Arcam SA20 vs Yamaha A-S801 Detailed Comparison

Arcam SA20 vs Yamaha A-S801

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Arcam SA20

Integrated Amplifier | 90 watts RMS into 8-ohms

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Yamaha A-S801

Integrated Amplifier | 100 watts RMS into 8-ohms

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Arcam SA20

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Yamaha A-S801

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Arcam SA20

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Yamaha A-S801

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Arcam SA20 vs Yamaha A-S801 Integrated Amplifier Comparison

In this review, we will be comparing SA20 and A-S801, two Integrated Amplifiers from Arcam and Yamaha. Let's have a brief look at the main features of Arcam SA20 and Yamaha A-S801 first before getting into our more detailed comparison.

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

Yamaha A-S801 Key Specs

100 watts RMS into 8-ohms

Built-in DAC

Phono Input

USB Input

Weight: 26.70 lbs / 12.14 kg

Dimensions (H x W x D):6inch x 17-1/8inch x 16-3/16inch

What size room are the Arcam SA20 and Yamaha A-S801 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 SA20	Yamaha A-S801
Near-field	Poor	Poor
Small Room	Average	Poor
Mid-size Room	Good	Good
Large Room	Average	Good
Very Large Room	Poor	Average

In the following sections, we will get into more detail in order to understand how Arcam SA20 and Yamaha A-S801 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 SA20 over Yamaha A-S801

Signal to Noise Ratio	106 dB vs 99 dB	Higher ratings results in cleaner sound
Coaxial Digital Inputs	2 vs 1	More options for connecting Digital sources
Base Surface Area	1579.8cm²/ 244.9inch² vs 1792.2cm²/ 277.8inch²	takes less space in your room
Height	88mm vs 153mm	Easier to fit in smaller spaces

Reasons to choose Yamaha A-S801 over Arcam SA20

MSRP Price(*)	900USD vs 1,249USD	costs less (*prices may change depending on the seller, location and time)
Watts into 8-ohms	100 watts vs 90 watts	Delivers higher power into 8-ohms speakers
Total Harmonic Distortion (THD)	0.019% vs 0.5%	Less Harmonic Distortion
Total Analog Inputs	6 vs 4	More options for connecting Analog sources
USB Input	Yes vs No	Connect Sources via USB
Max Bit Depth	32-bit vs 24-bit	Play higher resolution range media
Max Sample Rate	384kHz vs 192kHz	Play higher resolution media

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 SA20 and Yamaha A-S801 differs from each other.

Arcam SA20 Inputs

Total Number of Analog Inputs: 4
Phono Input
1 Optical Digital Input
2 Coaxial Digital Input

Yamaha A-S801 Inputs

Total Number of Analog Inputs: 6
Phono Input
1 Optical Digital Input
1 Coaxial Digital Input
USB Input:
- USB-B(connect to your computer for playback)
- USB-A(charging only)

Arcam SA20 Back View (Click the image for the larger version)

Outputs

Stereo RCA Preamp Outputs
3.5mm Headphone Output

Outputs

Sub Preamp Outputs
1/4 Headphone Output
Subwoofer Output

Yamaha A-S801 Back View (Click the image for the larger version)

What's in the Box of Arcam SA20?

Here are the items that are included inside the box of SA20:

Integrated Amplifier

6.5-feet AC power cord

Remote control

2 AAA batteries

Handbook Manual

Thank you Letter

What's in the Box of Yamaha A-S801?

Here are the items that come with the A-S801:

Stereo integrated amplifier

6.5-feet AC power cord

Remote control (RAS15)

2 AA batteries

Owners manual (En/ Fr)

Warranty information (US/CA)

On-line product registration information

Yamaha Worldwide Representative Offices note