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Arcam A5 vs Arcam SA20
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Arcam A5

Integrated Amplifier | 50 watts RMS into 8-ohms

Arcam A5
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Arcam SA20

Integrated Amplifier | 90 watts RMS into 8-ohms

Arcam SA20
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Arcam A5 Arcam A5
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Arcam SA20 Arcam SA20
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Arcam A5
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Arcam SA20
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Arcam A5 vs Arcam SA20 Integrated Amplifier Comparison

In this review, we will be comparing A5 and SA20, two Integrated Amplifiers by Arcam. Let's have a brief look at the main features of Arcam A5 and Arcam SA20 first before getting into our more detailed comparison.

Arcam A5 Key Specs

  • 50 watts RMS into 8-ohms
  • Built-in DAC
  • Phono Input
  • Bluetooth v5.2
  • Weight: 17.64 lbs / 8.02 kg
  • Dimensions (H x W x D):3-5/16inch x 17-1/16inch x 14-5/16inch

Arcam SA20 Key Specs

  • 90 watts RMS into 8-ohms
  • Built-in DAC
  • Phono Input
  • Weight: 20.20 lbs / 9.18 kg
  • Dimensions (H x W x D):3-7/16inch x 17-1/16inch x 14-5/16inch

What size room are the Arcam A5 and Arcam SA20 Amplifiers good for?

The size of the room in which you are planning to use these amplifiers is an important decision factor. Here we have compared their suitability to various sizes of environments considering their max power parameters:

Listening Environment Arcam A5 Arcam SA20
Near-field Average Poor
Small Room Good Average
Mid-size Room Average Good
Large Room Poor Average
Very Large Room Bad Poor

In the following sections, we will get into more detail in order to understand how Arcam A5 and Arcam SA20 compares and end up with enough arguments to decide which one of these amplifiers is the better choice for you.


**This post contains affiliate links, and I will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking through my links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.


Reasons to choose Arcam A5 over Arcam SA20
MSRP Price(*) 699USD vs 1,249USD costs less (*prices may change depending on the seller, location and time)
Bluetooth Yes vs No Stream music via Bluetooth devices
Height 85mm vs 88mm Easier to fit in smaller spaces

Reasons to choose Arcam SA20 over Arcam A5
Watts into 8-ohms 90 watts vs 50 watts Delivers higher power into 8-ohms speakers
Watts into 4-ohms 150 watts vs 75 watts Delivers higher power into 4-ohms speakers
Total Analog Inputs 4 vs 3 More options for connecting Analog sources

Inputs and Outputs

The input and output selections that are offered is an important factor when comparing two amplifiers. Here you can find how the I/O selections of the Arcam A5 and Arcam SA20 differs from each other.

Arcam A5 Inputs
  • Total Number of Analog Inputs: 3
  • Phono Input
  • 1 Optical Digital Input
  • 2 Coaxial Digital Input
Arcam SA20 Inputs
  • Total Number of Analog Inputs: 4
  • Phono Input
  • 1 Optical Digital Input
  • 2 Coaxial Digital Input
Arcam A5 Back View
Arcam A5 Back View (Click the image for the larger version)

Outputs
  • Stereo RCA Preamp Outputs
  • 3.5mm Headphone Output
Outputs
  • Stereo RCA Preamp Outputs
  • 3.5mm Headphone Output
Arcam SA20 Back View
Arcam SA20 Back View (Click the image for the larger version)

What's in the Box of Arcam A5?

Here are the items that are included inside the box of A5:
  • Integrated amplifier
  • 68-inch AC power cord
  • Remote control
  • 2 -inchAAA-inch batteries
  • Quick Start Guide
  • Important Safety Instructions
  • What's in the Box of Arcam SA20?

    Here are the items that come with the SA20:
  • Integrated Amplifier
  • 6.5-feet AC power cord
  • Remote control
  • 2 AAA batteries
  • Handbook Manual
  • Thank you Letter
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