Arcam HDA SA10 Amplifier
The main feature of Arcam components included in the HDA series is the ability to be integrated into the home computer network, following by the possibility to centrally control the entire system through the app on your smartphone or tablet. And this applies not only to network audio players, for which such functionality is implied, but also, for example, amplifiers. In addition, justifying the name of the series, all components are able to work with high-resolution audio material, which means that at least they are equipped with a built-in DAC unit.
Today Arcam's HDA series includes only three components - two amplifiers with indexes SA10 and SA20, as well as a universal source CDS50, combining the SACD/CD player and the network player in one case.
Today we will focus on Arcam HDA SA10 - the younger model of the amplifier. The component's design is held in the characteristic for Arcam minimalist design, which in many respects also reflects the approach to sound reproduction. The central place on the gray with a metallic tint front panel is given to a two-line information display with large, well-readable symbols of the lunar glow. To the left from it there is a large volume control and two mini jacks - a headphone output and an analog AUX input for connecting mobile gadgets. Directly below the display there is a row of keys for direct selection of the active source, and on the right side of the fa?ade there are only a large power button and LED indicator. However, most often the component will be controlled distantly, either by using the remote control, or through the network from a smartphone or tablet by Arcam MusicLive app installed on it. Moreover, unlike most similar competing solutions, this application is able to manage your music library on servers in the network, as well as to act as a client when using streaming Internet services.
Switching arsenal of Arcam HDA SA10 offers three analog inputs on RCA connectors. In addition, the amplifier is equipped with a built-in equalizer for moving-magnet cartridges and a DAC unit with a Toslink optical digital input and a pair of coaxial SPDIF inputs. The presence of an optical input allows you to use the amplifier as part of an external audio system for your TV. A variety of multimedia content accessible via Smart TV can now be reproduced in the best possible way. Analog output from pre-amplification channels will allow you to implement bi-amping in the system. Another feature of the Arcam HDA SA10 allows you to integrate an amplifier into a home theater system. Any of the analog inputs of the component can be configured in the settings as an input to the power amplifier. In other words, an AV processor or an output from the preamplifier stages of an AV receiver can be connected to this input. Moreover, in the settings of Arcam HDA SA10 there is an opportunity to set the sensitivity of this input. There is a USB port on the back wall of the case, but it is intended only for updating the system software. Ethernet RJ45 connector allows you to integrate the component into your home computer network and manage it over IP. Gold-plated screw terminals are provided for connecting speaker systems.
When you just start listening, you pay attention to a very neutral presentation in the best traditions of Hi-Fi. The amplifier does not try to please, to "embellish" the material - rather, on the contrary, it tries to withdraw itself and leave the listener alone with the music. I note a thorough study of almost the entire working range with enviable dynamic performance. Large-scale symphonic tracks do not try to shrink to a chamber quartet, and perky rock songs perfectly keep the rhythm - the pressure and drive are very expressive. At the same time, calm instrumental compositions can be studied as if under a microscope.
The presentation is characterized by amazing transparency, a clear attack and precise separation of instrumental parts at careful preserving of melody and rhythm. I will note a very delicate attitude of the amplifier to the smallest strokes of the sound canvas, quite dense, plastic timbres, as well as the ability to create a wide stage.
