Amplification Reviews

Description: Solid-state remote-controlled integrated stereo amplifier with optional phono board, surround-sound processor, and multi-room controller. Inputs: seven line-level inputs (Processor/Tape 1, VCR/Tape 2, DVD, A/V, Tuner, CD, Aux), as well as Amplifier In (usable only if the preamp section is disconnected internally). Optional phono board adds MM and MC inputs (only one active at a time), when Aux becomes high-level equalized phono output. Outputs: two line-level outputs (Processor/Tape 1, VCR/Tape 2), Preamp Out; two stereo pairs of five-way BFA speaker terminals.
Preamplifier section: Line input sensitivity: 160mV. A/V loop sensitivity: 680mV. Noise (CCIR) ref. rated power: -100dB. Line input impedance: 10k ohms. A/V input impedance: 7.5k ohms. Overload margin: >30dB. Nominal output level: 800mV. Maximum output level: 8V. Line/tape/aux output impedance: 50 ohms. Headphone output: maximum output level into 600 ohms: 8V. Headphone output impedance: 100 ohms.
Optional phono board: Sensitivity: 2.6mV (MM), 26µV (MC). Noise (CCIR) ref. rated power: -79dB (MM), -73dB (MC). Input impedance: 47k ohms (MM), 300 ohms (MC). Overload margin: 35dB.
Power amplifier section: Output power: 100W into 8 ohms, 20Hz-20kHz, both channels driven (20dBW); 8 ohms, single channel: 110W; 4 ohms, single channel: 170W. THD at rated output: 0.5%. Harmonic distortion, 100W into 8 ohms at 1kHz: 0.02% typical. Peak current rating: ±25A. Input impedance: 7.5k ohms. Input sensitivity: 740mV (normal gain), 1.0V (low gain).
Overall: Maximum power consumption: 800VA (8VA in standby).
Dimensions: 16¾" (430mm) W by 14¾" (380mm) D by 4¼" (110mm) H. Weight: 24 lbs (10.9kg) net, 29 lbs (13.1kg) shipping.
Serial number of unit reviewed: F22IU1014.
Price: $2099 (integrated amplifier, $1999; phono board, $100). Approximate number of dealers: 90. Warranty: 2 years parts & labor.
Manufacturer: Arcam, Pembroke Avenue, Denny Industrial Centre, Waterbeach, Cambridge CB5 9PB, England, UK. Tel: (44) (0)1223-203203. Fax: (44) (0)1223-863384. Web: www.arcam.co.uk. US distributor: Audiophile Systems, Ltd., 8709 Castle Park Drive, Indianapolis, IN 46256. Tel: (888) 272-2658. Fax: (317) 841-4107. Web: www.aslgroup.com.