About the ARCAM A15

Product highlights:
- 80 watts x 2 channels into 8 ohms (20-20,000 Hz) at .5% THD
- 120 watts x 2 channels into 4 ohms (1 kHz) at .5% THD
- Class AB amplifier
- THD: 0.002% (80% power, 8 ohms at 1kHz)
- signal-to-noise ratio: RCA inputs 106dB, digital inputs 109dB
- frequency response: 20-20,000 Hz
- built-in ESS Sabre DAC (ES9018)
- plays high-resolution audio up to 24-bit/192 kHz
- selectable voltage input
- remote control included
Inputs:
- Bluetooth (Version 5.2) input with high-res aptX Adaptive technology
- two-way Bluetooth lets you stream music from compatible sources, and to compatible speakers or headphones
- 1 optical and 2 coaxial digital audio inputs (up to 192 kHz resolution)
- 3 analog RCA line-level stereo inputs
- dedicated RCA phono input for moving magnet cartridges
- IR input for use with external controllers
- 12-volt trigger input and output
- USB Type-A input for software updates only
Outputs:
- 1 stereo RCA preamp output
- L/R speaker outputs with binding-post connectors
- front-panel 3.5mm headphone output
- comm port for integrated control with other ARCAM components (sold separately)
Dimensions and warranty:
- 17-1/16"W x 3-3/4"H x 14-5/16"D
- weight: 22.05 lbs.
- warranty: 5 years
- MFR # ARCA15AM
- Item # 410A15
What's in the box:
- Integrated amplifier
- 68" AC power cord
- Remote control
- 2 "AAA" batteries
- Quick Start Guide
- Important Safety Instructions
More details on the ARCAM A15

Features & specs
Performance Specs | ||
---|---|---|
Watts RMS per Channel (8-ohms) | 80 | |
Watts RMS per Channel (6-ohms) | Not given | |
Watts RMS per Channel (4-ohms) | 120 | |
Frequency Bandwidth at Rated Power | 20-20k Hz | |
THD at Rated Power | 0.5% | |
Minimum Impedance | 4 ohms | |
Amplifier Class | AB | |
Signal to Noise Ratio | 106 | |
DAC Bit Depth | 24-bit | |
DAC Sample Rate | 192 kHz | |
Features | ||
Built-in DAC (Digital to Analog Converter) | Yes | |
Wi-Fi | N/A | |
Built-in Radio Tuner | None | |
Room Correction | No | |
High-res Audio Playback | ||
From Network | No | |
From USB Thumb Drive (USB-A) | No | |
From Computer (USB-B) | No | |
From Computer (USB-C) | No | |
Bluetooth | ||
Version Info | 5.2 | |
Receiver Mode | Yes | |
Transmitter Mode | Yes | |
AAC Playback | No | |
aptX Playback | Yes | |
aptX-HD Playback | No | |
LDAC Playback | No | |
Connections | ||
RCA Line-level Inputs | 3 | |
XLR Line-level Inputs | No | |
Phono Input | Yes | |
Optical Digital Inputs | 1 | |
Coaxial Digital Inputs | 2 | |
USB Input | Service only | |
HDMI Inputs | 0 | |
Stereo Preamp Outputs | Yes | |
Subwoofer Outputs | No | |
Recording Output | No | |
HDMI Output | 0 | |
Home Theater Bypass | Selectable | |
Pre-out/Main-in Loop | No | |
Headphone Output | 3.5mm | |
Removable Power Cord | IEC 2-prong | |
Streaming Compatibility | ||
Apple AirPlay | No | |
Apple AirPlay 2 | No | |
DTS Play-Fi | No | |
Google Cast | No | |
Roon | No | |
HEOS | No | |
BluOS | No | |
Sonos | No | |
Dimensions and Warranty | ||
Width (inches) | 17-1/16 | |
Height (inches) | 3-3/4 | |
Depth (inches) | 14-5/16 | |
Weight (pounds) | 22.05 | |
Parts Warranty | 5 Years | |
Labor Warranty | 5 Years |
Product Research
Features
Stereo Class AB Amplifier: The ARCAM A15 integrated amplifier employs a stereo class AB amplifier that is rated at 80 watts x 2 channels into 8-ohms (20-20kHz and 0.5% THD) or 120 watts x 2 channels into 4-ohms (1kHz and 0.5% THD). The volume level can be adjusted from 0 to 99.
ESS Sabre ES9018 DAC: The ARCAM A15 integrated amp utilizes an ESS Sabre ES9018 DAC (digital-to-analog converter) with support for 2ch stereo PCM audio files up to 24-bit/192kHz for high quality, high resolution sound.
Bluetooth 5.2 with aptX Adaptive: The ARCAM A15 integrated amplifier is equipped with built-in Bluetooth 5.2 for wireless communication between Bluetooth-enabled audio source devices and headphones. The ARCAM A15 can act as a Bluetooth receiver in order to wirelessly stream music from an audio device, or a Bluetooth transmitter in order to wirelessly stream music to a set of BT-enabled headphones. In addition to Bluetooth's standard SBC audio codec and Apple's AAC codec, the A15 supports Qualcomm's aptX Adaptive audio codec for higher quality wireless audio steaming (up to 23-bit) with low-latency from compatible aptX Adaptive source devices such as many Android smartphones and tablets. The A15 can be paired to multiple Bluetooth devices (up to 5) using Secure Simple Pairing (SSP), but only one device can be connected and used for playback at a time.
- Receiver Mode: In Receiver mode, you'll be able to wirelessly stream stored music, music apps, and other audio content from your Bluetooth-enabled source device (such as your smartphone, tablet, computer, or laptop) to the ARCAM integrated amplifier. You'll also be able to control basic playback functions (Play/Pause & Previous/Next Track) using the included remote control. Advanced music operation will still need to be handled from your Bluetooth-enable device. There is no song/artist information display on the front-panel of the integrated amp. The unit can even be setup to automatically switch to the Bluetooth source input when a connected Bluetooth source devices starts streaming audio.
- Transmitter Mode: In Transmitter mode, you can stream the A15's non-Bluetooth audio sources (Analog & Digital) out to a Bluetooth-enabled set of headphones. You can even setup the ARCAM integrated amp to output the same audio source to both the unit's speaker outputs and connected Bluetooth headphone simultaneously (with little noticeable delay). Volume control of your Bluetooth headphones will be controlled via the Bluetooth device and not the ARCAM amp.
Notes:
- The Bluetooth Receiver Mode and Bluetooth Transmitter Mode cannot be used simultaneously, meaning you cannot stream a Bluetooth input source to a Bluetooth headphone.
- The unit's front-panel headphone output cannot be used at the same time as Bluetooth Transmitter mode.
Line-Level & Phono Analog Inputs: The ARCAM A15 integrated amplifier is outfitted with a total of 4 analog audio inputs. There are 3 line-level analog inputs and 1 Phono MM input. The 3 line-level analog inputs allow connection of a CD player, tape deck, and/or network streamer. The Phono MM input allows connection of a turntable with a MM (moving magnet) cartridge.
Processor Mode (HT Bypass): Processor mode will fix the volume for one of the A15's line-level analog inputs. This allows the ARCAM integrated amplifier to be used in conjunction with an AV receiver in a combined home theater and two channel system. You can set a fixed volume to match the other speakers connected to the integrated amplifier or AV receiver using the " Processor Volume" setting.
Optical & Coaxial Digital Inputs: The ARCAM A15 integrated amp is equipped with a total of 3 digital audio inputs. There is 1 optical (Toslink) digital input and 2 coaxial (SPDIF) digital inputs for connection of a CD player, TV, or Blu-ray/DVD player. The optical & coaxial digital inputs support 2ch stereo PCM audio up to 24-bit/192kHz. The digital audio inputs do not support Dolby Digital, DTS, or other multichannel surround formats.
Binding Post Speaker Outputs: The ARCAM A15 features a total of 4 binding post speaker output terminals for connection of a single pair of 8-ohm or 4-ohm loudspeakers. The binding post terminals support bare wire (up to 12AWG), pin-connectors, spade-lugs, and banana plugs (single only).
Stereo Preout: The ARCAM A15 is outfitted with a full-range stereo RCA preout that can be used to connect an external high power amplifier or powered subwoofer. If connecting a powered sub, your subwoofer will need its own built-in low pass crossover filter. The integrated amp's stereo RCA preouts and speaker outputs are live at the same time.
3.5mm Headphone Jack: The ARCAM A15 integrated amp features a front-panel 3.5mm (1/8") headphone out jack for connecting a set of headphones. By default, A15 integrated amp's speaker outputs and preamp outputs are muted when the headphones are plugged in. However, the speaker and pre-amp outputs can be configured to remain active when headphones are connected using the "Headphone Override" function in the setup menu.
Front-Panel Display & Controls: The ARCAM A15 integrated amplifier features a front-panel display which indicates Source Input, Volume Level, and Menu Options. You can adjust the brightness level of the front-panel display. There are also two 3-way rotary knobs on the front-panel that operate Source Selection, Source Renaming, Volume Up/Down, Mute, and Power On/Off. In addition, there is a Main Power On/Off switch on the rear-panel of the A15.
Remote Control: The included IR remote control provides wireless operation of the ARCAM A15 integrated amplifier. Wireless remote control functions include Power On/Off, Volume Up/Down, Mute, Play/Pause, Previous/Next Track, Menu Navigation, and Display Brightness. The ARCAM amp also features an IR input and Control Port.
- IR Input: The 3.5mm IR input can be used to connect an IR repeater system, so you can continue to operate the amplifier remotely via IR even if its located inside an AV cabinet.
- Control Port: The rear-panel RJ45 Control Port allows for the ARCAM A15 to synchronize with, and control an ARCAM ST5 network player. When streaming, it allows for the combination of the integrated amp and network player to act as one, so you can enjoy the benefits of component devices with the convenience of an all-in-one.
Detachable AC Power Cord: The ARCAM A15 comes with a detachable 68" AC power cord (IEC 2-prong) that plugs into the back of the integrated amplifier and into an AC power outlet or surge protector/line-conditioner (sold separately). The A15 also offers an Auto Standby mode and Trigger In/Out.
- Auto Standby: The ARCAM A15 integrated amplifier is designed to enter standby mode automatically after 20 minutes with no audio playback and no operation.
- Trigger In/Out: The ARCAM A15 is equipped with a 12V Trigger In and Out (3.5mm) that can be used to connect the 12V trigger in and out of other components (such as an ARCAM CD player or network player) in order to synchronize power on/off functions.
USB-A Service Port: A rear-panel USB-A port is used for service, software, and firmware updates only.
Note: The USB-A port does not support audio playback or charging.
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Customer Q&A
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I struggled between the Arcam or the similar spec Cambridge. This thing sounds fantastic. Could not be happier. I cant say how it to compares to the Cambridge Audio because this is so sweet Im not even taking the Cambridge for a spin.
Owen from Warren, OH