Arcam SA20 Class G Integrated Amplifier

Hi-fi amplifiers, class A, the traditional audiophile’s choice, uses a single power supply constantly running at full capacity, even when there’s no signal coming through. Great for those subtle details at low levels but struggles to provide extreme power when needed.
Class A/B, the most common amp class, switches between the two internal amplifiers, one for each half of the waveform. Far more efficient but often a recipe for crossover distortion, since those low-level details can get lost within any mis-match between the two switching over.
Class G is essentially a hybrid amplifier, utilising Class A specifically for low-level signals, but when required switching in an additional power supply to power those larger sections of the waveform.

Features

Amplifier type Class G

Class G amplification for impeccable sound and efficiency
Continuous power per channel (both channels) 90W
Continuous power per channel (one channel) 176W
Class A output to 12W
5 x Analogue input (1 x line/MM switchable)
3 x Digital input (2 x SPDIF, 1 x optical)
32-bit DAC,Sabre ESS9038K2M
Full I/P control
Total harmonic distortion + noise = 0.003%
Weight: 20.3 lb (9.2 kg)
Packaged weight: 24.5 lb (11.1 kg)
Packaged dimensions (W x D x H): 21.7’’ x 16.5’’ x 11.6’’ (550 x 420 x 195mm)

Continuous power output (0.5% THD), per channel
Both channels, 8Ω, 20Hz—20kHz 90W
Both channels, 4Ω, at 1kHz 150W
Harmonic distortion, 80% power, 8Ω at 1kHz 0.002%

Analogue Inputs

Phono (MM) cartridge:
Input sensitivity at 1kHz 5mV
Input impedance 47kΩ + 100pF
Frequency response (ref. RIAA curve) 20Hz – 20kHz ± 1dB
Signal/Noise ratio (A-wtd) 50W, ref. 5mV input 80dB
Overload margin, ref. 5mV at 1kHz 21dB

Line Inputs:

Nominal sensitivity 1V
Input impedance 10kΩ
Maximum input 6Vrms
Frequency response 20Hz – 20kHz ± 0.2dB
Signal/Noise ratio (A-wtd) 50W, ref. 1V input 106dB

Digital Inputs

DAC ESS9038K2M
Frequency response 20Hz – 20kHz ± 0.05dB
Total harmonics distortion + Noise 0.0007%
Signal/Noise ratio (A-wtd) 115dB

Supported sample rates

Optical 32kHz, 44.1kHz, 48kHz, 88.2kHz, 96kHz
Coaxial 32kHz, 44.1kHz, 48kHz, 88.2kHz, 96kHz, 176.4kHz, 192kHz
Bit depth 16-bit – 24-bit

Pre-amplifier output

Nominal output level 630mV
Output impedance 230Ω

Headphone output

Maximum output level into 600Ω 5Vrms
Output impedance 1Ω
Load range 16Ω – 2kΩ

General

Mains voltage 110–120V or 220–240V, 50–60Hz
Maximum power consumption 500W
Dimensions W x H x D (including feet, control knob and speaker terminals) 433x87x323mm
Weight (net) 9.2kg
Weight (gross) 11.1kg
Supplied accessories Mains leads
Remote control
2 x AAA batteries

Arcam, SA20, Class G, Integrated Amplifier,