Arcam replaces DiVA A70 stereo amp with £450 A18
Arcam has taken the wraps off its replacement for the DiVA A70 stereo amplifier, the new £450 FMJ A18. It's the same price as its predecessor, delivers 50w per channel and is available now.
Key features include a moving magnet phono stage, resonance damped chassis, multi-layer circuit boards, six line-level inputs and a 3.5mm input on the front for connecting portable music players.
A rotary encoder allows precise control over volume and other functions such as tone controls and balance, says Arcam. A large toroid transformer is used in the power supply to ensure low noise levels, and the chassis uses a "Sound Dead Steel" consturction to help eliminate vibration.
There's also a preamp output for adding additional power amplifers or biamping, and two tape outputs for connecting recorders.
The A18 is supplied with a CR10 system remote control and is designed to match the £500 CD17 CD player. It's available in black or silver.
Comments
I had an audition of the A18 today and I was very impressed. Build, looks and sound quality were top notch. I actually went in to listen to the Rotel RA range but much preferred the Acram by the time I was done.
I’m after amp, CD and speakers and tested it with the fantastic Rega Apollo and a pair of B&W 685, the sound was rich and the amount of detail was amazing. The A18 is on the top of my list but I want to have an audition of Roksan Kandy range before spending my cash.
Hi,
I have yet to hear the Arcam FMJ CD17/A18 amplifier in action, but I could'nt disagree more with people who fail to appreciate the simplicity of Arcam's design. Not everything needs to be change into something more modern and current, regardless of whether other companies are doing it or not. I rather like the fact that certain manufacturers stay true to their design, whilst trying to improve upon the infinitely more important sound factor.
Arcam's FMJ CD17/A18 amplifier looks absolutely jaw-dropping from my point of view, particularly in black. It oozes class and quality just from it's appearance. As for the sound, I can't comment on that yet, but if it's looks are anything to go buy -WHAT A GEM!!!!!
Hmm. I have to say that recent models that have come from the Cambridge-based company have failed to inspire.
I have been a hefty admirer of Arcam products but recent offereings [the ones I've heard] don't come close to earlier examples. Why? who knows! they certainly don't lack resources. . .somehow they seem to have lost the knack.
To look at the A18 demonstrates all the trademark build quality one expects of Arcam products; likewise, feature-count is well up to par.
But the acid test is the sound: I will test one shortly and I hope it ticks the right sonic boxes. Otherwise, it will be a case of looking at other brands. Arcam could AND should do an awful lot better!