- Up to 300W total power
Power rating of 90W x 2 at 8 ohms, 150W x 2 at 4 ohms, two channels driven for robust audio. - 4- or 8-ohm impedance
Efficiently conducts power. - 106dB signal-to-noise ratio
Offers crisp audio. - Built-in 32-bit DAC
Ensures the full aural picture of whatever the artist intended. - 0.003% total harmonic distortion and noise
Delivers clear audio. - Automatic standby
Can be configured up to four hours, in half-hour steps of inactivity, to minimize power consumption. - Network connection
You can easily control and monitor it remotely.
-36%
Arcam – SA20 300W Class G 2.0-Ch. Integrated Amplifier – Gray
$792.00 Save:$445.00(36%)
Available in stock
Description
Additional information
| Weight | 20.3 lbs |
|---|---|
| Dimensions | 12.7 × 17 × 3.43 in |
| Total Harmonic Distortion | 0.003 percent |
| Bass Boost | None |
| Product Depth | 12.7 inches |
| Amplifier Class | G |
| Color | Gray |
| Line-Level Inputs | Yes |
| Preamp Outputs | Yes |
| Manufacturer's Warranty - Labor | 5 Years |
| Continuous Watts x Channel @ Ohms | 90W x 2 x 8 ohms; 150W x 2 x 4 ohms |
| Input(s) | Analog audio |
| Manufacturer's Warranty - Parts | 5 Years |
| Bridgeable | Yes |
| Product Weight | 20.3 pounds |
| Model Number | SA20 |
| Signal-to-Noise Ratio (SNR) | 106 decibels |
| Number of Channels | 2.0 |
| Maximum Frequency Response | 20 kilohertz |
| Minimum Frequency Response | 20 hertz |
| Speaker-Level Inputs | Yes |
| Product Height | 3.43 inches |
| Product Name | SA20 300W Class G 2.0-Ch. Integrated Amplifier |
| Brand | Arcam |
| Total Power Handling | 300 watts |
| Color Category | Gray |
| Product Width | 17 inches |
| UPC | 050036360388 |
Reviews (32)
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RandallFlagg –
First off, I’m no audiophile, but I enjoy music and have a decent collection. My current receiver is a Onkyo TX-NR676 with 5.1 surround. I know that’s not the best way to listen to music, but it works great for watching home theater. I run a pair of Sonance Magnolia 8” 2-way in-ceiling speakers with the system, so being the best pair of speakers, I have, I connected the Arcam SA20 to them.
Out of the box, this thing is heavy. I removed the remote, batteries and cord and then had to tilt the box over to remove the amp from the box. Make sure you have a place sturdy enough to hold this beast. The gold-plated speaker lugs are nice and big. I don’t have spade lugs and it was great that you can unscrew the connectors and insert a speaker wire into them and tighten it back down. I have a ton of Monster speaker cable that I purchased on clearance years ago for a few cents per foot, so that came in very handy for this install.
Being I know that a 2-channel receiver was going to sound better for music, I was ready for a better listening experience, but man, The SA20 ruined me for low-end equipment. Running the receiver through the Sonance speakers, the sound was amazing. I read a few reviews that said this receiver was great at low volumes, but not at high volumes. I didn’t find that to be the case. I think if you have speakers that are rated around the 80-90 watts, you’ll get clear sound at any volume. The Sonance pair are rated at 150 watts, so a pretty good match. I also tested them with an old cheap pair of KLH bookshelf speakers and I was still blown away.
I played a number of 20-year-old CDs that are stored in my old Sony 200 disc carousel, everything from the Metallica Black album to John Anderson’s Straight Tequila Night. Toss in Hal Ketchum’s Past the Point of Rescue, Garth Brooks Live CD set and a bunch of Bob Seger and the Silver Bullet Band and I think I gave the receiver a good break-in for CD’s. I tried it both analogue via an RCA cable as well as with an optical cable. There may have been a few notes I could hear via digital, but that’s probably my imagination. The CDs played very well, and I heard words and notes I never did in the last 20 years of playing them. In fact, via the optical cable, I could swear I heard a clicking noise that wasn’t present with the RCA’s. I’ve chosen to play CDs with the RCA’s unless I find out a reason not to. Then I fired up my old Technic’s turntable. It’s got a new stylus, but no matter what adapter I used or with the Onkyo that they put a phono setting in, I get a hiss like it needs a better ground. I can hear it as soon as I fire up the turntable…but not on the Arcam SA20. With both speakers, I heard nothing until the needle hit the vinyl. I played a number of albums that are 40+ years old. There was Three Dog Night – Joy to the World, Peter Frampton – Frampton Comes Alive, Seal’s & Crofts – Greatest Hits, Chicago IX, Robin Trower – Bridge of Sighs, Neil Diamond – Hot August Nights, and Cat Stevens – Mathew and Son. The music never sounded better, the only issues were with the vinyl themselves. The vocals were clear as could be and the pops and hisses sounded warm like they did decades ago. If there’s anything missing, it’s the low-end bass. I think I’ve gotten so used to having a subwoofer in my car and home that without the drywall and stucco vibrating, it’s not turned up high enough, lol. That said, the music was clear, no distortion at any volume, it still has bass (just not earth-shattering) and actually reminds me of how I listened to music back when. Back when my huge living room speakers (1 in every corner) had a large passive woofer in the bottom and the music just sounded good.
All that said, I do find some issues with the unit. First off, the manual is a bit light and finding information on the website or 3rd party is tough. I’m not sure why this unit needs to be connected to the net. I find no Android apps or usable ways to stream audio from my PC or Mac to the receiver. Most listeners today keep a lot of their collections on hard drives in FLAC. Alac or MP3 and being able to stream it would be great. No, purchasing the additional server isn’t something I wish to do, I just like a simple way to connect Plex or a server to the unit. I was able to connect my PS3 to the optical port, but together Plex struggled to update the menu while a song was playing, making for a difficult listening session. I will say however that I played a DTS song via the PS3 through the SA20 and it sounded as wonderful as if I had been playing it on a physical medium. I imagine I’ll find a way to stream audio to it eventually. I also find it odd that no apps offer a way to use streaming services. I read I could easily add a Chromecast Audio dongle, but then I see that they have been discontinued and are getting very pricey on auction sites. If there is another way to use streaming services that isn’t too expensive, I’d love to know. That brings me to no HDMI. If there was an HDMI input, I could just connect a Roku or Firestick to the unit and most if not, all audio streaming services would be available. Like I did on the PS3, I set the audio to optical instead of HDMI and I can see the Plex menu on my tv, but the audio outputs to the SA20 via the optical cable. All in all, my issues with the unit are the lack of information available about how to use some of the features. I’d like to see different options on wiring the Digital in ports and what connecting the net port has to offer.
To conclude, this receiver is going to be a wonderful 2 speaker audio player. It sounds amazing and allows me to play old sources of music that I own. So far everything I’ve thrown at it sounds better and has additional vocals or sounds I’ve never heard before. I’ll continue to use my Onkyo for surround sound home theater, but not for music. Now Arcam just needs to shrink this thing down and make it fit and run on 12 volt for my car!
DavidJr –
I have two entertainment receivers for providing multi-channel audio and video passthrough. They are great for listening to Dolby and DTS surround movies. I’d even say they have been pretty good with music. However, using my same speakers and this Arcam HDA SA20 I am amazed at the clarity of audio that I was missing. Flipping between my systems on the same song, from the same source I could hear notes and separation in the sound that I had never heard before. I played some 90’s alternative grunge that has a lot of electric guitar and sound on top of the lyrics. Although I could hear the song fine on my other systems, there was obvious distortion that was not there on the SA20.
However, this was at normal to loud listening range, at about 50 out of 99. When I cranked it above 60 the distortion from the SA20 was even worse. At first I thought it was my speakers, though they are rated for 150 watts and the SA20 is only 90 watts per channel. I tried my other speakers and the same thing. However, I was using a digital input when I noticed this. If I used an analog input, avoiding the digital analog converter, I could crank it all the way up to 99 and not get the same decibel or distortion as I was getting at 60 with digital input. I don’t intend to listen to it that loud all the time, but is kind of disappointing that there is so much more possible power for it to sound over driven by the DAC.
As I mentioned with my other receivers, which were only a fraction of the cost, they have so many other input and output options. This one is only a 2 channel amplifier that is really limited in its capabilities. Figure the least it could do is stream from the network with its wired network connection. However, that is not the case and the network connection only allows you to use the Arcam Control app to adjust volume, balance, and the settings. The USB port is for firmware updates only, while the app can show you the version is 1.3 but using the menu on screen shows 1.0.3. So, at first I thought the 1.0.9 update was older than 1.3, but realized that there wasn’t anything higher.
Now, don’t get me wrong. I haven’t had a single stereo amplifier since my parents old stack back in the 80’s. The audio clarity at “normal” listening range of the SA20 is defining compared to my cheaper systems. I just feel that something at this price point in 2020 should offer so much more. Especially for something that is still made in China.
Samrio –
This is probably the most expensive piece of audio equipment I’ve ever owned, and at it really delivers a wow like experience with most audio sources.
I paired this with two Polk Audio bookshelf speakers that are marketed as “Hi Res” audio capable, and they really shined with this amp. I also tested the audio with some older Yamaha Bookshelf speakers previously purchased at Best Buy, and was met with almost similar audio quality. The Polk speakers were just a better fit for use with this Amp, as they were able to reproduce sound at a higher quality. There also isn’t a fan or any moving parts inside the Amp, meaning it operates quietly in any setting. There is a large opening for the heat to escape on top, and in my use never once noticed it getting hot, just warm from continued use.
I hooked up four different audio sources for the purpose of testing sound quality. First, my Audio-Technica turntable (in phono setting), a Bluetooth Digital Audio adapter (which can be purchased at Best Buy), an All-In-One Phono/CD/Radio player, and an older gen 2 Apple TV capable of outputting audio from the Optical connection and for easy testing of Airplay audio.
Starting with my turntable, it was clear that this was designed with the audio experience in mind, and it DELIVERS! I played my Ennio Morricone record, which sounded great on my AV Receiver, but with this amp it was taken to a new level. I immediately noticed just how much more audio detail there was. Not the usual hear someone strum, but hear the strings, percussion, and other elements in the background which were sort of hidden before. Popping in my original Star Wars New Hope Soundtrack record, and I was blown away at the clear audio reproduced using the Arcam SA20 Amp. I can’t stress this enough, it’s REALLY REALLY clear, and unlike anything I’ve ever heard before. Setting the volume up to 40, then 45, and there was no audio distortion or loss in quality. It almost felt like I was listening to a loudspeaker in a concert hall.
Using the easy to read, and push, source buttons on the front, I switched to “SAT” mode (which was the default TOSLINK connection), and setup my Bluetooth adapter. I began streaming from my iPhone over Bluetooth and was met with very clear digital audio. While this won’t rival the EQ settings on a Sonos, the audio was clear and offered even better detail than on my previous AV receiver over bluetooth. Swapping to the AppleTV TOSLINK connection, and it immediately began AirPlaying the audio once selected from my iPhone. I should note that 48Khz is the default setting with AppleTV, so don’t worry too much about trying to set a different setting. My bluetooth adapter played, and was recognized at 44.1 Khz, and sounded better than my AppleTV connection. You’ll also notice that the AMP won’t detect audio, until something is actually played. This is NORMAL over TOSLINK, and unless you plugged it in wrong, will start playing the very second you hit play on this connection.
The remote that is included is also not some cheap remote. It’s backlit buttons make it easy to change settings or manipulate the volume control during more intimate lighting, meaning you don’t need to bend over a lamp to figure out what button to push. It’s also setup to control the ARCAM CD player, which can also be purchased from Magnolia. It also feels a bit more premium, since it has a little bit of weight; even without the batteries installed.
The rear of the unit is easy to figure out, the two pairs of speaker cable posts are easy to plug in a banana style clip, or unscrew for bare wire connections. The plastic covers on the post make it wasy to grip and turn. You’ll find 1 TOSLink port, which can be set to pretty much ANY input using the remote, and two RCA style digital connections for those devices that support them; such as older Bluray players. Followed by RCA plugs for CD, PVR, STB, and Phono. There is even a Phono ground for those requiring them for setup. If you’d like to use the PreAmp connections can be used for setup with another AMP, or with a powered subwoofer. I tested this with a Pioneer sub, and it worked like a charm.
If you’re looking to upgrade, or start a new stereo Audio setup, you can’t go wrong with the ARCAM SA20. Pair this with some Hi Res capable bookshelf speakers, and perhaps a powered Sub, and you have a SOLID Stereo experience waiting for you. I was also so impressed with this, I recommended this to an AudioPhile friend of mine, who also ordered one for his own home once he heard it.
TechBuyer –
I’ll start by saying I’ve never been a self-proclaimed audiophile or head-fi that spends multiple thousands or tens of thousands on an audio system, but I feel that makes me well qualified to evaluate the quality of the Arcam – HDA SA20 unit compared to the decent soundbars and AV/R I have used in the past.
I’ve been a guy who has always been enamored with the total W output, latest DTS or Dolby Standard, LED lights, and total number of speakers so I was a little disappointed at the thought of going back to a true 2.0 amp system.
Needless to say, I was blown away by the sound of the Arcam SA20 2.0 Amp. Even on my satellite speakers with the subwoofer connected, the sound is amazing. One thing you take for granted in this digital streaming age is that this AMP needs specific sources to get the best quality, whether that is a streaming song player, or a CD or DVD/BluRay player that plays at high bit rates to make the most of this AMP. The higher bitrate you can input, the better the sound.
Overall, even with my set-up I could immediately notice a huge difference in audio. I’m going to have to buy a Sony unit for the best of both worlds for CD and also audio bitrate, but Arcam also adds a $1500 unit for streaming audio, CD or SACD, however, its not a blu ray or 4K bluray player which is a shame.
Overally, very pleased with this unit, I’m going to pair it with some floor standing speakers, but you can see its easy to connect both satellite and subwoofer channels due to the excellent quality of plugs that takes both banana plugs and raw wires. The banana plugs you have to use a flathead to pull the plugs out but you can also use bare wire for your subwoofer for the oldschool 2.0 system with a subwoofer.
The remote is excellent quality with good feel and colors, although the unit itself is not as responsive as it could be. Also, half the remote is for the CD player and the lower portion works with the SA20.
For Head-Fi users, this unit is excellent for the price with a tried and true brand in Arcam, I wouldn’t hesitate recommending the unit especially if you are using audio/music application or already have high quality floor speakers. I wish the CD player/streamer was cheaper, or it also played 4K Blu-Ray, if it did, I would buy it today!!!
Selva –
I have been using home theater systems for more than 10 years now with A/V receiver and high-quality floor standing speakers with surround speakers. I have never used amplifiers on my home theater setup until now. I got Arcam – HDA 500W 2.0-Ch. Integrated Amplifier (model SA20) to see if there is any difference in sound quality. It came with Arcam HDA 500W 2.0-Ch. Integrated Amplifier, Remote with batteries, Mains lead and Owner’s manual.
Build quality is very solid and it is not heavy compared to my receiver. I have installed the batteries on the remote and connected my definitive front floor standing speakers to the Arcam HDA20. I have connected my apple phone using RCA cable to test the sound quality from Spotify. I was amazed by the sound quality delivered from Arcam. The songs were crystal clear and able to hear all the details on the song which I never heard before from A/V receiver mode. I was able to listen to the songs very clearly in low volume as high volume.
The remote quality is good and the most portion of the remote buttons for Arcam CD player and the bottom portion is for the Arcam amplifier. The device can be powered on / off by remote. There are limited options in the remote to mute the sound from remote, the volume can be increased/decreased and changing the ports.
Since I am using a 7.1.2 speaker system with my pioneer receiver connected with various devices like Apple TV, Xbox One and ARC enabled Samsung TV, I have configured my front speakers connected to Arcam and connected Arcam pre-out to my receiver front pre-out using RCA cable. I am disappointed that there is no sound coming from speakers after connecting with the receiver using pre-out mode. The manual did not provide any detail information about connecting with receivers.
I have been trying to get sound from the front speakers with receiver and Arcam combo and there is no luck. If I play from the phone directly connected to Arcam, it is playing without any issues. If I am playing from Apple TV via the receiver, there is no sound coming from front speakers with pre-out front speakers connection. If I change the port in Arcam remote, the sound is coming for a few seconds from the speakers and stopped immediately. It should be straightforward setup with pre-out mode from the receiver and somehow it is not working.
I could not use my front speakers with the receiver and the Arcam amplifier. I am sure that there might be some issues with firmware or got a faulty unit. With limited documentation in the manual, it is very difficult to figure out the issues with the pre-out setting. Since front speakers are not giving any sound with the receiver and amplifier setup, I was not able to enjoy my 7.1.2 sound setup and connected my front speakers back to the receiver for now.
I have spent more than 10 hours to try all possible combination to get sound from front speakers. I tried to call Arcam support and they are available only from Monday to Friday 9 to 5 EST. I will call again on Monday to explain the issue to their support to get a resolution. Even though the sound quality is outstanding while connected directly from Arcam with 2.0 channels, there are 7 channel amplifiers available in the market for this price range.
DonV –
Great for anyone looking for a low distortion amp. Good value for the money. I have had other arcam amps and have been happy with all of them.
Mikelo –
I have an Arcam Bluetooth receiver w/DAC as source to Arcam SA20 integrated Amp and also a NAD CD player. Streaming media source is Tidal. What else do I need to expect ? It is high end music sound coming out of my Klipsch reference floorstanding speakers. I hear background instruments I never heard before. I can hear Earl Klugh slide his hand behind guitar frets! Vocals are very clear. The remote is nice but the letters on the main unit buttons is hard to read and see.
I used a mini flashlight everytime. I’m happy and contented with this purchase.
Arcam –
Amazing quality. Would recommend to anyone looking for hifi two channel amplification.
DigitalHead –
Don’t like this product. It’s super analogue. Does not connect seamlessly with my Tv. Definitely returning it.
Bestbuy2020 –
Excellent powerful amp. It powers my whole house full of speakers with clear sound
ArcamSA20 –
Amazing sound quality. I have my audio streamer and my turntable connected to it, but I’m also using one of the inputs in Processor Mode from my AVR pre-outs(that is what Arcam calls their HT Bypass) and it just sounds great. My only criticisms are that there is no 12v trigger input, and no Dirac Live support on this model. Neither of those things is a big enough detractor for me to lower my rating. Overall love it!
Randini –
Utterly amazing. Very rich sounds and worth every dime. I do have issues with the wifi connections app, but i dont need to use jt very often.
AVBuyingFool –
Nice amp with good options and great build quality. Not worth the cost for me though.
Jdubs –
Best amp at this price. You cant find a better deal.
Adam –
I’m a long time fan of Arcam products, so I may be a little biased. This will be my third Arcam integrated, and it’s definitely the best sounding. Very smooth, high end sound. I’d say tubelike in some ways. Caveat: I listen quietly and probably never use over 20 watts.
Makan –
The amp makes it so clean then you can hear new thing in you fav song!!
ElsonB –
Incredibly amp. All you will ever need. Drives my Metas like a champ.
logitechspeakers –
sounds good for a 100 watt amp dont buy if your old settings can be trouble to set
Pupisky –
For me it’s an average integrated amp, an entry level. I eventually went for the Sa30, has more power and more features.
PooKy –
Amazing receiver that performs as advertised. Simple design as I prefer.
GoodTimes –
Amazing Class A tone for the first 10+ watts wins the day…unique sound of a Class H…I saw an open box and thought I’d give it a try…you don’t hear much about Arcam in the Audio Forums…the frequency response wasn’t purfectly linear…I noticed that some of the drum beats were over pronounced in the midrange which was strange given the pedigree of this amp…but what wins the day was the tone…so pleasant, warm, and rich…made me forget about sound stage, separation of instruments, detail, etc. It was just fun to listen too…and I can listen to it all day…and night 🙂
TDM1 –
Sounds better than my NAD C 298 by far, very non fatiguing sound ..
Dave –
Oh my god !!!!! This amp is unbelievable. It plays my B & W 706S2’s either as stereo or surround back channels with great sweet sound. Also has a high end phono preamp which makes my records sound awesome.
Marty –
The amplifier shipped without remote control. Contacted the product support department and got bounced around in different oversea call centers. But the issue was not resolved.
ToddB –
Excellent 2 Ch Intergraded Amp! Highly recommend for audiophile!
Dewey –
Grest sounding amp with plenty of power. I would highly recommend
NicholasJ –
It powered my Dahlquist Dq10 and Ohm Walsh 3000 speakers nicely and effortlessly. The voicing of the preamplifier section of this integrated is airy and fun. Sadly, it’s being discontinued.nThis is a really good piece of audio gear so I would jump on it if the price is right.
GrayingGeek –
It is a tremendous integrated amplifier without breaking the bank. Creates sound better than amplifiers three times the price. Initially, we thought we might be downgrading our amp, but not so! It’s basic but fit for purpose.
Artofaudio –
This amp is very thin sounding, lacking body. A Van Alstine SET 120 sounds way better
Finnard –
When the new Arcam Radia Series came out I was very interested in them and still am. Not being all that familiar with Arcam, I went down the rabbit-hole and found this older series at a significant discount. The Arcam SA20 receives great reviews and now that I own it, I concur it is great. This is my first integrated amplifier without tone controls; thought I would miss them but do not. Currently using this amp with my old Advents from the 70’s and love the sound, even at low volume (CD player, Bluetooth device, Tuner). Very nice, love it.
The pros are abundant (the sound, the lighted remote control, the DAC, several RCA jacks plus phono). If I had to come up with a con or two and it might not be your con, it is hard to read the letters on the silver buttons depending on your room lighting. I am otherwise happy with the look of the amplifier. It does not have Bluetooth which would be nice but for those of us who love this stuff, it gives us another reason to keep shopping for audio components of all kinds!
Unknown –
This integrated amplifier is a great way to play your hi-res music. Its well built has plenty of power. Very happy.
MichaelB –
Arcam SA 20. This thing punches above it’s weight. Very clean dynamic sound, bass gets better as volume increase. 80% power with distortion near zero and 4 ohm rated at 150 wpc. Phono stage is very good. Playing a Rega p2 with a sumiko pearl cart. I’m streaming a Wiim pro through a geshelli labs external DAC. I need to break down and try the internal DAC I’m sure it is very good. No sub out, but you have preamp outs to hook up a sub. No room correction or Bluetooth I could care less, I’m always listening and ajusting the sound to my liking anyway. I’m sure with the new Arcam models out you can pick one of these up under the sale price of 1k. It’s worth every penny.