Pure Performance Stereo – Bass, Pace, Timing & Dynamics
Arcam’s latest and best amplifier technology brought to the purist on a budget
Few companies can boast a 30 year history in making world class hi-fi amplifiers and while many are neglecting stereo in favour of Home Cinema, there is still a substantial market for performance stereo hi-fi. Arcam has pulled out all the stops to deliver this new class-leading integrated amplifier. Arcam is UK market leader in this sector.
The A70 incorporates lessons learnt from the high-end A90, including the current feedback power amp, which helps the amp to resolve impressive levels of detail and insight into the music. The A70’s electronics are built on one double-sided, fibreglass PCB, with heavy copper tracks and liberal use of surface mount components. The precision electronic volume control and other key parts are sorbothane damped, audibly improving sound quality.
The use of electronic controls, avoids the need to pass delicate audio signals through mechanical devices such as potentiometers and switches. Although more costly, this technique delivers better quality, ensuring the shortest signal path and long term reliability. The A70 uses this approach, a first for an entry-level amplifier from Arcam.
The slim casework is deceptive, because this compact design delivers high-level performance. A massive toroidal power transformer and separate power supplies for each channel mean the A70 can drive almost any loudspeaker on the market. Continuous rated power output is 50 watts per channel into 8 ohms.
Going above and beyond normal amplifier design, Arcam has utilised their proprietary Mask of Silence technologies. In particular, much use has been made of the Stealth Mat material normally found in the company’s premium FMJ range. This strategy for reducing stray electromagnetic interference in combination with critical vibration dampening, ensures every last ounce of performance is realised from the unit’s audiophile-grade components. Gold plated RCA phono and speaker sockets complete the picture.
The A70 is simple to use, with operations handled by a powerful microprocessor. The master volume control can be set with three different profiles, a user menu provides input trims to compensate for different source levels and the AV input gain can be set to integrate with a home cinema system. All functions can be accessed from the remote, including both speaker outputs, useful for controlling a second set of speakers in another room. For custom install, power can be switched from standby by a 12 volt trigger or from the IR remote mini-jack socket on the rear.
- 50 Watts rms per channel 20Hz -20kHz into 8Ω from a massive toroidal transformer based power supply
- Ultra short signal path with class leading fidelity
- Unique Mask of Silence technology inc. Arcam’s Stealth Mat
- 2 switchable speaker outputs and 6 inputs inc a high-quality MM Phono and a recording loop
- Custom install ready with remote input mini jack and 12 volt trigger output
- High precision volume control with 3 separate settings and programmable maximum ON volume setting
- Sophisticated menu with text display and a full function remote control
- Available in Silver or Black