Any money off a recent What Hi-Fi? Award winner always feels like a bit of a bargain, but this five-star stereo amp from Arcam was also our Product of the Year in 2023 – so it's really worth a look.
Previously priced at £749, this stellar Arcam A5 deal cuts an astonishing £200 off its price tag, taking it down to a pretty remarkable £549 at Peter Tyson – for a stereo amp of this calibre, that is quite something.
Best Arcam A5 amplifier deal
Arcam is planning to refresh its Radio range of amplifiers with a 'Plus' update to its core models, meaning the A5 is set to be revamped as the new A5+. That's good news on two fronts, as not only does it mean we get brand new Arcam goodies to enjoy, it also means prices on the current-gen models are about to take a tumble.
As the entry-level amp in Arcam's Radia range, the A5 has a careful balancing act to perform. As it will inevitably be paired with more affordable components, it has to be forgiving enough to gloss over any limitations in the setup, while also serving up a level of transparency that will make the most of more capable kit.
This is where the A5 takes the lead on its still very capable competition, offering a full-bodied and smooth character that doesn't rob your music of any life or detail.
Arcam has really thought through the feature set here too, and made it arguably one of the most comprehensively equipped stereo amplifiers at its price point. There are three line-level inputs, plus a moving magnet phono stage, with digital sources covered off by a pair of coaxial inputs and a single optical in – all supporting music up to 24-bit/192kHz. Bluetooth 5.2 and aptX Adaptive are both on board too.
Its 50 watts per-channel output should be just fine for the majority of entry-level set ups, but if you need a little more, you can add an outboard power amplifier thanks to the A5's preamplifier outputs.
The best news is that no matter which input you play from, the A5 offers refinement and control in spades, and whatever you listen to through it simply never disappoints. It should be high on your shortlist at this level, but at this stunning price, it should already be in your shopping basket.
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Read our full review of the Arcam A5
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