Ask us to name our favourite stereo integrated amplifiers of recent years and you won’t find us mentioning any Arcams. Over much of the last decade, we’ve failed to be convinced by the company’s designs despite them being invariably well-made and generously specified. We have generally found their sound overly safe, which is fine if you want an undemanding and comfortable listen, but not ideal if, like us, you want to be taken on an emotional joyride (with the appropriate music, of course).

So it was with more than a bit of trepidation that we approached the company’s new Radia series of products. This consists of three stereo amplifiers: the A15 on test here, the entry-level A5 (£749 / $699) and range-topping Class G A25 (£1499 / $1499), the CD5 player (£699 / $699)  and ST5 music streamer (£799 / $799).

We have tested the A5 with great results and wondered whether the step-up A15 could really offer any more. In the event, we needn’t have worried, as this middle-rung amplifier does more than offer a bit more power. Let’s put numbers on that. The entry-level A5 outputs a claimed 50 watts per channel into 8 ohms while the A15 takes that to 80 watts into the same load. Elsewhere, both amplifiers are identically specified, as far as features are concerned.

Features

Arcam has been generous with the spec sheet and has tried to cover all bases. We doubt that this amplifier will ever get caught short in most set-ups given it has three line level inputs, a pair of coax digital and a single optical. The popular ESS ES9018 DAC chip is at the heart of the internal DAC module. It would have been nice to have a USB option, but the lack of it isn’t a deal breaker for us. There is a preamp output for those who want to upgrade by adding an outboard power amplifier and a 3.5mm headphone output on the front panel.  

Given the re-emergence of vinyl as a popular source in recent years it comes as no surprise to find that Arcam has included a moving magnet phono stage. But this amplifier isn’t only about looking backwards. It comes equipped with Bluetooth 5.2 and is compatible with aptX Adaptive, which opens up easy use with phones, tablets and laptops. We were pleasantly surprised to find that the Bluetooth is two-way, in that the A15 can receive Bluetooth signals but also send them out to a compatible wireless speaker or headphones.

Build

This amplifier is built well too. Its casework feels suitably sturdy and is finished nicely. The A15’s more powerful circuitry has forced Arcam to make its casing a little taller than the A5 and it gives the integrated a chunkier look. Previous Arcam efforts have always looked tidy but this new range with all-black finish and subtle yellow accents looks sleek and modern.

We like the clean-cut appearance and the symmetry of the controls. Those two large rotary dials are made of solid aluminium and turn with a lovely weighted and smooth movement. Around the back, you will find clearly labelled and sensibly located connections and a sturdy set of speaker terminals. Our only aesthetic complaint is that the relatively large display is robbed of crispness thanks to the frosted look of the front panel.

We try the A15 in our reference set-up of Naim ND555/555 PS DR music streamer, Technics SL-1000R/Vertere Sabre record player and ATC SCM50 speakers as well as partnering it with more price-compatible products such as the Cambridge Audio CXN (V2) music streamer, Cyrus CDi CD player, KEF LS50 Meta speakers and PMC’s Prodigy 5 floorstanders. We tested the junior A5 amplifier with the same kit and it worked well, but the step up in performance to the A15 is significant.