Arcam Sa20 Black

I am partially deaf, and wear two hearing aids, and so I don't hear music as well as others do. I therefor always put quality of sound above all elseas I need to get the most detail that I can at a given price point. Having done a lot of research online as to whether an integrated amp would give better qualitysound for 2 channel music, rather than an AVR? My thinking over the years has always been that in Hi-Fi separates normally give much better sound, by using the righttool for the job. I found that listening to CD music through my Denon 7200WA seemed to be rather lacking - even to my ears, and so after further research I decidedon purchasing the Arcam SA20 Integrated amplifier from Car Audio Centre, as they were slightly cheaper than elsewhere.I placed the order late Sunday evening 26th April via Amazon to be supplied by Car Audio Centre. I was absolutely gobsmacked when the unit arrived at my doorthis morning 28th April. I can only say that in the current circumstances this is excellent service, and I would like to thank Car Audio Centre for making my day.Have had the amp playing now for about 3.5 hours to run in a bit. I am not sure how many hours it will take to run in, but I must say I was pleasantlysurprised just how good it sounded right out of the box. I assume another 30 hours or so, and it should sound even better. I have certainly settled theargument of a decent amp to supply my CD Transport - there is quite a difference, even for me.Great service from Car Audio Centre all round.

OK, a bit of background first, I make my living out of music and as such, I have been bombarded with noise for years. My first "record player" was a little Hi Fidelity all in one 70s style, the speakers plugged into the back and it served me well for years. Since then I have become a nut (over many years) on 78 records and own machines going back to the 1910s, interestingly I still find the non amplified sound of these machines the very best to hear a 78. My last amplifier was a Musical Fidelity A5 and I never really got on well with that despite the hype. I have an old 1960s portable ultra player under the bed and 60s records still sound great on it. So what is my the point...Put simply the type surrounding amplifiers these days is over the top. Technology has in a sense stalled so instead of coming up with new inventions we are sold gimmicks. For me, the SA 20 falls into this category as with most other amplifiers but in truth, the SA 20 stands out.Firstly the price bracket is good for what you get, 90 watts per channel with a selection of ports including CD (what's that) and of course a dedicated Phono Stage so this amp is all in one. No extras are needed. I mainly use a Dual CS5000 Deck with the Amp (another technology that hasn't really changed in years) and I am pleased with the sound. In a small to medium room, the Amp will fill the space nicely, a pair of Monitor Audio Towers gives me the edge I want. Music is rather well reproduced with the emphasis on rock and modern styles, Jazz is also good.Now I mentioned the A5 for a reason. I splashed out on one of those because I believed the hype and I was rather disappointed for less than half the price the SA 20 has performed at a superior level.So if you are looking for something to last (as I think it will, metal case good solid remote) the SA20 could both save you money and get you enjoying your music. In my honest opinion, I think it is best to buy an Amp and move away from the overly inflated market trends that attempt to seduce us into purchases with promises of superiority.Go with your ears, not your wallet.Now I could end with a tonal comparison between the SA20 and my 1910 Odeon Disc machine. But that's just going too far :)