Arcam SA35 Review – A Balanced Streaming Amplifier for Audiophiles

Explore the versatile and refined performance of the Arcam SA35 streaming amplifier, combining rich sound and modern streaming features in one sleek package.

A Streaming Amplifier That Promises It All

At first glance, Arcam’s SA35 streaming amplifier seems poised to become an unquestionable hit. The company already boasts the highly acclaimed ST25 network player, which earned five-star ratings and high praise for its streaming capabilities.

In addition, Arcam’s lineup features four excellent stereo amplifiers: the refreshed A5+ and A15+, alongside the original A5 and A15 models. So, the recipe for the SA35 should be simple: blend the best of Arcam’s streaming prowess and amplifier design, toss in some extra features, and kick back to enjoy the sound.

But as many of us audiophiles know all too well, combining components doesn’t always guarantee perfect synergy. Arcam certainly has a solid foundation for the SA35. The real question is whether they managed to unlock its full potential.

Pricing Position: Where Does SA35 Stand?

The SA35 is Arcam’s entry-level streaming amplifier, priced at $3,300, positioning it firmly in the premium mid-range segment.

It has an elder sibling, the SA45, priced at $5,500, catering to those seeking even more power and features. Within this price range, competition is fairly limited. The closest contender is the Naim Uniti Atom, which costs around $3,800 but shows its age compared to this fresh offering.

Design and Build: A Heavyweight with Style

Weighing in at 12 kilograms (about 26.5 pounds), the SA35 is a solid unit that makes its presence known when you place it on your audio rack. The black chassis cleverly masks its bulk, and the design fits perfectly within Arcam’s Radia series aesthetic.

The look is sleek, contemporary, and minimalistic with pops of yellow illumination around the volume and input selectors and matching highlights on the ventilation grilles. The design is far from shy, crowned by a large 6.5-inch high-resolution display right in the center of the front panel. This screen, vibrant and colorful, mirrors the one used in the ST25 streamer, offering vivid album artwork and metadata.

Technical Specs at a Glance

• Power Output: 120 W per channel (8 Ohms)
• Sources Supported: Bluetooth 5.4, Spotify Connect, Tidal Connect, Qobuz Connect, Amazon Music, Internet Radio, UPnP, Roon Ready, AirPlay, Google Cast
• Network: Wi-Fi and Ethernet
• Inputs: HDMI eARC, 2 optical, 2 coaxial digital, 3 RCA line-level, USB Type A, MM/MC phono input
• Outputs: RCA line-level, subwoofer out
• Headphone Out: Yes (3.5 mm jack, plus Bluetooth streaming)
• Max File Resolution: 32-bit/384kHz PCM, DSD256
• Dimensions (HxWxD): 9.9 x 43.2 x 34.4 cm
• Weight: 12 kg

The crisp display offers several modes for viewing album covers and related metadata, making navigation an easy and visually rewarding experience. The front panel controls—input selector and volume dial—are perfectly balanced and smooth to the touch, though a bit more resistance might have enhanced the tactile pleasure.

The included remote, however, feels a bit cheap and plasticky compared to the rest of the package. It’s compact but can be fiddly when navigating deeper menus.

The rear connections are clearly labeled, though the protective lip over the back panel makes initial cable setup a slight challenge. Thankfully, this is a one-time hassle.

Features: A Robust Streaming and Amplification Hub

Arcam has packed the SA35 with an impressive suite of streaming capabilities: Apple AirPlay, Google Cast, Spotify Connect, Tidal Connect, Qobuz Connect, Amazon Music, and Roon, plus access to UPnP servers.

Audiophiles will appreciate support for high-res formats up to 32-bit/384kHz PCM and DSD256. Bluetooth works both ways, letting you stream music to the SA35 or send audio wirelessly to Bluetooth headphones.

For analog lovers, the front panel offers a 3.5mm headphone jack, and the phono input supports both MM and MC cartridges, a boon for vinyl enthusiasts.

Room correction is facilitated by Dirac Live, with a bundled microphone and remote control. In rooms with imperfect acoustics, Dirac helps smooth out frequency response, though it can slightly reduce rhythmic drive and musical expressiveness.

The SA35’s amplifier is a 5th generation Class G design pumping out 120 watts per channel, surpassing any standalone Arcam Radia amp, including the 100W A25+. This ensures plenty of headroom and dynamic power.

Digital-to-analog conversion offers four filter options to tailor sound, though differences are subtle. The default linear phase with apodization filter worked best during testing.

Compatibility was tested across diverse speakers—from our ATC SCM50 reference monitors to PMC Prodigy 5 floorstanders and KEF LS50 Meta speakers—where the SA35 handled every pair with ease, showing no signs of strain at this price point.

Sound Performance: Intimate Detail Meets Dynamic Flair

Our listening started with Adele’s Hometown Glory streamed at CD quality. The SA35 displayed remarkable control and precision with every keystroke.

The quiet background and reverberation around each piano string revealed fine details, enveloping the listener in an intimate soundscape. When the piano intensifies and Adele’s voice soars, the amplifier delivers a palpable surge of emotion.

Vocals emerged expressive and heartfelt, perfectly supported by the swelling piano. String instruments layered additional texture and highlighted dynamic range. The tone was balanced—no harsh highs or muddy lows.

Next, we cranked up the energy with Mombassa from the Inception soundtrack. The SA35 attacked the track with agility, capturing its urgency and intensity.

Bass notes were solid, deep, and textured without excess weight. The high-octane drama of the piece came through vividly, immersing us in the impending action. This was a confident, all-around performance.

We didn’t overlook the phono stage or headphone output either. Playing Michael Jackson’s Bad on vinyl revealed a clear, lively sound that preserved the system’s character. Bluetooth streaming, while understandably less dynamic, remains perfectly fine for casual listening.

Final Verdict: A Streaming Amplifier That Checks All Boxes

In an era when convenience is king but uncompromised sound is still sought after, the Arcam SA35 stands out as a rare gem. It does everything well, delivering impressive sound quality and a robust feature set in a single, elegant package.

Highly recommended for audiophiles seeking a balanced and versatile all-in-one streaming amplifier.

Ratings Summary

• Sound: 5/5
• Features: 5/5
• Build Quality: 5/5

"The voice of Adele carries real sadness, anger, and inner conflict — Arcam conveys this perfectly. The sound is calm, controlled, and emotionally authentic."

— Reviewer

FAQ

• What streaming services does the Arcam SA35 support?
  It supports Apple AirPlay, Google Cast, Spotify Connect, Tidal Connect, Qobuz Connect, Amazon Music, Roon, internet radio, and UPnP servers.
• Can the SA35 handle high-resolution audio files?
  Yes, it supports up to 32-bit/384kHz PCM and DSD256 formats.
• Does the SA35 include room correction features?
  Yes, it uses Dirac Live room correction with a microphone and remote included for calibration.
• Is there a headphone output?
  Yes, a 3.5mm headphone jack is on the front panel, alongside Bluetooth headphone streaming capability.
• What is the power output of the amplifier?
  The SA35 delivers 120 watts per channel into 8 ohms with a 5th generation Class G amplifier design.

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