Arcam DiVA A90 Amplifier
The Arcam DiVA A90 replaced the A85, with which Cambridge engineers radically reconsidered their views, deciding to combine audiophile circuitry with advanced switching and display systems and advanced balance, timbre and volume controls. The approach, apparently, justified itself. The A90 amplifier does not differ much from its predecessor, released in 2000, and is made in the best brand traditions: it has excellent performance, functional flexibility and easy to use.
By entering the setup menu of the A90, for example, you can adjust the sensitivity of inputs, set the desired mode of the timing unit (either for all sources at once, or for each input), the sensitivity of the volume control and even change the display (you can even enter your own greeting).
You have to admit, not every amplifier can do that. In addition, the amplifier is equipped with a speaker selector, input/output output/preamp section to work with an external processor and a headphone jack. There is room for an optional RIAA corrector. The part of A90 that is responsible for amplification is almost unchanged from the A85, but due to the optimization of the working modes it became 5 W more powerful. The microprocessor "periphery" and the power supply system with toroidal transformer underwent more profound tuning - the output stages, for example, now receive power from a block of capacitors with increased capacitance. The external and internal design remains untouched - the device looks the same laconic and modern, has a multi-layer chassis with six legs, the front panel of aluminum plate and stamped casing with ventilation slots.
The Arcam DiVA A90 sounds quiet, and forms quite an interesting stage. It is somewhat pushed back, and the focus of the sources doesn't seem as sharp as it should be. But this feeling is only evoked by the foreground of the panorama. Remote imaginary sources, on the contrary, are clearly worked out. I will especially note the localization of instruments with a high spectrum. All kinds of metal drums, cymbals and hats are drawn with an unusually high spatial accuracy.
The A90 has a very convincing dynamics of playback. The bass is slightly weakened at the bottom, but extremely intelligible and linear in the working area. In the lower and middle bands, the amplifier has a very high harmonic resolution and produces a lively, pleasant, material sound - especially impressive realistic sound transmission of acoustic instrument decks. At very high dynamic contrasts, however, the amp loses control of the timbral opulence and does not render the material cleanly enough. The top is natural and has no metallic overtones.
