Arcam Radia A25 Integrated Amplifier Bench Test Results!

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Күн бұрын

The Arcam Radia A25 is a 100 watt/ch Class G slimline stereo integrated amplifier with digital input connectivity and MM phono preamp output. The A25 utilizes a very high quality ES9280A Pro DAC and the end result is excellent noise and distortion performance on our test bench. The A25 elegant sleek design packs a lot of performance and great aesthetics into a easy to use product that looks great on a credenza as it rewards you with clean audiophile sound for small to medium sized rooms. Watch our full bench test report to understand the performance and function of this slick slimline stereo integrated amplifier from Arcam.
0:00 Introduction
0:53 Design Overview
4:41 Analog Preout
7:30 Phono Section
10:34 Power Sweep Tests
12:31 Design Optimization
16:15 SNR
18:10 Recommendations
For the full written Arcam A25 Bench Test Results, please visit:
www.audioholics.com/amplifier...
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Focal Celestee: bit.ly/Focalcelestee
Mark Levinson 5909: bit.ly/MarkLevinson5909
Sony WF-1000XM3: bit.ly/SonyIEMs
Recommended Subwoofers:
SVS SB-1000 Pro: audioadvice.io/36Pea3a
SVS PB-1000 Pro: audioadvice.io/3sreeyk
SVS SB-3000: bit.ly/SVSSB3000Sub
Paradigm Defiance X12: bit.ly/ParadigmX12
Perlisten D15s: bit.ly/PerlistenD15s
Perlisten R212s: bit.ly/PerlistenR212s
Perlisten R210s: bit.ly/PerlistenR210s
Arendal 1961 1S or 1V: bit.ly/Arendal1961sub
Arendal 1723 1S Sub: bit.ly/Arendal17231Ssub
Recommended AV Separates
Trinnov Altitude 32: bit.ly/TrinnovAltitude32
Trinnov Altitude 16: bit.ly/TrinnovAltitude16
Trinnov Amplitude 16: bit.ly/TrinnovAmplitude16
Trinnov Amplitude 8: bit.ly/TrinnovAmplitude8
Recommended AV Receivers:
Onkyo TX-RZ50 ($1,599): bit.ly/OnkyoTXZ50
Denon AVR-X3800H 9.2CH AV Receiver: bit.ly/DenonX3800h
Marantz Cinema 50: bit.ly/MarantzCinema50
Yamaha RX-A2A: audioadvice.io/3ppWFg9
Sony STR-AZ5000ES: bit.ly/SonySTRAZ5000ES
Sony STR-AZ7000ES: bit.ly/SonySTRAZ7000ES
Denon AVR-X6700H 11.2CH AV Receiver: audioadvice.io/3HsdEou
Anthem MRX1140: bit.ly/AnthemMRX1140
Anthem AVM 90 15.4CH Processor: bit.ly/AnthemAVM90
Monolith M8250x 8CH Amp: bit.ly/8CHamp
NAD M23: bit.ly/NADm23amp
Recommended Powered Speakers:
Kanto YU4: bit.ly/Kantoyu4
Kanto YU6: bit.ly/KantoYU6speakers
Kanto TUK: bit.ly/KantoTUK
Kanto Sub8: bit.ly/KantoSub8
Recommended Center Channels:
SVS Prime Center: bit.ly/SVSPrimecenter
Paradigm Premier 500C: bit.ly/Paradigm500C
Revel C208: bit.ly/RevelC208
Recommended Speakers:
SVS Prime 5.1 Speaker / Sub System: audioadvice.io/3JZJOt5
JBL HDI-3800: bit.ly/JBLHDI3800sale
Polk R700 Tower Speakers: audioadvice.io/3C0TK2B
Heco Aurora 700: bit.ly/HecoAurora700spks
Heco Aurora 1000 Tower Speakers: bit.ly/Aurora1000
Arendal 1961 Monitor: bit.ly/Arendal1961Monitor
Monolith Encore T6: bit.ly/EncoreT6
Klipsch RP-8000F II Tower Speakers: audioadvice.io/3445l4A
Arendal 1723S Tower Speakers: bit.ly/Arendal1723s
Focal Aria K2 936: bit.ly/3zVAxi5
Focal Kanta No2: bit.ly/Focalkantano2
Sony SSCS5 Speakers:audioadvice.io/3td2O0w
SVS Prime Elevation Surround: audioadvice.io/35aZCdR
MartinLogan Motion XT F100: bit.ly/MartinLoganF100
MartinLogan Motion XT F200: bit.ly/MartinLoganF200
MartinLogan Motion F10: bit.ly/MartinLoganF10
MartinLogan Motion XT B100: bit.ly/MartinLoganB100
Perlisten S7t Limited Edition: bit.ly/PerlistenS7tLE
Perlisten S7t: bit.ly/PerlistenS7towers
Perlisten R7t: bit.ly/PerlistenR7t
Perlisten R5t: bit.ly/PerlistenR5t
Perlisten S3ic: bit.ly/PerlistenS3ic
Perlisten R3ic: bit.ly/PerlistenR3ic
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50ft 10AWG Speaker Cable: amzn.to/3DeMTT5
Locking Banana Plugs: amzn.to/2ZQt15x
9ft 4K HDR HDMI Cables: amzn.to/2WiIXeD
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Пікірлер: 54

@HaraldMacGerhard 7 ай бұрын

Thanks Gene and really great to see you doing pure audio gear, I would love to see much more of this. This amp is quite below where I am aiming and heading but it is really cool and maybe it would be good for a #2 rig. There is actually also an A5 and A15 integrated amp. Please keep up the insanely good job guys 🤩

@AudioAdvice 7 ай бұрын

Awesome review as always!!

@dillibrimbor 7 ай бұрын

I used to have the AVR30, and I honestly thought the built-in amps on that unit outperformed my Marantz MM7055 power amp. I’m excited that you will be doing more of their products. There is very little bench testing being done with their gear and I would like to see how the different products stack up. Awesome video!

@jaredhylton6591 7 ай бұрын

That isn't surprising at all. Arcam Class G is world class stuff. Since Gene isn't very familiar with Arcam it seems like he very much understood what Class G is. So many reviews make it out to be an efficiency advantage, but it is really about sound quality. For example the Radia tested here is pure Class A up to 25 watts. I believe your AVR30 was pure Class A up to 30 watts.

@dillibrimbor 7 ай бұрын

@@jaredhylton6591 Exactly, that’s why it sounds so much better. The AVR was 20 watts Class A, but one day I plan on doing their stand alone amps that have a higher level of Class A power. I recommend that topology to anyone who asks me.

@JeffHeon 7 ай бұрын

Great review! I had never heard of class G before. I really like the new Arcam aesthetics.

@jaredhylton6591 7 ай бұрын

Class G is amazing. Since Gene is new to Arcam he understated it a bit. It can be more efficient, but Class G is about adding superior quality over AB, not efficiency. The Radia tested here is pure Class A up to 25 watts before the 2nd rail joins. 25 watts is a lot for most people, allowing most people to stay in pure Class A magic for most, if not all of their listening.

@NosEL34 7 ай бұрын

Great video.. impressive integrated for the money. I bought my first ever Arcam piece about a yr and a half ago..the SA30 integrated. I was definitely impressed with the amplification. Subjectively I felt the dac was better than average as well. Very quiet and powerful unit. I ended up having software issues but as I was so impressed with the amplification I moved to their 2ch PA240 power amp. A lot of really clean power. Subjectively much better than a Hypex module amp I had..but also $1k more in price. I would love to see some data on the PA240 as I'm curious of a couple things. I'm powering a pair of R700's with it. Nothing wrong with the Polk's but I think the Arcam probably deserves better speakers. I bought the Arcam after the Polk's.

@albertdenton 7 ай бұрын

Arcam sounds awesome had it through the years problem is reliability

@computeraudiophile9590 6 ай бұрын

Excellent review. Arcam's power section is great, pre is so-so. All of their amps has the same gain, so you don't have to adjust anything if you go monoblock's way. I have the Arcam Delta 290 P ( power amp ), from mid 90's, hooked up with Exposure 2010 S2 integrated ( passive pre section ), thru Elac UB 52's, and the sound is brutal. All wired with Wireworld cables (Equinox, Oasis ), seems that Wireworld/Arcam combo matches well. They also have very good AVR's.

@KAL-589 2 ай бұрын

Thank you! Subbed!

@justinbyrne5736 7 ай бұрын

Arcam SA20 Stereo Amp, which also has Class G. I use it in Processor Mode to Power Left & Right Front Speakers on my AV Receiver and it does a good job. Much prefer external Stereo Amp for More Enjoyable Music playback, than using AV Receivers in Stereo for Music

@982Maka 7 ай бұрын

Excellent video. When can we expect a test of Arcam A15

@SirMountainpass Ай бұрын

And a test of the AS45 becoming available later this year in autumn - I am confident it will tick many boxes 😊🔥💯

@wattspeakers 3 ай бұрын

I agree the pre outs would be more useful as sub outs with bass management, especially with the popularity of bookshelf and less than full range speakers widely used. I think a larger oversight that wasn't mentioned is that it has no HDMI eARC. That's just goofy to not consider those who might want to use this rig with a TV. While I love that they focused on the music listeners, many of us use the TV even for just music playback, but to not have it at all??? When did they design the digital inputs 2004? I'm hunting for a clean neutral amplifier for testing speakers that I build, so the lower noise floor, headroom and true power output is a good match, but for a modern piece of gear, the fact that it's missing bass management and eARC is a reason to avoid it, unless one has no desire to incorporate it into an a typical home setup. That being said, it falls short of a music only application for audiophiles, and while the hybrid amp class G seems like an innovation, personally I think that any one driving full range towers or big driver vintage speakers would be worried about the longevity of the switching between rails from a long term or consistent perspective, at least for my use, where I can't have a variable like that to be concerned about. Yes it worked decent during your testing, but how reliable is that after hours of pounding at high current and peak transients above the normal listening level? I'm of the impression that even if using a noisier A/B amp of similar output, I'd prefer to have peace of mind that there's no fancy trickery with the amp to save energy. Those who buy or build loudspeakers for their max potential aren't concerned about energy consumption or heat the gear throws off. That's my 3 cents from a non audiophile point of view, possibly because I don't fully understand the amp section like you or those into those particular test results. If anyone's got suggestions for big power and consistency bang for the budget integrated amps that have eARC let me know. Currently I'm looking into replacement for my NAD T-757 and Sony ZA1100ES as I try to focus more on two channel vs 5+ channels. Unless... You think either of the latter receivers might be sufficient as two channel amps for driving high power full ways. I'm not sure if multi channel AVR's simply shut down the unused channels or redirect that power to the left and right channels exclusively with no effect style decoding magic in the background. I'm just looking for the 1980's equivalent of something like a Harmon Kardon... Not necessarily for hearing that tissue paper falling off the violinist's lap onto the floor audiophile revealing sound, just something that can belt out clean neutral and consistently for hours and decades.

@AC-ug7pw 7 ай бұрын

I have the A25 and it’s a really good integrated. I am using an external phono preamp and it does seem to benefit from the clean analog inputs. I have them powering a pair of Focal/JM Lab Mini Utopia.

@junichiikeda5860 2 ай бұрын

I listened to an A5 today and thought it was pretty decent. I gotta get back to the store and listen to the A25. Like to know other speaker pairings with this bad boy.!

@simonzinc-trumpetharris852 2 ай бұрын

I love Arcam gear!

@jrg1man1978 20 күн бұрын

I appreciate the measurements but no one listens with their scope. My almost 20 years listening to Arcam's integrated phono amps tell me they sound very very good. Planning on buying this amp this or next month.

@wfifa199 7 ай бұрын

It would be interesting to see measurements for the Arcam G Class AVR too, and perhaps a comparison to this stereo amp.

@philippefenain4405 Ай бұрын

Thank you ! Sadly ARCAM 25 has lost DIRAC live they had on the SA30.

@bgroovin1343 7 ай бұрын

I wish you could do this exact analysis for the Parasound Halo Hint 6!

@user-ih4iu1xg7y 6 ай бұрын

Hello, are the volume and input selector knobs plastic or metal? thank you

@jaredhylton6591 7 ай бұрын

Gene, great review as always. Just one thing, though, hopefully in your full review you can give a more thorough explanation of Class G. While Class G can add efficiency, that isn't why Arcam does it. The lower power rail is pure Class A power, the 2nd rail adds AB power only when it is needed. This approach is more efficient than a similar 100 watt AB model whenever you are below 25 watts, but talking about efficiency is burying the lead. The main benefit to Class G is that you are getting pure Class A anytime you are running on just the lower power rail. So long story short, this product is pure Class A until you exceed 25 watts.

@Audioholics 7 ай бұрын

I highly doubt the bias is Class A up to 25 watts. It would have to dissipate 200 watts of power for both channels to deliver 25 watts x 2. I think the Class A bias is much lower than that as I didn't feel the unit get warm just idling on the bench or during low power testing. I will check with Arcam engineering, however.

@jaredhylton6591 7 ай бұрын

@@Audioholics excellent, you are certainly the man for the job. That is what they seem to be advertising for over a decade now.

@JR-ho5qm 7 ай бұрын

Thanks for your content! Will you be doing a bench test video for the Yamaha N-R2000 or just the 1000? Thanks! I’m itching to pull the trigger on the 2000 because I like the looks and build quality. But am a little Leary on the 90 watts

@Audioholics 7 ай бұрын

Yep I'm working on bench tests for both Yamaha pieces.

@spartak9101 7 ай бұрын

@@Audioholicscan’t wait , i own the Yamaha N-R2000 and love it

@rocknrollxray 7 ай бұрын

Excellent video. How do you think these would fare with the KLH model three?

@Audioholics 7 ай бұрын

Sure that would work.

@truwarrior22 7 ай бұрын

Just switched form SR8015 to AV40, wish there was more content regarding Arcam a few year back…thinking of trying a ST5…

@bearclaw5115 23 күн бұрын

I have an 8015. How does the AV40 compare?

@truwarrior22 23 күн бұрын

@@bearclaw5115 I like the AV40 better. It has some quirks you need to learn to work around (no display input button on the remote) and some common hardware issues (missing dacs) but comes with a 5 year warranty. I seem to prefer the sound signature of the Arcam as well. A bit more clarity/less vailed, but it hard to beat the value of the 8015. I still need to purchase a better amp.

@bradloseke9725 Ай бұрын

Here’s my biggest gripe. The remote has no discreet inputs, so I can’t integrate it into my system with my URC remote. If it’s in a cabinet you don’t know what input your on without seeing the display. I have an sa20, which works well, but the A25 uses different remote codes. Hoping they can add some discreet inputs with a firmware update.

@Jacknjellify531. 7 ай бұрын

During your tests did you hear any pop/bang sound from the spkrs while changing sources ? Common issue in Arcams.

@Audioholics 7 ай бұрын

This was a bench test only. I will check during listening tests.

@davidorrick63 7 ай бұрын

Thanks for the measurements just wanted to know if you will measure the yamaha Rn 1000 have a blessed day

@Audioholics 7 ай бұрын

Yep. Already measured tue Yamaha. Report will be soon.

@JR-ho5qm 7 ай бұрын

@@Audioholicsright on can’t wait hopefully you will show the results on the 2000 as well!

@Audioholics 7 ай бұрын

@JR-ho5qm yep, I have that unit under test, too!

@richp3744 7 ай бұрын

Please please Gene - do one of the Arcam AVRs 21,31, (AV41). Audio advice loves recommending these units and I’d love to see your own bench and test results. Thanks and really appreciate all you do. Cheers

@1337sim1 7 ай бұрын

Since when Arcam amplifiers measure well?!?!! Congrats for the improvement 👏 🎉

@simonzinc-trumpetharris852 2 ай бұрын

What??

@andyduffield8208 7 ай бұрын

I'm about to buy one with some Focal 936 K2, hoping that's a good pairing.

@user-le8ck8jm3z 6 ай бұрын

I just bought the same yesterday from Peter Tyson, how is the pairing?

@andyduffield8208 6 ай бұрын

@@user-le8ck8jm3z I had a change of plan because it was challenging to hear one near me & the AV forums review put me off.

@essewissa2186 4 ай бұрын

Creek 100a ten years ago :) Arcam a25, Progress :) ?

@waldowsxxghostxx8577 5 ай бұрын

So I looked on Arcams website I was looking for a solution that is 4ohm stable says it’s 4ohm stable 165 watts 2 channels driven at 1khz not full bandwidth what a letdown😢