The A15 is an Integrated Amplifier with built-in DAC by Arcam that delivers 80 watts x 2 channels into 8 ohms and 120 watts x 2 channels into 4 ohms. Minimum impedance of 4 ohms makes the A15 compatible with a wide range of loudspeakers. Thanks to its built-in ESS Sabre ES9018 DAC, you can play digital sources directly without the need for an external DAC unit. Arcam A15 lets you connect your turntable via its Phono input and start listening to your vinyl collection without a hassle. Arcam A15 has an MSRP of 999$.
There are 7 Arcam amplifiers in our database. Below you can see the main specs of these amps.
Arcam Integrated Amplifier Series
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Performance Specs
One of the most important factors when deciding on an integrated amplifier is its power ratings and compatibility with your speaker's impedance requirements.The Arcam A15 is rated at 80 watts RMS into 8-ohms. Arcam provides this wattage at a THD (Total Harmonic Distortion) of 0.5% which is an important indicator of distortion at the given values (lower THD is better).
Here are the main highlights of its performance specs:
- 80 watts into 8-ohms (20-20k) at 0.5%
- 120 watts into 4-ohms
- 4-ohms Min Impedance (allows compatibility with a wide range of loudspeakers)
- 106dB Signal to Noise Ratio
When pairing the Arcam A15 with a passive Bookshelf (Stand mount) or Passive Floor Standing (Tower) speaker, you have to check if their Max Power Range is below the max wattage of the amp for the given impedance levels.
Operating your amp outside of this max range may damage the speakers.
What size of room is the Arcam A15 Amplifier good for?
An essential deciding factor is the size of the room in which you intend to employ the Arcam A15 amplifier. Here, taking into account its maximum power parameters, we analyzed its applicability to various size environments:
| Listening Environment |
Suitability |
| Near-field | Poor |
| Small Room | Average |
| Mid-size Room | Good |
| Large Room | Average |
| Very Large Room | Poor |
Inputs and Outputs
Besides the performance specs of the Arcam A15, the next important feature set that you have to evaluate is the input and output selections that it offers.
Arcam A15 has total of 3 Analog inputs including 1 Phono Input (MM).
Arcam A15 Back View (Click the image for the larger version)
Inputs
- Total Number of Analog Inputs: 3
- Phono Input
- 1 Optical Digital Input
- 2 Coaxial Digital Input
Outputs
- Stereo RCA Preamp Outputs
- 3.5mm Headphone Output
Bluetooth Connectivity
Arcam A15 features built-in Bluetooth 5.2 for wireless music streaming from your Bluetooth-enabled devices such as Apple iPod/iPhone/iPad, Android smartphone/tablet, Windows PC, Mac computers/laptops.
Among the amps in the same price range, these are the 5 amps that have Bluetooth Connectivity:
Arcam A15 supports the following Bluetooth Codecs when used with supported devices:
Bluetooth Transmitter:Arcam A15 can also act as a Bluetooth transmitter, making it possible to stream the music from the amp to your bluetooth headphones or speakers.
Phono Input
Arcam A15 features one Phono Input which is compatible with
MM (Moving Magnet) type of phono cartridges, you can connect your turntable with MM cartridges directly to this amp without the need for a phono preamp. If you are using an MC cartridge on your turntable, you need to use a phono preamp that has MC phono stage such as the
Cambridge Duo or the
iFi ZEN Phono.
Subwoofer Output
Arcam A15 has Stereo RCA preamp outputs which can be used to connect to a powered subwoofer via an RCA cable ( as long as your sub supports this connection).
Check our
Powered Subwoofers page to find a subwoofer that will work with Arcam A15 amp and your speakers.
DAC and Digital Music
The Arcam A15's built-in DAC allows the connection of digital sources directly, eliminating the need for an external DAC. The DAC chip that is used in the A15 is the
ESS Sabre ES9018, and supports resolutions up to
24-bit, 192KHZ.
Arcam A15 External Dimensions and Weight
Arcam A15 has external dimensions of (H x W x D) 3-3/4inch x 17-1/16inch x 14-5/16inch (96.0mm x 434.0mm x 364.0mm ). The unit weighs
10.02kg / 22lbs.
Base Surface Area
Base surface area of an integrated amplifier may become an important decision factor when the space in your room or desk is limited.
The base area of the Arcam A15 is approximately 1579.8cm2 / 244.9inch2.
- Width: 434.0mm (17-1/16")
- Height: 96.0mm (3-3/4")
- Depth: 364.0mm (14-5/16")
- Weight: 10.02 kg (22.05lbs)
- Base Surface Area: ~1579.8cm2 / 244.9inch2
- Volume: ~15.2 liter / 4.0 gallon
Available colors
Arcam A15 is available in Black color options.
What's in the Box of Arcam A15?
Here are the items that are included inside the box of A15:
Integrated amplifier68-inch AC power cordRemote control2 -inchAAA-inch batteriesQuick Start GuideImportant Safety Instructions
Official Brochure
Here is a link to download the official brochure for the Arcam A15 Integrated Amplifier:
Official Brochure for Arcam A15
Official Product Page
Official manufacturer's product page for the Arcam A15 Integrated Amplifier can be found below:
Official Product Page for Arcam A15
Warranty
5 Years of parts warranty and 5 Years of labor warranty is generally provided for the Arcam A15 by the manufacturer.
Arcam A15 Lifestyle
| General |
| Brand |
Arcam |
| Full Model Name |
Arcam A15 |
| Amplifier Type |
Integrated Amplifier |
| Amp Class |
Class A/B |
| Performance |
| Watts RMS per Channel into 8-ohms |
80 watts |
| Watts RMS per Channel into 6-ohms |
N/A |
| Watts RMS per Channel into 4-ohms |
120 watts |
| Frequency Bandwidth |
20-20k |
| THD |
0.5% |
| Minimum Impedance |
4 |
| Signal to Noise Ratio |
106 dB |
| Digital Music |
| Built-in DAC |
Yes |
| DAC Specs |
ESS Sabre ES9018 |
| Bluetooth |
Yes |
| WiFi |
N/A |
| Ecosystem |
| Apple AirPlay |
No |
| Apple AirPlay2 |
No |
| DTS Play-Fi |
No |
| Chromecast built-in |
No |
| Roon |
No |
| HEOS |
No |
| BluOS |
No |
| CONNECTIONS |
| Total Analog Inputs |
3 |
| Phono Input |
Yes |
| Optical Digital Inputs |
1 |
| Coaxial Digital Inputs |
2 |
| USB Input |
Service only |
| USB Type |
USB Type-A input for software updates only |
| Preamp Outputs |
Stereo RCA |
| Pre-out / Main-in Loop |
No |
| Headphone Output |
3.5mm |
| Subwoofer Output |
Yes |
| Removable Power Cord |
IEC 2-prong |
| PHYSICAL SPECS |
| Height |
96.0mm (3-3/4") |
| Width |
434.0mm (17-1/16") |
| Depth |
364.0mm (14-5/16") |
| Weight |
10.02 kg (22.05lbs) |
| Available Colors |
Black |
| OTHER |
| Parts Warranty |
5 Years |
| Labor Warranty |
5 Years |