25 integrated amplifier offers these users the perfect solution - Bluetooth version 5.2 with Qualcomm AptX Adaptive technology. From your mobile phone or tablet, you can wirelessly stream your music to the A25 in up to 24-bit high-definition. So you won't miss out on the finer details while listening to your favourite music, while maintaining the maximum level of comfort. But you can also use the advanced Bluetooth AptX Adaptive wireless technology in the other direction with the A25. It has not only an integrated signal receiver, but also a transmitter and can transmit audio to external Bluetooth-enabled audio devices. Typically, these can be Bluetooth active speakers and soundbars or Bluetooth headphones. This capability increases both comfort and flexibility and opens up new dimensions of amplifier use.

Design - simply cool

The ARCAM A25 brings not only performance and the latest technology, but also aesthetics. The fresh and modern design with clean lines and soft yellow backlighting creates the perfect balance between creativity and elegance.The design uses high quality components with a long service life and also provides some unconventional solutions. For example. the display is hidden behind the matte front panel and when the amplifier is not in use, it is not visible and does not interfere with the aesthetic impression. In addition, it can be switched off during operation so as not to distract the listener. Another design innovation is the specific rear metal extension, which not only hides the connectors (e.g. if you need to place the amplifier close to the wall), but it also acts as a Bluetooth antenna that remains elegantly hidden.

Controls

Convenient operation is made possible by a simple remote control in the Radio Yellow design and system integration and communication ports that include Ethernet, USB, IR input and 12V trigger input and output.